Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary tub with an outer shell made of steel sheet, an inner shell made of plastic, and an intermediate layer connecting the two shells. A protective coating is applied to the outer shell to protect against corrosion. The outer shell is provided with a coating applied to both the inner and outer sides. This coating consists of a conversion layer produced by phosphatizing, and a lacquer forming on the outer side the abrasion and impact resistant protective coating. On the inner side of the shell an agent effectively imparts adhesion between the steel sheet and the intermediate layer without mechanical roughening.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a method and means for modifying an existing bathtub to facilitate access by creating a generally U-shaped opening in an external sidewall of the tub and positioning in said opening a generally U-shaped insert having a step saddle with an elongated step-plate and a pair of generally parallel end plates extending from the ends of the step-plate; and a pair of a generally rectangular housings attached to the bottom of the step-plate and extending to rest directly on the floor, thus supporting said step saddle.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a plurality of anchoring plates (50), each with a series of holes (52) positioned on the anterior face of the plate and at right angles to it, close together, capable of accommodating a fastening screw (53) inserted in a respective through-hole (31) provided in the facing panel, and adjustable attachment assemblies each capable of fixing such a respective plate to the support structure, in such a way that the anterior face thereof is turned toward the inner face of the facing panel.

Abstract: The whirlpool tub includes a rigid tub shell inserted into the opening of a surrounding podium. The tub is to be filled with hot water. A first insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the tub inside the podium, defining a first closed air pocket between the tub and this first insulation membrane. A second insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the first insulation membrane, also inside the podium, defining a second closed air pocket between the first and the second membranes. The first membrane is punctured and hangs loosely from the podium structure, thus allowing limited air circulation between the first and second air pockets. Consequently, positive condensation control is accomplished, preventing same from occurring, in addition to providing thermal and acoustic insulation to the tub. The first membrane comprises an inner reflective metallic foil fixedly mounted on a synthetic felt backing. The second membrane is a mineral wool blanket.

Abstract: A molded acrylic bathtub walk through insert to be positioned in a cut out formed in a bathtub wall and having a skirt member to surround a step through portion with raised opposite ends providing walls to engage and bond to edges of the cut out portion in the bathtub wall and with the skirt sealingly engaging the bathtub floor, the inner and outer surfaces of the bathtub wall in which the insert is positioned and the structural floor outside of the bathtub, and a method of installing the insert in a bathtub wall.

Abstract: A decorative sink apron with curved corners. The exposed portion of the apron has brackets attached thereto and a decorative cover is secured to the brackets.

Abstract: The bracket is to be installed to the inner face of the peripheral rim of a bathtub, to attach the latter to the inner peripheral edge portion of a fixed casing. The bracket has a rigid head portion which is fixedly attached to the inner rim of the bathtub, and a downwardly depending arcuate resilient foot which carries at its lower end a foot. When installing the bathtub inside the casing and more particularly inside the casing peripheral edge portion, the tub is downwardly displaced until its rim comes into downward abutment against the casing peripheral edge portion, the bracket slidingly abutting against the casing peripheral edge portion with a corresponding resilient foot deformation, allowing the foot to slide under the casing peripheral edge portion and to snap itself thereunder for preventing vertical displacement of the bathtub relative to the casing peripheral edge portion. Indeed, the casing peripheral edge portion is then wedged between the bracket foot and the bathtub rim.

Abstract: A portable hot tub (10) having a pair of upper member covers (14) removably connectable to each other at distal ends by a pair of sliding lock members (18). The portable hot tub (10) further has at least four vertical support members (20). A portable hot tub (10) further has a tub liner (12) is securely fastened around a top periphery to the pair of upper member covers (14) by horizontal support members (13) which are inserted within a wrap of the tub liner (12) within the upper member covers (14). The portable hot tub (10) further has a jet assembly (22) removably positioned within the tub liner (12). A hose nozzle (24BAA) is connected between the first tube elbow (24BA) and an outlet hose (32). The portable hot tub (10) further has a filter assembly (26) connected to a lower end of the first tube (24B) by a filter T-connector (26A). The portable hot tub (10) further has a motor/heater unit (36) is connected to the inlet hose (30) and the outlet hose (32).

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 collapsible spa unit is disclosed including a base and a peripheral wall mounted to and extending above the base. The wall includes a plurality of discrete panels that are releasably interconnected to define an enclosed area. There is a liner that extends across an upper surface of the base and across an inside surface of each panel for holding water within the enclosed area. A conduit having jets is formed through the peripheral wall and the liner for conducting water into the enclosed area of the spa. A suction line is formed through the peripheral wall in the liner for discharging water out of the enclosed area. A pump located outside of the panels, and communicably interconnected with the conduit and suction line, draws water out of the enclosed area through the suction and reintroduces water into the enclosed area through the conduit.

