US3496577A - Pushup bathtub,supplemental tub fixture and wall-unit containing towel-linen cabinet - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 24, 1970 3,496,577

- SUPPLEMENTAL TUB FIXTURE AND WALL-UNIT CONTAINING TOWEL-LINEN CABINET J; A. SALDA-NA PUSHUP BATHTUB,

Filed July 14; 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 L IN -1 Hm l/l/l/l/lllx/zl/llllfllllll/l l/ll/l/l ll) I 6 B A mvsu'ron, J4. 910M711 BW and ATTORNEYS Feb. 24, 1970 J. A. SALDANA PUSHUP BATHTUB, SUPPLEMENTAL TUB FIXTURE AND WALL-UNIT CONTAINING TOWEL-LINEN CABINET 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 14, 1967 ATTORNEY S United States Patent US. Cl. 4-1 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser. A slip-resistant seating area is preferably integrally disposed at one end of a bathtub, the seating area including replaceable padded hand-grips on both sides thereof. Depressed or indented portions forming slip-resistant foot- Wells are provided at the other end of the bathtub, the combination of the seating area with the handles disposed at both sides thereof and the footwells forming a structure including the bathtub wherein pushup and pushupon-arms exercises can be performed. Various storage compartments and racks are provided for use with the bathroom fixture. A supplemental unit is alternatively provided for converting a standard bathtub into an exerciser', the supplemental unit containing both a slip-resistant seating area and replaceable padded handles disposed on either side thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to bathroom fixtures and particularly relates to a bathtub modified in such a fashion that physical exercising, particularly isotonic exercises, can be performed therewith. Isotonic exercises denote such exercises as pushups, situps and pullups by which muscles contract against small but effective uniform tension to increase, without exertive effort, muscular strength as well as stamina.

Physical exercising has long been regarded as highly desirable for maintaining body condition. For example, with a regular program of exercise, the actual endurance of the body is extended, the muscular speed of response or reflex-time is shortened, and far greater resistance to disease is evident. A program of regular daily exercising not only strengthens the many muscles of the body but actually serves to condition the heart and to stimulate the lungs to increase their volume and build stamina, as well as to condition the various other internal organs of the body.

Yet, notwithstanding the known advantages of regular exercising, the general public has resisted the adaptation of such a program. Many reasons are given for failing to exercise regularly although most can be thought to center upon two areas. Firstly, exercising in a regular manner requires a certain amount of time; time not always available to those leading hurried lives so common today. Seeondly, a regular program of exercising naturally requires a good deal of distasteful physical labor.

In an effort to induce the general population to participate in a regular exercise program, many so-called selfexercising devices have been provided. These devices, although still requiring the user to consume some valuable time, completely eliminate the need for the user to expend physical energy while exercising. Examples of such devices are vibrating machines, rotating belts, self-driven stationary bicycles and the like. These devices, or rather exercising aides, cannot produce the same benefits as are derived from actually expending physical energy. Rather, these painless energizing devices primarily offer the user a novel diversion to the everyday routine and can be thought of as mere relaxation aides.

On the other hand, many prior art systems have been developed which attempt to provide a new-approach to the exercising function. These systems either relate to an improved method of doing physical exercises which utilize new scientific principles or provide a prospective exerciser with a wide variety of weights, elastic band stretchers and the like for his use. Although these exercising systems or methods do require the user to expend physical energy and are thus useful for this reason alone, such systems or methods usually require a separate exercising room and thus are inconvenient. Additionally, these systems are quite time-consuming and demand much exertive effort. Such systems or methods have distinctly failed to induce busy men, particularly those in the professional and business fields, to commence and maintain a regular program of daily exercise both before and during their retirement age.

Accordingly, there still exists the need for an exercising system or device which utilizes the benefit of isotonic exercise, a sound and well-developed principle of expending physical energy to improve body condition, yet requires very little time and is, for the most part, quite enjoyable to perform daily in the privacy of ones own bathroom at home.

