Description A SLIM SLIDE BATHTUB

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a slim slide bathtub, and more specifically to a slim slide bathtub that can offer convenience comparable to conventional household bathtubs and that can be folded and housed in a wall to achieve maximized space utilization in a bathroom.

[2]

Background Art

[3] In general, bathtubs have a size suitable to receive water in an amount sufficient to allow users to immerse themselves therein and are made of hard materials, such as marble and acrylic resins, that give a cool feeling.

[4] Numerous types of bathtubs are currently installed in bathrooms. For example, one- piece stationary bathtubs require a space corresponding to the volume of the bathtubs. Movable one-piece bathtubs are also used. Taking advantage of the recent "well-being" boom associated with half-body bath, simple rubber tube type bathtubs, that are foldable and expansible by air evacuation and injection, have been introduced to consumers who have limited space to bathe.

[5] However, these bathtub products suffer from the following problems.

[6] Firstly, the one-piece stationary bathtubs inevitably occupy a given space, making it impossible to install in small bathrooms. Further, although not in use, the one-piece stationary bathtubs cause inconvenience due to their occupation of space in bathrooms and require frequent cleaning.

[7] Secondly, the one-piece movable bathtubs are beneficial in utilizing the space of bathrooms, but have disadvantages in that users must transfer the spacious bathtubs to bathrooms for their use and must store the bathtubs in separate spaces for storage when not in use.

[8] Thirdly, the simple rubber tube type bathtubs are of air-injection type, thus assisting in ensuring enough space in bathrooms. However, the simple rubber tube type bathtubs undergo troublesome air injection and evacuation procedures for their use and leave a rubber smell after use for a long time, which makes it impossible for users to continue to use the bathtubs.

[9]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[10] Thus, the present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art

bathtubs, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a slim slide bathtub that can offer convenience comparable to conventional household bathtubs and that can be folded and housed in a wall to achieve maximized space utilization in a bathroom.

[H]

Technical Solution

[12] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a slim slide bathtub that is suitable for actual use and allows a user to enjoy his/her bathing even in a small bathroom, the slim slide bathtub comprising a body separated from the floor of a bathroom to receive bathwater therein, cases secured to a wall surface of the bathroom, a control box connecting upper portions of the cases and provided with a system for actuating the bathtub, and hinge parts disposed between the body and the cases to allow the body to be turnable toward the wall surface of the bathroom upon storage of the body.

[13]

Advantageous Effects

[14] The slim slide bathtub of the present invention can be folded and attached to a wall surface of a bathroom when not needed, thus enabling optimal utilization of a floor space of the bathroom. In addition, since the slim slide bathtub of the present invention occupies minimized space in a bathroom when it is folded and attached to a wall surface of the bathroom, it is convenient in assembly and use and is easy to install without limitation of installation space. Furthermore, the slim slide bathtub of the present invention has a rigid structure, resulting in improved durability.

[15]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[17] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[18] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an operation of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[19] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a body of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[20] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an upper plate part of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[21] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a coupled state of a body of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[22] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the structure of water discharge holes of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[23] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a control box of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[24] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the injection of air into an external water bath of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention using an automatic air intake/exhaust apparatus;

[25] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the shapes of a folded corner layer and a fold-fixing unit of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention;

[26] FIGs. 10 and 11 are views illustrating internal operations of a body of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention; and

[27] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slim slide bathtub according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[28]

Mode for the Invention

[29] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[30] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a slim slide bathtub according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an operation of the slim slide bathtub.

[31] The slim slide bathtub 1 of the present invention essentially comprises a body 4 separated from the floor of a bathroom to receive bathwater therein, cases 3 secured to a wall surface of the bathroom, hinge parts 5 disposed between the body 4 and the cases 3 to allow the body 4 to be turnable toward the wall surface of the bathroom, and a control box 2 to control the bathtub 1.

[32] First, an explanation of the body for receiving bathwater therein will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the body, FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an upper plate part of the slim slide bathtub, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a coupled state of the body, and FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the structure of water discharge holes of the slim slide bathtub.

[33] The body 4 is essentially provided with an upper plate part 41 at its upper portion, an external water bath 42 at its intermediate portion and a bottom plate 43 at its lower portion.

[34] Stepped support grooves 412 are formed at both sides of the upper portion of the upper plate part 41. A rectangular or oval entrance 411 is formed at the center of the upper plate part 41. The rectangular entrance 411 will be explained herein.

[35] Connecting parts 47 are provided at the upper portions of the stepped support

grooves 412 to be coupled to the respective hinge parts 4. For coupling of the support grooves 412 to the hinge parts 5, the edges of the support grooves 412 are inclined at an angle of 100° to 135°. An inclined portion 413 is formed along the circumference of the entrance 411.

