WALK IN BATH

Abstract

A walk in bath includes a shell, a hinge, and a door. The shell defines a bathing area. The shell includes a floor, a front side wall, a rear side wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a seat. The front side wall has an opening therein. The seat is above the floor and extends from one of the left side wall or the right side wall. The seat includes a seating surface. The hinge is coupled to the front side wall. The door is coupled to the hinge such that the hinge rotatably couples the door to the front side wall. The door is moveable relative to the shell between a closed position, in which the door engages the opening in the front side wall, and an open position, in which the door allows ingress into and egress from the bathing area through the opening.

Claims

1. A walk in bath comprising: a shell defining a bathing area, the shell comprising: a floor, a front side wall having an opening therein, a rear side wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a seat being above the floor and extending from one of the left side wall or the right side wall, the seat comprising a seating surface; a hinge coupled to the front side wall; and a door coupled to the hinge such that the hinge rotatably couples the door to the front side wall, the door moveable relative to the shell between a closed position, in which the door engages the opening in the front side wall, and an open position, in which the door allows ingress into and egress from the bathing area through the opening, the hinge configured to facilitate rotation of the door inward into the shell when moving from the closed position to the open position.

2. The walk in bath of claim 1, wherein: the seat further comprises a drainage channel comprising: a side portion extending between and below the seating surface and the associated side wall thereby separating the seating surface from the one of the left side wall or the right side wall, a front portion extending between and below the front side wall and the seating surface thereby separating the front side wall from the seating surface, and a rear portion extending between and below the rear side wall and the seating surface thereby separating the rear side wall from the seating surface; and the drainage channel is lower than the seating surface to channel water.

3. The walk in bath of claim 2, wherein each of the front portion and the rear portion slope downwardly moving away from the side portion.

4. The walk in bath of claim 3, wherein the side portion slopes downwardly moving away from one of the front portion or the rear portion.

5. The walk in bath of claim 3, wherein: the side portion comprises a central portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion; the side portion slopes downwardly from the central portion moving towards the front portion; and the side portion slopes downwardly from the central portion moving towards the rear portion.

6. The walk in bath of claim 1, further comprising a heating element that is configured to selectively heat the from the one of the left side wall or the right side wall independently of water in the walk in bath.

7. The walk in bath of claim 6, wherein: the shell further comprises a deck at a top of the front side wall, a top of the rear side wall, a top of the left side wall, and a top of the right side wall, the deck being above the seat; and the heating element is further configured to selectively heat a head portion of the deck and a neck portion of the deck that are adjacent to the one of the left side wall or the right side wall.

8. The walk in bath of claim 1, wherein: the door comprises: a hinge side disposed along a first plane for a first length, and a handle side disposed along a second plane for the first length, the second plane being parallel to the first plane; and the hinge is coupled to the hinge side.

9. The walk in bath of claim 1, further comprising a seal member located between the front side wall and the door when the door is in the closed position, the seal member comprising: a first end; a second end; an intermediate hollow section extending between the first end and the second end, the intermediate hollow section closed by the first end and closed by the second end; and a finger extending from at least one of the first end or the second end; wherein the door comprises a door opening; and wherein the finger is configured to be received within the door opening to couple the seal member to the door.

10. The walk in bath of claim 9, wherein the seating surface slopes downwardly from a front edge of the seat towards a rear edge of the seat opposite the front edge and contiguous with the one of the left side wall or the right side wall.

11. The walk in bath of claim 9, wherein the seat further comprises a drainage channel comprising: a front portion disposed between the seating surface and the front side wall, the front portion sloping downwardly moving away from the one of the left side wall or the right side wall; and a rear portion disposed between the seating surface and the rear side wall, the rear portion sloping downwardly moving away from the one of the left side wall or the right side wall.

12. The walk in bath of claim 1, further comprising a handle rotatably coupled to the front side wall, the handle movable relative to the front side wall between a first position, in which the handle does not extend across the door, and a second position, in which the handle extends across the door when the door is in the closed position.

13. The walk in bath of claim 12, further comprising a seal member located between the front side wall and the door when the door is in the closed position, the seal member comprising: a first end; a second end; an intermediate hollow section extending between the first end and the second end, the intermediate hollow section closed by the first end and closed by the second end; and a finger extending from at least one of the first end or the second end; wherein the door comprises a door opening; and wherein the finger is configured to be received within the door opening to couple the seal member to the door.