The primary object of the present invention is to satisfy this need. Specific objects hereof include:

(a) The provision of a bathtub unit modified so as to allow the performance of isotonic exercises therein;

(b) The provision of a bathroom exercising fixture which does not waste valuable space in residential bathrooms;

(0) The provision of a bathroom exerciser that will serve to encourage the maintenance of a regular exercising program that could safely extend into the retirement years of men;

(d) The provision of a bathroom exercising fixture that is conveniently utilized by men, women, and children;

(e) The provision of a bathroom exercising fixture wherein space is provided for the storage of linens and other bathroom accessories; and

(f) The provision of a supplemental-bathtub fixture which can be easily installed adjacent to the end of an existing regular bathtub so as to convert the regular bathtub into a bathroom exercising fixture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is felt to solve the problems of prior art exercising devices and techniques in that the male user is induced to commence and maintain a regular program of exercising daily and safely into his retirement age. The instant invention contemplates the provision of a bathtub unit modified in such a fashion that pushup and pushup-on-arms exercising can be done within the bathtub unit itself. The preferred bathtub unit has, integral with one end thereof, a slip-resistant seating portion upon which are disposed two replaceable hand-grips or handles on either side thereof. The other end of the bathtub unit has depressions or indentations formed therein on the top surface of the actual bathtub so as to provide slip-resistant foot-wells for the user while doing the pushups. The present invention further contemplates the provision of a wall-unit towel cabinet or storage compartment in combination with the bathtub unit, such storage compartment being disposed adjacent the seating area and extending above the seating area to a predetermined height such that the wall-unit towel storage compartment will not interfere with the performance of the exercising.

3 Additional storage space is provided beneath the seating area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention wil be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative em bodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a combination push-up bathtub unit and associated wall-unit towel cabinet constructed according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the wall-unit towel cabinet shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the exercising pushup bathtub unit shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an illustrative showing of the use of the unit provided hereby;

FIGURE 5 is another illustrative showing of the use of the unit provided hereby; and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a supplemental bathtub fixture for use with a regular or standard bathtub so as to convert the standard bathtub into a pushup bathtub.

Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and to FIGURE 1, the bathtub unit with its associated wall-unit towel cabinet is shown as including a pushup or exerciser bathtub fixture generally designated 2. The fixture comprises a bathtub having end walls 4 and 6, and having upstanding wall portions or side walls 5 such as is common in a standard bathtub. The wall portions are in surrounding relation to a depressed area 8 forming the floor or bottom of the bathtub. The upstanding walls 5, end walls, and the floor 8 are constructed of materials generally used in bathroom fixtures, such as porcelain coated cast iron, aluminum, or molded plastic. The floor 8 generally slopes toward end wall 4 of the bathtub so as to facilitate the draining of water contained therein toward a drain 9 such as shown in FIGURE 3. A shower head 21 can be provided as shown. Additionally, a slip-resistant surface could be provided on the floor 8.

Integral with end wall 6, and formed as an extension of side Walls 5, is an end section having a slip-resistant seating portion or area 10 formed therein. Replaceable hand-grips or handles 12 are disposed on either side of the seating area or section 10' and depressions or indentations providing slip-resistant footwells 16 are formed on either side of the other end of the bathtub unit. A storage compartment having a manually operated door 14 is disposed directly beneath the seating area 10.

A wall-unit towel cabinet generally designated 20 is provided adjacent the seating portion 10 and preferably in contact with one wall of the bathroom itself. The wallunit towel cabinet has supporting legs 22 extending upwardly a predetermined distance above the seating area 10 and includes storage compartments 24 having manually operated doors 26 provided on top of the supporting legs 22. A triangular structure 23- is provided for attaching the storage compartments to the supporting legs. The details of the wall-unit towel cabinet itself are easily ascertainable in FIGURE 2. The wall-unit towel cabinet may be constructed either of the same material as is the bathtub fixture or of stainless steel, painted sheet metal, plastic, or the like. If desired. a curtain rod 19 or sliding door support can be fastened between bathroom wall and the wa l-unit towel cabinet 20. Holes 27 can be provided for bolting the cabinet to the bathroom ceiling rafters.

The overall dimensions of the exercising bathtub fixture 2 exceed those of a standard tub by less than a few feet. Thus, the bathroom fixture can be easily installed in standard size bathrooms. Architecturally, the slight extra space that the bathroom exerciser fixture does utilize is more than offset by ample storage space provided in the wall-unit towel cabinet in combination with the storage space in section 6 under the seat of the exercising push-up bathtub 2 or of the supplemental bathtub fixture in FIGURE 6.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, a detailed perspective view of the novel pushup bathtub is disclosed. The vertical upstanding walls 5 of the bathtub surrounding the depressed well or slip-resistant floor area 8 are constructed so as to define a narrow ledge 11 extending around the entire periphery of the bathtub unit. Although the 0pposing end walls of the bathtub unit are parallel to each other, the opposite lengthwise or side walls are preferably constructed in different fashion, so as to define slightly bulged-out areas 13 along the side tub walls 5. Bulged-out areas 13 are formed by the intersection of conceptual vertical planes passing through the portions 5a and 5b of the upstanding side walls 5. When the side walls of the bathtub unit are constructed in this manner, the depressed well and floor 8 define a large actual bathing area. While the above side wall construction is preferred, the bathtub unit could alternatively take a rectangular, oval or ellipsoid configuration as desired. The bathtub unit generally designated 2 is adapted to fit into a corner of the bathroom for eflicient space utilization although the bathtub unit could be con veniently placed elsewhere, especially if used in combination with the wall-unit towel cabinet in which case an additional wall is advantageously utilized in the bathroom.

