Bathtub, bathroom, and bathtub drying method

Abstract

Provided is a bathtub including a bathtub body made of a sheet in which sufficient waterproof property and durability can be ensured. A bathtub (10, 210, 310, 510, 610) includes a bathtub body that is made of a sheet (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. The sheet (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) includes a plurality of layers (a first layer (L1) and a second layer (L2)). Among the plurality of layers (the first layer (L1) and the second layer (L2)), at least one layer (the first layer (L1)) is formed of a water-impermeable material, and at least one other layer (the second layer (L2)) is formed of a material having durability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bathtub, a bathroom, and a bathtub drying method.

[0002] The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-014745 filed on February 2, 2024, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-014746 filed on February 2, 2024, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-014747 filed on February 2, 2024, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-014748 filed on February 2, 2024, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-128836 filed on August 5, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-128837 filed on August 5, 2024, and claims the benefit of priority thereof, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a conventional bathtub. This bathtub is used while being hung. The bathtub is hung by hooking an upper end corner portion thereof onto a hanging member provided in a bathroom. This bathtub is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. The bathtub includes a bathtub body made of a sheet. The sheet is a waterproof sheet made of synthetic fibers or the like. The bathtub body is deformable. With such a configuration, in this bathtub, the bathtub body is deformed so as to fit a body of a bathing person, and thus, it is possible to obtain a comfortable bathing experience different from a conventional rigid bathtub made of a resin or the like.CITATIONS LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2007-260180 ASUMMARY OF INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEMS

[0005] This type of bathtub is also required to have sufficient strength to withstand the load of the hot water and the bathing person while being hung. In Patent Literature 1, a configuration in which a core material is added to the bathtub body is also proposed for the purpose of, for example, increasing the strength of the bathtub body. In this case, there is a concern that the structure of the bathtub body becomes complicated.

[0006] An object of a bathtub, a bathroom, and a bathtub drying method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is that sufficient waterproof property and durability can be ensured in a bathtub including a bathtub body made of a sheet.

[0007] In the bathtub body of Patent Literature 1, a sheet bottom portion of the waterproof sheet is formed in a substantially arc shape in a side view such that a central portion in the longitudinal direction is lower than both end portions, thereby forming a shape of a bathtub that can be used with hot water stored therein. Patent Literature 1 does not propose a specific method for forming this shape from a sheet material.

[0008] An object of a bathtub and a bathroom according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is that a desired shape can be easily formed in a bathtub including a bathtub body made of a sheet.

[0009] In the bathtub made of a sheet as described above, there has been a demand for increasing the strength of a portion to be hung from the hanging member.

[0010] A bathtub and a bathroom according to a third aspect of the present disclosure have been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is that the strength of a portion hung from a hanging member can be increased.

[0011] The bathtub of Patent Literature 1 does not have a configuration for draining hot water stored in the bathtub body.

[0012] A bathtub and a bathroom according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure have been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is that hot water stored in a bathtub body can be easily drained.SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS

[0013] A bathtub according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a bathtub including a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes a plurality of layers, and wherein, among the plurality of layers, at least one layer is formed of a water-impermeable material, and at least one other layer is formed of a material having durability.

[0014] A bathroom according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging portion from which the bathtub is hung.

[0015] A bathtub drying method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: hanging the bathtub from a drying hanging portion; and drying the bathtub.

[0016] A bathtub according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a bathtub including a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes, in a side wall portion, a joint portion formed by joining portions of the sheet to each other.

[0017] A bathroom according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging portion from which the bathtub is hung.

[0018] A bathtub according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a bathtub including a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, and a rope disposed along an upper edge portion of the bathtub body in a hung state, wherein the bathtub body includes a folded-back portion formed by folding back an outer edge portion of a sheet material constituting the bathtub body, wherein the rope includes a loop portion formed by folding back an end portion of the rope, wherein a loop end portion of the rope at which the loop portion is closed is accommodated inside the folded-back portion, wherein the loop end portion and the folded-back portion are sewn together with a thread, and wherein the thread passes from a first surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on one side of the loop end portion, through the loop end portion, to a second surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on the other side of the loop end portion.

[0019] A bathroom according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging member from which the bathtub is hung.

[0020] A bathtub according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the bathtub body has a bathtub drain port through which the stored hot water is drained.

[0021] A bathroom according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a bathroom drain port provided in a floor on a side on which the bathtub drain port is provided, in a use state in which the bathtub is hung and used with hot water stored therein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 is a view schematically illustrating a bathroom according to Embodiment 1 and illustrates a state where a bathtub is hung. Fig. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the bathroom according to Embodiment 1 and illustrates a state where the bathtub is removed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a bathtub according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a developed view of a sheet according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a view for explaining the sheet according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a view for explaining a joint portion according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a view for explaining a folded-back portion according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a view for explaining an engaging portion according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a view for explaining a sheet according to Embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is a view for explaining a joint portion according to Embodiment 3. Fig. 11 is a view for explaining a sheet (part 1) according to another embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view for explaining a sheet (part 2) according to another embodiment. Fig. 13 is a view for explaining a joint portion (part 1) according to another embodiment. Fig. 14 is a view for explaining a joint portion (part 2) according to another embodiment. Fig. 15 is a view for explaining a bathtub (part 1) according to another embodiment. Fig. 16 is a view for explaining a bathtub (part 2) according to another embodiment. Fig. 17 is a view for explaining a bathtub (part 3) according to another embodiment. Fig. 18 is a view schematically illustrating the bathroom according to Embodiment 1 and illustrates a state where the bathtub is drained and dried. Fig. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bathroom in a state where a bathtub is hung in Embodiment 4. Fig. 20 is a side view illustrating the bathtub. Fig. 21 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bathtub illustrating a state where a loop portion is accommodated inside a folded-back portion in an engaging portion. Fig. 22 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bathtub showing a state where the loop portion and the folded-back portion are sewn together with a thread in the engaging portion. Fig. 23 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bathtub illustrating a state where a reinforcing sheet material is superposed on an outer side of the folded-back portion in the engaging portion. Fig. 24 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bathtub showing a state where the reinforcing sheet material and the folded-back portion are sewn together with the thread in the engaging portion. Fig. 25 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the bathtub schematically showing a sewing portion in the engaging portion. Fig. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a bathroom to which a bathtub of each of Embodiments 5 and 6 is attached. Fig. 27 is a plan view illustrating the bathroom to which the bathtub of each of Embodiments 5 and 6 is attached. Fig. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the bathtub in which a bathtub drain port of each of Embodiments 5 and 6 is formed. Fig. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a drain plug provided in a bathtub body of Embodiment 5 is closed. Fig. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the drain plug provided in the bathtub body of Embodiment 5 is open. Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the drain plug of Embodiment 5. Fig. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a reinforcing member provided in a bathtub body of Embodiment 6. Fig. 33 is a perspective view in which a fixing member is superposed on the reinforcing member of Embodiment 6. Fig. 34 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a drain port member of Embodiment 6. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Any combination of a plurality of embodiments described below within a range not causing inconsistency is also included in a mode for carrying out the invention.

[0024] [1] A bathtub according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a bathtub including a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes a plurality of layers, and wherein, among the plurality of layers, at least one layer is formed of a water-impermeable material, and at least one other layer is formed of a material having durability. [2] In the bathtub according to [1], an outermost layer of the sheet is made of a fabric. [3] In the bathtub according to [1] or [2], among the plurality of layers of the sheet, at least one layer is formed of a material having heat retaining property. [4] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [3], in the sheet, an outermost surface is rougher than an innermost surface. [5] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [4], in a use state, an upper edge of the bathtub body has a folded-back portion that is folded back outward. [6] The bathtub according to [5] further includes a rope from which the bathtub body is hung in a use state, wherein the rope is inserted into the folded-back portion and extends therein. [7] The bathtub according to any one of [1] to [6] further includes at least four engaging portions that are hooked onto hanging portions provided in a bathroom. [8] A bathroom according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging portion from which the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [7] is hung. [9] A bathtub drying method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: hanging the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [7] from a drying hanging portion; and drying the bathtub.

[10] In the bathtub drying method according to [9], the drying hanging portion is provided above a hanging portion from which the bathtub is hung when the bathtub is used with hot water stored therein.

[0025] [1] A bathtub according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a bathtub including a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes, in a side wall portion, a joint portion formed by joining portions of the sheet to each other. [2] In the bathtub according to [1], in a plan view in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub body has a rectangular shape, and the joint portion extends in a vertical direction in a side wall portion forming a predetermined side in the plan view, at a central portion in a direction in which the side extends. [3] In the bathtub according to [1] or [2], in a plan view in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub body has an oblong shape, and the joint portion extends in a vertical direction in a side wall portion forming a short side in the plan view, at a central portion in a direction in which the short side extends. [4] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [3], in the joint portion, a melted thermal welding material is interposed between overlapped sheets. [5] In the bathtub according to [4], in the joint portion, the overlapped sheets are sewn together so as to penetrate the thermal welding material. [6] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [5], the bathtub body is formed of one sheet. [7] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [6], the sheet includes a fabric and a layer of a water-impermeable material superposed on the fabric. [8] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [7], in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, an upper edge of the bathtub body has a folded-back portion that is folded back outward, and the sheets overlapped at the folded-back portion are sewn together. [9] A bathroom according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging portion from which the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [8] is hung.

[0026] [1] A bathtub according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, and a rope disposed along an upper edge portion of the bathtub body in a hung state, wherein the bathtub body includes a folded-back portion formed by folding back an outer edge portion of a sheet material constituting the bathtub body, wherein the rope includes a loop portion formed by folding back an end portion of the rope, wherein a loop end portion of the rope at which the loop portion is closed is accommodated inside the folded-back portion, wherein the loop end portion and the folded-back portion are sewn together with a thread, and wherein the thread penetrates a first surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on one side of the loop end portion, the loop end portion, and a second surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on the other side of the loop end portion. According to this configuration, since the loop end portion and the folded-back portion can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of a portion hung from the hanging member can be increased. [2] In the bathtub according to [1], a pair of rope materials constituting the loop end portion of the rope may be sewn together with a thread. According to this configuration, since the pair of rope materials constituting the loop end portion can be firmly connected to each other, the strength of the loop portion can be increased. [3] In the bathtub according to [1] or [2], the first surface portion and the second surface portion may be sewn together along an edge of a rope material constituting the loop end portion. According to this configuration, since the gap between the loop end portion and the edge of the folded-back portion can be reduced, water is less likely to enter between the loop end portion and the edge of the folded-back portion. [4] The bathtub according to any one of [1] to [3] may further include a reinforcing sheet material superposed on an outer side of the folded-back portion, wherein the reinforcing sheet material may include a first reinforcing portion superposed on the first surface portion and a second reinforcing portion superposed on the second surface portion, wherein the folded-back portion and the reinforcing sheet material may be sewn together with a thread, and wherein the thread may pass from the first reinforcing portion, through the first surface portion, the loop end portion, and the second surface portion, to the second reinforcing portion. According to this configuration, since the reinforcing sheet material, the folded-back portion, and the loop end portion can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of a portion hung from the hanging member can be increased. [5] In the bathtub according to [4], the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion may be sewn together along an edge of a rope material constituting the loop end portion. According to this configuration, since the gap between the loop end portion and the edge of the reinforcing sheet material can be reduced, water is less likely to enter between the loop end portion and the edge of the reinforcing sheet material. [6] A bathroom according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a hanging member from which the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [5] is hung. According to this configuration, since the loop end portion and the folded-back portion can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of a portion hung from the hanging member can be increased.

