Patent Application
20200340228
The present teachings may generally relate to a bathing system to incorporate a shower into an existing bathroom sharing drainage pipes and water sources with the existing bathroom provisions. The bathing system may be foldable and may utilize the waste opening of the toilet as its drain.
In many instances, finding enough space in a half bath (e.g. bathroom with a toilet but no provision for shower/bathtub) to put a shower in may be very challenging. Additionally, it may be very difficult to add a shower because of the great financial costs associated with plumbing an additional drain and the water lines required for use. Further, adding a shower drain may be impossible in some cases due to the location of the bathroom causing an inability to add an adequate drainage pipe.
It would be beneficial to have a bathing system which can be incorporated into a bathroom having limited space. It would be beneficial to have a bathing system which can be retrofit into an existing bathroom where space is limited. It would be beneficial to have a bathing system which utilizes the existing plumbing without the need to add additional drainage.
The present teachings provide a bathing system which may be easily placed into an existing bathroom without the need to plumb a new drain, reducing the costs and amount of time required to add a shower into an existing bathroom. The teachings herein provide for a convertible bathing system which can be easily installed and requires limited knowledge of bathroom fixtures and plumbing. The teachings provide for a system which does not need much space inside the bathroom, where the system can be stored over the toilet after use or when use of the toilet is needed.
The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs by providing: A convertible bathing system adapted to be used with a toilet including: a) a bathing plate with a drain hole and a handle; and b) a folding frame with one or more fixed legs connected to one or more folding legs by one or more crossmembers connected to the bathing plate; wherein the convertible bathing system has a vertical storage position and a horizontal bathing position, in the vertical storage position the bathing plate is folded above a tank of the toilet out of the way of the toilet, and in the horizontal bathing position the bathing plate is disposed over a waste opening of the toilet, aligning the drain hole with the waste opening; wherein the one or more crossmembers in the vertical position cause the one or more folding legs to fold into a parallel relationship with the one or more crossmembers, and in the horizontal position, the one or more folding legs are folded down into a perpendicular relationship with the one or more crossmembers.
Another possible embodiment of the present teachings comprises: A bathing system for use with a toilet comprising: a) a bathing plate with a drain hole attached to a foldable frame; and b) a foldable arm with a shower head; wherein the foldable shower system has a storage position and a bathing position, in the storage position, the bathing plate is folded above a tank of the toilet and, in the bathing position, the bathing plate is disposed over a waste opening of the toilet, aligning the drain hole with the waste opening; wherein the foldable arm is mounted above the toilet such that in the storage position, the foldable arm is folded down towards the toilet and in the bathing position, the foldable arm is folded outwards so that the arm is parallel to the bathing plate, directing the shower head at the bathing plate.
The present teachings relate to a bathing system to incorporate a shower into an existing bathroom so that no additional drainage pipes may be required. The shower system may utilize the waste opening on the toilet as its drain pipe.
The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.
The present teachings generally relate to a retrofit bathing system to incorporate a foldable bathing plate and shower head into an existing bathroom so that no additional drainage pipes may be required. The bathing system may utilize the waste opening on the toilet as its drain pipe. The bathing system is foldable so that when the shower is not in use, the bathing plate may be folded above the toilet tank and out of the way so that the toilet may be used normally.
The bathing system may be a bathing means. The bathing system may function to provide a bathing solution in a bathroom with limited space. The bathing system may function to utilize the existing fixtures of the bathroom (e.g. the toilet as a drain, the sink as a source of water) to provide a bathing means. The bathing system may be a retrofit into an existing bathroom. The bathing system may be designed into a bathroom. The bathing system may be convertible between a bathing position and a storage position. The bathing system may include a bathing plate, a foldable frame, a foldable shower head, or a combination thereof.
The convertible bathing system may include a bathing plate. The bathing plate may function to provide a standing surface for a user. The bathing plate may be any size and any shape to provide a standing surface for a user. The bathing plate may be a basin, a pan, a plate, or a combination thereof. The bathing plate may be generally planar. The bathing plate may be connected to the frame. The bathing plate may include a water drainage means. The water drainage means may be a hole, a gutter, a duct, or a combination thereof. The bathing plate may include a handle. The handle may be any suitable means that may allow a user to grip the bathing plate. The handle may be a protruding handle, a recessed handle, a grip, or a combination thereof. The bathing plate may be formed with a lip. The lip may be a raised edge along the perimeter of the bathing plate. The lip may function to retain water on the plate. The lip may direct water towards the drainage means. The bathing plate may be made of a material that is strong, durable, and water resistant. The bathing plate may include a non-slip surface. The bathing plate may be shaped to direct water toward the drainage means. For example, when the bathing system is in the bathing position, the bathing plate may be disposed above the seating portion of the toilet. When the bathing system is in the storage position, the bathing plate may be placed vertically above the toilet tank. The bathing plate may be connected to one or more folding guard rails, a foldable frame, or a combination thereof.