14. The walk in bath of claim 13, wherein the handle, the seal member, the door, and the front side wall are configured such that movement of the handle to the second position compresses the seal member between the front side wall and the door.

15. The walk in bath of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises: a first portion contiguous with an inner surface of the front side wall, the first portion having a first width, and a second portion contiguous with an outer surface of the front side wall, the second portion having a second width, the second width being less than the first width.

16. The walk in bath of claim 15, further comprising a handle rotatably coupled to the inner surface, the handle movable relative to the front side wall between a first position, in which the handle does not extend across the door, and a second position, in which the handle extends across the door when the door is in the closed position.

17. The walk in bath of claim 16, wherein the handle extends away from the one of the left side wall or the right side wall when the handle is in the second position.

18. The walk in bath of claim 17, further comprising a seal member located between the front side wall and the door when the door is in the closed position, the seal member comprising: a first end; a second end; an intermediate hollow section extending between the first end and the second end, the intermediate hollow section closed by the first end and closed by the second end; and a finger extending from at least one of the first end or the second end; wherein the door comprises a door opening; and wherein the finger is configured to be received within the door opening to couple the seal member to the door; wherein the handle, the seal member, the door, and the front side wall are configured such that movement of the handle to the second position compresses the seal member between the front side wall and the door.

19. The walk in bath of claim 1, wherein: the shell further comprises a deck at a top of the front side wall, a top of the rear side wall, a top of the left side wall, and a top of the right side wall, the deck being above the seat; and a top of the deck and a top of the door are coplanar when the door is in the closed position.

20. The walk in bath of claim 1, wherein: the shell further comprises a deck at a top of the front side wall, a top of the rear side wall, a top of the left side wall, and a top of the right side wall, the deck being above the seat; and the door does not overlap the deck when the door is in the closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a walk in bath according to at least one embodiment of this application.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a top view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 7 is another side view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with the cutting plane taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with the cutting plane taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5.

[0029] FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with the cutting plane taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 5.

[0030] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with removable access panels shown removed for clarity.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 11.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a handle for the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with the handle in a closed position, according to at least one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the handle, door, and shell shown in FIG. 13, with the cutting plane taken along line 13A-13A therein.

[0034] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the handle and walk in bath shown in FIG. 13, with the handle in an open position.

[0035] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the walk in bath shown in FIG. 1, with the door in an open position to allow ingress into and egress from the bath.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective cutaway view of the bath with a door assembly in the open position and having a hinge and a seal member, according to at least one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the door and sealing member shown in FIG. 16.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member shown in FIG. 17, with the cutting plane taken along line 18-18 therein.

[0039] FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view of the sealing member shown in FIG. 17, with the cutting plane taken along line 19-19 therein.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a detail view of an end of the sealing member coupled to the door shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed in this application are walk in baths that include a door that is moveable to advantageously improve the ingress into and egress from the bathing area of the bath. Walk in baths make the process of bathing easier and safer, in particular, for elderly and disabled persons. By providing a door that opens and closes, a person does not have to climb over a side of the tub, which can be challenging and unsafe for elderly and disabled individuals, but rather the person is able to enter and exit through the door opening. The baths described in this application include a wide door and a low step to improve entry/exit. Although the door improves safety and ease of entry/exiting, the door also presents some potential problems. One such problem is maintaining an effective water-tight seal between the door and the shell of the bath to prohibit leaking of water during use of the bath. Another such problem is durability of the door, a door handle if provided, and a door hinge if provided, since these elements may be subjected to increase loading, as elderly/disabled persons may rely on them to carry or withstand more load in supporting the person while entering/exiting the bath. Additional handles in the bath, such as for supporting a user of the bath, also face similar potential problems. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that this application discloses walk in baths that overcome these potential problems and others.

[0042] FIGS. 1-19 illustrate at least one embodiment of a walk in bath 100 that is configured to facilitate bathing therein. As shown in FIG. 1, the bath 100 includes a shell 101 and a door assembly 102 having a door 120. The shell 101 is configured to define a bathing area 103 as well as provide elegant aesthetics to the bath. The door assembly 102 includes a door 120 that is rotatable relative to the shell 101 between a closed position, which seals the bathing area 103 for holding water therein, and a full open position, which allows a maximum amount of ingress/egress for a user of the bath 100.