[0027] [1] A bathtub according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the bathtub body has a bathtub drain port through which the stored hot water is drained. Since the bathtub has the bathtub drain port in the bathtub body, hot water stored in the bathtub body can be easily drained. [2] In the bathtub according to [1], in a use state in which the bathtub body is hung in a bathroom and used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub drain port is positioned spaced upward from a floor of the bathroom. In the bathtub, since the bathtub drain port is positioned spaced upward from the floor of the bathroom, the drainage force is not weakened and drainage is not impeded due to the contact of the bathtub drain port with the floor, so that drainage can be performed smoothly. [3] In the bathtub according to [1] or [2], an opening diameter of the bathtub drain port is smaller than 40 mm. In the bathtub, since the opening diameter of the bathtub drain port is smaller than 40 mm, the drain flow rate of the bathtub drain port does not exceed the drain flow rate of the bathroom drain port, and the hot water drained from the bathtub drain port and flowing into the bathroom drain port of the bathroom is less likely to spread over the floor of the bathroom. [4] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [3], the bathtub drain port includes a drain plug that is opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body. In the bathtub, since the drain plug can be opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body, the drain plug can be easily opened when hot water stored in the bathtub body is drained. In particular, in the bathtub, even when the bathtub body is hung near the wall of the bathroom and the bathtub drain port is provided at a position where the hand of the bathing person or the like cannot reach through a space between the wall of the bathroom and the bathtub due to a small gap between the wall of the bathroom and the bathtub, the drain plug can be opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body, and thus the drain plug can be easily opened and closed. [5] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [4], the bathtub body is formed with a through hole constituting the bathtub drain port and includes a reinforcing member that reinforces an outer edge portion of the through hole. In the bathtub, deformation of the through hole is suppressed by the reinforcing member. Therefore, in the bathtub, when the water passing member is attached to the through hole, the water passing member is not easily detached from the bathtub body. [6] In the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [5], the bathtub drain port includes a through hole formed in the bathtub body, and a water passing member having a water passing portion main body inserted into the through hole, and an inner diameter of the through hole is smaller than an outer diameter of the water passing portion main body. In the bathtub, since the gap between the through hole and the water passing member can be reduced, the water passing member attached to the through hole is not easily detached from the bathtub body. [7] A bathroom according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a floor, wherein, in a use state in which the bathtub according to any one of [1] to [6] is hung and used with hot water stored therein, the floor has a bathroom drain port provided on a side on which the bathtub drain port is positioned. In the bathroom, since the bathroom drain port can be provided in the floor near the bathtub drain port of the bathtub, hot water drained from the bathtub drain port can flow into the bathroom drain port before spreading over the floor of the bathroom. [8] The bathroom according to [7] further includes an entrance, wherein the bathroom drain port is provided on a wall side facing the entrance. Since the hot water drained from the bathtub drain port flows into the bathroom drain port formed on the wall side facing the entrance, when the hot water is drained from the bathtub drain port, the hot water does not splash toward the entrance or splash onto a person in the bathroom. The bathroom has a good appearance since the bathroom drain port is provided on the wall side facing the entrance. <Embodiment 1>

[0028] A bathtub 10 and a bathroom 1 of Embodiment 1 embodying a bathtub and a bathroom according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the bathtub 10 is disposed in the bathroom 1. The bathroom 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The bathroom 1 includes walls W1, W2, and W3 and a floor F. In the bathroom 1, three sides of four sides of the floor F in a plan view are surrounded by the walls W1, W2, and W3. On the other remaining side of the floor F, a wall in which an entrance (not illustrated) is formed is disposed.

[0029] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the bathroom 1 includes a shower device 2. The shower device 2 is disposed on the wall W1 among the walls W1, W2, and W3. The shower device 2 is disposed at a position closer to the wall W3 in the wall W1. The shower device 2 includes a water faucet 3, an overhead shower 4, and a hand shower 5. The water faucet 3 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape extending in a horizontal direction along the wall surface of the wall W1. The water faucet 3 is connected to a water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe (not illustrated) inside the wall W1. The water faucet 3 is a mixing faucet. The water faucet 3 can perform adjustment of a water flow rate, temperature adjustment by mixing hot water and water, water discharge and shut-off, switching of flow paths, and the like. In the present specification, hot water or water supplied from the water faucet disposed in the bathroom is described as hot water regardless of a temperature, a mixing ratio, or the like. The water faucet 3 has a water discharge pipe 3A forming a water discharge port. The water faucet 3 can discharge hot water by selecting any one of the water discharge pipe 3A, the overhead shower 4, and the hand shower 5.

[0030] The bathtub 10 is attached to the bathroom 1. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the bathtub 10 is attached to a pair of opposing walls W1 and W2 among the three walls W1, W2, and W3. The bathtub 10 is detachably attached to the walls W1 and W2. That is, when the bathroom 1 is used for the purpose of not using the bathtub 10, the bathroom 1 can be used with the bathtub 10 removed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the bathroom 1 can be suitably used as a shower room by removing the bathtub 10.

[0031] Each of the pair of walls W1 and W2 has a hanging member 20. The hanging member 20 corresponds to a hanging portion according to the present disclosure. The bathtub 10 is hooked onto the hanging member 20 and attached thereto. The hanging member 20 is a hook-shaped member that is open upward and has a J shape in a side view. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, two hanging members 20 on the wall W1 side are disposed below the water faucet 3 with a spacing therebetween in the horizontal direction. Two hanging members 20 on the wall W2 side are provided at the same height and the same distance as those of the hanging members 20 on the wall W1 side. That is, two hanging members 20 are provided for each of the pair of walls W1 and W2, that is, a total of four hanging members are provided. A loop portion 41 which will be described later in the bathtub 10 is hooked onto each hanging member 20, and thus the bathtub 10 is hung.

[0032] As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 18, the bathroom 1 includes a drying hanging member 21. The drying hanging member 21 corresponds to a drying hanging portion according to the present disclosure. The drying hanging member 21 is a member for hanging the bathtub 10 when the bathtub 10 is not used, such as temporarily hanging the bathtub 10 after use to drain or to dry the bathtub 10. A pair of drying hanging members 21 are provided on the wall W2. The drying hanging member 21 is provided above the hanging member 20, at a height at which even an average adult woman can reach, and at a height at which the bathtub 10 in a hung state is not brought into contact with the floor F. Specifically, the drying hanging member 21 is provided at a height of about 1700 mm from the floor F.

[0033] The bathtub 10 is detachably attached to the pair of walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 10 is deformed to store hot water. The bathtub 10 can freely change its shape between a folded state, a spread state, and the like. The bathtub 10 stores hot water in a spread state. The bathtub 10 has a boat-like shape while being hung which is a use state.

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the bathtub 10 includes a bathtub body 30 and a rope 40. The bathtub body 30 stores hot water. The bathtub body 30 is made of a sheet. The bathtub body 30 has an oblong shape in a plan view in the use state. In the use state, the bathtub body 30 has an upper edge portion that is open upward. The bathtub body 30 in the use state gradually expands from the lower end to the upper end.

[0035] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the bathtub body 30 includes four side wall portions 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, namely, a first side wall portion to a fourth side wall portion. The first side wall portion 30A and the second side wall portion 30B extend downward from each of a pair of long sides facing each other in a plan view. The third side wall portion 30C and the fourth side wall portion 30D extend downward from each of a pair of short sides facing each other in a plan view. Both end edges of the third side wall portion 30C and the fourth side wall portion 30D are continuous with both end edges of the first side wall portion 30A and the second side wall portion 30B.

[0036] The bathtub body 30 is made of a sheet S1. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the sheet S1 is cut from one sheet material into a predetermined shape as a single piece. The bathtub body 30 is formed by joining joint piece portions J to each other and folding back a folded-back piece T in the sheet S1 illustrated in Fig. 4. The joint piece portions J are joined to each other to form a joint portion 31 which will be described later. The folded-back piece T is folded back and sewn to form a folded-back portion 32 to be described later. The sheet material constituting the sheet S1 is excellent in durability against physical and mechanical influences from the outside, particularly tensile external force, water-impermeability (waterproof property), and the like while being flexible and deformable. The sheet material constituting the sheet S1 has low stretchability, so that a boat-like shape is maintained to some extent in a state where hot water is stored.

[0037] Specifically, the sheet S1 includes a plurality of superposed layers. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the sheet S1 includes two layers of a first layer L1 and a second layer L2. The sheet S1 has a single sheet shape cut out from the sheet material in which the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are bonded with an adhesive A. The first layer L1 ensures water-impermeability. The second layer L2 ensures durability. The first layer L1 is disposed on an inner side of the bathtub 10 relative to the second layer L2. Specifically, in the two-layer sheet S1, the first layer L1 is located on the innermost side, and the second layer L2 is located on the outermost side.

[0038] In the sheet S1, the first layer L1 is a film layer made of a resin or the like. Specifically, a polyurethane (PU) film is adopted for the first layer L1. A smooth surface of the first layer L1 is exposed on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30. In the sheet S1, the second layer L2 is made of a fabric such as a woven fabric. As the second layer L2, a woven fabric made of polyester-based resin fibers, specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers is employed. Fibers made of PET are excellent in water resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and the like. A weave structure of the second layer L2, which is a woven fabric, employs a plain weave, which is known to be excellent in strength and durability among various weave structures. A fabric surface of the second layer L2 in the sheet S1 is exposed on an outer surface of the bathtub body 30. That is, in the bathtub 10, the fabric surface of the plain weave structure of the second layer L2 is exposed on the outer surface, and the PU film surface of the first layer L1 is exposed on the inner surface. In the sheet S1, the fabric surface of the second layer L2, which is the outermost surface, is rougher than the surface of the first layer L1, which is the innermost surface.

[0039] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the bathtub body 30 includes the joint portion 31 and the folded-back portion 32. The joint portion 31 is formed by joining portions of the sheet S1 to each other. The joint portion 31 is a portion where the joint piece portions J (see Fig. 4) provided at the edge portion of the cut sheet S1 are joined to each other. The joint portion 31 is formed in a side wall portion of the bathtub body 30. Specifically, the joint portion 31 is formed in the side wall portions 30C and 30D forming the short sides of the oblong shape among the four side wall portions 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 30. The joint portion 31 extends in the vertical direction in the side wall portions 30C and 30D at the central portion in an extending direction of the sides. By providing such a joint portion 31, the bathtub 10 forms a boat-like shape of the bathtub body 30.

[0040] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the joint portion 31 is formed by thermally welding the two overlapped joint piece portions J with a thermal welding material H interposed therebetween. In the joint portion 31, the two joint piece portions J are each folded into a U-shaped cross section and engaged with each other. A first welded portion H1 where the first layers L1 of the sheet S1 are welded to each other, a second welded portion H2 where the second layers L2 of the sheet S1 are welded to each other, and a third welded portion H3 where the first layers L1 and the second layers L2 of the sheet S1 are welded to each other are formed in the joint portion 31. In the first welded portion H1 and the second welded portion H2, the same materials are joined to each other and welded with the thermal welding material H suitable for welding the materials. In the present embodiment, a PU film is used for the first layer L1, and a PET woven fabric is used for the second layer L2. Therefore, as the thermal welding material H used for the first welded portion H1 and the second welded portion H2, for example, PU type and polyester type thermal welding materials are suitable, respectively. In the third welded portion H3, different materials are welded to each other with a welding material selected in consideration of properties of both of the different materials. In the present embodiment, the third welded portion H3 is formed using the same thermal welding material as the thermal welding material H used for the second welded portion H2. The thermal welding material used for the third welded portion may be the same as the thermal welding material used for the first welded portion, or may be a thermal welding material different from the thermal welding material used for each of the first welded portion and the second welded portion.

