Bathtub and Method for Emptying the Same

Abstract

A bathtub comprises a frame structure and a tub body. The tub body is pivotally accommodated at the frame structure wherein the tub body is pivotable between a bathing position and an emptying position. The method of emptying the bathtub is distinguished in that the tub body pivots from the bathing position to the emptying position. Another bathtub comprises a frame structure and at least one tub body, the tub body being accommodated on the frame structure and wherein a drainage device is disposed in the bottom of the tub body. The drainage device comprises at least one tube extending from the drain hole of the drainage device up to beneath the tub body.

Claims

1-27. (canceled)

28. A bathtub, comprising: at least one frame structure, at least one tub body pivotally accommodated on the frame structure, the tub body being pivotal at least between a bathing position and at least one emptying position, the tub body having an entirely closed inner surface.

29. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the frame structure comprises at least one pivot device accommodating the tub body.

30. The bathtub according to claim 29 wherein the tub body comprises a longitudinal extension and a shorter, transverse extension and wherein the pivot device provides a pivot axle for the tub body that is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension.

31. The bathtub according to claim 30 wherein the pivot axle is provided in the top half of the tub body.

32. The bathtub according to claim 30 wherein the pivot axle is provided in the top third of the tub body.

33. The bathtub according to claim 30 wherein the pivot axle is provided in the top quarter of the tub body.

34. The bathtub according to claim 30 wherein the tub body comprises at least one discharging device.

35. The bathtub according to claim 34, characterized in that the pivot axle is attached to the tub body in the region of the discharging device.

36. The bathtub according to claim 29 wherein the pivot device comprises at least one of a push tube and a biasing device.

37. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein at least one blocking device is provided.

38. The bathtub according to claim 36 wherein the suspension of at least one of the push tube and the biasing device is configured for rotary motion.

39. The bathtub according to claim 36 wherein the push tube is provided for at least one of manual and automatic actuation.

40. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein at least one motor device is provided for actuating the pivot device.

41. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the tub body is double-walled at least in sections.

42. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the angle between the bathing position and the emptying position is at least 30.

43. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the angle between the bathing position and the emptying position is at least 45.

44. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the angle between the bathing position and the emptying position is at least 75.

45. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the angle between the bathing position and the emptying position is at least 90.

46. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the tub body is configured to be jointless at least in a top region.

47. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the tub body is manufactured one-piece.

48. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein at least one cover device is provided for covering the interior of the tub body.

49. The bathtub according to claim 48 wherein at least one of the tub body and the cover device provides at least one storage feature.

50. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the tub body is configured detachable from the frame structure.

51. The bathtub according to claim 28, characterized in that the frame structure comprises a height adjusting device and the height adjusting device comprises a pumping system.

52. The bathtub according to claim 28 wherein the frame structure comprises at least one stand comprising at least one of a fastener and a grip arrangement.

53. A method of emptying a bathtub comprising the steps of: providing a bathtub, comprising at least one frame structure, at least one tub body pivotally accommodated on the frame structure, the tub body being pivotal at least between a bathing position and at least one emptying position; at least partially filling the tub body with water; and pivoting the tub body from the bathing position to the emptying position for emptying the water in the tub body.

54. The method according to claim 53 further comprising providing a separate discharging device attached to the tub body for emptying.

55. The method according to claim 54 further comprising the steps of: providing a blocking device and a biasing device; releasing the blocking device; and lifting the tub body until the biasing device engages.

56. A bathtub comprising: at least one frame structure; and at least one tub body, wherein the tub body is accommodated on the frame structure, and at least one drainage device disposed in the bottom of the tub body, wherein the drainage device comprises at least one tube extending from a drain hole of the drainage device to beneath the tub body.

57. The bathtub according to claim 56 wherein at least one of a quick release and a hose device are attached to the lower end of the tube.

58. The bathtub according to claim 57 wherein at least one holding device for at least one hose device is disposed at the outside surface of the tub body.