[0043] The shell 101 includes one or more walls/panels that define the bathing area 103, either alone or in part with another element (e.g., door), as well as the exterior aesthetics. For example, the shell may include a floor, a front side wall, a rear side wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a seat, and a deck. As shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the shell 101 includes a front wall having a front outer wall 110 and a front inner wall 111, a rear wall 112, two opposing side walls 113, a floor 114, a seat 115, and a deck 116. The front inner wall 111, the rear wall 112, the two opposing side walls 113, the floor 114, and the seat 115 generally form the bathing area 103. The deck 116 is configured to provide for mounting of a faucet and/or a shower, as discussed below in more detail. The elements (e.g., walls, floor, seat, deck, etc.) of the shell 101 may be integrally formed as a unitary single part or may be formed as several separable parts that are coupled together. The elements of the shell 101 may be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, vitreous, cast (e.g., iron), polymers, composites, or any combination of materials.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 15, the shell 101 includes an opening 117 that is configured to receive the door in the closed position. For example, the opening 117 may extend through the front outer wall 110 and the front inner wall 111, such as to receive the door 120 in a closed position. Below the opening 117 in the front wall (e.g., the front outer wall 110, the front inner wall 111) is a step 118 (see FIGS. 3 and 15). Advantageously, the step 118 has a relatively low height to provide easier ingress into and egress from the bathing area 103, which is particularly advantageous for elderly and disabled persons. A height of the step, according to at least one embodiment, is not more than 3 inches. Also, this step may coincide with the floor, that is, the floor may be generally level with the step height. By positioning all of the drainage below the floor of the room that the bath 100 is to be installed in, the floor 114 of the shell 101 may be lowered relative to the floor of the room as well as the step 118. This reduction in height of the step 118 and/or the floor 114 improves access to and from the bathing area 103.

[0045] The seat 115 is configured to support a user during bathing in the bath 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the seat 115 is located below the deck 116 and above the floor 114. The seat 115 extends from one of the side walls 113 (e.g., the left side wall, the right side wall). As shown, the seat 115 includes a seating surface 150 and a drainage channel 151. The seating surface 150 supports a user and, according to at least one embodiment, slopes downwardly moving from a front 152 of the seat 115 toward a rear 153 of the seat 115 proximate the associated side wall 113 (e.g., the left side wall, the right side wall). Thus, the seating surface 150 slopes down from front to back (see FIG. 8), such that water on the seat surface drains toward the side wall 113 to which the seat 115 extends from. The seating surface 150 may be flat, curved, convex, a combination thereof, or have any suitable shape that slopes from front to back. A compliant seat may be coupled to the seating surface 150. For example, the seat may be made from a material that is relatively water proof/resilient and compliant (e.g., compressible, deformable, etc.) to provide a cushioned seating surface.

[0046] The drainage channel 151 of the seat 115 is configured to carry water from the seat 105 to the floor 114 to improve draining of water from the bath 100. As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 9, the drainage channel extends between the shell 101 and the seating surface 150 to catch water running off of the seating surface 150 and/or the shell 101. According to at least one embodiment, the drainage channel 151 includes a side portion 154 extending between the seating surface 150 and the associated side wall 113 (e.g., the left side wall, right side wall), a front portion 155 extending between the front wall (e.g., the front inner wall 111) and the seating surface 150, and a rear portion 156 extending between the rear wall 112 and the seating surface 150. The drainage channel 151 may be configured to direct water toward the floor 114 (e.g., the drain therein). For example, each portion 154, 155, 156 the drainage channel 151 may be lower than the seating surface 150, such that water flows toward the portions under the influence of gravity. One or more of the portions (e.g., the side portion 154, the front portion 155, the rear portion 156) may be sloped to direct the flow of water under the influence of gravity. For example, the front portion 155 and/or the rear portion 156 may be sloped downwardly moving away from the side portion 154 (e.g., moving from the rear 153 to the front 152 of the seat 115) to channel water away from the seat 115 and toward the floor 114 under the influence of gravity. Also for example, the side portion 154 may be downwardly sloped from a center toward ends, where each end is fluidly connected to one of the front and rear portions 155, 156. Each portion 154, 155, 156 of the drainage channel 151 is configured as a recess (e.g., channel, groove, etc.) and may have any suitable shape (e.g., semi-circular, U-shaped, concave, arcuate, etc.) that carries the water.

