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.

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.

A bathtub installation aide apparatus is described. The apparatus exhibits a box-shape, which is configured to act as a placeholder at a drain point. The apparatus is equipped with a drain trough, and facilitates in the creation of empty space around a tub drain during ultimate installation of a bathtub. The apparatus removes the need to use cardboard and/or dirt/sand in the molding and construction of the bathtub and foundation. A leak detector unit is present to alert when the presence of a leak is detected after a set period of time has elapsed. A sensor is configured to relay the presence of water to the leak detector unit. A bottom of the apparatus is equipped with tiers or steps to funnel water towards the drain, even in the event of a leak.

A bathtub installation aide apparatus is described. The apparatus exhibits a box-shape, which is configured to act as a placeholder at a drain point. The apparatus is equipped with a drain trough, and facilitates in the creation of empty space around a tub drain during ultimate installation of a bathtub. The apparatus removes the need to use cardboard and/or dirt/sand in the molding and construction of the bathtub and foundation. A leak detector unit is present to alert when the presence of a leak is detected after a set period of time has elapsed. A sensor is configured to relay the presence of water to the leak detector unit. A bottom of the apparatus is equipped with tiers or steps to funnel water towards the drain, even in the event of a leak.

A bathing system, includes a transfer system having a carrier base and a transfer seat. A sliding of the transfer seat relative to the carrier base may facilitate transfer of the transfer seat toward or away from the tub. A first arm and a second arm of the carrier base extends into and overlaps with a first support surface and a second support surface of the tub respectively. A controller may be in operative communication with a plurality of sensors and determine whether the bathing system is in a state where it is permissible to transfer the transfer seat toward or away from the tub and if so, actuate components of the transfer system to permit the transfer of a patient in the transfer system.

A bathing system, includes a transfer system having a carrier base and a transfer seat. A sliding of the transfer seat relative to the carrier base may facilitate transfer of the transfer seat toward or away from the tub. A first arm and a second arm of the carrier base extends into and overlaps with a first support surface and a second support surface of the tub respectively. A controller may be in operative communication with a plurality of sensors and determine whether the bathing system is in a state where it is permissible to transfer the transfer seat toward or away from the tub and if so, actuate components of the transfer system to permit the transfer of a patient in the transfer system.

Known walk-in bathtubs with doors typically use two dedicated pumps to help quickly empty the bathtub. Because space is limited under such bathtubs, the use of two pumps takes up a lot of the available space and is relatively expensive. According to the invention, there is provided a drain system for use with a walk-in bathtub that only requires one pump. The system includes: a motorized pump; and a controllable three-way valve having: an inlet for receiving fluid; a first outlet operatively connectable to the motorized pump for generating a whirlpool in the bathtub; and a second outlet operatively connectable to the motorized pump for pumping fluid out of the bathtub.

A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The system includes a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of the bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system selectively connects the pump to the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to the different ones of the types of discharge ports. The system selectively enables the bathing installation to perform a plurality of different functions using a single pump.

A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The system includes a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of the bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system selectively connects the pump to the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to the different ones of the types of discharge ports. The system selectively enables the bathing installation to perform a plurality of different functions using a single pump.

A method of making a safe egress bathtub providing safe egress by reducing slide forces extended on a user's feet upon a slippery bathtub floor, wherein the formed bathtub has a limited rectangular footprint, and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar inwardly, cantilevered upper apron deck in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base.