TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a tub or bath. This tub (or bath) can have general use (e.g. in a domestic setting), but is particularly intended for use as a recovery bath or ice bath in the sporting and fitness industries.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Recovery baths, including ice baths, are widely used in the sporting and fitness industries to allow athletes, sports people etc. to recover, and avoid muscle damage, after vigorous exercise.

[0003] There is a need for a flexible system which is easy to install and use, and flexible in configuration, thus allowing (for example) a single-tub system to be upgraded where necessary or desired to incorporate further tub(s).

[0004] Transportation, for example onto and off a sports ground, is an occupational health and safety issue for larger recovery baths, particularly when filled. A modular system, which can be transported in separate parts and then easily assembled at the desired location, is advantageous.

[0005] There is also a need for a system which is more easily accessible, to facilitate entry or exit of a user into or out of the tub(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the upper edge of a wall of a tub includes one or more depressed region. This depressed region facilitates accessibility (entry or exit of a user) into and out of the tub. [0007] The depressed region will, in most cases, span the entire width of the wall's upper edge, thereby forming a gap through which the user can get into and out of the tub.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, an engaging region of a wall of a tub is shaped to releasably engage a corresponding surface of an inter-connector for at least two tubs. Alternatively, the engaging region of the wall of the tub is shaped to releasably engage a corresponding side surface of a stepping platform (in which case the platform can also serve as the inter-connector for linking two or more tubs).

[0009] The tub may be of of elliptical or circular cross-section, with a single, continuous wall. Alternatively, it may have any other suitable configuration, and may (for example) have a square or rectangular cross-section, with four walls at right-angles to each other.

[00010] Preferably, the tub will have a recess, indentation or depression in its wall(s) which at least partially conforms to the contours of a corresponding region of the surface of an inter-connector for at least two of these tubs.

[00011] For example, the wall(s) of the tub may include at least one depression, which depression(s) at least partially conforms in shape to, and releasably engages, a corresponding surface of an inter-connector for at least two of the tubs.

[00012] To reduce the risk of unintentional disengagement of a tub from the inter-connector, (a) recess(es), indentation(s) or depression(s) may be located within the engaging region of a wall of the tub, and these engage(s) with (a) corresponding protrusion(s), projection(s) or ridge(s) in a corresponding contact region of the inter-connector.

[00013] Alternatively, (a) protrusion(s), projection(s) or ridge(s) may be located within the engaging region of a wall of the tub, and these engage(s) with (a) corresponding recess(es), indentation(s) or depression(s) in a corresponding contact region of the inter-connector. [00014] In a preferred embodiment, and depending on its configuration and location, the engaging region or depression in a wall of the tub will be capable of either being supported by, or providing support to, the corresponding surface of the inter-connector.

[00015] That engaging region or depression may include a substantially horizontal face extending between regions of the tub having differing cross-sectional area.

[00016] For example, the engaging region or depression may include a substantially horizontal face which is directed downwardly and is capable of being supported by the corresponding surface of the inter-connector.

[00017] Alternatively, the engaging region or depression may include a substantially horizontal face which is directed upwardly and is capable of providing support to the corresponding surface of the inter-connector.

[00018] In a preferred embodiment, the wall(s) of the tub are tapered, with the cross- sectional area of the open top of the tub being greater than that of the base.

[00019] Preferably, the tub will further include a substantially horizontal ledge or step on the inner surface of a wall of the tub and located below the access point (i.e. the depressed region of the upper edge of that wall).

[00020] An external ladder with one or more step(s), leading up to the access point in the upper edge of the wall(s), may be provided to further facilitate entry or exit of a user into and out of the tub. The upper end of the ladder will be positioned at, or in proximity to, that access point.

[00021] The system may be completely modular, with the inter-connector and each of the tub(s) and ladder(s) being manufactured as separate components.

[00022] Alternatively, one or more or these components, such as the combination of a tub with its ladder, can be manufactured as a single unit. [00023] According to a further aspect of the invention, an inter-connector is provided. The inter-connector is adapted to extend (and optionally provide a platform) between at least two tubs. The inter-connector has one or more wall(s) and a top surface which extends between the uppermost edges of those wall(s). Contact regions of the inter-connector's wall(s) are shaped so that each contact region releasably engages a corresponding surface of the adjoining wall of a respective one of the tubs.

[00024] In a preferred embodiment, the inter-connector extends between two tubs, which may be substantially identical.

[00025] As well as linking the tubs, the inter-connector can also serve as a stepping platform, or has the option to include a step.