[0041] The folded-back portion 32 is a form in which an outer edge portion of the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 is folded back and overlapped. The folded-back portion 32 is held in a state of being overlapped by sewing the folded sheets S1 together. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the folded-back portion 32 is formed over substantially the entire periphery of the outer edge portion located at the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30 in the use state. Since the folded-back portion 32 is folded back and forms a double structure, it also functions as a reinforcement portion at the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30.

[0042] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the folded-back portion 32 includes wide portions 32A and insertion portions 32B. The wide portions 32A are provided at portions corresponding to four corners of an oblong shape in the bathtub body 30 having an oblong shape in a plan view. Each of the wide portions 32A is formed to be wider than the other portions by setting the fold-back allowance to be large. In the folded-back portion 32, each of the insertion portions 32B is the folded-back portion 32 of a portion corresponding to a long side of an oblong shape in the bathtub body 30 having an oblong shape in a plan view. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the insertion portion 32B has a tubular shape, and the rope 40 is inserted therein. The insertion portion 32B as well as the wide portions 32A on both end sides are formed by a series of folded-back pieces T. The tubular space inside the insertion portion 32B is continuous with the spaces inside the wide portions 32A at both ends. The rope 40 in the insertion portion 32B extends to the wide portions 32A at both ends.

[0043] The rope 40 hangs the bathtub body 30 in the use state of the bathtub 10. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the rope 40 is disposed on the upper edge portions of the side wall portions 30A and 30B corresponding to long sides among the side wall portions 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 30 having an oblong shape in a plan view. That is, in the installed state of the bathtub 10, the bathtub body 30 is hung from the rope 40 at the upper edge portions of the two opposing side wall portions 30A and 30B. The rope 40 is inserted into the wide portion 32A and the insertion portion 32B of the folded-back portion 32 of the bathtub body 30. The rope 40 extends from the wide portion 32A on one end side to the wide portion 32A on the other end side and is continuously threaded therethrough. As a result, the rope 40 also functions as a reinforcing portion that reinforces the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30 when the bathtub body 30 is hung. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the rope 40 includes a loop portion 41. The loop portion 41 corresponds to an engaging portion according to the present disclosure. The loop portions 41 are provided at both ends of the rope 40. The loop portion 41 exposes the rope 40 outward from the wide portion 32A in a loop shape, and the end portion thereof is returned into the wide portion 32A to be fixed to the wide portion 32A.

[0044] In the use state of being hung from the rope 40, the bathtub body 30 has a boat-like shape in which a central portion is recessed downward. The upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30 in the use state is open upward. The bathtub body 30 in the use state has a boat-like shape gradually expanding from the lower end to the upper end. In a state where hot water is stored, the lower surface at the central portion of the bathtub body 30 comes into contact with the floor F of the bathroom 1. As a result, in a state where the bathtub 10 is filled with hot water, most of the load can be supported on the floor F. Therefore, as compared with a case where the bathtub 10 is supported only by the walls, the reinforcement structure of the walls W1 and W2 can be simplified.

[0045] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the loop portion 41 as the engaging portion is hooked onto each of the hanging members 20 provided on the walls W1 and W2. The loop portion 41 is provided at an upper edge portion of the bathtub 10. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the loop portions 41 are provided at four corners of the bathtub body 30 having an oblong shape in a plan view. The bathtub body 30 is hung from the hanging member 20 via the rope 40 with the loop portion 41 hooked onto the hanging member 20. The bathtub 10 is detachably attached to the walls W1 and W2 by hooking the loop portion 41 onto the hanging member 20.

[0046] Functions and effects of the bathtub 10 and the bathroom 1 having the above configuration will be described. The bathtub 10 is detachably attached to the walls W1 and W2 of the bathroom 1. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can be extremely easily installed and stored. At the time of installation, the bathtub 10 can be installed by a simple method in which the loop portions 41 at four locations, as engaging portions, are hooked onto the hanging members 20 of the walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 10 is hung from the hanging member 20, and in this state, the bathtub body 30 is used with hot water stored therein.

[0047] In the bathtub 10, the rope 40 is inserted into the insertion portion 32B of the folded-back portion 32 at the upper edge of the bathtub body 30. The rope 40 has the loop portion 41 as an engaging portion. The rope 40 is strung between the hanging members 20 of the walls W1 and W2 at the loop portions 41 at both ends. The bathtub body 30 is hung while dispersing a load over substantially the entire length in the extending direction of the rope 40 thus strung. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can suppress localized load bias applied to the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 during hanging.

[0048] The folded-back portion 32 is held in a folded-back state by sewing. The folded-back portion 32 is provided at an upper end portion of the bathtub body 30 in the use state. The water surface of hot water of the bathtub body 30 in the use state is usually located below the upper end of the bathtub body 30. Therefore, the folded-back portion 32 is not required to have strict water impermeability as in the joint portion 31, and it is sufficient that the folded-back portion 32 be capable of maintaining the folded-back state. Therefore, employing sewing for maintaining the folded-back state of the folded-back portion 32 is useful because the folded-back state can be maintained by a simple method. The folded-back portion 32 formed by sewing can impart a design by sewing, such as stitches, to the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30.

[0049] The folded-back portion 32 has a form in which the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30 is folded back outward in the use state of the bathtub 10. With such a folded-back portion 32, the inner surface of the bathtub body 30 is formed only of the surface of the first layer L1. The first layer L1 is made of a PU film, and is a layer that ensures water-impermeability in the bathtub body 30. Therefore, the folded-back portion 32 is advantageous from the viewpoint of waterproof property.

[0050] For example, in the case of a folded-back portion having a configuration of being folded inward to the inside of the bathtub body, a surface of a layer constituting an outer surface of the bathtub body is exposed to the inside of the bathtub body. In this case, when the outer surface of the bathtub body is constituted by a surface of a fabric, such as a woven fabric or a knitted fabric as in the second layer L2 of the present embodiment, water easily enters gaps in the woven structure or the knitted structure due to splashing of hot water or the like. In contrast, in the case of the folded-back portion 32 in the form of being folded outward, the surface of the second layer L2 is not exposed to the inside of the bathtub body 30, so that it is possible to suppress contact of hot water with the second layer L2, and such a situation is less likely to occur.

[0051] The folded-back portion 32 has a form in which the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 30 is folded back outward in the use state of the bathtub 10, and thus it is also excellent in design. That is, since the folded-back portion 32 has a form of being folded outward, a step that would be generated when being folded inward is not generated on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30.

[0052] In order to store hot water in the bathtub 10, the water faucet 3 in the shower device 2 is used. The water faucet 3 can discharge hot water from any one of the water discharge pipe 3A, the overhead shower 4, and the hand shower 5. A bathing person in the bathtub 10 can take a bath by storing hot water from the water discharge pipe 3A or can take a bath by storing hot water from either the overhead shower 4 or the hand shower 5. The bathtub 10 is deformable and thus can be shaped to fit the body of the bathing person. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can reduce the amount of hot water to be stored therein as compared with a non-deformable bathtub. In the bathtub 10, the inner surface of the bathtub body 30 is the surface of the first layer L1 made of the PU film. Since the surface of the PU film is a smooth surface, the surface is good in touch feeling, cleaning property, and the like.

[0053] In the bathtub 10, the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 has the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 as the plurality of layers. The first layer L1 is formed of a PU film as a water-impermeable material. The second layer L2 is formed of a woven fabric made of PET fibers as a material having durability. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can easily achieve both strength for hanging and waterproof property. For example, when the bathtub is made of a sheet including a single layer, a material forming the single layer is required to have both water-impermeability and durability, and a material to be selected is limited. In contrast, in the bathtub 10, as the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30, a PU film is selected for ensuring water-impermeability, and a woven fabric made of PET fiber is selected for ensuring durability. As described above, since the bathtub 10 employs a configuration in which the sheet S1 constituting the bathtub body 30 includes the plurality of layers, different materials can be separately selected for water-impermeability and durability, and both of them can be used.

[0054] In a state where hot water is stored, a force due to a water pressure of the stored hot water acts on each portion of the bathtub 10. By the action of the water pressure, each portion of the bathtub 10 is deformed, and the bathtub body 30 and the rope 40 are strung. In particular, the rope 40 strung between the walls W1 and W2 at the upper edge portion is tightly tensioned to such an extent that no significant deflection occurs even when a hand is placed thereon. Therefore, while the bathtub 10 is deformable, the deformation is suppressed by storing hot water, and a stable shape is maintained even when the bathing person goes in and out of the bathtub 10.

[0055] The bathtub 10 has the joint portion 31 where the sheets S1 are joined together. The joint portion 31 is joined by the thermally welded portions H1, H2, and H3 in which the sheets S1 are thermally welded by the thermal welding material H. The joint portion 31 is joined by the three thermally welded portions H1, H2, and H3 by engaging the joint piece portions J folded into a U-shaped cross section. Therefore, the bathtub body 30 ensures sufficient strength and sufficient waterproof property at the joint portion 31.

[0056] The joint portion 31 extends in the vertical direction at the central portion of the side wall portions 30C and 30D in the bathtub body 30 having an oblong shape in a plan view. The bathtub body 30 has a good symmetrical shape on both sides with the joint portion 31 as a boundary. In the bathtub body 30, the material yield can be improved by arranging the joint portion 31 to extend in the vertical direction at the central portion of each of the side wall portions 30C and 30D. In other words, by arranging the joint portion 31 on the bathtub body 30 in this manner, the bathtub 10 can reduce the size of the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 in a developed state when forming the bathtub body 30 having a symmetrical boat-like shape.

[0057] For example, a bathtub body having substantially the same shape as the bathtub body 30 is assumed. In this bathtub body, when the joint portion is arranged at a position shifted from the central portion of the side wall portion of the bathtub body, the shape of the sheet forming the bathtub body in the developed state becomes asymmetric. In contrast, in the case of the bathtub body 30, since the joint portion 31 is arranged at the central portion of each of the side wall portions 30C and 30D, the shape of the sheet S1 in the developed state can be symmetrical (see Fig. 4). Therefore, as compared with a case where a symmetrically shaped bathtub body is formed from an asymmetrically shaped sheet material, the bathtub body 30 can reduce the size thereof in the developed state and can achieve favorable material yield.

[0058] In the bathtub 10, the lower surface of the central portion comes into contact with the floor F in a state where hot water is stored therein. Since the lower surface of the bathtub 10 comes into contact with the floor F in this manner, the weight of the hot water stored in the bathtub 10 and the weight of the bathing person are suitably supported by the floor F. Therefore, in the bathtub 10, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to each portion related to the hanging of the bathtub 10, such as the hanging member 20, the loop portion 41, the rope 40, and the insertion portion 32B. The bathroom 1 can simplify the structure for hanging support in terms of strength, as compared with, for example, a structure in which the bathtub is hung and supported only at the upper edge portion. Specifically, the bathroom 1 side configuration, such as the structures of the hanging member 20 and the walls W1 and W2, as well as the bathtub 10 side configuration, such as the structures of the bathtub body 30 and the rope 40, can be simplified in terms of strength.