The bathing plate may be connected to one or more folding guard rails. The folding guard rails may function to keep a user from falling over while using the bathing system. The bathing plate may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or even four or more folding guard rails. The bathing plate may include eight or less, seven or less, six or less, five or less, or even four or less folding guard rails. For example, the bathing plate may include two or more folding guard rails. In another example, the bathing plate may include three or more folding guard rails. Each one of the three or more guard rails may be disposed on a side of the bathing plate. The guard rails may be located on three sides of the bathing plate which are not facing the tank of the toilet. The folding guard rails may fold down (parallel to the bathing plate) for storage when the bathing system is moved into the storage position. A first and a second folding guard rails may be unfolded in the bathing position by pulling up on them, placing the first and the second guard rails perpendicular to the bathing plate. A third guard rail may be connected to the first guard rail in a swinging connection and may be removably connected to the second guard rail by a latching mechanism. In the bathing position, the third guard rail may act as a door so that a user can access the bathing plate. The third guard rail may be swung shut and may provide a guard rail on the third of the side of the bathing plate between the first guard rail and the second guard rail. The fourth side may be free from a guard rail because the toilet tank may serve as a sort or barrier that may prevent a user from falling. It is contemplated that a fourth guard rail may be included. The fourth guard rail may be connected to the second guard rail in a swinging connection, opposite the third guard rail, and may be removably connected to the first guard rail by a latching mechanism. In another example, the folding guards may be fixed on the three, less or more attached walls surrounding the convertible bathing system. ie: The three guards less or more can be fixed on the wall behind the bathing system and on the bathing system, where the user can hold it when bathing.
The bathing plate may be connected to the foldable frame. The foldable frame may function to support and secure the bathing plate. The foldable frame may support the bathing system. The foldable frame may assists in converting the bathing system from the storage position to the bathing position. The foldable frame may be made out of metal, plastic, a combination thereof or any suitable material which can support the bathing system and a user. For example, the foldable frame is made of a high strength material with superior corrosion resistance (e.g. stainless steel). In the storage position, the foldable frame may hold the bathing plate above the water tank of the toilet, perpendicular to the floor of the bathroom. In the bathing position, the foldable frame may support the bathing plate on top of the waste opening of the toilet, parallel to the floor. The folding frame may include one or more fixed legs, one or more folding legs, one or more crossmember, one or more connection arms, one or more mounting plates, or a combination thereof.
The foldable frame may include one or more fixed legs. The one or more fixed legs may function to provide support to the frame. The foldable frame may include one or more, two or more, or three or more fixed legs. The foldable frame may include eight or less, seven or less, six or less, five or less, or even four or less fixed legs. The fixed legs may be stationary. The one or more fixed legs may be connected to one or more crossmembers by a moveable connection. The moveable connection may be any connection that allows rotation about an axis to assist in converting the bathing system from position to position. The moveable connection may include a hinge, an attachment arm, or both that may be moveably connected to the crossmember and the one or more fixed leg. The attachment arm may be connected to the crossmember and to the fixed leg. The attachment arm may rotate about the connection on the crossmember and the connection on the fixed leg as the crossmember pivots about the hinge when bathing system converts from position to position. The fixed legs may anchor the crossmembers.
The foldable frame may include one or more folding legs. The folding legs may function to support the bathing system in the bathing position. The one or more folding legs may fold away when in the storage position. The foldable frame may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more folding legs. The foldable frame may include eight or less, seven or less, six or less, five or less, or even four or less folding legs. The folding legs may fold between the bathing position and the storage position. The one or more folding legs may connect to the one or more crossmembers in a moveable connection. The moveable connection may be any connection that allows rotation about an axis to assist converting the bathing system from position to position. The moveable connection may include a hinge, an attachment arm, or both that may be moveably connected to the crossmember and the folding leg. The attachment arm may be connected to the crossmember and to the folding leg. The attachment arm may rotate about the connection on the crossmember and the connection on the folding leg as the crossmember pivots about the hinge when bathing system is converted from position to position. The folding legs may provide support for the bathing system when the bathing system is in the bathing position.
The foldable frame may include one or more crossmembers. The one or more crossmembers may function to carry the bathing plate. The one or more crossmembers may connect the fixed legs and the folding legs together. The foldable frame may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more crossmembers. The foldable frame may include eight or less, seven or less, six or less, five or less, or even four or less crossmembers. The one or more crossmembers may include a track. The track may connect with the bathing plate so that the bathing plate can slide between a first position and a second position to assist in converting between the storage position and the bathing position. Each crossmember may be in a moveable connection with a fixed leg and a folding leg.