[0047] The deck 116 may provide an upper surface of the bath 100, such as to support objects for bathing (e.g., towels, soap, bottles, etc.) or other components/elements of the bath 100. For example, the deck 116 may be configured to support a faucet and/or a showerhead. As shown in FIG. 1, the deck 116 includes one or more holes 116a that facilitate coupling of a faucet, a showerhead, and/or controls (e.g., handles) for controlling the faucet and/or the showerhead (discussed below).

[0048] The floor 114 is configured to support a user of the bath and includes a drain 114a that is configured to be fluidly coupled to a drain pipe to remove water from the bath 100. The drain 114a may be located on a side of the bath 100 that is opposite the seat 115 and proximate the door (see FIG. 5). As mentioned above, the drain pipe of this bath may advantageously be located below the floor (e.g., all of the drainage may be below the floor) of the room that the bath 100 is to be installed in, such as to lower the height of the step 118 to improve access to and from the bathing area 103.

[0049] The door 120 of the door assembly 102 is moveable relative to the shell 101 (e.g., the front wall) between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 15). The door 120 engages the opening 117 in the shell 101 in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 15. In the open position, the door 120 allows ingress into and egress from the bathing area 103 through the opening 117. The door 120 may be solid or the door 120 may be hollow (e.g., to reduce the weight of the door). As shown best in FIGS. 5 and 14, the door 120 includes a base 121, which is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) to complement the opening 117 in the shell 101, and a flange 122, which is extends outwardly from the base 121. The flange 122 may extend outwardly from the base 121 along a handle side 123, a hinge side 124, and/or a bottom side 125 (e.g., an underside) of the door 120 (see FIGS. 5 and 17). The flange 122 may be used to secure the door 120 in place in the closed position and/or may advantageously improve the sealing between the door 120 and the shell 101. The flange 122 may be received in a pocket 119 of the shell 101 to provide a secure fit in the closed position. The door 120, such as, for example, when hollow may include a hole (e.g., weep hole, vent hole, etc.) in the door 120. By way of example, a vent hole may located in the door 120, such as above the water fill line, to vent air/gas to aid manufacturing of the hollow door 120. The hole 120a used for receiving the finger 127a can be a weep/vent hole, or a separate hole 120b can be provided to act as a weep/vent hole (see FIG. 20).

[0050] The flange 122 of the door 120 may be received in a pocket 119 of the shell 101. As shown in FIG. 14, the pocket 119 is shaped as a recess (e.g., channel, cutout, notch, etc.) that extends into the front inner wall 111 behind an edge 110a of the front outer wall 110. The pocket 119 receives the flange 122 when the door 120 is closed and the edge 110a of the front outer wall 110 acts as a travel stop to the flange 122. An inner surface of the edge 110a may be contacted by an outer surface of the flange 122 in the closed position of the door 120. A handle (e.g., the handle 135) may be used to secure the door in place in the closed position, as discussed below in more detail.

[0051] A flexible, impermeable seal (e.g., seal member) may be located between the shell 101 and the door 120 to seal a gap therebetween in the closed position of the door 120 to prohibit water from leaking from the bathing area 103 between the door 120 and the shell 101. As shown best in FIGS. 16 and 17, a seal 126 is coupled to the door 120 and is configured to seal between the door 120 and the shell 101 in the closed position of the door 120. The seal 126 may be configured to extend along the handle side 123, the hinge side 124, and/or the bottom side 125 of the door 120. For example, the seal 126 may be configured to extend in a non-interrupted manner (e.g., continuously, without being separated, etc.) along the handle side 123, the hinge side 124, and the bottom side 125 of the door 120. As shown in FIG. 17, the seal 126 generally has a U-shape or C-shape. The seal 126 may be made from any suitable material that is flexible and generally water resistant/repellant to provide a good seal between the shell and the door.