Abstract: A cost-efficient vibration-isolating mounting for motors including a pressed or stamped metal motor mount (12) upon with the motor is mounted and a vibration-isolation pad (14) upon which the motor mount (12) is mounted. A clamp formation (42) at each end of the vibration-isolation pad (14) so that a respective thru-bolt (48) secures the motor mount (12) and the assembled vibration-isolation pad (14) to a supporting floor (16) or wall structure. The vibration-isolation pad (14) includes a set of bumpers (40) at each corner to retain the motor mount (12) in place on the top of the vibration-isolation pad (14).

Abstract: A prefabricated, custom-built shower pan with a drain hole for use in a shower stall is provided. The shower pan comprises: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a polystyrene foam layer; and (c) a planar base layer with raised edges, the base layer being durable, rigid and relatively lightweight. The polystyrene foam layer is framed by the base layer and covered by the acrylic-based solid surface upper layer. Also provided is a shower pan comprising: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a base layer comprising a planar base with raised edges, and a system of stringers; and (c) a waterdam. The stringers are substantially straight, horizontal wooden supports which collectively incline toward the drain hole. They are relatively evenly distributed within and adhered to the rectangular-shaped base. Each stringer has an incline on its upper surface, and one end abutting one edge of the base.

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: A flexible extrusion molded flange for securing bathtubs and the like to surrounding walls while simultaneously providing a moisture barrier therebetween. The flange snaps on to the vertical edge and horizontal deck of the tub. The flange includes a vertical back strip for securing the flange to a stud wall, a drywall sealing lip forming a moisture barrier between the tub and the drywall, a finish wall sealing strip for sealing and aligning the finish wall, and a tub edge securing strip for receiving the edge of the tub. Miter cut corners and silicone sealants enhance the flange's moisture barrier properties.

Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation and support of the rims of bath and shower tubs relative to a wall of a construction in a manner decoupled from structure-borne noise. The apparatus includes a fixing element secured to the wall and has a support surface for a rim of a tub. A fixing screw is screwed into the fixing element and a first insulating material is arranged between the wall and the tub rim. A second insulating material is arranged between the support surface and the tub rim while a third insulating material is secured to an end of the fixing screw and contacts against the inner side of the tub rim.

Abstract: An apron assembly for a bathing fixture which has a frame allowing access to equipment placed behind it, yet affords a stable construction. A substantially rigid apron assembly is afforded by a special brace element, even though the frame is manufactured from a reduced amount of material. The essentially "I"- shaped brace reinforces the apron and receives an attachment bolt.

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 movable bathtub for a baby. The movable bathtub comprises a body and a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the body so as to move the bathtub. The body is separated into a bathing space and a storage space by a separator. The bathing space is placed with a curve-shaped supporting net in one end of which a tub drain and a tub stopper are provided. The storage space is provided with a water-pot in a front end thereof and several drawers in the back end thereof. With the structure of the invention, a parent can pour heated water to the bathtub and bath a baby while standing.

Abstract: A prefabricated tub/shower enclosure, and a method for retrofitting a bathroom with same are disclosed. The enclosure consists of a molded shell having three walls, a tub portion, a ceiling and integral plumbing. In use, a portion of the tub/shower enclosure is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall of the house, allowing a larger-sized tub/shower enclosure to be incorporated into the bathroom than would otherwise be possible. The tub/shower enclosure is installed through an opening formed in an exterior wall of the house between interior framing members defining the bathroom.

Abstract: An apron assembly for a bathing fixture which allows access to equipment placed behind it without requiring any additional hardware and cost to the bathtub and affords precise alignment of the apron assembly with the rim of the bathing fixture. In a preferred manner, a bolt is threaded to a metal brace member on a frame which has access openings adjacent the bolt for adjustment purposes. The bolt acts as an adjustable brace. A panel member is easily attached to and removed from the frame member.

Abstract: A washing facility including a receptacle fabricated in sheet material with deck portions. The preferred receptacle has vertical front and rear planar walls joined by an arcuate central wall. The rear wall has an inlet, and the front wall has an overflow and an outlet, the former being visible but the latter being obscured from the front of the facility. A water supply unit on the exterior of the receptacle under the deck includes a nozzle over the inlet, for ejecting water from the inlet in an arcing laminar sheet, and valves connected to the nozzle. Valve control handles are slidably mounted on the deck and connected to the valves through the deck. A water drainage unit on the exterior of the receptacle has a chamber over the overflow and the outlet, stopper slidable between open and closed position, and a drain conduit leading from the chamber. A stopper handle located on the inner surface of the receptacle is attached to the stopper for moving the stopper between its two positions.