59. The bathtub according to claim 56 wherein the frame structure further comprises at least one accommodation for at least one outflow vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0090] FIG. 1 is a simple schematic illustration of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a perspective view;

[0091] FIG. 2 is a simple schematic illustration of a bathtub according to the invention in the emptying position in a perspective view;

[0092] FIG. 3 is a simple schematic illustration of a bathtub according to the invention showing a cover device in place in a perspective view;

[0093] FIG. 4A is a simple schematic illustration of the frame structure of a bathtub according to the invention in the emptying position in a perspective view;

[0094] FIG. 4B is a simple schematic illustration of the frame structure of a bathtub according to the invention in the emptying position in another perspective view;

[0095] FIG. 5 A is simple schematic illustrations of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a side view;

[0096] FIG. 5B is simple schematic illustrations of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a top view;

[0097] FIG. 6 is a simple schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot device of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a detail side view;

[0098] FIG. 7A simple schematic illustrations of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a side view;

[0099] FIG. 7B simple schematic illustrations of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a rear view;

[0100] FIG. 8 is a simple schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a pivot device of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a detail side view;

[0101] FIG. 9A is a simple schematic illustrations of a cover device for a bathtub according to the invention in a top view;

[0102] FIG. 9B is a simple schematic illustrations of a cover device for a bathtub according to the invention in a side view;

[0103] FIG. 10 is a simple schematic illustration of the tub body of a bathtub according to the invention with a tub insert;

[0104] FIG. 11 is a simple schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a side view;

[0105] FIG. 12 is the embodiment according to FIG. 11 in the emptying position;

[0106] FIG. 13 is a simple schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position;

[0107] FIG. 14 is a simple schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position; and

[0108] FIG. 15A is a simple schematic illustrations of another bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a top view.

[0109] FIG. 15B is a simple schematic illustrations of another bathtub according to the invention in the bathing position in a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0110] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a simple schematic illustration of a bathtub 1 according to the invention, the embodiment shown being configured as a baby bathtub and/or infant bathtub 200. In the embodiment shown the bathtub 1 comprises a frame structure 2 on which a tub body 3 is placed.

[0111] The tub body 3 or the shell of the tub body 3 is preferably made of GFRP. This is a double-walled configuration with an insulating core, presently a polyurethane (PU) foam, disposed in the interior of the tub body 3.

[0112] The tub body 3 or the shell of the tub body 3 in the exemplary embodiment shown is manufactured one-piece around the insulating core so as to achieve a jointless configuration of the tub body. This eliminates any joints or edges that would make cleaning difficult. Generally speaking at least the top region 18 of the tub body 3 and the inside surface of the tub body 3 are preferably jointless.

[0113] Further components of the bathtub 1, for example cladding elements of the frame structure 2, are made of GFRP in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0114] The tub body 3 has a longitudinal extension 12 and a narrower transverse extension 13, the longitudinal extension 12 preferably measuring between 40 cm and 100 cm. In the exemplary embodiment shown the longitudinal extension 12 is 65 cm. Other longitudinal extensions 12 may be chosen as desired.

[0115] The transverse extension 13 is preferably between 30 cm and 70 cm. In the exemplary embodiment shown the transverse extension 13 preferably is between 5 cm and 46 cm respectively.

[0116] It is generally preferred for the tub interior 20 to have a volumetric capacity between 30 and 70 liters. A filling level of about 150 mm is in particular intended for the tub body 3 so as to allow bathing infants and babies in a suitable quantity of water or at a suitable water level.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment shown the bathtub 1 is configured mobile or displaceable respectively. To this end the frame structure 2 is provided with a base 24 to which four rollers 25 are attached. Moreover the bathtub 1 is also height-adjustable by way of the lifting tube 22 comprised in the frame structure 2 and operated by the crank 26.

[0118] The lifting tube 22 allows adjusting the height of the tub body 3. To this end the crank 26 is operated in the exemplary embodiment shown. It is connected with the lifting tube 22 that is preferably hydraulic.

