Bathtub system and projection system for bathtub

Abstract

A bathtub system includes a bathtub housing, a base configured to support the bathtub housing, a rotatable seat assembly mounted to the bathtub housing, the rotatable seat assembly including a headrest and a shower mounted to the bathtub housing. At least one of the plurality of sprayers is located at a location above a headrest of the seat assembly. In addition, the bathtub system further provides a projection system for the bathtub. The projection system may include a projector configured to project an image onto a water surface, at least one sensor configured to detect a user input relative to the image on the water surface, and a controller configured to generate an output in response to the detected user input.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 591,876 (File No.: 010222-23025B-US), filed on October 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to the field of bathtubs. Background Art

[0004] A bathtub is a container for holding water in which a person or other animal bathes. A bathtub is typically placed on four legs or mounted in a supporting structure (e.g., a wall or floor). A bathtub is typically rigid and does not move. A bathtub typically has an outlet pipe and / or a shower head that supplies water to the bathtub. However, removing these constraints may provide advantages over existing bathtubs. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention discloses a bathtub system, comprising:

[0006] Bathtub shell;

[0007] a base configured to support the bathtub housing;

[0008] a rotatable seat assembly mounted to the bathtub housing, the rotatable seat assembly including a headrest; and

[0009] A plurality of sprayers are mounted to the tub housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sprayers is located at a location above the headrest of the seat assembly.

[0010] The present invention also discloses a projection system for a bathtub, the projection system comprising:

[0011] a projector configured to project an image onto a surface of water in the bathtub;

[0012] at least one sensor configured to detect user input regarding an image above the water in the bathtub; and

[0013] A controller is configured to generate an output in response to the detected user input. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments, exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings.

[0015] Figure 1An exemplary tilted bathtub is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 2 An exemplary showerhead assembly for a tilting bathtub is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 3 An exemplary external tank for a tilting bathtub is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 4 An exemplary internal tank for a tilting bathtub is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 5 An exemplary distributed smart bathtub is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 6 Picture shows Figure 5 Another view of the distributed smart bathtub.

[0021] Figure 7 The diagram shows the Figure 5 Distributed intelligent bathtub control system.

[0022] Figure 8 Another exemplary controller for use with any of the foregoing embodiments is illustrated.

[0023] Fig. 9 The diagram shows the Figure 8 A method of operating a controller for tilting a bathtub.

[0024] Fig.10 The diagram shows the Figure 8 A controller for a bathtub projection system and a method of operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following embodiments include one or more novel features of a bathtub using a bathtub control system. In certain embodiments, a structure is provided that enables the bathtub to pivot about one or more points in space and provide various angles of inclination (e.g., row, tilt, yaw) to a user leaning in the bathtub. One or more sensations (e.g., vibration, fragrance, temperature, jets, vision) may also be provided to the user in the bathtub. A visual sensation may include a projection on the bathtub or on the water contained in the bathtub. The projection may depict one or more realistic images that coordinate with other sensations in the bathtub. Sensors may detect user interaction with the projection or detect other movements or gestures of the user to provide commands to the bathtub control system.

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary tilted bathtub 20 is illustrated. Bathtub 20 may include at least a base 10, a cover 21, and one or more sprayers 22. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0027] The showers 22 are mounted along the rim of the bathtub 20. The showers 22 may be interconnected by one or more hoses. For example, a network of hoses connected by diverter valves may selectively provide various modes of water to engage a subset of the showers 22. The bathtub 20 may be formed by a bathtub shell that may support a glass material that forms an enclosure that contains water in the bathtub 20. Although a jet may be included, the showers 22 are not jets. The showers 22 are not intended to be operated submerged in water. Instead, the showers 22 spray water toward the user as the bathtub 20 is being filled with water. The showers 22 may be mounted above a halfway line between the bottom and top of the bathtub 20. The showers 22 may be mounted above a line that indicates half of the volume of the bathtub 20.

[0028] The base 10 is configured to support a bathtub housing. The base 10 may be mounted to a floor 15. In some examples, plumbing (e.g., water supply lines, drainage lines) may be provided to the bathtub 20 through the base 10. The base 10 may include a drive track 26 so that the bathtub 20 is movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the base 10. In one example, the drive track 26 may include one or more bearings located between the base 10 and the bathtub 20. The bathtub 20 may be manually rotated by applying a force (e.g., from a user to the bathtub 20).