[00026] Preferably, to reduce tub movement, the surface of each contact region of the inter- connector will be shaped to complement the contours of that surface region of the tub's wall which is abutted by the inter-connector.

[00027] For example, if the tubs are of elliptical or circular cross-section, each contact region of the inter-connector may be rounded (and, in particular, have an incurvate/concave contour), thus assisting in laterally supporting each tub, and minimising the potential for lateral movement or tilting.

[00028] Preferably, the contact regions of the inter-connector are each configured to at least partially conform to the shape of an engaging region or depression in the adjoining wall of a respective one of the tubs, whereby, depending on the configuration and location of each contact region, that contact region is capable of either providing support to, or being supported by, the corresponding engaging region or depression of the respective tub.

[00029] In one embodiment, the contact regions of the inter-connector may include a ledge.

[00030] The contact regions may each include a substantially horizontal face extending between upper and lower regions, of differing cross-sectional area, of the inter-connector. The substantially horizontal face may (in a preferred embodiment) be directed upwardly and be capable of providing support to a corresponding engaging region or depression of the respective tub.

[00031] Alternatively, the substantially horizontal face may be directed downwardly and be capable of being supported by a corresponding engaging region or depression of the respective tub.

[00032] In particular, the surface of each contact region of the inter-connector is configured to at least partially complement the shape of the corresponding engaging region or depression of the wall of the corresponding tub.

[00033] In a preferred embodiment, each contact region of the inter-connector includes, as part of its overall contact surface, a substantially horizontal upper face, which is capable of providing support for a complemental lower face forming part of the engaging region or depression of the corresponding tub, thus reducing the potential for sideways tub movement, or tilting, of the tubs toward each other, and thereby assisting to maintain each tub in an upright position. In use, that complemental lower face (of the engaging region or depression of the corresponding tub) will rest upon, and be supported by, the substantially horizontal upper face of the contact region of the inter-connector.

[00034] For improved engagement of the inter-connector with a corresponding tub, and to reduce the potential for sideways movement or tilting of the tub, (a) protrusion(s), projection(s) or ridge(s) may be located within a contact region of the inter-connector, and engage(s) with (a) corresponding recess(es), indentation(s) or depression(s) in the corresponding engaging region of the wall of the respective tub.

[00035] Alternatively, the protrusion(s) etc. may be located in the engaging region of the tub's wall, and engage with (a) corresponding recess(es), indentation(s) or depression(s) of the inter-connector's contact region. [00036] For example, the inter-connector contact surface may include an upwardly directed protrusion, projection or ridge, which will fit into a complemental recess or indentation in the contact surface of the wall of the corresponding tub, thus reducing the potential for sideways tub movement, or tilting, of the tubs toward each other, and thereby assisting to maintain each tub in an upright position. The upwardly directed protrusion, projection or ridge can, for example, be a vertical or sloping region of the inter-connector contact surface.

[00037] Two tubs of substantially identical configuration may, for example, be linked by an inter-connector.

[00038] Preferably, the walls of the inter-connector are of substantially uniform height (which is, more preferably, substantially less than that of the tubs), and the top surface of the inter-connector is substantially horizontal and forms a platform between the tubs.

[00039] That platform may form a stepping block for user(s) to enter and exit the tubs. This "stepping block" feature is not essential however, as ladders (for example) may be used.

[00040] The inter-connector can be of either solid or hollowed-out construction.

[00041] In a yet further aspect of the invention, an assembly of tubs is provided, which includes two or more tubs with an inter-connector. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly of tubs includes two tubs with an inter-connector.

[00042] A releasable latching system may be provided, to allow each tub to be secured to the inter-connector to prevent movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. [00044] In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a single tub (and ladder) according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the tub and ladder of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a trimetric view of two tubs according to Figure 1 linked by an inter-connector; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the structure of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a side view of the structure of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[00045] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain of the parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[00046] An embodiment of the invention, being a single tub or bath, is depicted in Figures 1 and 2. The tub 10 of the present invention includes a base 11 (which is substantially horizontal) and wall(s) 12. The tub may (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) have an elliptical or circular cross-section, with a single, continuous wall 12. Alternatively, it may have any other suitable configuration, and may (for example) have a square or rectangular cross-section, with four walls at right-angles to each other.

[00047] The wall(s) 12 may be substantially vertical, or (as shown in the accompanying drawings) may be tapered, with the cross-sectional area of the uppermost part 13 of the tub being greater than that of the base 11.