Abstract: The method of providing a spa tub, and comprising providing a load-bearing tub side wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid; the tub side wall provided to include at least two wall sections, spaced about the interior, the sections assembled end-to-end to form the side wall to extend in a loop, the sections consisting of synthetic resin; each section having inner and outer panels extending upright throughout the major upright extent of the side wall.

Abstract: A collapsible pool assembly having a liquid impervious liner with collapsible perimeter walls of modular configuration.

Abstract: An enclosure for one of a tray and bathroom tub where a spacer is attached to an upstanding flange provided on the enclosure. The upstanding flange abuts a room wall such that a wall liner overlaps the upstanding flange and is spaced from the flange thereby providing an air gap therebetween which reduces the likelihood of water to be drawn through capillary action between the wall liner and the upstanding flange.

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 method of providing a spa tub, and comprising providing a load-bearing tub side wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid; the tub side wall provided to include at least two wall sections, spaced about the interior, the sections assembled end-to-end to form the side wall to extend in a loop, and providing a flexible liner extending at the inner side of said side wall to contain said liquid.

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: The method of providing a spa tub, and comprising providing a load-bearing tub side wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid; the tub side wall provided to include at least two wall sections, spaced about the interior, the sections assembled end-to-end to form the side wall to extend in a loop, and providing a flexible liner extending at the inner side of the side wall to contain the liquid.

Abstract: A bed with a wash tub for pubes which may reduce nursing work loads and improve conditions of the patients during the washing. The bed 3 with a wash tub for pubes comprises a main frame 5 with legs 5, and a wash tub 21 for pubes positioned at the center of the main frame 5, a mattress 11, 13, 15, laid on the main frame. The wash tub 21 for pubes has a tub body 23, a pair of left and right hip supports 25 partially provided in the tub, a hot water supply means 29 which supplies hot water to a col portion between the hip supports and a drain 31. The patient's hips 2 are placed on the paired hip supports 25 and then the col portion between the hip supports 25 is showered with a hot water to wash the pubes of the patient successfully.

Abstract: A portable spa including a cover having two rigidly molded, interlocking halves, designed to conform with the contour of the rim of the spa. The rim includes a vertical extension which interfits with an extrusion used to attach an interchangeable decorative vinyl-covered skirt about the side surface of the spa. The spa structure is supported by an integral molded bottom pan, which provides an upper edge or rim against which the lower edge of the skirt is secured.

Abstract: A bathing enclosure comprises a base section and two wall sections. The wall sections are mounted on the base section and are joined by a complimentary tongue and groove. The tongue and groove form a vertical seam which is water-tight, eliminating the need for sealing material. The two-piece wall design provides ease in installation and allows access to areas behind the wall sections it desired or necessary.

Abstract: A portable bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) and a supporting frame (46, 17A, 200) for the bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) are positioned alongside a bed (10, 10A, 10C). The bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) has a front side (76) which overlaps a mattress (12, 12A, 12C) on the bed (10, 10A, 10C) and is supported thereby. The tub (20, 20A, 20C) bridges the bed (10, 10A, 10C) and the supporting frame. The bed (10B) has a bed frame (14B) which is movable vertically for raising and lowering the bath tub (20) which is partially supported on the mattress (12B).

Abstract: A portable, collapsible bathtub, that comprises a tub shell having a bottom wall, side walls and end walls, forming a shell, the side wall being longitudinally elongated; the tub having separate shell sections, and a hinge structure interconnecting the sections to pivot from an extended position in which the tub is ready for use and opens upwardly, into a collapsed position in which the sections form an upwardly closed dome shape.

Abstract: A self-heating outdoor bathtub to better simulate natural hot spring pools. Allows use of major components salvaged from discarded water heaters. Inconspicuous appearance, low value, and durability, eases concerns of theft or vandalism. A water heating unit and a flexible tarp, serving as a bathing container, joined by an open water passage between the two. The heating unit supplying heat from below.

Abstract: A detachable bathtub has a bathtub, a side board, and a base beneath the bathtub. The bathtub has an upper flange with posts, an interior and bulges beneath the bathtub. The side board has a peripheral flange with rectangular holes and protrusions disposed thereon. The base has inserted holes thereon, an elongated recess thereunder, and guide blocks disposed at two sides of the base. The elongated recess receives an adjusting block. Each supporting block has a rectangular groove on one side and an inserted groove on the opposite side. The adjusting block is inserted in the elongated recess. The bulges are inserted in the inserted holes. The guide blocks are inserted in the rectangular grooves. The side board abuts one side of the bathtub. The protrusion is pressed into the inserted groove.

Abstract: A portable spa including a cover having two rigidly molded, interlocking halves, designed to conform with the contour of the rim of the spa. The rim includes a vertical extension which interfits with an extrusion used to attach an interchangeable decorative vinyl-covered skirt about the side surface of the spa. The spa structure is supported by an integral molded bottom pan, which provides an upper edge or rim against which the lower edge of the skirt is secured.