The foldable frame may include one or more mounting plates. The mounting plates may function to secure the foldable frame to a sturdy bathroom structure (e.g. a floor, a wall, or the like). The foldable frame may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more mounting plates. The foldable frame may include eight or less, seven or less, six or less, five or less, or even four or less mounting plates. The mounting plates may connect to the foldable frame by one or more attachment arms. The attachment arms may connect the one or more fixed legs to the one or more mounting plates. The mounting plates may be generally parallel to the one or more fixed legs. The attachment arms may be perpendicular to the one or more mounting plates and the one or more fixed legs. The one or more mounting plates may secure the foldable frame when converting between the storage position and the bathing position.
The foldable frame may convert between the bathing position and the storage position. The bathing position may function to allow a user to take a shower. The storage position may function to store the bathing system when it is not in use. In the bathing position, the cross members may be perpendicular to the fixed legs and the folding legs, and may be parallel to the bathroom floor. For example, when in the storage position, the one or more crossmembers may be folded up about the moveable connection with the one or more fixed legs, making the crossmembers perpendicular to the floor. In another example, when the one or more crossmembers are folded up, the one or more folding legs may be subsequently folded about the moveable connection with the one or more crossmembers, causing the one or more folding legs to fold parallel to the one or more crossmembers. In the bathing position, the frame may hold the bathing plate above the waste opening of the toilet so that the drainage means of the bathing plate drains into the toilet bowl. To assist in converting the bathing plate from the bathing position to the storage position, or vice versa, the bathing plate may slide along a track located on the one or more cross members. For example, the bathing plate may be slide away from the toilet tank, misaligning the drainage means from the waste opening of the toilet. The bathing plate along with the foldable frame may then be swung upwards towards the toilet tank. Because the bathing plate may be slid forward on the foldable frame, the crossmembers of the foldable frame may be able to pass by the toilet tank without interference from the bathing plate. The bathing plate in its extended position may form a gap between the crossmembers that is larger than the height of the toilet tank, which may allow the crossmembers to pass by the toilet tank. It is contemplated that the bathing system may be converted from the storage position to the bathing position by a user physically moving the bathing system between positions. It is further contemplated that the bathing system may be converted between the storage position and the bathing position by an electric motor. The bathing position may be locked in the storage position and/or bathing position by a locking mechanism.
The bathing system may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may function to lock the bathing system in the desired position. The locking mechanism may be in communication with the bathing plate, the guard rails, the foldable frame, or a combination thereof. The locking mechanism may be mechanically actuated, electronically actuated, or both. For example, the locking mechanism may be mechanically actuated by the handle of the bathing plate.
The bathing system may include a showerhead. The showerhead may function to deliver hot and cold water for the shower. The showerhead may be connected to a foldable arm. The shower head may be a handheld unit. The showerhead may be connected to the plumbing of the house. The showerhead may be connected to another water source such as a sink. The foldable arm and the showerhead may be convertible between a storage position and a bathing position. For example, in the storage position, the foldable arm and the showerhead may be folded down such that the foldable arm is perpendicular to the floor. In the bathing position, the foldable arm may be extended outward, directing the showerhead at the bathing plate.
The bathing system may include a foldable u-shaped rod. The foldable u-shaped rod may function to carry a shower curtain in order to prevent water from splashing away from the bathing system.
The bathing system may include a ladder. The ladder may be freestanding and separate from the bathing plate and foldable frame. The ladder may be connected to the bathing plate, the foldable frame, or both. It is contemplated that the ladder may be convertible between a storage position and a bathing position. The ladder may be moveably connected to the bathing plate, the foldable frame, or both. The ladder may be stored by folding the ladder such that the ladder is generally parallel to the bathing plate. The ladder may fold from the storage position down into a usable position when the bathing system is in the bathing position to provide ingress and egress to the bathing plate. It is contemplated that the ladder may be integrated into the one or more foldable legs so that when the one or more foldable legs are folded into the bathing position, the ladder may also be placed into the bathing position providing ingress and egress to the bathing plate. It is contemplated that the ladder may attach to a side of the bathing plate and may fold between the storage position, in which the ladder may be disposed generally parallel to the bathing plate, and the bathing position, in which the ladder may be unfolded creating a generally perpendicular relationship.
As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings envision that any member of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus; and/or any member of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.
Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the of a range in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition.”
Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for ail purposes. The term “consisting essentially of to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist of, or consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.
Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2018/057741 | 10/5/2018 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62574832 | Oct 2017 | US |