[0052] As shown, the seal 126 comprises a first end 127, a second end 128, and an intermediate section 129 extending between the first and second ends 127, 128. As shown in FIG. 19, the intermediate section 129 is hollow (e.g., having an open center surrounded by a closed wall). Although the intermediate section 129 is shown in FIG. 19 as having an annular shape, the seal 126 is flexible and can be manipulated (e.g., compressed, moved) into other shapes. For example, the intermediate section 129 may be collapsed (e.g., similar to the shape of the ends) when the door 120 is closed due to being compressed between the door 120 and the shell 101. As shown in FIG. 18, each of the first and second ends 127, 128 is closed to prevent water from entering into the hollow intermediate section 129 of the seal 126 through the ends 127, 128. Providing a closed seal 126 (e.g., having closed ends) advantageously prohibits water from getting inside the seal 126. Water inside the seal can lead to cleanliness issues, such as mold or bacteria growth, which is difficult to clean due to the location. Thus, the closed seal 126 advantageously prohibits such internal cleanliness issues.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, the seal 126 is directly coupled to the door 120 so that the seal 126 moves with the door 120 relative to the shell 101 between the open and closed positions. For example, each of the first and second ends 127, 128 of the seal 126 may include a coupling feature, such as a finger 127a (e.g., snap, tab, etc.), that engages an opening in the door 120 (shown as the hole 120a in FIG. 20) to couple the associated end of the seal 126 directly to the door 120. Each finger may be configured to secure to the door, such as by way of a snap, detent, or other suitable fastener. According to one or more other embodiments, the seal may be directly coupled to the shell 101, such as to a wall of the shell 101. For example, the seal may be coupled directly to an inner facing side of the front outer wall 110 so that the seal is located in the pocket 119 of the shell 101.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a hinge 130 rotatably couples the door 120 to the shell 101. The hinge 130 may be part of the door assembly 102 and/or the shell 101. For example, a first part 131 of the hinge 130 may be directly coupled to the door 120, while a second part 132 of the hinge 130 may be directly coupled to the shell 101. The first and second parts 131, 132 of the hinge 130 may be rotatable relative to one another about one or more pivots (e.g., pivot pins). As shown, the first part 131 of the hinge 130 is coupled to the hinge side 124 of the door 120 and the second part 132 is coupled to a portion of the front wall of the shell 101 that is located adjacent to the hinge side 124.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the walk in bath 100 includes a handle 135 that is configured to lock the door in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 8, the handle 135 is rotatable between a non-locking position (shown using dashed lines), in which the door 120 is freely rotatable between the open and closed positions, and a locking position (shown using solid lines), in which the door 120 in the closed position is retained in the closed position by the handle 135. The handle 135 is rotatably mounted to the shell 101, such as the front wall thereof, so that the handle 135 is free to rotate relative to the shell 101 between the locking and non-locking positions.

[0056] The handle 135 may include a pivot member 136, which defines an axis that the handle 135 rotates about, and an arm 137 extending away from the pivot member 136. The pivot member 136 and the arm 137 may be unitary (e.g., one-piece integrally formed) or may be separate components. If separate, the pivot member 136 can be part of the handle 135 or part of the shell 101. A fastener may be used to couple the arm 137 and the pivot member 136 together and/or to the shell 101. The arm 137 can be grasped/held by a person rotating the handle 135. The pivot member 136 is pivotally coupled to the shell 101 through a mating pivot member, such as a pivot pin 138 that is coupled to the shell 101. For example, the pivot member 136 of the handle 135 may rotate around the pivot pin 138.

[0057] In the locking position, a portion of the handle 135 engages a portion of the door 120 in the closed position to retain the door 120 in the closed position. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the arm 137 includes a base surface 137a that faces toward the inside of the front wall and the inside of the door 120. The arm 137 may include a projection 137b that extends inwardly toward the door 120 from the base surface 137a (e.g., the projection 137b may extend proud of the base surface 137a). The projection 137b is offset from the pivot member 136 in a radial direction from the axis of rotation of the handle 135. The projection 137b is configured to engage (e.g., contact) a portion of the door 120 in the locking position. According to one or more embodiments, the projection 137b has a shape that removes clearances in the system (e.g. between the door 120, the handle 135, and/or the shell 101) upon rotation toward the locking position to provide a water tight fit. For example, the shape of the projection 137b may be a ramp, a cam, semi-spherical, or another suitable shape that removes clearances. The projection 137b may be relatively rigid, such as for the ramp shape; or the projection 137b may be relatively compliant, such as for the semi-spherical shape to provide a locking force (e.g., spring force due to compression) that retains the handle 135 in the locking position.