[0029] The locking device 25 can lock the base 10 and the bathtub 20 in a locked position. For example, the user can move the bathtub 20 along the drive track 26 of the base 10 and then fix the bathtub 20 in a predetermined position. The predetermined position can be defined by the angle of the bathtub 20 relative to the floor 15. The locking device 25 may include a moderator. The locking device 25 may include a bolt or a pin that cooperates with an opening on the drive track 26. The user can grab the locking device 25 to push the bolt or pin into engagement with the drive track 26 to prevent the bathtub 20 from moving relative to the base 10. In another example, the solenoid or other electric device is a bolt or a pin that is electronically placed into and out of the drive track 26 to prevent the bathtub 20 from moving relative to the base 10. The solenoid or other electric device can operate in response to a command signal from the controller 101 described below.

[0030] The drive mechanism 65 is configured to rotate the bathtub shell relative to the base 10. The drive mechanism 65 may include a motor that is configured to at least partially actuate a drive portion to rotate the bathtub shell relative to the base 10 along the drive track 26. The drive mechanism 65 may include one or more paths or axes. In one example, a single path provides an arc for rotating and translating the position of the bathtub shell. In another example, the drive mechanism 65 may include multiple axes (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) for selecting a specific orientation for the bathtub. For example, the drive track 26 may include a substantially horizontally curved section or path 27 and a substantially vertically curved section or path 28.

[0031] The bathtub 20 may be defined by a closed portion 31 (or bathtub shell) for enclosing water and an opening 39 around the edge of the bathtub 20. The user enters the bathtub 20 through the opening 39. The cover 21 is configured to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening 39. The cover 21 may slide relative to the bathtub 20 (e.g., along a cover track 29). The cover track 29 may be parallel to the outer surface of the bathtub shell. The cover 21 may include at least one wheel or other device that rides along the cover track 29. The cover 21 may move to at least partially cover the opening 39.

[0032] The cover 21 may include multiple parts. For example, the cover 21 may include a top 61 ( Figure 1 ) and bottom 64( Figure 2 ). The bottom portion 64 is a first portion configured to be retracted relative to the front side of the bathtub housing, and the top portion 61 is a second portion configured to be retracted relative to the rear side of the bathtub housing.

[0033] The lid drive motor 41 is configured to selectively retract and extend the lid relative to the rear side of the bathtub housing. The lid drive motor 41 may rotate a gear meshed with a track of the lid 21.

[0034] The cover 21 may include or otherwise support a screen 63. When the user lies in the bathtub 20, the screen 62 may be located inside the cover 21, facing the user. The screen 62 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other type of display configured to present images and alphanumeric characters to the user. The screen 62 may be curved. The curvature of the screen 62 may be selected so that the screen 62 is parallel to the bathtub shell.

[0035] A controller (e.g., controller 101 described herein) can select images and alphanumeric characters to be displayed to the user via screen 62. User input can be integrated with screen 62 or otherwise electrically coupled to the controller and located external to screen 62 (e.g., such as Figure 366 in FIG. 1 ). The alphanumeric characters may relate to the operation of the bathtub 20. The alphanumeric characters may include valve settings or temperatures of supply lines to the bathtub 20. The alphanumeric characters may include settings for sounds, vibrations, scents, jets, or other features.

[0036] The bathtub 20 may include one or more external lights 55 configured to illuminate the environment of the bathtub system based on the position of the lid 21. When the lid 21 is controlled to be open, the external lights 55 are illuminated. When the lid 21 is controlled to be closed, the external lights 55 are not illuminated (e.g., turned off). The external lights 55 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other types of lights. The external lights 55 may include a pattern of multiple lights. Individual lights in the pattern may include indicators for various settings or features of the bathtub 20, including sounds, vibrations, scents, jets, or other features.

[0037] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a tilting bathtub 20 is illustrated, which includes a seat assembly 32 mounted to a bathtub housing. The seat assembly 32 can rotate relative to the bathtub housing. The seat assembly 32 can include a headrest 32. The tilting bathtub 20 includes sprayers 22 mounted to the bathtub housing so that at least one of the sprayers 22 is located at a position above the headrest 33 of the seat assembly 32.