[0119] To ensure sufficient safety against overturning even if the tub body 3 is lifted to a relatively high position, the base 24 accommodates a weight so as to obtain a particularly favorable center of gravity. In the embodiment shown the weight is about 60 kg. The rollers 25 still allow the nursing staff to easily move the bathtub 1 between rooms.

[0120] In the embodiment shown the tub body 3 is pivotally received on the frame structure 2. In the illustration shown the tub body 3 is in the bathing position 4. The tub body 3 is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation so as to allow filling the tub interior 20 with water.

[0121] The tub body 3 is pivotally received on the frame structure 2 so that the tub body 3 can be pivoted away from the bathing position 4 so as to allow discharging or dumping the water out of the tub interior 20.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment shown the tub body 3 can be put upright by means of the crank 27 wherein this exemplary embodiment is provided with an emptying position 5 in which the tub body 3 is substantially vertical, preferably at 90 to the bathing position 4.

[0123] This configuration achieves many advantages. It is a substantial advantage that the tiltable configuration of the bathtub 1 allows to realize the tub body 3 with a closed inner surface 6 since no drain is required in the tub bottom 28. For emptying, the bathtub 1 is simply pushed toward a suitable drain or sink and then tilted from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 5 by means of the crank 27.

[0124] FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the bathtub 1 shown in FIG. 1, in the emptying position 5. The tub body 3 has been displaced through the pivot device 7 of the frame structure 2 from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 7 by means of the crank 27.

[0125] It can be seen that in the exemplary embodiment shown the pivot axle 14 is disposed transverse to the longitudinal extension 12 of the tub body 3. Thus the bathtub is discharged over its narrower side so that the water can be emptied out of the tub interior 20 particularly target-controlled, thus maintaining hygiene.

[0126] To enable particularly good target control in discharging, one side of the tub body 3 is provided with a discharging device 16. This discharging device 16 is formed one-piece with the tub edge 29. The tub edge 29 at the sink side is formed so as to provide a kind of beak or a spout.

[0127] FIG. 3 shows the foreshown bathtub 1 in the bathing position 4 with a cover device 19 covering the tub body 3. The covering device 19 comprises two grips 30 for taking the cover device 19 off of the tub body 3.

[0128] This cover device 19 allows hygienically closing the tub body 3. Additionally a covering hood, not shown in detail in the Figures, may be provided which is in particular flexible. It can cover the tub body 3 hygienically. Thereafter the cover device 19 can be put on as a rigid cover.

[0129] In the embodiment shown the entire cover device 19 is configured to include a storage feature 21. The nursing staff can thus transport care products and auxiliary care materials between rooms together with the bathtub 1.

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment shown the cover device 19 is double-walled and comprises an insulating core, presently of PU foam, so that the tub 1 can be transported while containing water wherein the cover device 19 prevents the water from cooling too fast.

[0131] FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show simple perspective views of the frame structure 2 of the bathtub 1 according to the invention. The pivot device 7 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a plate 31 that is articulated to the pivot axle 14. Using a pivoting lever 32 the plate 31 is pivoted by means of the push tube 8 so as to pivot the tub body 3 and the plate 31 together when the tub body 3 is attached to the plate 31 of the pivot device 7.

[0132] FIG. 5A illustrates the bathtub 1 according to the invention as it has been shown above in a schematic side view. Again one can recognize all the components for height-adjusting the bathtub 1 and pivoting the tub body 3. FIG. 5B shows a top view into the tub interior 20 of the tub body 3.

[0133] It is furthermore schematically indicated that all the configurations also provide for disposing protectors at the frame structure 2 or else at the tub body 3 to prevent damage to furniture and/or walls and floors due to moving or pushing the bathtub 1.

[0134] The exemplary embodiment shown schematically indicates the use of rollers 45 or rubber-coated rollers and rubber pads 46 (see FIG. 5B). In this instance they are provided at the base 24 of the frame structure 2. Or else they may be attached in other suitable places.

[0135] The rubber pad 46 and the roller 45 in the exemplary embodiment shown are moreover adjustable so as to obtain particularly effective results.