[0058] The projection 137b of the handle 135 may be configured to engage a mating projection 121a in the base 121 of the door 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A and 14). The projecting 121a may extend inwardly from the inside surface of the base 121 of the door 120. In this way, the projection 137b of the handle 135 may only contact the projection 121a of the door 120 during rotation to prevent the projection 137b from rubbing along other parts of door during rotation. The projection 121a of the door 120 may be made out of a different material than the door 120, such as to improve the durability of the door and/or reduce markings (e.g., scuffs, scratches, etc.) from having the handle 135 rotate across the projection 121a.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the handle 135 is made from a composite material that includes an external aesthetic material disposed over an inner structural material. By way example, the inner structural material may include a glass filled nylon (e.g., GFN.sub.3) and the external aesthetic material may include a polymer (e.g., polypropylene). The external material may be overmolded onto the inner material, such as by a molding process (e.g., injection molding). This handle arrangement advantageously provides an improved strength that is capable of withstanding 250 lbs. or more of force applied directly to the handle 135.

[0060] The walk in bath 100 may include a wave washer 140 located between the handle 135 and the shell 101 to help remove clearance therebetween. According to one or more embodiments, the wave washer 140 is disposed between the pivot member 136 and the shell 101 to bias the handle 135 away from the shell 101. According to one or more other embodiments, the wave washer 140 surrounds the pivot member 136 and biases the handle 135 away from the shell 101. The wave washer can impart the biasing force directly into the pivot member 136 or the arm 137.

[0061] The bath 100 may include a heater (e.g., heating element) for heating a portion of the shell 101 independently of the water in the bath. As shown in FIG. 8, the bath 100 includes an electric heater 142 that heats a back portion 113a and a neck portion 113b of the side wall 113, which are located above the seat 105. The heater 142 may be located adjacent the back portion 113a, as shown, to directly heat the back portion 113a and/or the neck portion 113b. As noted, the heater 142 heats the portions of the shell independently of the water in the bath. The heater 142 may be configured to convert electric power from an electric power source into heat for heating the portions of the bath 100. A controller may be provided to control the heater 142, such as, for example, by allowing a user of the bath to adjust (e.g., increase, decrease) a temperature setting for the heater 142 and to turn on/off the heater 142. The heater 142 advantageously may heat the various locations before, during, and after each bath.

[0062] The heater 142 may be configured to heat the seat 105 as well. For example, the heater 142 may heat the seating surface 150 of the seat 105. The controller may allow for adjustment of the heating of the seat 105, the back portion 113a and the neck portion 113b independently of one another or together (e.g., dependently as a single system).

[0063] The bath 100 may include one or more jets 144 that are configured to spray (e.g., discharge) water into the bathing area 103. For example, one or more jets 144 may be located in the back portion 113a of the side wall 113 to massage a user's back when seated on the seat 105 of the bath 100. Also for example, one or more jets 144 may be located in the wall beneath the seat 105 to massage a user's legs when seated on the seat 105. The jets 144 are advantageously positioned to provide hydrotherapy along certain stress points along the legs (e.g., thighs, feet, etc.) and back. Also for example, one or more jets 144 may be located on the side wall 133 opposite the seat 105, the front wall, and/or the rear wall 112 in order to direct spray toward the user in the bath 100. One or more pumps or other suitable devices may be used to generate the water pressure for spraying water from the pumps. The jets 144 and one or more pumps for the jets 144 may be controlled by the controller.

[0064] The bath 100 may include a recirculation system for recirculating the water in the bath. For example, the recirculation system may include a water intake/outlet 146 and one or more than one pump 147. Water can be taken in and/or directed out of each intake/outlet 146 by fluid pressure created by each pump 147. A filtering system may optionally be employed to filter the water, which may operate in concert with the pump 147.