[00048] An access region 14 of the upper edge of the wall(s) 12 is depressed to facilitate entry or exit of a user to or from the tub 10. [00049] To further facilitate entry to, and exit from, the tub, an external ladder 15 with one or more step(s) 16 may be provided, leading up to the access region 14 of the wall(s) 12. This ladder may be manufactured either as part of the tub structure or as a separate component with (for example) uppermost end part(s) which extend inwardly to either rest upon or hook over the upper edge of the tub wall 12. Below the access region 14 of the tub, on the inner surface of the tub wall, a ledge or step 17 may be provided. This ledge or step 17 can be used as a step to facilitate entry or exit of a user to or from the tub 10. Also, whilst the user is occupying the tub, this ledge or step 17 is conveniently used as a seating arrangement.

[00050] The internal base 11 of the tub, the ledge 17 and/or the step(s) 16 of the ladder may be dimpled or have other anti-slip surface, to reduce the likelihood of slippage and add to the user's safety.

[00051] As shown in Figure 3, a drainage hole 18, at or close to the base of the tub 10, allows easy drainage of the tub. A plug (not shown) is inserted in drainage hole 18 before the tub is filled. Then, for ease of transportation or refill, the plug is released, allowing the contents of the tub (e.g. water and/or ice) to pour out, obviating the need to tilt a heavy, filled tub 10 (which could be a severe occupational and/or safety issue). For more permanent installation and/or easy disposal of the used liquid contents of the tub, the drainage hole 18 can be in the base 11 of the tub and connected to the on-site plumbing waste system or drainage system of a gymnasium, sports club, sports ground etc.

[00052] A major advantage of the tub 10 of the present invention is that it can form a module of a multi-tub system, with two or more tubs linked by at least one inter-connector 20.

[00053] As illustrated in the preferred embodiment of Figures 3 to 5, two substantially identical tubs 10 can be linked via an inter-connector 20 having two arms 21, and wherein the inter-connector includes an end wall 22 at the end of each arm 21, two substantially vertical side walls 23 (to either side of the inter-connector), and a substantially horizontal top surface 24. The inter-connector 20 can be of either solid or hollowed-out construction.

[00054] In a preferred embodiment, each tub 10 will have a recess, indentation or depression 12a in its wall(s) 12 which at least partially conforms to the contours of a corresponding region of an end wall 22 of the inter-connector 20 for at least two of these tubs. Preferably, a protruding region 22a of each end wall 22 of the inter-connector is configured to at least partially conform to the contours of a corresponding recess, indentation or depression 12a in the adjoining wall of the respective tub 10.

[00055] Also, in a preferred embodiment, the inter-connector 20 adjoins the respective wall 12 of each tub 10 at a position which is directly below that tub's access region 14. The end walls 22 and side walls 23 of the inter-connector's outer surface are of substantially equal height, being significantly less than that of the tubs 10, and the substantially horizontal top surface 24 connects the uppermost edges of the end walls and side walls of the inter- connector. With this arrangement, the substantially horizontal top surface 24 of the inter- connector can form a step to facilitate entry or exit of a user to or from either tub 10. Preferably, the top surface 24 will have a dimpled or other anti-slip surface.

[00056] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention.

[00057] For example, the recess, indentation or depression 12a of the wall of the tub 10, and corresponding protruding region 22a at the end of each arm 21 of the inter-connector 20, can be replaced by other complementary features which fit together to allow linkage of the tubs by the inter-connector.

[00058] In particular, the protruding region 22a at the end of each arm of the inter-connector may have a grooved or notched configuration. That is, the upper surface of this contact region will slope downwardly from a higher outer end of the contact region (being further from the inter-connector's central axis) to a lower inner end of the contact region (being closer to the inter-connector's central axis). When this protruding region 22a of the inter- connector links with a complementally shaped region 12a of a tub wall, this further impedes any lateral movement of the tub away from the inter-connector.

[00059] Also, although, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the weight of the tubs themselves, plus the contents of the tubs when filled, will be more than sufficient to retain part 12a of the wall 12 of each tub in place atop the corresponding protruding region 22a of the end wall of the inter-connector 20, a locking system can be incorporated for added security, to prevent the tubs, when in use, from unintentionally disengaging from the inter- connector. That locking system may, for example, be further complementary and inter- engaging structural features on region 12a of the tub's wall and on protruding region 22a of the inter-connector (such as vertically extending protrusion(s) on the one, and correspondingly shaped indentation(s) on the other, so that the tubs cannot be disengaged from the inter-connector without physically lifting them off it), or other locking systems using screws, bolts etc.

[00060] Also, although the tub or bath of the present invention has been described primarily in terms of its use as a recovery bath or ice bath for use in the sporting and fitness industries, it can have other uses, such as being used domestically.