[0059] When the bathtub bathing is finished, the hot water stored in the bathtub 10 is drained and the bathtub 10 is removed from the walls W1 and W2. When removing the bathtub 10 from the walls W1 and W2, the bathtub 10 can be removed by a simple operation such as removing the loop portion 41 as the engaging portion from the hanging member 20. The removed bathtub 10 is cleaned, dried, and folded and stored. Since the bathtub 10 is detachable, the entire inner and outer surfaces of the bathtub 10 can be cleaned, unlike the conventional stationary type bathtub. The bathtub 10 from which hot water has been drained can be detached from the walls W1 and W2 and freely deformed into a folded state, a rolled-up state, or the like. The bathtub 10 can be easily deformed into a shape suitable for storage.

[0060] In draining and drying the bathtub 10, the drying hanging member 21 is used (See Fig. 1, Fig. 18, etc.). The drying hanging member 21 is provided on the wall W2 above the hanging member 20, at a height at which even an average adult woman can reach, and at a height at which the bathtub 10 in a hung state is not brought into contact with the floor F. In the bathroom 1, the bathtub 10 can be easily dried without being taken out of the bathroom 1.

[0061] As illustrated in Fig. 2, in a state where the bathtub 10 is removed, the bathroom 1 can be suitably used as a shower room for taking a shower. In the bathroom 1, in a state where the bathtub 10 is not attached, it is possible to take a shower using the entire floor F as a washing area. In the bathroom 1, it is possible to take a shower using at least one of the overhead shower 4 and the hand shower 5 in the shower device 2. In a case where a shower is taken with the bathtub 10 removed, bubbles and water do not adhere to the bathtub 10 in the bathroom 1. Therefore, the bathroom 1 is easy to clean after showering.

[0062] Since the bathtub 10 is made of a sheet, it is easy to manufacture the bathtub at low cost as compared with a conventional bathtub made of FRP or the like. Therefore, it is relatively easy to provide a dedicated bathtub 10 for each user. In this case, the size, design, and the like of the bathtub 10 can be freely set according to each user. The bathtub 10 is advantageous in terms of transportation cost, recyclability, and the like as compared with the conventional stationary type bathtub made of FRP or the like. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can reduce environmental impact. It is relatively easy for one user to own a plurality of such bathtubs 10. In this case, the user can select and use a desired one from among the plurality of bathtubs 10 according to mood, season, and the like similar to selecting clothes.

[0063] As described above, the bathtub 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes the bathtub body 30 which is made of the sheet S1 and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. The sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 has the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 as the plurality of layers. The first layer L1 is made of a PU film which is a water-impermeable material. The second layer L2 is formed of a woven fabric made of PET fibers as a material having durability. With such a configuration, the bathtub 10 can adopt the sheet S1 in which materials excellent in waterproof property and durability are separately selected. As a result, as compared with a case where the sheet S1 is formed of a single layer, the bathtub 10 can easily ensure each of strength for hanging and waterproof property, and can easily realize the bathtub body 30 having good waterproof property and durability.

[0064] In the bathtub 10, the outermost layer of the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 is made of a fabric. Therefore, in the bathtub 10, it is possible to make the bathtub body 30 having an appearance with a favorable design. That is, since the outermost layer is made of a fabric, the bathtub body 30 can have an appearance with a fabric texture, thereby imparting a favorable design to the bathtub 10.

[0065] In the bathtub 10, in the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30, the fabric surface of the woven fabric made of the PET fibers, which is the outermost surface, is rougher than the surface of the PU film, which is the innermost surface. Therefore, as compared with a case where the outer surface is simply a smooth surface, the bathtub 10 can be imparted with a texture provided by the rough surface, thereby improving the design quality of the outer surface of the bathtub body 30.

[0066] In the bathtub 10, the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 in the use state has the folded-back portion 32 which is folded back outward. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can have a configuration in which only the surface of the first layer L1 that ensures water-impermeability is exposed to the inside of the bathtub body 30, which is advantageous for ensuring waterproof property. The folded-back portion 32 has the form of being folded outward, and thus it is possible to have a configuration in which a step that would be generated when being folded inward is not generated on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30. In the bathtub 10, the folded-back portion 32 is provided at the upper edge, and thus it is possible to secure strength for hanging the bathtub body 30 at the upper edge portion. The sheets S1 overlapped at the folded-back portion 32 are sewn together. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can be imparted with a favorable design by sewing at the folded-back portion 32 at the upper edge of the bathtub body 30.

[0067] The bathtub 10 includes the rope 40 for hanging the bathtub body 30 in the use state. The rope 40 is inserted into the folded-back portion 32 and extends therein. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can satisfactorily support, by the rope 40, a load received from the stored hot water when the bathtub 10 is hung, a load received from a bathing person or the like who takes a bath while leaning against the inner surface of the bathtub 10, or the like. Since the rope 40 is inserted into the folded-back portion 32 at the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 and extends therein, the load received from the bathtub body 30 can be satisfactorily dispersed in the extending direction of the rope 40.

[0068] The bathtub 10 has four loop portions 41 that are hooked onto the hanging member 20 on the bathroom 1 side. The loop portion 41 corresponds to an engaging portion according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can support the load from the stored hot water and the bathing person by favorably dispersing the load from the four loop portions 41 to the walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 10 is in contact with the floor F of the bathroom 1 at the center lower surface of the bathtub body 30. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can also have the load supported by the floor F of the bathroom 1, thereby reducing the load applied to the walls W1 and W2.

[0069] The bathroom 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes the hanging member 20 for hanging the bathtub 10. Therefore, for example, when a shower is taken, the bathroom 1 can form a wide space by removing the bathtub 10. That is, in the bathroom 1, the bathtub 10 can be attached thereto only when the bathtub 10 is necessary, and the bathtub 10 can be removed therefrom when the bathtub 10 is unnecessary. Therefore, in a case where the bathroom 1 is used for a purpose other than using the bathtub 10, the bathroom 1 can be used with high space efficiency by removing the bathtub 10, since there is no bathtub 10.

[0070] As described above, the bathtub 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes the bathtub body 30 which is made of the sheet S1 and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. The bathtub body 30 has the joint portion 31. The joint portion 31 is formed by joining portions of the sheet S1 to each other. The joint portion 31 is provided on each of the side wall portions 30C and 30D of the bathtub body 30. Since the bathtub body 30 has the joint portion 31, a desired shape can be easily obtained.

[0071] In the bathtub 10, the bathtub body 30 in a use state has an oblong shape in a plan view. In the side wall portions 30C and 30D forming sides corresponding to the short sides of the oblong shape in the bathtub body 30, the joint portion 31 extends in the vertical direction at the central portion in the extending direction of each of the sides. With such a joint portion 31, the bathtub 10 can have the bathtub body 30 having a symmetrical boat-like shape with the joint portion 31 as a boundary. In the bathtub 10, since the joint portion 31 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction at the central portion in the extending direction of the side, the sheet S1 can be formed with good yield from the sheet material.

[0072] In the bathtub 10, the joint portion 31 includes the thermally welded portions H1, H2, and H3 formed with the thermal welding material H interposed between the overlapped sheets S1. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can ensure sufficient strength and waterproof property of the joint portion 31 in the bathtub body 30.

[0073] In the bathtub 10, the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 includes the second layer L2 made of a woven fabric made of PET fibers as a fabric, and the first layer L1 made of a PU film as a layer of a water impermeable material superposed on the first layer L1. In the bathtub 10, since the inner surface of the bathtub body 30 is the surface of the first layer L1 made of the PU film and is a smooth surface, the touch feeling at the time of taking a bath is good.

[0074] In the bathtub 10, the sheet S1 forming the bathtub body 30 is formed by one sheet S1. Specifically, the sheet S1 is cut from one sheet material into a predetermined shape as a single piece. Therefore, in the bathtub 10, as compared with a bathtub body formed by joining a plurality of sheet-shaped members cut from a sheet material, the number of portions where the joint portions are formed can be reduced, so that the bathtub body 30 can be easily obtained.

[0075] In the bathtub 10, the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 in the use state has the folded-back portion 32 which is folded back outward. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can have a configuration in which only the surface of the first layer L1 that ensures water-impermeability is exposed to the inside of the bathtub body 30, which is advantageous for ensuring waterproof property. The folded-back portion 32 has the form of being folded outward, and thus it is possible to have a configuration in which a step that would be generated when being folded inward is not generated on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30. In the bathtub 10, the folded-back portion 32 is provided at the upper edge, and thus it is possible to secure strength for hanging the bathtub body 30 at the upper edge portion. The sheets S1 overlapped at the folded-back portion 32 are sewn together. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can be imparted with a favorable design by sewing at the folded-back portion 32 at the upper edge of the bathtub body 30.

[0076] In a bathtub drying method according to Embodiment 1, the bathtub 10 is hung from the drying hanging member 21 and dried. Therefore, in the bathtub drying method, the bathtub 10 can be easily drained and dried without being taken out of the bathroom 1.

[0077] In the bathtub drying method, the drying hanging member 21 is provided above the hanging member 20 from which the bathtub 10 is hung when the bathtub is used with hot water stored therein. Therefore, since the bathtub can be hung at a height at which it does not come into contact with the floor F, the bathtub 10 can be drained and dried in the bathtub drying method.<Embodiment 2>

[0078] A bathtub of Embodiment 2 in which a bathtub according to the present disclosure is embodied will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The bathtub of Embodiment 2 includes a bathtub body formed of a sheet S2. The sheet S2 has a plurality of layers similarly to the sheet S1 of Embodiment 1. The sheet S2 is different from the sheet S1 in a configuration of a plurality of layers. The bathtub of Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as the bathtub 10 of Embodiment 1 in other points. In the following description, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0079] As illustrated in Fig. 9, the sheet S2 includes a third layer L3 in addition to the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The third layer L3 is a layer having a heat retention function. In the present embodiment, the third layer L3 is a layer of a foamed resin obtained by foaming a resin such as PU or polyethylene (PE). The third layer L3 is disposed between the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The bathtub body having the sheet S2 configured as described above can suppress a decrease in temperature of stored hot water. A bathtub body made of a sheet has a concern that the stored hot water is easily cooled as compared with a conventional bathtub made of FRP or the like. Therefore, by adopting the sheet S2 having the third layer L3 made of a foamed resin as the sheet forming the bathtub body, it is possible to impart a heat retention function to the bathtub body made of the sheet.<Embodiment 3>

[0080] A bathtub of Embodiment 3 in which a bathtub according to the present disclosure is embodied will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The bathtub of Embodiment 3 includes a bathtub body having a joint portion 231. The joint portion 231 is the same as the joint portion 31 of Embodiment 1 in that sheets are joined to each other in the side wall portion of the bathtub body. The joint portion 231 is different from the joint portion 31 in terms of a joined form of sheets. The bathtub of Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the bathtub 10 of Embodiment 1 in other points. In the following description, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0081] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the joint portion 231 has a form in which thermal welding and sewing are combined. The joint portion 231 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 described above in that the joint piece portions J folded into a U-shaped cross section are engaged with each other to form the thermally welded portions H1, H2, and H3 by the thermal welding material H therebetween. In addition, the joint portion 231 is formed by sewing overlapped sheets with a sewing thread Th. Such a joint portion 231 can further improve the joint strength.