[0038] The seat assembly 32 may include at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device may be mounted in a headrest 33 or backrest portion of the seat assembly 32. An exemplary sensing device may include one or more speakers 34 configured to provide sound from an audio signal provided by a controller. An exemplary sensing device may include one or more vibration transmitters 35 configured to provide vibration from a control signal provided by a controller. An exemplary sensing device may include one or more fragrance transmitters configured to release steam or mist based on a control signal provided by a controller for the sensing device (e.g., controller 101 described herein), the steam or mist including particles specifying a predetermined fragrance.

[0039] Figure 3An exemplary external water tank 50 for tilting bathtub 20 is illustrated. Tank 50 may be a recirculating water tank 50 that collects water from bathtub 20 and re-delivers the water to bathtub 20 via showers 22. Recirculating water tank 50 may be hidden beneath floor 15. Recirculating water tank 50 may be integrated with tilting bathtub 20. One or more pipes or tubes may connect showers 22 to tank 50. For example, drain 52 is configured to drain water from bathtub 20 at a first (low) height. Recirculating pipe 53 is configured to deliver water back to showers 22 via shower supply lines. Tank 50 may include or otherwise be connected to pump 51 for providing water flow from tank 50 to showers 22.

[0040] Figure 4 An exemplary internal water tank or chamber 40 is illustrated for tilting bathtub 20. Chamber 40 can be coupled to base 10 and configured to hold water. In some cases, chamber 40 is a pre-chamber that is filled by water supply 45 before water reaches bathtub 20 and sprayers 22. In other cases, chamber 40 is part of a recirculation network in which water is collected from bathtub 20 and returned to bathtub 20 at a later time.

[0041] Chamber 40 can operate as part of a drive mechanism for the rotation of bathtub 20 relative to base 10. For example, when chamber 40 is filled with water, chamber 40 exerts a force on bathtub 20 to rotate bathtub 20 relative to base 10. In one example, when chamber 40 is empty or substantially empty, bathtub 20 (and seat assembly 32) is at an upright angle (e.g., having a vertical component). When chamber 40 is filled, a force (e.g., having a vertical component) is exerted on bathtub 20, causing bathtub 20 to move along a predetermined path and rotate relative to base 10.

[0042] The user can place chamber 40 at a predetermined position (e.g., a predetermined angle) to set a desired tilt angle for bathtub 20. In this manner, chamber 40 fills with water as a function of the tilt angle of the bathtub housing.

[0043] Figure 5An exemplary distributed smart bathtub system 510 is illustrated. The distributed smart bathtub system 510 includes at least a projector 506 and a control rack 501 mounted relative to a bathtub 520. The control rack 501 and the projector 506 communicate wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) via a radio, antenna, or other communication interface 509. The control rack 501 includes a mounting support configured to couple the rack to the bathtub. The mounting support may include a handle that fits tightly against the bathtub 520. In addition, a faucet 511 and a spray bar 512 may be mounted relative to the bathtub 520 and / or the distributed smart bathtub system 510. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. Figure 6 Picture shows Figure 5 Another view of the distributed smart bathtub.

[0044] Figure 7 The diagram shows the Figure 5 Block diagram of a distributed intelligent bathtub system 510. A control frame 501 includes a controller 500, an input device 502, a sensor array 503, a communication device 509, and a speaker 504. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0045] Projector 506 is configured to project images onto the water surface in bathtub 520. The images may include realistic images associated with water. Exemplary images may include fish, lily pads, insects, waves, or other objects. The user may interact with the images according to the following examples.

[0046] Sensor array 503 includes at least one sensor in sensor array 503 configured to detect user input regarding an image on the surface of the water in bathtub 520. The sensor may include a camera (e.g., an image sensor) that captures one or more images (e.g., a video) of the surface of the water and the user. The image may also include a projection of projector 506 on the surface of the water. Controller 500 is configured to generate an output in response to the user input detected by comparing the relative positions of the user and the projection.

[0047] The sensor may include a time-of-flight sensor configured to measure the user's gestures using distance measurements. The controller 500 is configured to present a new image to be projected on the water by the projector 506 using the known position of the projected image relative to the bathtub 520 and the detected gestures from the user. The controller 500 may include a graphics processor to render graphics and images. The graphics processor may run Java scripts and output to the projector via a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI). The controller 500 may include a renderer (Java script) device that calculates data to determine graphics and interactions for output to the water surface via a projector.