[36] One or more elbow-shaped ventilating holes 418 are formed at the lateral sides of the upper plate part 41. The ventilating holes 418 serve to ventilate air when the upper plate part 41 is folded and extended. Hinges 414 are installed at both sides of the back of the upper plate part 41 to allow the upper plate part 41 to be turned toward the wall surface of the bathroom.

[37] For smooth turning of the upper plate part 41, a stainless beam (not shown) having a rectangular cross section may be provided under the inclined portion 413. The stainless beam is provided along the lower surface of the entrance 411 formed at the center of the upper plate part 41. The stainless beam may be extended to the support grooves 412 formed at both sides of the upper portion of the upper plate part 41 to be coupled to the hinge parts 5 and be connected to the hinges 414.

[38] One or more central supports 415 are provided at both sides of the lower surface of the upper plate part 41 and are directed toward the bottom of the bathtub 1. Coupling recesses 416 are formed in each of the central supports 415. Here, two coupling recesses 416 are horizontally formed in each of the central supports 415.

[39] Two or more upper supports 51, which are turnable upwardly and downwardly, are connected to the upper plate part 41 through connecting rings 417 formed on the lower surface of the upper plate part 41. The upper supports 51 are rectangular plates having a predetermined length. The upper supports 51 can withstand the pressure of water contained in the slim slide bathtub 1 and support the weight of the slim slide bathtub 1. The upper supports 51 are preferably installed along the circumference of the entrance 411 taking into account the wall surfaces (slopes) of the bathtub.

[40] Cushion covers 45 made of polyure thane are provided on the inclined portion 413 of the upper plate part 41. The cushion covers 45 may be one piece or several separate pieces depending on the shape of the entrance 411. The cushion covers 45 are removable when the bathtub 1 is not in use.

[41] The external water bath 42, which is foldable and extendable upwardly and downwardly, is installed under the upper plate part 41. The external water bath 42 is made of a general synthetic resin. Where necessary, the external water bath 42 is made of a flexible and insulating material, such as neoprene, to improve the heat retention properties of the slim slide bathtub 1, so that it can be integrated with the upper plate part 41.

[42] An internal water bath 44 is additionally interposed between the lower surface of the upper plate part 41 and the upper surface of the external water bath 42 to keep

water contained in the bathtub warm, and an explanation thereof will be given below. The volume of the internal water bath 44 is determined depending on the inner volume of the external water bath 42.

[43] The internal water bath 44 is made of a waterproof fabric and is divided into several foldable and extendable sections and its inner circumferential surface is formed of a soft fabric. The soft fabric may be a colored one in view of the beauty of the bathtub 1. Folded corner layers 441 are formed at the edges of the internal water bath and fold- fixing units 442 are formed at the edges of the bottom of the internal water bath. The folded corner layers 441 of the internal water bath 44 are coupled to respective folded corner layers formed at the edges of the external water bath 42. With reference to FIG. 9, an explanation of the folded corner layers and the fold-fixing units will be given below.

[44] The folded corner layers 421 and 441 having grooved walls, which are composed of the outer portion of the external water bath 42 and the inner portion of the internal water bath 44, allow the upper supports 51 to be folded inwardly and lower supports 52, which are installed on the bottom plate 43, to be folded outwardly when the bottom plate 43 is folded inside the upper plate part 41. Here, the surfaces of the inner grooved walls are extended and shrunk in the lengthwise direction. The folds of the folded corner layers 441 serve to allow the remaining areas of the grooved walls to physically balance the extended and shrunk surfaces of the grooved inner walls.

[45] Further, the fold-fixing units 442 play a role in maintaining the shape of the folds of the folded corner layers 441 and tightening the corners of the internal water bath 44.

[46] A discharge opening 443 is formed at an upper portion of the internal water bath 44 to maintain the water level below a predetermined height, and a water discharge hole 444 is formed at the bottom of the internal water bath 44 to discharge water to the outside.

[47] The external water bath 42 is made of a synthetic resin and includes an air layer 425 formed therein. An automatic air intake/exhaust apparatus 5 is used to supply air to the air layer 425 through an air inlet 424 formed at a lateral side of the external water bath 42 when the bathtub 1 is in use, while the air is removed from the air layer 425 using the automatic air intake/exhaust apparatus 6 when the bathtub 1 is not in use.

[48] Folded corner layers 421, a discharge opening 422 and a water discharge hole 423 are formed in the external water bath 42. It is preferred that the folded corner layers 421, the discharge opening 422 and the water discharge hole 423 are formed in line with and have the same sizes as the folded corner layers 441, the discharge opening 443 and the water discharge hole 444, respectively.