[0065] The bath 100 may include a faucet, a shower, and/or other suitable water discharging device. For example, a bath tap (e.g., faucet) may be mounted to the deck 116 via one or more of the mounting holes 116a therein. Also for example, a shower (e.g., a hand held sprayer) may be mounted to the deck 116 via one or more of the mounting holes 116a therein. The faucet, the shower, and/or other suitable water discharging devices may be controlled by local controllers associated with the faucet, shower, or other device, and/or may be controlled by a central controller that controls other operations of the bath 100 (e.g., the jets, heater, etc.).

[0066] The bath 100 includes a controller for controlling one or more of the functions (e.g., operations) of the bath features. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 160 is located in a recessed area adjacent to the deck 116 and the rear wall 112. The controller 160 is configured to control the operation of the one or more jets 144, the heater 142, and/or other elements/components of the bath 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 160 includes a central touchpad 161, a left side button 162 and a right side button 163. Each of the left and right side buttons 162, 163 are configured to control some of the jets 144. For example, the left side button 162 may control (e.g., turn on/off, velocity of discharge, etc.) the jets 144 located in the left side of the bath 100, while the right side button 163 may control the jets 144 located on the right side of the bath 100. The central touchpad 161 may be configured to control the heater 142, such as location of heating (e.g., back, neck, etc.) and temperature setting.

[0067] The bath 100 may include additional handles that are separate from the handle 135 for the door 120. As shown in FIG. 12, a hand bar 165 is provided to support a user during ingress into, egress from, and moving within the bath 100. The hand bar 165 is configured to extend into the bathing area 103 from the inner side of the rear wall 112 of the shell 101 at a location that is approximately opposite the door 120. As shown, the hand bar 165 has an arcuate shape with two ends coupled to the rear wall 112. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a hand rail 166 is integrated into a front facing side of the front outer wall 110, and the hand rail 166 includes a lip 167 and a channel 168 located beneath the lip 167. The channel 168 is sized to receive a person's hand, such as their fingers as the person's palm is supported by the lip 167 and/or the deck 116. The deck 116 and an upper portion of the front side wall may define the lip 167 and/or the channel 168 extending into the front side wall from the front facing surface toward a rear facing surface. According to one or more embodiments, the hand bar 165 and the hand rail 166 are spaced apart by a user distance, which advantageously allows the user to grasp both the hand bar 165 and the hand rail 166 at the same time improving ingress/egress. According to one example, the user distance is less than about 4 (four feet), which accommodates the vast majority of people. According to another example, the user distance is less than about 3 (three feet). The hand bar 165 can also be located a distance from the user in the seated position that advantageously allows the user to grasp the hand bar 165 when seated. According to another example, the distance from the hand bar 165 to a seated user can be less than about 27 (twenty seven inches) and the distance from the hand bar 165 to a user outside the door 120 of the bath 100 can be than about 22 (twenty two inches). Depending on the sitting position of the user, the distance from the seated user to the hand bar 165 can be less than about 2 (two feet). The hand bar 165 may be located adjacent to a handle side 123 of the door 120 in the open position; and a portion of the channel 168 of the hand rail 166 may be located adjacent to the door 120 in the closed position.

[0068] The bath 100 may include a frame 170 for support other elements (e.g., the shell 101, electronics, pumps, etc.) of the bath 100. The frame 170 includes a plurality of members. As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 11, a first set of members 171 are provided for supporting the seat 105, the heater 142 (if provided), the pump 147, as well as some of the plumbing components for water distribution. As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4, a second set of members 172 are provided for supporting the bath 100 at the side wall 113 opposite the seat 105. Cross members 173 may be configured to interconnect the first and second sets of members 171, 172. Additional members may be provided to support the bath 100.

[0069] The shell 101 may include one or more access panels that are selectively removable (e.g., detachable) to gain access to one or more spaces housing elements/components of the bath 100. As shown in FIG. 11, the shell 101 includes a left access panel 175, which is removable from a left side of the front wall to gain access to the components of the bath 100 adjacent to (e.g., underneath) the seat 105, and a right access panel 176, which is removable from a right side of the front wall to gain access to the components of the bath 100 adjacent to the side wall 113 opposite the seat 105 side.

[0070] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0071] The terms coupled, connected, and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0072] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below, etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0073] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the walk in baths, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

[0074] Additionally, the word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., shell, door, handle, heater, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.