[0136] FIG. 6 schematically shows an enlarged detail of the pivot device 7 of the bathtub 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 5A. Again one recognizes the push tube 8 which can retract and extend by means of a spindle drive 33.

[0137] In the embodiment shown the push tube 8 is displaced by turning the crank 27. Displacing the push tube 8 causes the pivoting lever 32 to be pulled or pushed back so that the plate 31 lifts or lowers. In this way the tub body 3 also pivots.

[0138] To prevent the bathtub 1 or the tub body 3 from inadvertently shifting from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 5 the exemplary embodiment shown provides a blocking device 17 that is a bolt 34. Other locking types may be advantageously chosen to prevent inadvertent pivoting of the tub body 3.

[0139] FIG. 7A shows simply schematically the foreshown bathtub 1 in a schematic side view and FIG. 7B shows a rear view with the tub body 3 shown in the emptying position 5. It can be seen in FIG. 7A that the illustrated exemplary embodiment shows an angle 15 of 90 between the bathing position 4 and the emptying position 5. Any other intermediate position is possible as necessary or required.

[0140] The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates just exemplarily that the water is emptied from the tub body 3 into a floor drain 35. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a separate discharging device 16 is used. In the exemplary embodiment shown the discharging device 16 is configured as a telescopic drainpipe or a drainage gutter 36.

[0141] The separate discharging device 16 is connected with the tub body 3 prior to pivoting so that in the emptying position 5 the water is routed through the discharging device 16 and in the exemplary embodiment shown through the drainpipe respectively the drainage gutter 36 and is very purposefully guided into the floor drain.

[0142] The discharging device 16 in the exemplary embodiment shown is attached to the tub body 3 by means of a suction cup 37. Thus a particularly clean and hygienic emptying of the bathtub 1 is achieved.

[0143] In particular in case that the tub body 3 is intended to be discharged into a wash basin or a sink such a discharging device 16 such as a tube, hose, sink gutter or else a sink sheet may be used. Such a discharging device 16 allows clean and target-controlled emptying of the bathtub 1 wherein the water cannot hit for example a wash basin uncontrolled, splashing back up.

[0144] One can thus in particular avoid a contamination of care products positioned next to a sink or wash basin or else of faucet-mounted filter systems.

[0145] When the discharging device 16 or the drainpipe 36 is not in use, the exemplary embodiment shown allows storing it at the lifting column 22 by means of a suitable holder 40.

[0146] FIG. 8 schematically shows an enlarged detail of the pivot device 7 of the bathtub 1. One recognizes that the push tube 8 is far withdrawn so that the pivoting lever 32 is retracted whereby the tub body 3 is pivoted from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 5.

[0147] To ensure displaceability of the push tube 8 and pivoting of the plate 31 the push tube 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown is not fixedly connected with the frame structure 2 but has suspensions 9, 10 allowing a certain rotary movability of the push tube 8.

[0148] FIG. 9A is a simple schematic illustration of a cover device 19 in a top view and FIG. 9B is a side view. One can recognize that the cover device 19 comprises two grips 30 for securely transporting the cover device 19. Moreover, two depressions are indicated which provide receiving devices 21.

[0149] The side view shows small bases 39 attached to the bottom face 38 of the cover device 19 for the cover device 19 to be deposited on a table without having direct contact between the table and the bottom face 38 of the cover device 19.

[0150] FIG. 10 shows simply schematically that the bathtub 1 according to the invention may comprise a tub insert 42. This tub insert 42 may show various configurations and in the exemplary embodiment shown it is provided by the cover device 19.

[0151] In the embodiment shown the tub insert 42 is configured as a tub reduction 43. This tub reduction 43 is simply placed on the edge of the tub body 3, thus reducing the tub interior 20. This further reduces the quantity of water required.

[0152] The illustrated tub reduction 43 may in particular be used for bathing very small children or babies. The reduced tub interior 20 allows to better support the bodies of very small children or babies so as to make bathing more comfortable to the children.