[0082] As a procedure of forming the joint portion 231, the following procedure is desirable: sandwiching the thermal welding material H between the joint piece portions J, sewing them with the sewing thread in this state, and then melting the thermal welding material H to form the thermally welded portions H1, H2, and H3. According to this procedure, it is possible to cause the thermal welding material H to enter the needle perforation made by the sewing, thereby ensuring waterproof property.

[0083] The present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment described with reference to the above description and drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, various features of the embodiments described above and the embodiments described below may be combined in any way as long as there is no contradiction.

[0084] The configuration, size, space shape, and the like of the bathroom according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments. In the bathroom, it is not essential that the hanging portion is provided on the wall. The hanging portion may be provided on the ceiling of the bathroom. The hanging portion may be provided on a movable frame installed on the floor of the bathroom. In the bathroom, it is preferable to provide a reinforcement structure at a portion corresponding to the hanging portion in the bathroom, such as a wall back, a ceiling back, or a floor back.

[0085] It is not essential for the bathroom according to the present disclosure to have the hanging member for draining and drying the bathtub. When the bathroom has a hanging member for draining and drying, the wall to be attached is not particularly limited. That is, the hanging member for draining and drying may be provided on the wall provided with the shower device exemplified in the above embodiment, or may be provided on a wall not facing the wall provided with the shower device and not provided with the shower device. The hanging member for draining and drying is preferably provided on a wall other than the wall on which the shower device is provided. The hanging member for draining and drying may be provided, for example, one by one on adjacent walls. In this case, the hanging member for draining and drying can hang the bathtub at the corner portions of the two walls with a large gap from the wall surfaces, which is more suitable for draining and drying.

[0086] The configuration of the bathtub according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The bathtub may be configured to include a member for hanging the bathtub body such as a rope, as in each of the above embodiments, or may be configured to include only the bathtub body.

[0087] The shape, size, configuration, and the like of the bathtub body according to the present disclosure are not particularly limited as long as the bathtub body is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. In the bathtub body, the shape of the bathtub body is not limited to the shape exemplified in each of the above embodiments. The bathtub body can have a polygonal shape such as a square shape, a triangular shape, and a pentagonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like in a plan view in a use state.

[0088] In the present disclosure, the configuration and the like of the sheet forming the bathtub body are not limited to the configuration and the like exemplified in each of the above embodiments. The sheet is only required to have a layer formed of a water-impermeable material and a layer formed of a material having durability. The sheet may have two or more layers formed of a water-impermeable material. For example, the sheet S3 illustrated in Fig. 11 has two layers L1A and L1B made of a water-impermeable material. In the case of a sheet having a plurality of layers formed of a water-impermeable material, further waterproof property can be ensured as compared with the case where there is one water-impermeable material layer.

[0089] The material of the resin film as the layer formed of the water-impermeable material is not limited to the PU film exemplified in each of the above embodiments. The material of the resin film may be any material having water-impermeability, and examples thereof include materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA)-based resins. The layer formed of the water-impermeable material may be, for example, a layer formed of a material other than the resin film, such as a woven fabric impregnated with a waterproof resin or rubber.

[0090] The sheet may have two or more layers formed of a material having durability. The fabric used for the layer formed of a material having durability is not limited to the woven fabric exemplified in each of the above embodiments, and may be a fabric such as a knitted fabric or a nonwoven fabric. When the fabric is a woven fabric, the weave structure thereof may be a twill weave, a satin weave, or the like, and is not limited to a plain weave. The material having durability is not limited to the PE resin such as PET exemplified in the above embodiment, and may be a material such as a PA resin or an acrylic (PMMA) resin.

[0091] When the sheet is configured with a fabric layer, it is not essential that the fabric layer is located on the outermost side of the sheet. The fabric layer may be located on an inner side with respect to other layers of the sheet. In the case of a fabric, a good texture of the fabric can be imparted, and decoration such as dyeing and printing can also be performed. Therefore, arranging the fabric layer on the outermost side is significant from the viewpoint of improving designability.

[0092] It is not essential that the outermost surface of the sheet is rougher than the innermost surface. The outermost surface of the sheet may be a surface smoother than the innermost surface, or may have surface roughness equivalent to that of the innermost surface. When the outermost surface of the sheet is a rough surface, a favorable design provided by a texture of the rough surface can be imparted. The rough surface can also be configured to have variations in surface roughness within a range perceptible to the user, as compared with the case of a simple smooth surface. In this case, it is possible to select various differences in texture and touch feeling due to the difference in surface roughness, and it is possible to improve the design flexibility. That is, the rough surface can expand the range of selection of texture, function, and the like as compared with the case of a simple smooth surface.

[0093] As exemplified in Embodiment 2, the sheet may have a heat retention function. In this case, the heat retention function is not limited to a form in which the sheet has a heat retention layer made of a foamed resin as in Embodiment 2, and may be, for example, a form in which the sheet has a layer L4 in which heating wires E that generate heat by energization are embedded as in a sheet S4 illustrated in Fig. 12. The arrangement of the layer having a heat retention function is not limited to the arrangement between the layer formed of the water-impermeable material and the layer formed of the material having durability exemplified in Embodiment 2, and may be, for example, the arrangement on the outer side with respect to the layer (second layer L2) formed of the material having durability, such as the layer L4 of the sheet S4 illustrated in Fig. 12. The sheet having a heat retention function may have a configuration in which an electric heating wire is simply sandwiched between a plurality of layers forming the sheet.

[0094] In the bathtub according to the present disclosure, it is not essential that the bathtub body has the folded-back portion. When the bathtub body has the folded-back portion, the configuration, shape, arrangement, and the like of the folded-back portion are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The folded-back portion is not limited to a form of being provided on the entire circumference of the upper edge of the bathtub body, and may be a form of being partially provided, for example, being provided on only two of four sides of the upper edge of the bathtub body having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The folded-back portion may be a form of being folded inward at the upper edge of the bathtub body in the use state. In the present disclosure, the "rectangular shape" is intended to mean a rectangle including a square. That is, the "oblong" according to the present disclosure does not include a square.

[0095] It is not essential that the bathtub according to the present disclosure includes the rope. When the bathtub includes the rope, the shape, arrangement, and the like of the rope are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The rope may be annular. In this case, the rope may be an annular rope extending along the upper edge portion of the bathtub body, an annular rope passed through a through hole formed in the bathtub body, or the like.

[0096] The shape, size, configuration, and the like of the engaging portion according to the present disclosure are not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiments as long as it is hooked onto the hanging portion provided in the bathroom. Examples of the engaging portion include a form of a through hole formed in the bathtub body, a form of an annular rope passing through the through hole formed in the bathtub body, and the like. The engaging portion may be in a form of simply tying the end portion of the rope to the hanging portion. When the bathtub includes the engaging portions, the number of the engaging portions may be five or more or three or less.

[0097] In the joint portion according to the present disclosure, the joining form, arrangement, configuration, and the like are not particularly limited. The joining form of the sheets by the joint portions is not limited to the thermal welding by the thermal welding material exemplified in each of the above embodiments, and may be the sewing by a sewing thread, the adhesion by an adhesive material, or the like. The joint portion may be a combination of a plurality of these joining forms.

[0098] The joint portion may be disposed at a position other than the central portion in the direction in which the side of the side wall portion extends, or may be disposed at a portion other than the side wall portion, such as a bottom wall portion of the bathtub body. The joint portion is not limited to a form of being formed to extend in the vertical direction, and may be a form of being formed to extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, for example.

[0099] The joint portion according to the present disclosure may have, for example, a configuration as illustrated in Fig. 13. A joint portion 331 illustrated in Fig. 13 is in a form of being thermally welded without using a thermal welding material. Specifically, the joint portion 331 has a form in which, at the joint piece portions J, the first layers L1 made of the PU films are butted against each other and the PUs are thermally welded to each other. According to this configuration, a joint portion having an extremely simple configuration can be realized. As a modified example of the joint portion of this form, for example, there is a form in which a thermal welding material is disposed between the joint piece portions to form a thermally welded portion.

[0100] The joint portion according to the present disclosure may have, for example, a configuration as illustrated in Fig. 14. A joint portion 431 shown in Fig. 14 has a form in which, in addition to the configuration of the joint portion 231, the joint portion 231 is covered with a seam tape TA having water-impermeability. According to this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the waterproof property at the joint portion. The seam tape TA can be joined to the water-impermeable material layer (L1) of the sheet by thermal welding, adhesion, or the like.

[0101] The joint portion according to the present disclosure can form the bathtub body into a desired shape. For example, in a bathtub 210 illustrated in Fig. 15, a bathtub body 230 includes a slack portion 60. The slack portion 60 is formed by gathering the peripheral edge of a portion of the sheet that forms the slack portion 60 by the joint portion. The slack portion 60 in Fig. 15 is an example having a function as an armrest. Such an armrest can provide an unconventional feeling of fitting to the body of the bathing person due to the flexibility of the sheet.

[0102] A further modification example of the joint portion will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The bathtub 310 illustrated in Fig. 16 includes a bathtub body 330. The bathtub body 330 is formed by joining a plurality of sheets by the joint portion 31. Specifically, the bathtub body 330 is formed by joining a sheet S1 similar to that in each of the above embodiments and a sheet S5 cut separately from the sheet S1 via the joint portion 31. In the present embodiment, the sheet S5 has stretchability. According to such a configuration, the sheet S5 is disposed at a portion of the bathtub body that is assumed to be in contact with a body part having a large movable range, such as the back, the neck, the head periphery, and the foot periphery, of the body of the bathing person, whereby the stretching and contraction of the sheet can be made to correspond to the movement such as the stretching of the body part and the change in posture. Therefore, the bathing person can move his / her body easily in the bathtub body 330, and the relaxing effect by bathing can be further improved. As described above, when the bathtub body is formed by joining a plurality of sheets via the joint portion, it is possible to easily realize the bathtub body having excellent designability, for example, by forming a pattern or a design based on a cut shape of the sheet, or by joining the sheets like a patchwork.

[0103] The joint portion according to the present disclosure may be formed for the purpose of reinforcing the bathtub body. Since the bathtub body according to the present disclosure is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, it is assumed that a load due to hanging locally acts near the engaging portion according to the present disclosure. It is assumed that friction occurs in the insertion portion according to the present disclosure due to sliding with the rope. Therefore, for example, in the folded-back portion such as the wide portion or the insertion portion, the sheet serving as a reinforcing material may be superposed and joined by the joint portion, thereby providing the folded-back portion having a multiple structure.

[0104] In the bathtub according to the present disclosure, it is not essential that the bathtub body has the joint portion. A form of forming the bathtub body without using the joint portion will be described with reference to Fig. 17. A bathtub body 430 illustrated in Fig. 17 has a foldable portion 433. The foldable portion 433 is formed by partially folding a sheet forming the bathtub body 430 into a bag shape. The foldable portion 433 is held in a folded state by a fastener Z illustrated in Fig. 17 or a locking means such as a button. The bathtub body 430 has a boat-like shape capable of storing hot water in a state where the folded state of the foldable portion 433 is maintained. The bathtub body 430 can be deformed from the boat-like shape to one flat sheet shape by releasing the folded state of the foldable portion 433. By deforming the bathtub body 430 into a flat sheet shape, the bathtub body does not take up much space during storage, drying after cleaning, or the like.<Embodiment 4>

[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 19, a bathtub 510 in Embodiment 4 is disposed in a bathroom 50. The bathroom 50 includes a wall W, a ceiling C, a floor F, a water faucet device 560, and four hanging members 70. The water faucet device 560 and the hanging member 70 are fixed to the wall W. The wall W includes the walls W1, W2, and W3 connected to each other and a wall (not illustrated) provided to face the wall W3. The wall (not illustrated) is provided with an entrance for access to and from the adjacent dressing room. A door is provided at the entrance. The floor F has a gentle downward gradient toward a drain port (not illustrated).