[49] The bottom of the external water bath 42 is supported by the bottom plate 43. A bottom frame 431 having a predetermined height is installed on the center of the

bottom plate 43, a plurality of connecting parts 432 are provided around the edges of the bottom plate 43, and a plurality of fixing frames 435 are provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate 43 to separate the bottom plate 43 at regular intervals from the floor of the bathroom.

[50] A heat-retaining bottom member 46 is interposed between the upper surface of the bottom frame 431 and the lower surface of the external water bath 42. Water discharge holes 432 and 461 are formed in the bottom plate 43 and the heat-retaining bottom member 46, respectively. The water discharge holes 432 and 461 form multiple steps with the water discharge holes 423 and 444, which are formed in the external water bath 42 and the internal water bath 44, respectively, so that water contained in the water baths can be discharged to the outside even when the bathtub is folded and attached to the wall surface of the bathroom.

[51] Further, sticky members (so-called Velcro, not shown in the figures) are fixed to one side of the inner surface of the internal water bath 44 and one side of the outer surface of the external water bath 42. Here, the external water bath 42 is coupled to the upper supports 51 and the lower supports 52 by Velcro. Similarly to the upper supports

51 coupled to the upper plate part 41, the lower supports 52 are installed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 43. Here, two or more lower supports 52, which are turnable upwardly and downwardly, are connected to the bottom frame 431 through connecting rings 433 formed on the upper surface of the bottom frame 431. The lower supports 52 are rectangular plates having a predetermined length. The lower supports

52 can withstand the pressure of water contained in the slim slide bathtub 1 and support the weight of the slim slide bathtub 1.

[52] Support rings 53 made of an elastic material are coupled to the back of the respective upper supports 51. One side of each of the support rings 53 is fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate part 41 and the other side of each of the support rings

53 is fixed to the back of the corresponding upper support 51.

[53] Gas cylinders 71 are disposed between the central supports 415 protruding from the lower surface of the upper plate part 41 and the connecting parts 432 provided in the bottom plate 43 to control the distance between the upper plate part 41 and the bottom plate 43. The gas cylinders may be replaced by means, such as speed-reducing motors, for controlling the distance between the upper plate part 41 and the bottom plate 43.

[54] Outer membranes 81 are formed between the lower surface of the upper plate part

41 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 43. Pulleys 82 capable of winding the respective outer membranes 81 and having a spring function are provided on the lower surface of the upper plate part 41. Fixing rings 83, to which the respective outer membranes 81 are fixed, are provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 43. The outer membranes 81 are made of thin waterproof vinyl or cloth.

[55] The cases 3 are made of a metallic material and are attached to or partially accommodated in the wall surface of the bathroom. The cases 3 are preferably secured to the wall surface of the bathroom by bolting or riveting.

[56] Each of the cases 3 is formed with a receiving space 31 therein, sidewalls 30 having induction grooves 32 with a predetermined length at both sides of the receiving space 31, and a guide groove 33 at one side of the case to limit the movement of the corresponding hinge part 5.

[57] Each of the receiving spaces 31 of the cases 3 is provided with an actuator 90 coupled to a connecting part 92. One end of the connecting part 92 is coupled to one side of the corresponding hinge part 5. As the actuator 90, a speed-reducing motor or gas shock absorber 91 is used. In an embodiment, the gas shock absorber 91 will be explained herein.

[58] Hinges are coupled to the lower surface of the respective cases 3 and are connected to the respective hinges 414 provided in the upper plate part 41. If needed, each of the cases 3 is provided with a hinge at its lateral side.

[59] Each of the connecting parts 92 of the cases 3 is coupled to one side of the corresponding hinge part 5 and each of the connecting parts 47 provided in the upper plate part 41 is coupled to the other side of the corresponding hinge part 5. The hinge parts 5 are made of a metallic material. The ends of each of the hinge parts 5 connected to the connecting parts 47 are inclined at an angle of 100° to 135°, which is the same as the inclined angle of the support grooves 412, and portions of the hinge parts 5 are brought into close contact with the respective support grooves 412.

[60] An explanation of the control box 2 connecting upper portions of the cases 4 will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the control box.

[61] The control box 2 is provided with a plurality of air blast holes 21 and a plurality of lighting lamps 22 at its one side. The locations of the air blast holes 21 and the lighting lamps 22 may be varied, if desired. The air blast holes 21 are formed on the lower surface of the control box 2 so that water can be effectively removed when the body 4 is folded. Actuating buttons are integrally formed at one side of the control box 2. A description of the internal structure of the actuating buttons is omitted herein.

[62] The bathtub can be automatically actuated by the action of the buttons provided in the control box 2. If needed, the bathtub may be manually actuated by a user.