[0153] In the exemplary embodiment shown the tub reduction 43 or the tub insert 42 is attached respectively fixed to the tub body 3 by means of setting screws 44 to ensure secure support for the tub insert 42. Other suitable fasteners may be employed advantageously.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a simple schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub 1 or baby bathtub 1 according to the invention. The basic configuration of the illustrated bathtub 1 corresponds to the afore-described exemplary embodiments of bathtubs comprising a frame structure 2 and a tub body 3.

[0155] The tub body 1 is pivotally received on the frame structure 2. In this way the tub body 1 can pivot from a bathing position 4 to an emptying position 5 so as to offer ease of emptying the tub body 3. The tub body 3 in FIG. 11 is shown in the bathing position 4.

[0156] Again the bathtub 1 or the frame structure 2 shown comprises a height adjusting device 48 by means of which the tub body 3 can be set or adjusted to a suitable working height. In the presently shown exemplary embodiment the lifting tube 22 is not crank-operated but the lifting tube 22 is configured as a hydraulic cylinder 54.

[0157] Furthermore a pumping system 49 is provided which the user may operate with his foot. Thus, stepping on the pumping system 49 causes the hydraulic cylinder 54 to extend so that the tub body 3 is displaced upwardly. Depending on the configuration, continued actuation of the pumping system 49 lowers the tub body 3 to the desired height.

[0158] This configuration of the height-adjusting device 48 in particular allows the user to optimally adjust the bathtub 1 or the height of the tub body 3 to his or her requirements without using their hands. Thus, a user can in particular adjust the tub height even while bathing a baby, for example if the previously set height is found to be less than optimal or if the tub level must be adjusted during bathing for other reasons.

[0159] Since a pumping system 49 is provided which may for example be foot-operated, height adjustment of the bathtub 1 can be realized without requiring the user to interrupt bathing for scrubbing hands so as to avoid contaminating the bathtub from the outside by way of hands soiled due to bathing respectively by contaminated hands.

[0160] The base of the frame structure 2 is configured movable and comprises a front and a rear roller pair with the rollers of the rear roller pair designed larger. The smaller rollers of the front roller pair are designed as pivotable casters so as to allow for ease and precision in moving the bathtub 1.

[0161] A brake 59 is provided for locking the bathtub 1 in place during use. The brake 59 in the presently shown exemplary embodiment comprises a pivotal brake lever 60 that presses against the rear roller pair as the brake is activated. The brake type presently used is known for example from baby carriages.

[0162] Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown above of a bathtub 1 according to the invention according to the FIGS. 1 to 10 the presently shown exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 provides for the pivot axle 14 of the tub body 3 or the pivot axle 14 provided by the pivot device 7 to be disposed in the region of the discharging device 16.

[0163] It is in particular preferred for the pivot axle 14 to be disposed in the top half of the tub body, preferably in the top third and quite preferably in the top quarter of the tub body 3.

[0164] As can be seen in the subsequent FIG. 12 a particularly advantageous emptying of the tub body 3 is enabled since the specific positioning of the pivot axle 14 eliminates an unnecessary lifting of the tub body for emptying the water in the tub body 3 into a sink or a wash basin 400.

[0165] FIG. 12 once again illustrates the exemplary embodiment of a bathtub 1 according to the invention, which has been shown in FIG. 11, with the tub body 3 pivoted to the emptying position 5.

[0166] This illustration clearly shows that the frame structure 2 comprises a supporting arm 57 that displaces the pivot axle 14 around the tub body 3 respectively along the tub body 3 to a top region of the tub body 3.

[0167] The pivot axle 14 in the presently shown exemplary embodiment is disposed in the region of the discharging device 16, the discharging device 16 in the presently shown exemplary embodiment being provided by a suitably shaped area in the edge of the tub body 3.

[0168] Since the pivot axle 14 is in a top region of the tub body 3, the tub body 3 can be emptied into a wash basin or a sink 400 without having to lift the tub body unnecessarily high by means of the height-adjusting device 48. This in particular offers the advantage that depending on the configuration a height adjusting device 48 having a shorter extension may be employed and that the bathtub 1 maintains particularly good stability even during emptying.

