Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub that can include a U-shaped step saddle associated with a door assembly. The door assembly can include a hinge coupled with the U-shaped step saddle such that the door assembly can be transitioned between an open position and a closed position. The door assembly can include a catch and a latch to secure the door in the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-compartment walk-in bathtub is disclosed that allows for a first compartment of the walk-in bathtub to be filled with a quantity of water while a second compartment of the walk-in bathtub allows the user to enter the bathtub. A first movable gate contains a volume of water in the first compartment while the second compartment is in an unfilled condition. A second movable gate is operable to open and close an entry sidewall of the bathtub, allowing the user to enter the second compartment. The second movable gate is then moved to a closed position. When the second movable gate is in the closed condition, the first movable gate may be moved to an open condition to release the volume of water and fill the walk-in bathtub to a filled condition. A seat may be provided that is selectively elevated and lowered by drive mechanism.

Abstract: A walk-in bath comprising a sidewall and a door; wherein the door is configured to be in an open position or a closed position, the sidewall and closed door define a tub configured to hold bathing water, the door comprises a fin configured to be grasped by a bather, and the fin comprises a continuous projection positioned on a top edge of the door between a first end of the door and a second end of the door.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub that can include a U-shaped step saddle associated with a door assembly. The door assembly can include a hinge coupled with the U-shaped step saddle such that the door assembly can be transitioned between an open position and a closed position. The door assembly can include a catch and a latch to secure the door in the closed position.

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

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a bathing assembly that allows for conversion between a bathtub and shower as desired by the user. The assembly includes a bathtub insert positioned on one of the bathtub sidewalls. The insert is watertight and allows the bathtub to function fully when installed. The insert can be easily removed from the bathtub sidewall, allowing access to the shower stall with minimal step over barrier. A hanger is positioned on one wall of the shower stall to retain the insert until it is needed again (e.g., when a user desires to take a bath). The assembly further includes an overflow drain positioned in the bathtub sidewall opening created when the insert is removed, acting as an added safety feature when the shower is in use. The assembly therefore allows a user to enjoy the benefits of both a walk-in shower and bathtub without requiring major renovations or costly updates.

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

Abstract: A shower door hinge mechanism (201) for a half-height shower door, operable to lift the shower door (203) to remove any contact between the bottom seal element (209) and the shower floor area (203). The hinge mechanism (201) comprises first and second co-operable hinge parts (204, 205) mountable to a shower door (203), and a manually-operable element (206) engageable with at least one of the first and second parts (204, 205) such that operating the manually-operable element (206) causes one of the first and second parts (204, 205) to be moved into a raised position relative to the other. Shower door apparatus (202) comprising the hinge mechanism (201), and a shower door installation (301) comprising the shower door apparatus (202). A method of enabling a shower door (203) to be lifted to enable rotation of the shower door (203) free of contact with the shower area floor.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including cutting an opening in a sidewall of a bathtub and providing an overlay to cover the bathtub. The overlay can include an assistance feature such a tread, door, or capsule.

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

Abstract: A bathtub insert is configured for retrofit installation into a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a frame and a door. The frame includes a step-plate and a pair of end pillars. The door is movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A bathtub is provided of the walk-in type, wherein the bathtub includes an at least one internal dam element that allows a user to segment the bathtub into a two or more compartments and operably utilize the bathtub as a sit-down tub or as a standing shower. An entry door provides access into the bathtub without requiring users to lift their legs during entry, while the dam elements allow the user to fill the sectioned compartments of the tub and prepare it for use before entering the bathtub interior. Certain compartments may remain empty as the other compartments fill with water, whereafter the user can enter the empty the empty compartment and remove a dam element after closing the entry door. The bathtub further may also comprise a first and second drain for independently draining the compartments.

