Multi-mode bath module

• US 4,424,598 A
• Filed: 07/19/1982
• Issued: 01/10/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aqua Glass Corp. (Masco Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Aqua Glass Corp. (Masco Corporation)
• Inventors: Cima, Louis E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcus, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Putnam, Kenneth S.
• Application Number:
  US06/399,795
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 4/524, 4/525, 4/533, 4/535, 4/538, 4/541-544, 4/546, 4/557, 4/559, 4/567, 4/568, 4/571/573, 4/576, 4/584, 4/596, 4/597, 4/598 , 4/601-603, 4/605, 4/607, 4/611-615, 4/661, 4/192, 128/66, 52/34, 52/35
• US Class Current: 4/524
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2009/0035 with cabin for the whole body
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2009/0042 with water recirculation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2033/0054 with liquid level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2033/0062 with electro-pneumatic or -hydraulic switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2033/068 Steam baths
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/0087 Therapeutic baths with agitated or circulated water
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/6036 Hand-held connected to a supply hose
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0668 Apparatus adapted for operation in a moist environment, e.g. bath or shower
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0614 Tanning

Abstract

Bath module includes a shell-like housing defining interiorly a tub/shower facility wherein whirlpool, steam, tanning and mist functions or modes of operation are selectable through actuation of pneumatic controls located therein. The preferred embodiment includes recessed storage and grab bar compartments, the recessed storage compartment housing the pneumatic controls as well as other items.

Claims

1. A multi-mode bath module having an enclosed interior comprising spaced-apart top and bottom walls with opposed pairs of side and end walls extending generally vertically therebetween to jointly therewith define the interior of the module, said walls being joined integrally to define a monolithic shell-like structure, one of said side walls having a relatively large opening therethrough for providing access to said interior, first door means for opening and closing said access, the other of said side walls having a first recessed portion defining a storage compartment, second door means slidably mounted in substantially coplanar relation to said other of said side walls for opening and closing said first recessed portion, said walls having relatively small openings therein, a plurality of comfort mode determining means communicating with the interior of said module through said openings, operating means connected to said mode determining means and responsive to pneumatic control signals for controlling operation of said mode determining means, control means mounted in said recessed portion for producing said control signals, a hand held shower having a shower head and a flexible water hose, a water input for said hose mounted in said first recessed portion, means for removably supporting said shower head in said first recessed portion, and valve means mounted in said first recessed portion for controlling the temperature of water dispensed through said shower head.

2. A module in accordance with the claim 1 wherein said control means comprise a plurality of push buttons.

3. A module in accordance with claim 1 wherein said side and end walls include upper and lower portions, said lower portions together with said bottom wall defining a bathtube, said relatively large opening and said first recessed portion being located in the upper portions of said side walls.

4. A module in accordance with claim 3 wherein said other of said side walls further includes a second recessed portion located above said lower portions and below said first recessed portion, and means defining a grab bar mounted in said second recessed portion.

5. A module in accordance with claim 1 and further including a plurality of shelves mounted in said first recessed portion.

6. A module in accordance with claim 1 wherein one of said mode determining means comprises steam producing means, said operating means including means responsive to a first pneumatic signal for enabling operation of said steam producing means for a predetermined length of time and responsive to a second pneumatic signal occurring prior to said length of time for disabling operation of said steam producing means.