[0169] To support the user in emptying the bathtub 1 respectively in emptying the tub body 3 the pivot device 7 in the presently shown exemplary embodiment comprises a biasing device 47.

[0170] This biasing device 47 is configured as a gas pressure spring 53 that assists the user while pivoting the tub body 3 from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 5.

[0171] The presently shown exemplary embodiment provides for the biasing device 47 respectively the gas pressure spring 53 to engage for supporting the tub body 3 only as soon as the user has lifted the tub body 3 employing a specified force. It may be provided that a user needs to apply for example an initial lifting force of 6 kilograms or more or less until the gas pressure spring 53 is activated.

[0172] In other configurations a specific rotational angle may be provided which must be reached for the biasing device 47 respectively the gas pressure spring 53 to be activated.

[0173] In other embodiments, not shown, the biasing device 47 may for example be provided by a hydraulic cylinder 54 which can in turn be operated e.g. by means of a pump device. Thus, in analogy to extending the push tube 22 or in analogy to height adjusting the bathtub 1, the bathtub may also be emptied by means of a hydraulic cylinder 54.

[0174] To prevent accidental pivoting of the tub body 3 from the bathing position 4 to the emptying position 5, a blocking device 17 is also provided here.

[0175] The blocking device 17 in the presently shown exemplary embodiment has a release lever 56 which releases a locking system 58 as the release lever 56 is actuated so as to allow pivoting the tub body 3. As the tub body 3 is displaced back from the emptying position 5 to the bathing position 4, the locking system 58 latches automatically for the tub body 3 to rest securely on the frame structure 2 in the bathing position.

[0176] The FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the exemplary embodiments according to the FIGS. 1-10 and 11-12 but with different frame structures 2. The embodiments according to FIGS. 13 and 14 do not provide for a movable base or movable frame structure 2.

[0177] In the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 the frame structure 2 comprises a stand 50 by means of which the bathtubs 1 can be placed on any desired suitable surface.

[0178] The bathtubs 1 having a stand 50 may for example be placed on the working surface of a standard transporting cart for care products or on some type of a serving cart. Alternatively the bathtub may be placed on the working surface next to a sink or wash basin 400 as shown in FIG. 14.

[0179] Thus the bathtub 1 having a stand 50 may be used with flexibility as required, for example by manual transport to the intended point of use or else placement on a cart.

[0180] For ease of transporting the bathtub 1 the embodiments shown are provided with grips 52. This allows carrying the bathtub 1 back and forth between points of use or else putting it onto a mobile base.

[0181] Furthermore the Figures schematically show fasteners 51 provided at the stand 50. The fastener 51 allows secure placement of the bathtub 1 at the point of use.

[0182] To ensure particular flexibility of use, the two embodiments shown each provide for fasteners 51 in the shape of suction cups 55 to securely attach the bathtub 1 to a surface at the point of use.

[0183] Other configurations may provide for different fixing members for fasteners 51. The stand 50 may for example be provided with through holes to be used for example in conjunction with a bolt and matching swivel nut for fastening.

[0184] Depending on the configuration the bathtub 1 may be attached to a surface magnetically, by clipping, gluing, by ratchet straps or else Velcro hook or loop straps. Generally speaking, a temporary or detachable fastening is preferred.

[0185] It is obvious and preferred for the features of the four exemplary embodiments described according to the FIGS. 1 to 14 to be combined with each other as desired to obtain other inventive embodiments.

[0186] FIGS. 15A and 15B are simple schematic illustrations of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub 300 according to the invention. Unlike the bathtub 1 shown above this bathtub 300 does not have a continuous inner surface 6 of the bathtub 1. In this embodiment a drainage device 305 is provided in the tub bottom 304.

[0187] As provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the bathtub 300 comprises a frame structure 302 and a tub body 303, the frame structure 302 again comprising a lifting tube 315 with which to advantageously set and adjust the height of the tub body 303 as required.