[0106] The bathroom 50 does not have the stationary type bathtub. The bathtub 510 is disposed along the wall W3 of the bathroom 50. In a state where the bathtub 510 is installed in the bathroom 50, the washing area for washing the body of the bathing person is formed on the entrance side of the bathroom 50. The bathtub 510 is detachable from the bathroom 50. The bathroom 50 can be suitably used as a shower room by removing the bathtub 510.

[0107] The water faucet device 560 is a shower device. The water faucet device 560 includes a water faucet 61, a water discharge pipe 62, an overhead shower 63, and a hand shower 65. The water faucet 61 is connected to a water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe (not illustrated). The water faucet 61 is a mixing faucet. The water faucet 61 can perform temperature adjustment of hot water to be discharged, adjustment of the amount of hot water to be discharged, switching between discharge and stop of water, switching of a flow path, and the like. The water faucet 61 can discharge hot water by selecting any one of the water discharge pipe 62, the overhead shower 63, and the hand shower 65. The hot water or water discharged from the water faucet device 560 is referred to as hot water regardless of a temperature, a mixing ratio of hot water, or the like.

[0108] The water discharge pipe 62 is provided to extend from the water faucet 61. The water discharge pipe 62 extends in a direction away from the wall W1. The overhead shower 63 is provided above the water faucet 61. The overhead shower 63 is connected to the water faucet 61 via a pipe 67. The pipe 67 extends vertically upward from the water faucet 61 along the wall W1, and is bent at the upper end in a direction away from the wall W1. The overhead shower 63 is provided at the distal end portion of the pipe 67. The hand shower 65 is connected to the water faucet 61 via a hose 69. The hand shower 65 is movable within a length range of the hose 69.

[0109] An engaging portion 26 of the bathtub 510, to be described later, is hooked onto each of the hanging members 70. Each hanging member 70 has a shape bent in a J shape so that the engaging portion 26 can be hooked thereon from above. The hanging member 70 is provided on two opposing walls W1 and W2 of the walls W. Two hanging members 70 are provided on each of the opposing walls W1 and W2, that is, a total of four hanging members are provided. The two hanging members 70 provided on each of the walls W1 and W2 are disposed with a spacing therebetween in the horizontal direction. The two hanging members 70 provided on the wall W1 are disposed below the water faucet 61. The distance between the two hanging members 70 provided on the wall W2 is equal to the distance between the two hanging members 70 provided on the wall W1. The four hanging members 70 are disposed at equivalent height positions.

[0110] As illustrated in Fig. 20, the bathtub 510 includes a bathtub body 520, two ropes 530, and four engaging portions 26. The bathtub body 520 is made of a sheet. The bathtub body 520 has a boat-like shape in a state of being hung from the hanging member 70 with hot water stored therein (see Fig. 19). The engaging portions 26 are provided at four corner portions of the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520. The engaging portion 26 is a portion to be hung from a hanging member in the bathtub 510. A state where the engaging portion 26 is hung from the hanging member 70 and hot water is stored in the bathtub body 520 is referred to as a use state.

[0111] The bathtub body 520 has a bottom surface portion 11 and a side surface portion 12. The bottom surface portion 11 comes into contact with the floor F in the use state (see Fig. 19). As a result, in the use state, most of the load of the bathtub 510 can be supported by the floor F. In the use state, the side surface portion 12 surrounds the bottom surface portion 11 and rises upward. Thus, the amount of hot water suitable for bathing can be stored in the bathtub body 520.

[0112] The bathtub body 520 is formed of one sheet material 13 cut into a predetermined shape. The sheet material 13 has low stretchability, and can maintain the shape of the bathtub body 520 in a boat-like shape in the use state. The sheet material 13 is excellent in flexibility, water-impermeability (waterproof property), and durability against tension.

[0113] The sheet material 13 may be formed by superposing a plurality of materials. The plurality of materials may be bonded with an adhesive. As a specific example, the sheet material 13 may have a two-layer structure in which a polyester woven fabric and a polyurethane film are laminated. The polyester woven fabric may be disposed on the side constituting the outer surface of the bathtub body 520 in the sheet material 13, and the polyurethane film may be disposed on the side constituting the inner surface of the bathtub body 520 in the sheet material 13. An inner side of the bathtub body 520 is a side on which hot water is stored, and an outer side of the bathtub body 520 is a side opposite to the side on which hot water is stored.

[0114] As illustrated in Fig. 20, the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 has a pair of short sides 16 and a pair of long sides 17. The upper edge portion of the bathtub 510 has an oblong shape in a plan view in the use state. The length dimension of the short side 16 is equivalent to the shoulder width of an adult male. The length dimension of the short side 16 may be about 500 mm. The length dimension of the long side 17 is a length dimension that allows an adult male to sit comfortably inside the bathtub body 520. The length dimension of the long side 17 may be about 1600 mm.

[0115] As illustrated in Fig. 20, the bathtub body 520 includes a folded-back portion 14 formed in a tubular shape by folding an outer edge portion of the sheet material 13 outward. A step generated by forming the folded-back portion 14 is formed on the outer side of the bathtub body 520. The folded-back portion 14 is provided on each of the pair of short sides 16 and the pair of long sides 17. The folded-back portion of the sheet material 13 is triple-fold sewn (see Fig. 25). A sewing portion 14A, which sews a portion of the folded-back portion 14 excluding a wide portion 27 to be described later, is provided along the rope 530 disposed inside the folded-back portion 14 (see Fig. 22). Since the folded-back portion 14 has a double structure in which the sheet material 13 is folded back, it functions to reinforce the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 together with the rope 530.

[0116] As illustrated in Fig. 20, one rope 530 is disposed on each long side 17 of the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 in the use state. In the use state, the long side 17 of the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 is less likely to warp downward. As a result, the boat-like shape of the bathtub body 520 can be maintained, and sufficient hot water can be stored in the bathtub body 520.

[0117] The rope 530 has a tensile strength that does not break even when a person sits on the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 in the use state. As the rope 530, a polyester rope may be used. The rope 530 passes through the entire length of the folded-back portion 14 provided on the long side 17. In the use state, the rope 530 is strung between the walls W1 and W2 (see Fig. 19).

[0118] As illustrated in Figs. 21 to 23, the engaging portion 26 includes a wide portion 27, a loop portion 531, a reinforcing sheet material 43, and a sewing portion 540. The wide portions 27 are provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the folded-back portion 14 provided on the long side 17. The wide portion 27 is formed by making a fold-back allowance of the sheet material 13 larger than that of other portions of the folded-back portion 14 of the long side 17. The width dimension of the wide portion 27 is substantially constant in the extending direction of the long side 17. The wide portion 27 makes it difficult for the engaging portion 26 to stretch.

[0119] The loop portions 531 are provided at both end portions in the extending direction of the rope 530. The loop portion 531 is formed by folding back an end portion of the rope 530. The loop portion 531 is hooked onto the hanging member 70 provided on each of the walls W1 and W2. A loop end portion 33 of the rope 530 at which the loop portion 531 is closed is accommodated inside the wide portion 27 as illustrated in Fig. 21.

[0120] As illustrated in Fig. 21, the loop end portion 33 includes a loop sewing portion 35. The loop sewing portion 35 sews a pair of rope materials 34 constituting the loop end portion 33 with a thread. The loop sewing portion 35 is sewn in a zigzag pattern. The thread of the loop sewing portion 35 alternately penetrates the pair of rope materials 34.

[0121] As illustrated in Fig. 21, the wide portion 27 has a first surface portion 36 and a second surface portion 37. The second surface portion 37 is a portion of the sheet material 13 overlapping the first surface portion 36. The first surface portion 36 is disposed on an outer side (one side) of the loop end portion 33. The second surface portion 37 is disposed on the inner side (other side) of the loop end portion 33.

[0122] As illustrated in Fig. 23, the reinforcing sheet material 43 is folded in half and superposed on the surface of the wide portion 27. The reinforcing sheet material 43 includes a first reinforcing portion 44 and a second reinforcing portion 45. The first reinforcing portion 44 is superposed on the surface of the first surface portion 36. The second reinforcing portion 45 is superposed on the surface of the second surface portion 37.

[0123] Similarly to the sheet material 13 constituting the bathtub body 520, the reinforcing sheet material 43 may have a two-layer structure in which a polyester woven fabric and a polyurethane film are laminated. In this case, the polyester woven fabric may be disposed on the outer side of the reinforcing sheet material 43, and the polyurethane film may be disposed on the inner side of the reinforcing sheet material 43. The outer side of the reinforcing sheet material 43 is a side opposite to the side in contact with the wide portion 27, and the inner side of the reinforcing sheet material 43 is a side in contact with the wide portion 27.

[0124] As illustrated in Figs. 23 to 25, the sewing portion 540 includes a primary sewing portion 541 and a secondary sewing portion 42. As illustrated in Fig. 23, the primary sewing portion 541 sews the loop end portion 33 and the folded-back portion 14 together at a stage before the reinforcing sheet material 43 is sewn. As illustrated in Fig. 24, the secondary sewing portion 42 sews the reinforcing sheet material 43 and the folded-back portion 14 together after the reinforcing sheet material 43 is superposed on the front side of the folded-back portion 14. The primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42 are provided at the same position in the engaging portion 26. The primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42 overlap each other. The primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42 each include an edge sewing portion 46 and a middle sewing portion 47.

[0125] The edge sewing portion 46 has a long side sewing portion 46A and a pair of short side sewing portions 46B in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42. The long side sewing portion 46A extends along the edge of the rope material 34 in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42. The short side sewing portion 46B extends across the pair of rope materials 34 in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42. The middle sewing portion 47 sews the widthwise center of each rope material 34 in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42. The middle sewing portion 47 linearly extends from one short side sewing portion 46B to the other short side sewing portion 46B in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42.

[0126] The primary sewing portion 541 will be described (see Figs. 23 and 25). As illustrated in Fig. 23, the edge sewing portion 46 sews the edge of the folded-back portion 14. The long side sewing portion 46A extends along one long side of the first surface portion 36. The thread of the long side sewing portion 46A penetrates the first surface portion 36 and the second surface portion 37 which are superposed at the edge of the rope material 34. The edge of the first surface portion 36 is folded back and sewn. The gap between the folded-back portion 14 and the loop end portion 33 is closed by the long side sewing portion 46A.

[0127] The short side sewing portions 46B extend along the pair of short sides of the first surface portion 36. The thread of the short side sewing portion 46B penetrates the first surface portion 36 and the second surface portion 37 which are superposed. A portion of the thread of the short side sewing portion 46B crossing the rope material 34 penetrates the first surface portion 36, the rope material 34, and the second surface portion 37.

[0128] The middle sewing portion 47 sews a central portion of the folded-back portion 14. The thread of the middle sewing portion 47 penetrates the first surface portion 36, the rope material 34, and the second surface portion 37 in sequence.