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: A portable spa including a cover having two rigidly molded, interlocking halves, designed to conform with the contour of the rim of the spa. The rim includes a vertical extension which interfits with an extrusion used to attach an interchangeable decorative vinyl-covered skirt about the side surface of the spa. The spa structure is supported by an integral molded bottom pan, which provides an upper edge or rim against which the lower edge of the skirt is secured.

Abstract: A portable spa unit is disclosed, which unit includes a floor portion and a wall portion sealably connected to and extending upwardly from the floor portion to define an enclosed area for holding water. The wall portion includes an internal tubular framework and an outer skin that is supported by the framework. There are inlets and jets for communicably interconnecting the tubular framework and the enclosed area of the spa. A pump circulates water from the enclosed area of the spa into the framework through the inlets and then back into the enclosed area through the jets.

Abstract: An improved method and system for mounting a pump to a whirlpool. The pump mounting system includes a mounting platform for mounting a pump and a support member for connection of the mounting platform, and thus, the pump, to the underside of a whirlpool. The mounting platform is rotatably connected to a support member so that the pump can be rotated as necessary to install the whirlpool without interference from the pump.

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 spa having structural integrity is manufactured from a formable sheet contoured by the steps of disposing the formable sheet over a male form adapted for vacuum-forming the formable sheet, heating the formable sheet to a temperature enabling forming thereof, forcing the male form into the formable sheet with some portions of the forced formable sheet having a greater thickness than other portions of the formable sheet, and vacuum-forming the forced heated formable sheet into intimate contact with the male form. Thereafter, a urethane coating is applied to a side of the spa not contacted by the mold. This results in a delamination resistant spa.

Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed, The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.

Abstract: A portable spa including a cover having two rigidly molded, interlocking halves, designed to conform with the contour of the rim of the spa. The rim includes a vertical extension which interfits with an extrusion used to attach an interchangeable decorative vinyl-covered skirt about the side surface of the spa. The spa structure is supported by an integral molded bottom pan, which provides an upper edge or rim against which the lower edge of the skirt is secured.

Abstract: The invention is a contamination control device which facilitates the decontamination of a person contaminated with hazardous materials, such as radiation, toxic chemicals, pathogens, etc., comprising a recessed patient bearing surface having a first end and a second end, a catch basin integrally attached to the second end of the patient bearing surface so as to isolate and store contaminated cleaning fluid and bodily fluid, including hazardous material, and an enclosed conduit that directs said contaminated fluid and bodily fluid from the patient bearing surface to the catch basin.

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: Bathtub and shower fixtures having a front wall which terminates in spaced relationship to a floor covering and an intermediate wall spaced between the front wall and a basin of the fixture. A vertically adjustable trim strip is selectively mounted to the intermediate wall so as to be engagable with the floor covering inwardly of the front wall thereby preventing water dripping from the front wall from entering a construction joint formed between the intermediate wall and the floor covering.

Abstract: A portable type spa is insulated by a sequence of steps involving initially the preparation of an insulation blanket having a metal foil heat reflective surface on one side with orthogonal dimensions of the blanket sized larger than the orthogonal dimensions of the spa shell. The spa shell is placed on top of the insulation blanket in a preferred method, with the metal foil heat reflective surface facing the exterior of the spa shell. The spa shell foot well is leveled by shims placed between the bottom of the spa shell and the underlying support surface such as a floor. The periphery of the insulation blanket is preferably sandwiched between the underside of a spa rim and a top edge of wood skirt panels surrounding the exterior of the spa shell. The insulation blanket forms a loose bag about the exterior of the spa shell and about plumbing connections on the exterior of the spa shell including warm water circulating tubing projecting outwardly of the spa shell exterior surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the hygiene care of a person confined to a bed, comprising an inflatable tub with two cavities therein that is easily placed under a person and inflated. The device is equipped with separate drains and aprons which create pockets that contain disposable waste water bags which retrieve all waste water from the bed. The inflatable bed is supplied with water and air from a free-moving service apparatus. The inflatable bed and service apparatus are integral parts and together provide a practical and convenient method to administer personnel hygiene care to a person confined to a bed.

Abstract: A bathtub apron system for use with either one of two differently shaped bathtubs. The bathtub apron system includes an apron having an essentially planar central section with first and second ends, and inwardly rounded sections extending respectively from the first and second ends of the central section. Outwardly rounded sections extend from the ends of the inwardly rounded sections to form the opposing outer edges of the apron. The outwardly rounded sections are removable at a predetermined position from the inwardly rounded sections to form a second shaped apron sized to fit a second shaped bathtub.