[0188] To still provide a bathtub 300 for particularly good cleaning, the drainage device 305 comprises a tube 306 extending below the lower end 308 of the tub body 303.

[0189] The tube 306 is connected with the drain hole 307 jointless, extending through the tub bottom 304 as a smooth, continuous tube 306. The drainage device 305 in the exemplary embodiment shown is integrally formed with the tub body 303. Thus, a jointless connection is again formed with the tub bottom 304.

[0190] In other configurations the drainage device 305 may be a separate component, which is for example screwed, glued, or else clamped to or into the tub bottom 304 or else attached otherwise.

[0191] Depending on the application and requirements a quick release 309 or a hose device 310 may be immediately attached to the free end of the tube 306.

[0192] In the configuration of the drainage device 305 the tube 306 protruding beneath the tub bottom 308 provides a particularly easily cleaning drain for a bathtub 300. This tube 306 provides for particularly easy cleaning for example by means of a brush. All the other components such as the quick release 309 or else a hose system 310 may be removed prior to cleaning and may then for example be autoclaved.

[0193] In the embodiment shown the tub body 303 comprises on its outside surface 312 a holding device 311 for the hose device 310 or the free end of the hose device 310 to hook on. The holding device 311 is disposed at the outside surface 312 of the tub body 303 so that the free end of the hose device 310 hooks in above the filled water level. This automatically closes the drainage device 305 as soon as the hose device 310 hooks into the holding device 311.

[0194] For emptying the bathtub 300 the hose 310 is removed from the holding device 311 and then it may be placed, for example, into a drain or a wash basin for emptying. The tub height may be varied as needed.

[0195] In the exemplary embodiment shown an accommodation 313 is provided at the base 316 of the frame structure 302 into which an outflow vessel 314, such as a bucket, can be placed. Thus the nursing staff can empty the bathtub 300 or the tub body 303 batchwise into the outflow vessel 314 so as to enable particularly back-friendly batchwise emptying of the bathtub 300.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0196] 1 bathtub [0197] 2 frame structure [0198] 3 tub body [0199] 4 bathing position [0200] 5 emptying position [0201] 6 inner surface [0202] 7 pivot device [0203] 8 push tube [0204] 9 suspension [0205] 10 suspension [0206] 11 motor device [0207] 12 longitudinal extension [0208] 13 transverse extension [0209] 14 pivot axle [0210] 15 angle [0211] 16 discharging device [0212] 17 blocking device [0213] 18 top region [0214] 19 cover device [0215] 20 interior [0216] 21 storage feature [0217] 22 lifting tube [0218] 23 GFRP [0219] 24 base [0220] 25 roller [0221] 26 crank [0222] 27 crank [0223] 28 tub bottom [0224] 29 tub edge [0225] 30 grip [0226] 31 plate [0227] 32 pivoting lever [0228] 33 spindle drive [0229] 34 bolt [0230] 35 floor drain [0231] 36 drainpipe [0232] 37 suction cup [0233] 38 bottom face [0234] 39 foot [0235] 40 holder [0236] 41 draining height [0237] 42 tub insert [0238] 43 tub reduction [0239] 44 setting screw [0240] 45 roller [0241] 46 pad [0242] 47 biasing device [0243] 48 height adjusting device [0244] 49 pumping system [0245] 50 stand [0246] 51 fastener [0247] 52 grip arrangement [0248] 53 gas pressure spring [0249] 54 hydraulic cylinder [0250] 55 suction cup [0251] 56 release lever [0252] 57 supporting arm [0253] 58 locking device [0254] 59 brake [0255] 60 brake lever [0256] 200 baby bathtub and/or infant bathtub [0257] 300 bathtub [0258] 302 frame structure [0259] 303 tub body [0260] 304 bottom [0261] 305 drainage device [0262] 306 tube [0263] 307 drain hole [0264] 308 lower end [0265] 309 quick release [0266] 310 hose device [0267] 311 holding device [0268] 312 outside surface [0269] 313 accommodation [0270] 314 outflow vessel [0271] 315 lifting tube [0272] 316 base [0273] 400 sink/wash basin