[0048] The controller 500 is configured to evaluate the relative position of the user and the object in the projection to generate subsequent projections and simulate the interaction between the user and the projection. For example, when the projection is a fish, the user can place a hand in the path of the fish. The controller 500 generates a new frame depicting the path of the fish swimming around the user's hand.

[0049] Controller 500 is configured to evaluate the relative position of the user and the object in the projection to generate subsequent projections, and make selections for bathtub system 510 based on the interaction between the user and the projection. For example, the projection can be a user input depicting the temperature of the water in the bathtub. The projection can include an indicator for hot and an indicator for cold. When the user points to the hot indicator, or splashes near the hot indicator, or gestures toward the hot indicator, the controller 500 generates a valve command for valve 505 (e.g., mixer 511) to mix or release more hot water into the bathtub 510. When the user points to the cold indicator, or splashes near the cold indicator, or gestures toward the cold indicator, the controller 500 generates a valve command for valve 505 (e.g., mixer 511) to mix or release more cold water into the bathtub 510.

[0050] In another example, the sensor captures user input for speaker selection. The speaker selection can be volume or music selection. Speaker 504 can be configured to generate sounds associated with the projected image on the water surface in bathtub 520. The sounds associated with the projected image can be the splashing of swimming fish or the croaking of frogs sitting on lily pads. The projected image can include an indicator for volume increase or volume decrease.

[0051] When the user points to, splashes near, or gestures toward the volume up indicator, the controller 500 generates a speaker command to turn up the volume of the speaker 504. When the user points to, splashes near, or gestures toward the volume down indicator, the controller 500 generates a speaker command to turn up the volume of the speaker 504. When the user points to or otherwise indicates a change in music selection, the controller 500 generates a music selection command to select a different music selection from the streaming interface or a music library in memory.

[0052] The vibration device is configured to provide vibrations felt by the user. When the user points to the vibration indicator, splashes near the vibration indicator, or gestures toward the vibration indicator, the controller 500 generates a vibration command to activate the vibration. Similarly, the controller 500 can provide intensity control for the vibration device. The vibration device can be configured to generate vibrations associated with the image on the water surface in the bathtub 520.

[0053] The heater is configured to heat water in a water tank associated with the bathtub 520, heat water in a supply line for the bathtub 510, or heat water contained in the bathtub 520. When the user points to the heating indicator, splashes near the heating indicator, or gestures toward the heating indicator, the controller 500 generates a heating command to activate the heater. Similarly, the controller 500 can provide intensity control for the heater. The heater is configured to generate heat associated with the image on the water surface in the bathtub 520.

[0054] The scent device is configured to generate a scent near the bathtub 520. The scent device may include a diffuser, atomizer, or a sprayer that emits particles into the ambient air. The particles may be attached to water droplets. The particles may be selected from a selection of types of particles each associated with a different smell. The indicator for the scent device may be associated with the activation of the scent device or the selection of a specific scent. When the user points to the scent indicator, or splashes near the scent indicator, or gestures toward the scent indicator, the controller 500 generates a scent command to activate the scent device.

[0055] The pump can be configured to generate a pressurized water flow for one or more water supplies of the bathtub 520. An exemplary water supply is an immersion jet. An exemplary water supply is one or more sprayers 22. When the user points to the jet or sprayer indicator, splashes near the jet or sprayer indicator, or gestures toward the jet or sprayer indicator, the controller 500 generates a water supply command to activate the water supply. Alternatively, the controller 500 can control the water supply to be associated with an image on the water surface in the bathtub 520.

[0056] Controller 500 can coordinate various commands. For example, bathtub 520 can simulate a rain shower by activating the sound of rain through speaker 504, creating the feeling of rain through a vibration device, creating the feeling of rain through showerhead 22, and projecting an image of rain through projector 506.

[0057] The communication device (e.g., communication interface 353) can receive a template or other downloaded data from a mobile device (e.g., laptop, mobile phone) via a network connection (e.g., wireless) to define an image projected onto the water surface. In some examples, the mobile device also operates a sensor to detect an image on the water surface in the bathtub and provides the image to the controller 500. The memory can store downloaded data, templates for projecting images, or indicators for settings.

[0058] The input device 502 may include an input interface configured to receive interface input from a user. The input device 502 may include a touch screen or a keypad. The input device 502 may be used to specify settings that can be adjusted using an image projected on the water. At least one setting for the bathtub 520 is based on the interface input from the input device 502 and the detected user input from at least one sensor on the water surface.