Abstract: A walk-in tub includes a tub frame having a door frame provided in one or more of the walls of the tub frame. The tub further includes a door hingedly connected to the door frame and adapted for movement between an open position into the interior cavity of the tub and a closed position aligned with the door frame. A sealing face is provided on the door frame facing the interior cavity of the tub. A seal is disposed around a perimeter of the door for sealing the door against the sealing face when the door is in the closed position. A latching mechanism on the door is operable between a latching position and an unlatching position and includes a slidable latching pin that is slidable to engage a pin receiver in the latching position when the door is locked and disengage from the pin receiver in the unlatching position when the door is unlocked.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a door assembly for a walk-in bathtub that includes a door that fits within a door threshold in the wall of the walk-in tub. The door assembly further comprises a hinge assembly that includes a first axis mount coupled to the door threshold and a second axis mount coupled to the outer side of the door. A double axis hinge is coupled to both axis mounts, to thereby connect the door to the bathtub. The double axis hinge is able to open the door towards the inside of the tub by pivoting about the first axis toward the inside of the bathtub as the door in turn counter rotates about the second axis at the distal end of the hinge, in the direction opposite to that of the hinge.

Abstract: A bathtub is provided of the walk-in type, wherein the bathtub includes an internal dam element that allows a user to segment the bathtub into a first and second compartment and operably utilize the bathtub as a sit-down tub or as a standing shower. An entry door provides access into the bathtub without requiring users to lift their legs during entry, while the dam element allows the user to fill the first compartment of the tub and prepare it for use before entering the bathtub interior. The second compartment remains empty as the first compartment fills with water, whereafter the user can enter the empty second compartment and remove the dam element after closing the entry door. The bathtub further comprises a first and second drain for independently draining the first and second compartments and allowing the user to exit the tub while the first compartment is still draining.

Abstract: Bathtubs and methods for making a bathtubs are disclosed. A bathtub may include a shell, a first door, and a second door. The shell defines a bathing well. A portion of the edge of the shell defines a door opening. The first door is coupled to a first side of the door opening. The second door is coupled to a second side of the door opening opposite the first side of the door opening. The first and second doors are movable into a closed position blocking the door opening.

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

Abstract: Described herein is a walk-in tub having an outward opening door that includes a walk-in bathtub having an outward opening door. The tub includes a body, which defines a cavity and at least one access wall which itself contains an entry surface that extends laterally away from the cavity. The entry surface defines a doorway or portal that is in communication with the cavity to facilitate lateral ingress to and egress from the cavity by a bather. Also contemplated with the scope of the invention are door sealing assemblies that serve to seal the door against the access wall.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus 2 comprising at least one door 12, affixed thereto, operable between an open condition in which access is provided to an interior of the apparatus 2 and a closed condition in which access is prevented to an interior of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus 2 is provided with a door closing mechanism having a first engagement condition and a second engagement condition wherein movement of the mechanism from the first engagement condition to the second is arranged to draw the door 12 against a frame 352 to which it abuts.

Abstract: A bathing insert includes a base and one or more walls extending therefrom. At least one of the walls defines an opening therein. A door is coupled to the opening at a pivot joint. The pivot joint is configured to rotate the door about a pivot axis and to translate the door substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis.

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

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

Abstract: A modular easy access bathing enclosure includes a shell having a seating area and a standing area with a contiguous sidewall. The sidewall around the standing area includes an access opening extending from a shell top to an opening bottom proximate the standing area. A pocket door is provided for enclosing the access opening and is movable into the sidewall surrounding the standing area. Inflatable gaskets are provided for sealing and locking the door in the access opening.

Abstract: A bathtub insert is configured for retrofit installation into a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a frame and a door. The frame includes a step-plate and a pair of end pillars. The door is movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position.

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

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

Abstract: A modular easy access bathing enclosure includes a shell having a seating area and a standing area with a contiguous sidewall. The sidewall around the standing area includes an access opening extending from a shell top to an opening bottom proximate the standing area. A pocket door is provided for enclosing the access opening and is movable into the sidewall surrounding the standing area. Inflatable gaskets are provided for sealing and locking the door in the access opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door assembly for a walk-in bathtub. The invention includes a door that fits within a door threshold in a wall of the walk-in tub. The door assembly further comprises a hinge assembly that includes a first axis mount coupled to the door threshold and a second axis mount coupled to the outer side of the door. A double axis hinge is coupled to both axis mounts, thereby connecting the door to the bathtub. The double axis hinge opens the door to the inside of the tub by pivoting about the first axis toward the interior of the bathtub as the door in turn counter rotates about the second axis at the distal end of the hinge, in the direction opposite to that of the hinge.