[0129] The secondary sewing portion 42 will be described (see Figs. 24 and 25). As illustrated in Fig. 24, the edge sewing portion 46 sews the edge of the reinforcing sheet material 43. The long side sewing portion 46A extends along one long side of each of the first reinforcing portion 44 and the second reinforcing portion 45. The thread of the long side sewing portion 46A penetrates the first reinforcing portion 44, the first surface portion 36, the second surface portion 37, and the second reinforcing portion 45 which are superposed at the edge of the rope material 34. The edges of the first reinforcing portion 44 and the second reinforcing portion 45 are folded back and sewn. The long side sewing portion 46A overlaps the long side sewing portion 46A of the primary sewing portion 541 in the first surface portion 36 and the second surface portion 37.

[0130] The short side sewing portions 46B extend along a pair of short sides of the first reinforcing portion 44 and the second reinforcing portion 45. The thread of the short side sewing portion 46B penetrates the first reinforcing portion 44, the first surface portion 36, the second surface portion 37, and the second reinforcing portion 45 which are superposed. A portion of the thread of the short side sewing portion 46B crossing the rope material 34 penetrates the first reinforcing portion 44, the first surface portion 36, the rope material 34, the second surface portion 37, and the second reinforcing portion 45. The short side sewing portion 46B overlaps the short side sewing portion 46B of the primary sewing portion 541 in the first surface portion 36 and the second surface portion 37.

[0131] The middle sewing portion 47 sews a central portion of the reinforcing sheet material 43. The thread of the middle sewing portion 47 penetrates the first reinforcing portion 44, the first surface portion 36, the rope material 34, the second surface portion 37, and the second reinforcing portion 45 in sequence. The middle sewing portion 47 overlaps the middle sewing portion 47 of the primary sewing portion 541 in the first surface portion 36, the rope material 34, and the second surface portion 37.

[0132] An example of a bathing method using the bathtub 510 will be described. First, the bathing person installs the bathtub 510 in the bathroom 50. Specifically, the bathing person hooks the engaging portion 26 of the bathtub body 520 onto the hanging member 70 of the bathroom 50 to install the bathtub. The bathing person can easily install the bathtub 510 in the bathroom 50 simply by hooking the engaging portion 26 onto the hanging member 70.

[0133] Next, the bathing person stores hot water in the bathtub body 520. Specifically, the bathing person operates the water faucet device 560 of the bathroom 50 to pour hot water having an appropriate temperature into the bathtub body 520. After pouring an amount of water suitable for bathing into the bathtub body 520, the bathing person stops the discharge of the water faucet device 560. The bottom surface portion 11 of the bathtub 510 comes into contact with the floor F in a state where hot water is stored therein.

[0134] Next, the bathing person enters the bathtub 510. Since the bottom surface portion 11 of the bathtub 510 comes into contact with the floor F, most of the weight of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 520 and the weight of the bathing person are supported by the floor F. The bathing person enters the bathtub 510 with the head on the wall W2 side and the legs on the wall W1 side. The back of the bathing person is supported by the side surface portion 12. Since the rope 530 is not disposed within the short side 16 of the bathtub body 520, the bathing person feels only the softness of the fabric when placing his / her head or legs on the short side 16 of the bathtub body 520, and can take a bath in a relaxed state.

[0135] After taking a bath, the bathing person removes a drain plug (not illustrated) of the bathtub body 520 to drain hot water. Thereafter, the bathing person removes the bathtub 510 from the walls W1 and W2. The bathing person can easily remove the bathtub 510 from the walls W1 and W2 simply by removing the engaging portion 26 from the hanging member 70. The bathing person cleans the removed bathtub 510 and dries it by hanging it on the water faucet device 560 or the like. The bathing person folds the bathtub body 520 into a compact form and stores it outside the bathroom.

[0136] According to Embodiment 4 configured as described above, the following effects are obtained. The bathtub 510 includes the bathtub body 520 made of a sheet and the rope 530. The bathtub body 520 is used with hot water stored therein while being hung. The rope 530 is disposed along the upper edge portion of the bathtub body 520 in a hung state. The bathtub body 520 has the folded-back portion 14. The folded-back portion 14 is formed by folding back an outer edge portion of the sheet material 13 constituting the bathtub body 520. The rope 530 has the loop portion 531 formed by folding back an end portion of the rope 530. The loop end portion 33 of the rope 530 that closes the loop portion 531 is accommodated inside the folded-back portion 14. The loop end portion 33 and the folded-back portion 14 are sewn with a thread. The thread penetrates the first surface portion 36 of the folded-back portion 14 disposed on the outer side of the loop end portion 33, the loop end portion 33, and the second surface portion 37 of the folded-back portion 14 disposed on the inner side of the loop end portion 33. According to this configuration, since the loop end portion 33 and the folded-back portion 14 can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of the engaging portion 26 hung from the hanging member can be increased. Even if a part of the thread sewing the loop end portion 33 and the folded-back portion 14 becomes frayed, displacement between the loop end portion 33 and the folded-back portion 14 can be suppressed.

[0137] The pair of rope materials 34 constituting the loop end portion 33 of the rope 530 is sewn together with the thread. According to this configuration, since the pair of rope materials 34 constituting the loop end portion 33 can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of the loop portion 531 can be increased.

[0138] The first surface portion 36 and the second surface portion 37 are sewn together along the edge of the rope material 34 constituting the loop end portion 33. According to this configuration, since the gap between the loop end portion 33 and the edge of the folded-back portion 14 can be reduced, water is less likely to enter between the rope material 34 and the edge of the folded-back portion 14.

[0139] The bathtub 510 has the reinforcing sheet material 43 superposed on the outer side of the folded-back portion 14. The reinforcing sheet material 43 includes the first reinforcing portion 44 superposed on the first surface portion 36 and the second reinforcing portion 45 superposed on the second surface portion 37. The folded-back portion 14 and the reinforcing sheet material 43 are sewn together with a thread. The thread penetrates the first reinforcing portion 44, the first surface portion 36, the loop end portion 33, the second surface portion 37, and the second reinforcing portion 45. According to this configuration, since the reinforcing sheet material 43, the folded-back portion 14, and the loop end portion 33 can be firmly fixed to each other, the strength of the engaging portion 26 hung from the hanging member can be increased.

[0140] The first reinforcing portion 44 and the second reinforcing portion 45 are sewn together along the edge of the rope material 34 constituting the loop end portion 33. According to this configuration, since the gap between the loop end portion 33 and the edge of the reinforcing sheet material 43 can be reduced, water is less likely to enter between the loop end portion 33 and the edge of the reinforcing sheet material 43.

[0141] The present disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 4 described with reference to the above description and drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) In Embodiment 4 described above, the loop portion 531 is directly hooked onto the hanging member 70. Without being limited thereto, the loop portion may be hooked onto the hanging member via a hooking member such as an S-shaped hook. (2) In Embodiment 4 described above, the case where the rope 530 is disposed on the long side 17 of the bathtub body 520 has been exemplified. Without being limited thereto, the rope may be disposed on the short side of the bathtub body. (3) In Embodiment 4 described above, the rope 530 may be a string, a wire, or the like. (4) In Embodiment 4 described above, the water faucet device is a shower device. Without being limited thereto, the water faucet device may not include a shower. (5) In Embodiment 4 described above, the bathtub 510 is hung by being hooked onto the hanging member 70 provided on the wall W. Without being limited thereto, the bathtub may be hung by being hooked onto the hanging member provided on a frame installed on the floor. (6) In Embodiment 4 described above, the upper edge portion of the bathtub 510 has an oblong shape in a plan view. Without being limited thereto, the upper edge portion of the bathtub may have another shape in a plan view. (7) In Embodiment 4 described above, the bathroom 50 has four hanging members 70. Without being limited thereto, the bathroom may have five or more hanging members. In this case, the engaging portion of the bathtub may be hooked onto a hanging member selected from a plurality of hanging members. (8) In Embodiment 4 described above, the pair of rope materials 34 constituting the loop end portion 33 are sewn. Without being limited thereto, the pair of rope materials constituting the loop end portion may be welded or the like. (9) In Embodiment 4 described above, the engaging portion 26 includes the reinforcing sheet material 43. Without being limited thereto, the engaging portion may not necessarily have the reinforcing sheet material. For example, the engaging portion may be reinforced by folding back the outer edge portion of the sheet material constituting the bathtub body twice or more. (10) In Embodiment 4 described above, the reinforcing sheet material 43 is folded in half and superposed on the folded-back portion 14. Without being limited thereto, the reinforcing sheet material may be divided into two sheets, and may be superposed one by one on the first surface portion and the second surface portion of the folded-back portion. (11) In Embodiment 4 described above, the reinforcing sheet material 43 may use the same material as the sheet material 13 constituting the bathtub body 520, or may use a different material. (12) In Embodiment 4 described above, the middle sewing portion 47 sews both of the pair of rope materials 34 constituting the loop end portion 33 in both the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42. Without being limited thereto, the middle sewing portion may sew only one of the pair of rope materials constituting the loop end portion. In this case, for example, both of the pair of rope materials may be sewn at the primary sewing portion, and only one of the pair of rope materials may be sewn at the secondary sewing portion. In this case, of the pair of rope materials, only the rope material including the end surface of the rope may be sewn. (13) In Embodiment 4 described above, the primary sewing portion 541 and the secondary sewing portion 42 are provided at the same position. Without being limited thereto, the primary sewing portion and the secondary sewing portion may not necessarily be provided at the same position. (14) In Embodiment 4 described above, the middle sewing portion 47 is also provided at the secondary sewing portion 42. Without being limited thereto, the middle sewing portion may be provided only at the primary sewing portion. (15) In Embodiment 4 described above, the middle sewing portion 47 linearly sews the center of each rope material 34 in the width direction. Without being limited thereto, the middle sewing portion may sew in a zigzag pattern so as to alternately penetrate the pair of rope materials. <Embodiment 5>

[0142] Embodiments 5 and 6 embodying the bathtub and the bathroom of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in Figs. 26 and 27, a bathtub 610 of Embodiment 5 is disposed in a bathroom 650. The bathroom 650 includes walls W1, W2, W3, and W4, a ceiling C, and a floor F. The floor F has an oblong shape in a plan view. The walls W1 and W2 are erected to face each other along a pair of short sides of the floor F. The walls W3 and W4 are erected to face each other along a pair of long sides of the floor F. The bathroom 650 includes an entrance Ent provided in the wall W4. The entrance Ent is used for the bathing person or the like to move to and from the adjacent dressing room (not illustrated). The entrance Ent has an openable and closable sliding door D.

[0143] As illustrated in Fig. 27, the floor F includes a bathroom drain port 80. The bathroom drain port 80 is provided in the floor F on the wall W3 side facing the entrance Ent. The bathroom drain port 80 includes a drain basin 81, a drain grate 83, a seal pipe 85, a hair catcher (not shown), and a drain trap (not shown). The drain basin 81 has an upper end outer peripheral edge having a square shape in a plan view. In a plan view, one side of the upper end outer peripheral edge of the drain basin 81, which has a square shape, extends along the lower end edge of the wall W3. The drain basin 81 is recessed downward from the floor F. In a plan view, the outer shape of the drain grate 83 is a substantially square shape slightly smaller than the upper end outer peripheral edge of the drain basin 81. The drain grate 83 is disposed on the upper end outer peripheral edge of the drain basin 81, and is detachable. In the bathroom drain port 80, hot water flows in from the floor F through a gap between the upper end outer peripheral edge of the drain basin 81 and the drain grate 83. The floor F is slightly sloped so that hot water flows toward bathroom drain port 80. The seal pipe 85 has a cylindrical shape. The seal pipe 85 is connected to a central portion of a bottom surface of the drain basin 81 in a plan view, and extends downward.