[0059] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of a controller 101 for a projected tilting bathtub and / or distributed bathtub as described herein is illustrated. The controller 101 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interacting with a device or the Internet and / or other network 346. The controller 101 and the communication interface 353 may each or both include internal memory. The memory 352 may represent internal memory or external memory of the processor 300, alternatively or in combination. Likewise, the communication interface 353 may include internal memory.

[0060] In addition to the communication interface 353, the sensor interface 356 can also be configured to receive data from sensors described herein or from any source to detect the presence of a user, the location of a user, or gestures from a user. The components of the control system 101 can communicate using the bus 348. The control system 160 can be connected to a workstation or other external device (such as a control panel) and / or a database for receiving user input, system characteristics, and any values ​​described herein.

[0061] Input device 355 may include a switch (e.g., an actuator), a touch screen coupled to or integrated with a keyboard, a remote control, a microphone for voice input, a camera for gesture input, and / or other mechanisms. Input device 355 may be implemented using the projected image and feedback system described herein.

[0062] Optionally, the control system 160 may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading a non-transitory computer medium 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to execute instructions 342 stored in a memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. The display 350 may be supported by any of the components described herein. The display 350 may be combined with a user input device 355.

[0063] Fig. 9 Diagram showing the control for tilting the bathtub Figure 8 Additional, different, or fewer actions may be included.

[0064] At action S101, processor 300 receives data indicating a tilt angle for tilting the bathtub. The tilt angle may be received as input from a user (e.g., selected from a screen or keyboard). The tilt angle may be received as part of a user setting (e.g., a personalized angle selection or part of a bathing sequence).

[0065] In action S103, the processor 300 drives the motor in response to the tilt angle. The motor may be a stepper motor and include a position corresponding to the tilt angle. The processor 300 may receive feedback from the angle sensor and select a command for the motor to a target angle.

[0066] At action S105, the processor 300 can operate the valve in response to the tilt angle to provide water to the bathtub. In one example, after reaching the tilt angle, water is provided through one or more sprayers. In another example, when the bathtub is rotated to a desired tilt angle, water is provided through the sprayers.

[0067] Fig.10 Illustration of a method for controlling a bathtub using a projected image Figure 8 Additional, different, or fewer actions may be included.

[0068] At action S201, processor 300 sends image data to a projector so that one or more images are projected on the water surface of the bathtub. The projected image may include one or more settings for the bathtub. Exemplary settings include water temperature, fill level, sound settings, fragrance settings, light settings, or other examples.

[0069] In action S203, processor 300 receives sensor data indicating a gesture of the user. For example, a proximity sensor, a position sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, or other example sensors detect the position of the user relative to the projected image. The user can interact with the projected image (e.g., simulating pressing a button projected on the water surface). In some examples, a camera detects the relative position of the user.

[0070] In action S205, the processor 300 generates a subsequent image in response to the user's gesture. For example, when the original projected image includes a button, the subsequent image can show that the button is pressed or displays the button in another color. Similarly, the subsequent image can show a status bar or tick mark indicating that a selection is being made.

[0071] The processor 300 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in the memory 352 or received from other computer-readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk memory, local ROM, network memory, remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

[0072] The memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing and / or facilitating the various methods described in the present disclosure. The memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical storage, or any other suitable storage for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. The memory 352 may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. The memory 352 may be communicatively connected to the processor 300 via a processing circuit, and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by the processor 300) one or more methods described herein. For example, the memory 298 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, spray configuration files, or other resources for generating a graphical user interface for display and / or for interpreting user interface input to generate commands, controls, or communication decisions.

[0073] In addition to including an inlet port and an outlet port, the communication interface 353 can also include any operable connection. An operable connection can be a connection in which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. An operable connection can include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. The communication interface 353 can be connected to a network. The network can include a wired network (e.g., Ethernet), a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network can be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of a device, or a Bluetooth mesh network. In addition, the network can be a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., an intranet), or a combination thereof, and can utilize various network protocols that are now available or developed later, including but not limited to a network protocol based on TCP / IP.

[0074] Although the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized database or a distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" should also include any medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for execution by a processor, or cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0075] In a specific non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium may include a solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tape or other storage device to capture carrier signals, such as signals communicated through a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an email or other self-contained information archive or archive collection may be considered a distribution medium of a tangible storage medium. Therefore, the present disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or distribution medium and other equivalents and subsequent media in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-temporary, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.