Abstract: A method of installing a low step entryway in a bathtub wall structure which comprises a front wall portion, a rear wall portion and an upper edge portion which together define an interior wall space. A portion of the front wall is cut away to form a cutout which is shaped in the form of the entryway which is being installed. After the open entryway is formed, a saddle structure is installed in the entryway. This saddle structure is shaped the same as the entryway opening which is being provided, and it comprises a lower middle portion forming a horizontal bottom wall, and two side saddle members extending upwardly extending components of alignment, with these providing side surfaces for the entryway.

Abstract: A bathtub system includes a tub having a substantially horizontal planar floor and contiguous endwalls and sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor. At least one sidewall has a door opening. A sliding door cooperates with the door opening. The sliding door is operable in a direction which includes a horizontal translation component between oppositely disposed open and closed positions. The door is slid between those positions by a horizontal force applied by a user sitting in the tub urging the sliding door horizontally. The door opening has a sill having an elevation which is both substantially equal to an elevation of the seat of a user's wheelchair and substantially at the same elevation as the floor of the tub so as to not interfere with the user of the tub transferring laterally from the seat of the wheelchair, over the sill, and onto the floor of the tub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door assembly for a walk-in bathtub. The assembly includes a frame shaped to fit a door threshold in the side of the walk-in bathtub, wherein the frame includes a track dedicated to accommodating a gasket along the length of the frame. The frame also includes a track dedicated to accommodating door hinges. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame is made of a single extruded piece of aluminum that is powder coated to match the acrylic surface of the walk-in tub. The door is mounted onto the frame with hinges. A gasket is inserted into the track in the door frame and forms a water tight seal between the door and the frame. The door assembly can be installed in the bathtub as a separate, pre-assembled system, similar to a pre-hung door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door assembly for a walk-in bathtub. The assembly includes a frame shaped to fit a door threshold in the side of the walk-in bathtub, wherein the frame includes a track dedicated to accommodating a gasket along the length of the frame. The frame also includes a track dedicated to accommodating door hinges. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame is made of a single extruded piece of aluminum that is powder coated to match the acrylic surface of the walk-in tub. The door is mounted onto the frame with hinges. A gasket is inserted into the track in the door frame and forms a water tight seal between the door and the frame. The door assembly can be installed in the bathtub as a separate, pre-assembled system, similar to a pre-hung door.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for showering and bathing, said appliance (1) incorporating a tub (2) which stands on a floor (4) or the like. The tub (2) has a reclining and/or sitting surface (5) for a bather (P) and a door opening (6) through which said bather (P) can move or be moved to or from the reclining and/or sitting surface (5). A door (7) is arranged so as to seal the door opening (6) whenever said bather (P) is in the tub (2). The reclining and/or sitting surface (5) is situated at a height (H) above the floor (4) or the like that is the same, or substantially the same, as the normal height (H) of a seat surface (8) of a chair (9a) or piece of transportation equipment (9b). The door (7) is arranged so as to be swung upwards or to be removable from the tub (2) in order to open up the door opening (6), and the tub (2) cannot substantially be tilted and/or raised and lowered, but may possibly be finely adjusted in said directions.