The depressions or footwells 16 are formed on the upper ledge 11 at the end of the bathtub fixture 2 opposite end wall 6 as is shown. These slip-resistant depressions or footwells are preferably molded into the upper ledge 11, preferably at an angle, the bottom of the depression being slip-resistant and gradually inclined toward the end of the bathtub so as to form a retaining wall or portion 17 for a persons toes.

The slip-resistant seating area 10 is preferably constructed such that the seating area slants towards the actual bathtub slip-resistant floor area 8 in order to allow for adequate drainage of water off the seating area. Seating area 10 preferably takes the shape of a rectangle although here again different configurations may be utilized if desired. The slip-resistant seating area can be formed of the same material as is the bathtub section generally. The slip-resistant feature of the seating area 10 can be effected by depressions in the surface thereof or by coating the seating surface with a rubberized material or other equivalent slip-resistant coating, or a replaceable slip-proof pad could be added thereon. When the actual seating surface 10 is treated in this manner, the safety of the device is, of course, greatly increased as a person sitting in the seating area 10 would be more comfortable and would be less likely to slip oil? and injure himself. Disposed on either side of the seating area 10 on the ledge 11 are a pair of replaceable hand-grips or handles 12. These hand-grips are preferably formed as shown in the shape of bars 12a extending above a base portion 12b, but may be formed in any manner producing an easy-to-grip support. For comfort and safety, the handles 12 are covered with replaceable padding that is both waterproof and offers a frictional non-slip surface.

The seating area 10, in addition to providing a slipresistant seat for exercising as will be explained below, provides an area in which a person could dry himself or merely relax, and thus eliminates the necessity for an extra chair in the bathroom itself. Disposed directly beneath the seating area 10 is the storage compartment 6 with its associated door 14. Door 14 is constructed in the same plane and lies flush with side wall 5. Thus, the

storage area can be easily entered. The storage area in section 6 is utilized for the storage of pots-toilet brushes, soap-boxes or any other bathroom accessory.

FIGURES 4 and 5 show the actual use of the inventive bathroom fixture as an exercising unit, A person 28 would perform the exercising regimen either before or after daily bathing in an enjoyable, routine and habitual manner. He would enter the bathtub fixtures 2 and would grasp handles 12, one in each hand. He would place his toes in the slip-resistant depressions or foot wells 16 formed in the upper ledge 11. Pushup exercises are then readily accomplished with a high degree of safety since the toes are secured in slip-resistant footwells 15 and the hands securely grip padded handles 12. As mentioned above, the replaceable waterproof padding on the handles 12, in addition to providing comfort, also provide a slip-resistant surface adding to the safety of the bathtub unit as a whole. The wall-unit towel cabinet 20 is disposed a distance above the seating area such as to allow clearance of the persons head. The particular distance is determined by the extension of supporting legs 22.

Alternatively, the person 28 could do situp-on-arms exercises such as shown in FIGURE 5. In this case, the person would first sit in the slip-resistant seating area 10 and then grasp both padded handles 12 disposed on either side thereof. In this position, the person would then push himself up utilizing only his arms, the clearance for his head again being ample since the wall-unit towel cabinet 20 is disposed a predetermined height above the seating area. The situp-on-arms exercise, of course, would help to keep abdomen and legs in good physical condition. Both the above exercises are also quite simple to perform even for yongsters, ladies, and older men since the slip-resistant seating area 10 is always available for use during resting periods.

Existing bathtubs can also be modified to provide many of the same exercising advantages as does the integral bathroom exerciser fixture discussed above. In this regard, the invention provides a supplemental bathtub fixture such as shown in FIGURE 6 which is adapted for use with a standard or regular existing bathtub and will convert same into a pushup bathtub.