[63] With reference to FIG. 12 illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, a sound source generator 29 is provided within the control box 2 and speakers 48 are provided in the upper plate part 41 to allow a user to enjoy his/her bathing while listening to music from the sound source generator 29. If needed, a tap valve 49 controllable by the control box 2 may be installed. As the speakers 48, film speakers are

preferably used.

[64] The embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the injection of air into the external water bath using an automatic air intake/exhaust apparatus, and FIGs. 10 and 11 are views illustrating internal operations of the body.

[65] First, gas cylinders connected to respective shafts are fixedly installed within the respective cases. A hinge part is fitted into one end of the corresponding shaft and fixedly coupled to the shaft using a pin. The pin is moved upwardly and downwardly along induction grooves formed within the corresponding case. The movement of the hinge part is limited by a guide groove.

[66] As a result, an area defined by the cases is formed on a wall surface of a bathroom.

The height of the area is suitably adjusted taking into consideration the operational state of the body. Then, the cases are fixedly secured to the wall surface of the bathroom by bolting and riveting. Here, two cases are installed parallel to each other.

[67] Then, the body is coupled to the cases. To this end, connecting parts are mounted to support grooves formed at both sides of the upper portion of the upper plate part, the internal water bath is coupled to the lower surface of the upper plate part, and the external water bath is coupled to the lower surface of the internal water bath. The coupling of the internal and external water baths is achieved by adjusting folded corner layers formed in the internal water bath to align with folded corner layers formed in the external water bath.

[68] Upper supports are coupled to respective connecting parts provided on the lower surface of the upper plate part. Support rings may be coupled to the back of the respective upper supports before or after the coupling of the upper supports to the connecting parts.

[69] Next, a bottom frame is installed on the bottom plate so as to allow the external water bath to be seated thereon. A heat-retaining bottom member is accommodated within the bottom frame.

[70] Similarly to the upper supports coupled to the upper plate part, the lower supports are fitted into connecting parts provided in the bottom plate to be coupled to the bottom plate.

[71] Gas cylinders are disposed between central supports provided on the lower surface of the upper plate part and the connecting parts provided in the bottom plate. Outer membranes are disposed between connecting rings of the bottom plate and fixing rings of the upper plate part. Pulleys having a spring function are installed between the inner surface of the upper plate part and the fixing rings.

[72] The body is coupled to hinge parts connected to the respective cases. The hinge parts are formed at the same angle as the support grooves and are coupled to the

connecting parts mounted to the respective support grooves. The hinge parts coupled to the respective connecting parts are installed such that portions of the hinge parts are brought into close contact with the respective support grooves.

[73] After the coupling of the body to the cases is finished, a control box connecting upper portions of the cases is installed taking into account the turning distance of the body. Air blast holes are formed on the lower surface of the control box and lighting lamps are provided on the lower surface or the lateral surfaces of the control box.

[74] The control box is provided with a switch to actuate the slim slide bathtub. The switch is pushed to move the gas cylinders connected to respective shafts within the cases downwardly. At the same time, the shafts and the hinge parts connected to the respective shafts are moved downwardly. That is, the hinge parts are turned while pushing the support grooves of the upper plate part. The turning of the body is stopped when the body is in a horizontal state.

[75] While the body is in a horizontal state, the bottom plate is moved downwardly toward the floor of the bathroom. At the same time, the internal water bath, the external water bath, the gas cylinders and the outer membranes, all of which are connected to the bottom plate, are moved downwardly. These downward movements are continued until fixing frames of the bottom plate are brought into contact with the floor of the bathroom.

[76] As illustrated, when the slim slide bathtub is fixedly located on the floor of the bathroom, air is supplied to the external water bath through an air inlet using an automatic air intake/exhaust apparatus to fill an air layer of the external water bath with air. The bottom of the external water bath is supported by the upper supports and the lower supports, which are installed on the lower surface of the upper plate part and the upper surface of the bottom plate, respectively.

[77] Subsequently, the slim slide bathtub is filled with water. A discharge opening is formed at an upper portion of the internal water bath to maintain the water level below a predetermined height and discharge a flow of water exceeding the water level is discharged to the outside through a water discharge hole connected to the discharge opening.

[78] The color and material of cushion covers provided along the circumference of an entrance of the upper plate part may be varied depending on the user's preferences.

[79] After the user finishes his/her bathing in the slim slide bathtub, the water discharge hole formed at the bottom of the internal water bath is opened to completely discharge the water to the outside. Thereafter, the slim slide bathtub is returned to its initial state by performing the installation procedure in a reverse order.

[80] Finally, the body is dried by introducing air into the body through the air blast holes formed on the lower surface of the control box, and as a result, the initial state of the

slim slide bathtub can be maintained.