Abstract: A portable bath apparatus includes an enclosure formed by a bottom wall, first upstanding wall portions, and second upstanding wall portions. The first upstanding wall portions are stationary relative to the portable bath apparatus, and the second upstanding wall portions are movable relative to the stationary first upstanding wall portions. The movable wall portions define a bottom edge adjacent the bottom wall such that when the movable wall portions open relative to the stationary wall portions, a portion of the bottom wall can be positioned under a piece of furniture, such as a bed, to assist a physically challenged person into and out of the portable bath apparatus. The portable bath apparatus may further include hydrotherapy jets and a shower device which provide a person utilizing the portable bath apparatus with numerous options for personal hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bathing aid designed to reduce the workload on the caregiver in bathing the physically challenged, elderly or similar persons requiring nursing care. In an embodiment of the invention, the bathing aid is provided with an upward-opening cover 16 for covering the open top 12a of the bathtub 12 except for an opening for allowing the bather P to stick their head through. The cover 16 is supported by arms 18 urged upward by gas springs 19. The upward-opening cover 16 allows the caregiver to stand whichever side of the bathtub 12 and opens or closes the cover 16 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 hydrotherapy pool comprising an enclosure for receiving a patient and for holding a quantity of liquid sufficient for immersing the patient so that the patient receives hydrotherapy, the enclosure having a plurality of openings for facilitating entry and exit from the enclosure; a removable door for each opening; a water tight seal for each door for sealing the door to the enclosure so that water does not leak from the enclosure; and a filling and draining system for filling and draining the enclosure of water. A seating area at a first end of the pool. The pool may have three doors, the doors being disposed with respect to the patient when seated in the seating area facing the patient, to the right of the patient, and to the left of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for showering and bathing, said appliance (1) incorporating a tub (2) which stands on a floor (4) or the like. The tub (2) has a reclining and/or sitting surface (5) for a bather (P) and a door opening (6) through which said bather (P) can move or be moved to or from the reclining and/or sitting surface (5). A door (7) is arranged so as to seal the door opening (6) whenever said bather (P) is in the tub (2). The reclining and/or sitting surface (5) is situated at a height (H) above the floor (4) or the like that is the same, or substantially the same, as the normal height (H) of a seat surface (8) of a chair (9a) or piece of transportation equipment (9b). The door (7) is arranged so as to be swung upwards or to be removable from the tub (2) in order to open up the door opening (6), and the tub (2) cannot substantially be tilted and/or raised and lowered, but may possibly be finely adjusted in said directions.

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

Abstract: A bathtub and shower combination for allowing an open bath area while preventing water from escaping the bathtub area while showering. The bathtub and shower combination includes a bathing stall. The bathing stall has a first and second walls joined at a vertical edge. The first and second walls are orientated generally perpendicular to each other. A bathtub is elongate and has a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls and a bottom wall. A first of end walls is fixedly coupled to the first wall of the bathing stall. A first of the side walls is fixedly coupled to the second wall of the bathing stall. Each of the walls of the bathtub has a top edge. A faucet for delivering water to the bathtub is mounted on a top edge of the bathtub. A shower portion includes a door. The door is hingedly coupled to a free vertical edge of the first wall of the bathing stall. A generally planar post extending vertically from the top edge of the second side wall.

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

Abstract: A frame is provided having receptacles disposed thereon for receiving a variety of interchangeable bathing equipment panels which may be custom-installed on the frame to the needs and preferences of the unit's intended users. A conduit housing a water line, a control line, and an electrical line is mounted on the frame's outer surface. The conduit includes means for interfacing water, control, and electricity lines of the conduit with those of equipment panels requiring water, control, or electricity for operation. The frame may further have installed thereon a tub comprising rear, side, front, and door panels, the rear and side panels being mounted to receptacles at the tub region of said frame. In one embodiment, the tub includes a door that is pivotable between a first open position, a first closed position defining a full-sized bathtub, a second open position, and a second closed position defining a half-size bathtub.

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

Abstract: A side entry tub includes a stationary section and a movable section with a mechanism of pivoting the movable section away from the stationary section to form an opening for entry and back to the stationary section to form an enclosure for bathing. During pivoting, the movable portion is separated from the stationary section to avoid damage and excessive wear on sealing gaskets.

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 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: The present invention is directed to bathing tub apparatus primarily for invalid persons. The apparatus includes a tub with a sealable door through which a person may walk or be moved on a transfer unit. The apparatus further includes a prefillable reservoir positioned above the tub. Liquid may be rapidly released to fall from the reservoir into the tub to quickly fill the tub and prevent the person therein from becoming chilled or uncomfortable. The reservoir may then be refilled with preheated liquid while the person is bathing. The reservoir is held by a support unit which serves as a storage cabinet within and a shelf without and which may be moved longitudinally with respect to the tub to provide for cleaning and repair behind the tub. The tub includes a liquid circulation system for agitating the liquid to enhance therapeutic and cleansing effects. A hand held shower may also be used by the person in the tub.

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.