[0076] In another embodiment, a dedicated hardware implementation, such as an application-specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic array, and other hardware devices, may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the devices and systems of various embodiments may broadly include various electronic systems and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may use two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices to implement functions, which have associated control signals and data signals that can communicate between and through the modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Therefore, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0077] The drawings of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of the various embodiments. These drawings are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the present disclosure, thereby making structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the drawings are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, the present disclosure and the drawings should be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive.

[0078] Although this specification contains many specific contents, these contents should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the invention or the scope of what may be claimed, but should be understood as descriptions of specific features of specific embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the above-mentioned features may be described as working in certain combinations, or even initially required, in some cases, one or more features may be removed from the required combination, and the required combination may be for a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0079] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term "invention", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements intended to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adjustments or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification.

[0080] It is intended that the above detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be understood to be limited to the described order or elements unless so stated. Therefore, all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the following claims and their equivalents are claimed as the present invention.

Claims

1. A bathtub system, comprising: Bathtub shell; a base configured to support the bathtub housing; a rotatable seat assembly mounted to the bathtub housing, the rotatable seat assembly including a headrest; and A plurality of sprayers are mounted to the tub housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sprayers is located at a location above the headrest of the seat assembly.

2. The bathtub system according to claim 1, further comprising: A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the bathtub housing relative to the base.

3. The bathtub system according to claim 2, further comprising: A chamber is coupled to the base and is configured to contain water, wherein the weight of the chamber at least partially actuates the drive mechanism.

4. The bathtub system of claim 3, wherein the chamber is filled with water as a function of the angle of inclination of the bathtub housing.

5. The bathtub system according to claim 2, further comprising: A motor is configured to at least partially actuate the drive mechanism.

6. The bathtub system of claim 2, wherein the bathtub housing includes a closed portion enclosing water and an opening.

7. The bathtub system according to claim 6, further comprising: A cover is configured to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening.

8. The bathtub system of claim 7, wherein the cover includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to be retracted relative to a front side of the bathtub housing, and the second portion being configured to be retracted relative to a rear side of the bathtub housing.

9. The bathtub system according to claim 7, further comprising: A screen is coupled to the cover.

10. The bathtub system of claim 9, wherein the screen is curved.

11. The bathtub system according to claim 7, further comprising: A lid drive motor is configured to selectively retract and extend the lid relative to a rear side of the bathtub housing.

12. The bathtub system according to claim 7, further comprising: a screen coupled to the cover; as well as A controller is configured to provide an image to the screen.

13. The bathtub system according to claim 7, further comprising: An exterior light is configured to illuminate an environment of the bathtub system based on the position of the cover.

14. The bathtub system according to claim 1, further comprising: A lock is configured to secure the base and the bathtub housing in a predetermined position.

15. The bathtub system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sprayers are the only fill devices for the bathtub system.

16. The bathtub system according to claim 1, further comprising: a projector configured to project an image onto a water surface; at least one sensor configured to detect user input with respect to the image above the water; as well as A controller is configured to generate an output in response to the detected user input.

17. A projection system for a bathtub, the projection system comprising: a projector configured to project an image onto a surface of water in the bathtub; at least one sensor configured to detect user input regarding an image above a surface of water in the bathtub; as well as A controller is configured to generate an output in response to the detected user input.

18. The projection system of claim 17, further comprising: A shelf includes a mounting support configured to couple the shelf to the bathtub, wherein the shelf includes the at least one sensor and the controller.

19. The projection system of claim 17, further comprising: An input interface is configured to receive an interface input from the user, wherein at least one setting for the bathtub is based on the interface input and a user input detected from the at least one sensor.

20. The projection system of claim 17, further comprising at least one of: a speaker configured to generate sound associated with the image on the water surface in the bathtub; a vibration device configured to generate vibrations associated with the image on the surface of the water in the bathtub; at least one valve configured to regulate water flow based on an output from the controller; a heater configured to generate heat associated with the image on a surface of water in the bathtub; a scent device configured to generate a scent associated with the image on a surface of water in the bathtub; as well as At least one jet is configured to generate a pressurized stream of water associated with an image on a surface of water in the bathtub.

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