The supplemental bathtub fixture is formed by a body portion which can be made of any sturdy material such as wood, metal, molded plastic or the like. The body portion is defined by side Walls 30 and top wall or ledge 32. A depressed slip-resistant seating area 10 is formed in the top ledge 32, the seating area 10 again preferably slanting toward the standard bathtub generally designated 34 shown in dotted-lines to allow for proper water drainage. As is the case with the integral seating area, the seating area 10 of the supplemental unit is preferably rectangular in shape and the surface of the area 10 is again preferably coated with a slip-resistant coating, or a replaceable slip-proof pad could be attached. Disposed on either side of the seating area 10 on the top wall 32 is a pair of handles 12. These handles are preferably formed of a curved L-shaped bar 12a attached to a base 1211 as shown. Again, the handles 12 can be provided with waterproof slip-resistant padding. A storage compartment is provided directly beneath the seating area 10 and can be reached through the door 14 associated therewith. The door 14 is preferably constructed in the same plane as the side Wall of the bathtub 34 so as to facilitate entry into the storage compartment. The supplemental bathtub fixture can be placed adjacent the standard bathtub 34 and aligned therewith, the supplemental fixture being approximately of the same height and width of the standard bathtub.

With the supplemental bathtub fixture, the situp-onarms exercises can be done exactly as shown in FIGURE 5. However, since no depressed footwells are provided on the standard bathtub 34 itself, the pushup exercises might be performed with the persons legs disposed on the actual bathtub floor 8. This particular position of performing pushup exercises greatly facilitates same for women and older men since the strength required for pushups is far less with the feet placed on the floor of the tub than with the feet placed in the depressed footwells 16 of the bathtub fixture described above. If desired, however, footwells or other slip-resistant toeholds could even be provided for a standard bathtub through the utilization of non-illustrated bolt-on attachments for this purpose.

From the foregoing description, it should be readily apparent that the objects set forth at the outset of this specification have been successfully achieved. Accordingy,

What is claimed is:

1. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser, said fixture comprising:

a bathtub having a generally rectangular configuration formed by a pair of spaced elongated side walls connected together by first and second end walls;

said side walls and said end walls defining therebetween, a receptacle adapted to receive and contain bath water;

said first end wall having a depressed portion along the top surface thereof to provide a seating area, said seating area being positioned between said side walls;

handle means mounted on said top surface of said first end wall with said handle means being disposed along both sides of said seating area and elevated above said top surface of said first end wall;

each of said side walls having a depression formed therein adjacent said second end wall, said depressions providing footwells;

said footwells each having a bottom portion extending angularly downwardly, with the high end thereof being coextensive with the top surface of said side walls and the lower end thereof being disposed beneath the top surface of said side walls;

said footwells each also having an end portion extend ing between said lower end thereof and the top surface of said side walls;

said higher ends of said footwells being disposed nearer said first end wall to thus cause said bottom portions of said footwells to extend angularly downwardly away from said first end wall and toward said second end wall.

2. A separate supplemental unit adapted to be disposed adjacent one end of a standard bathtub to enable said bathtub to be used as an exerciser, said supplemental unit comprising:

a box-like member having a pair of side walls spaced apart a sufiicient distance to be substantially coextensive with the sides of said bathtub;

said member also having a top wall extending between said side walls;

said top wall being disposed at substantially the same elevation as the top surface of said bathtub;

said top wall having a depressed portion therein to provide a seating area; and

handle means mounted on said top wall, said handle means being disposed along both sides of said seating area and elevated above said top wall.

3. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 1, wherein a storage compartment is provided directly beneath said seating area.

4. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 1, further including in combination a wall-unit towel cabinet disposed adjacent said seating area, said storage cabinet having support means extending upwardly a predetermined height above said seating area; and means defining at least one storage compartment disposed on said support means in a position spaced upwardly of and in overlying relation to said seating area.

5. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 4, including an additional storage compartment disposed directly beneath said seating area.

6. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 5, wherein said at least one storage compartment of said towel cabinet is provided with a door.

7. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 3, wherein slip-resistant padding is provided for said handle means, said handle means being replaceable, and wherein said seating area is sloped in a downward direction toward said bathtub means.

8. A bathroom fixture adapted for use as an exerciser according to claim 7, wherein a slip-resistant surface is provided for said seating area.

9. A supplemental unit according to claim 2, further including a storage compartment disposed directly beneath said seating area, and door means for said storage compartment provided in one of said side walls.

10. A supplemental unit according to claim 2, wherein said seating area is provided with a slip-resistant surface and wherein said handle means are replaceable.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8 Murphey 4-175 Havener 4175 Ford 4185 Jadkowski 4-173 Westphal 4182 Cade 4-173 Fine 4-173 Jumper 4185 Sellner 128-25 FOREIGN PATENTS US. Cl. X.R.

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