[0144] As illustrated in Fig. 26, the bathroom 650 includes a shower device 660. The shower device 660 is disposed on the wall W1. The shower device 660 is disposed at a central position of the wall W1 in a rear view. The shower device 660 includes a water faucet 61, an overhead shower 63, and a hand shower 65. The shower device 660 is connected to a water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe (not illustrated) in the wall W1. The water faucet 61 is a mixing faucet. The water faucet 61 can perform adjustment of a water flow rate, temperature adjustment by mixing hot water and water, water discharge and shut-off, switching of flow paths, and the like. The water faucet 61 includes a water discharge pipe 61A. The hot water or water discharged from the shower device 660 disposed in the bathroom 650 is referred to as hot water regardless of a temperature, a mixing ratio, or the like.

[0145] The overhead shower 63 is provided above the water faucet 61. The overhead shower 63 is connected to the water faucet 61 via a pipe 67. The pipe 67 extends vertically upward from the water faucet 61 along the wall surface of the wall W1, and is bent at the upper end in a direction away from the wall W1. The overhead shower 63 is provided at the distal end portion of the pipe 67. The hand shower 65 is connected to the water faucet 61 via a hose 69. The hand shower 65 can be used movably within a length range of the hose 69. The shower device 660 can discharge hot water by selecting any one of the water discharge pipe 61A of the water faucet 61, the overhead shower 63, and the hand shower 65.

[0146] As illustrated in Figs. 26 and 27, in the bathroom 650, a bathtub 610 to be described later can be detachably attached at a position close to the wall W3. In the bathroom 650, when the bathtub 610 is attached, a space in which the bathing person can wash the body is formed on the wall W4 side. The bathroom 650 can be used with the bathtub 610 removed. The bathroom 650 can be suitably used as a shower room or the like by removing the bathtub 610.

[0147] Each of the walls W1 and W2 facing each other is provided with two hanging members 70. Each of the hanging members 70 has a hook shape having a J shape that is open upward in a side view, and is fixed to each of the walls W1 and W2. The two hanging members 70 provided on the wall W1 side are disposed below the water faucet 61 with a spacing therebetween in the horizontal direction. The distance between the two hanging members 70 fixed to the wall W1 is slightly wider than a length of an upper end portion of each of a third side wall portion 623 and a fourth side wall portion 624 of the bathtub body 620 to be described later. The two hanging members 70 fixed to the wall W2 side are positioned to face the two hanging members 70 fixed to the wall W1, and are fixed at the same height and the same distance as the two hanging members 70 on the wall W1 side.

[0148] The bathtub 610 is hung in the bathroom 650 by hooking four loop portions 41 to be described later onto the hook-shaped portions of the four hanging members 70 provided on the walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 610 is disposed at a position close to the wall W3. When the bathtub 610 is hung in the bathroom 650, a second side wall portion 622 provided with a bathtub drain port 630 to be described later is disposed on the wall W3 side. The bathtub 610 is detachable from the bathroom 650.

[0149] As illustrated in Figs. 26 to 28, the bathtub 610 includes the bathtub body 620 and two ropes 40. The bathtub body 620 is formed by cutting and welding one sheet. The sheet has a two-layer structure in which a polyester woven fabric and a polyurethane film are laminated. The polyester woven fabric is excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance. The polyester woven fabric is a plain weave having high tensile strength. The polyurethane film is water-impermeable and excellent in water resistance. The sheet has flexibility. The stretchability of the sheet is low. The bathtub body 620 is formed such that the polyester woven fabric is on the outer side and the polyurethane film is on the inner side.

[0150] The bathtub body 620 is used with hot water stored therein in a state where the loop portion 41 is hooked onto and hung from each of the hanging members 70. The bathtub body 620 has an oblong shape in a plan view in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein.

[0151] The bathtub body 620 has four side wall portions 621, 622, 623, and 624, namely, a first wall portion to a fourth side wall portion. The first side wall portion 621 and the second side wall portion 622 extend downward from a pair of long sides facing each other in a plan view. The third side wall portion 623 and the fourth side wall portion 624 extend downward from a pair of short sides facing each other in a plan view. Both end edges of the third side wall portion 623 and the fourth side wall portion 624 are continuous with both end edges of the first side wall portion 621 and the second side wall portion 622.

[0152] The bathtub body 620 has a folded-back portion 625 formed by folding back the upper edge portion of each of the first side wall portion 621 and the second side wall portion 622 outward into a tubular shape. Each folded-back portion 625 is formed over the entire upper edge portion of each of the first side wall portion 621 and the second side wall portion 622. Both ends of each folded-back portion 625 are open. The bathtub body 620 has a folded-back portion 626 formed by folding back the upper edge portion of each of the third side wall portion 623 and the fourth side wall portion 624 outward into a tubular shape. Each folded-back portion 626 is formed over the entire upper edge portion of each of the third side wall portion 623 and the fourth side wall portion 624.

[0153] The two ropes 40 are inserted into the folded-back portions 625 formed on the first side wall portion 621 and the second side wall portion 622, respectively. Each rope 40 is inserted into each folded-back portion 625 thereby reinforcing the bathtub body 620. Both end portions of each rope 40 extend outward from both ends of each folded-back portion 625 of the bathtub body 620. Both end portions of each rope 40 extending outward from both end openings of each folded-back portion 625 of the bathtub body 620 form the loop portions 41 by sewing a vicinity of the opening of the folded-back portion 625 and the distal end portion of the rope together. Each rope 40 is sewn to the bathtub body 620 inside both end openings of each folded-back portion 625 of the bathtub body 620.

[0154] By hooking the loop portions 41 formed at both end portions of each rope 40 onto the four hanging members 70 fixed to the walls W1 and W2, the bathtub 610 is disposed in the bathroom 650 while being hung. When the bathtub 610 is hung in the bathroom 650, a second side wall portion 622 provided with a bathtub drain port 630 to be described later is disposed on the wall W3 side. That is, in a use state in which the bathtub 610 is hung and used with hot water stored therein, the floor F of the bathroom 650 is provided with the bathroom drain port 80 on the side where the bathtub drain port 630 is located, as illustrated in Fig. 27.

[0155] The bathtub 610 is deformed when hot water is stored in a state where the loop portion 41 is hooked onto and hung from the hanging member 70. As illustrated in Fig. 26, in the bathtub 610, the center lower surface of the bathtub body 620 comes into contact with the floor F in a state where hot water is stored. In the bathtub 610, since the bathtub body 620 is formed of a sheet having low stretchability, a boat-like shape is maintained to some extent in a state where hot water is stored. Since the bathtub 610 can have most of the load supported by the floor F in a state where hot water is stored, the reinforcement structure of the walls W1 and W2 can be simplified as compared with a case where the bathtub is supported only by the walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 610 can freely change its shape between a folded state, an unfolded state, a state where hot water is stored, and the like.

[0156] As illustrated in Figs. 28 to 31, the bathtub body 620 has the bathtub drain port 630. The bathtub drain port 630 includes a drain plug 636 that is opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body 620. The bathtub drain port 630 is provided in the second side wall portion 622. In a use state in which the bathtub body 620 is hung in the bathroom 650 and used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub drain port 630 is provided so as to be located at a position spaced upward from the floor F of the bathroom 650 and near the floor F of the bathroom 650 (see Fig. 26). As illustrated in Fig. 31, in the bathtub body 620, a bathtub drain port member 630A having the drain plug 636 is attached to a circular through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622.

[0157] As illustrated in Figs. 29 to 31, the bathtub drain port member 630A includes a water passing member 631, a fixing member 633, and a plug member 635. The water passing member 631 is made of a resin. As illustrated in Figs. 30 and 31, the water passing member 631 includes a water passing portion main body 631A and a flange portion 631B. The water passing portion main body 631A and the flange portion 631B are integrally formed. The water passing portion main body 631A has a cylindrical shape, and has an outer peripheral surface provided with a thread. The outer diameter of the water passing portion main body 631A is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620. The inner diameter of the water passing portion main body 631A is 20 mm. The inner diameter of the water passing portion main body 631A corresponds to the opening diameter of the bathtub drain port 630. The flange portion 631B expands in a radial direction with respect to the central axis of the water passing portion main body 631A from one outer peripheral end of the water passing portion main body 631A. The outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 631B has a circular shape. The outer diameter of the flange portion 631B is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620.

[0158] The fixing member 633 is made of a resin. As illustrated in Fig. 31, the fixing member 633 includes a fixing portion main body 633A, a flange portion 633B, and three projection pieces 633C. The fixing portion main body 633A, the flange portion 633B, and the projection pieces 633C are integrally formed. The fixing portion main body 633A has a cylindrical shape, and has an inner peripheral surface provided with a thread. The flange portion 633B expands in a radial direction with respect to the central axis of the fixing portion main body 633A from one outer peripheral end of the fixing portion main body 633A. The outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 633B has a circular shape. The outer diameter of the flange portion 633B is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620. Each projection piece 633C extends from the flange portion 633B along a direction of a central axis of the fixing portion main body 633A so as to be continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion main body 633A. The projection pieces 633C are disposed at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the fixing portion main body 633A.

[0159] The plug member 635 is made of a flexible resin. As illustrated in Figs. 29 to 31, the plug member 635 includes the drain plug 636, a fixing portion 637, and a connecting portion 638. The drain plug 636, the fixing portion 637, and the connecting portion 638 are integrally formed. The drain plug 636 includes a lid portion 636A, an insertion portion 636B, and a knob portion 636C. The lid portion 636A has a disk shape. The insertion portion 636B has a tapered cylindrical shape and protrudes from one surface of the lid portion 636A. The maximum diameter of the insertion portion 636B is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the water passing portion main body 631A of the water passing member 631. The knob portion 636C is an oblong flat plate, and one short side portion thereof is continuous with the outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 636A. The fixing portion 637 is an annular flat plate. The inner diameter of the fixing portion 637 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620. The connecting portion 638 is a strip-shaped flat plate, and connects an outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 636A on a side opposite to a portion where the knob portion 636C is continuous, and an outer peripheral edge of the fixing portion 637.

[0160] As illustrated in Fig. 31, in the bathtub drain port member 630A, the water passing portion main body 631A of the water passing member 631 passes through the through hole 622H formed in the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620 and the fixing portion 637 of the plug member 635 disposed on the inner side of the bathtub body 620 in alignment with the through hole 622H. In this state, the fixing member 633 is screwed onto and tightened on, from the outside of the bathtub body 620, the water passing portion main body 631A of the water passing member 631 protruding to the outside of the bathtub body 620. In this manner, the bathtub drain port member 630A is attached to the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620. The bathtub drain port member 630A attached to the second side wall portion 622 of the bathtub body 620 forms the bathtub drain port 630.

[0161] The drain plug 636 can close the bathtub drain port 630 by inserting the insertion portion 636B into the water passing portion main body 631A of the water passing member 631 from the inside of the bathtub body 620 until the lid portion 636A comes into contact with the flange portion 631B of the water passing member 631. The drain plug 636 can open the bathtub drain port 630 by pinching the knob portion 636C from the inside of the bathtub body 620 and pulling the insertion portion 636B from the water passing portion main body 631A. As illustrated in Fig. 30, the drain plug 636 removed from the bathtub drain port 630 is hung below the water passing member 631 in the bathtub body 620 by the connecting portion 638.<Embodiment 6>

[0162] As illustrated in Figs. 32 to 34, a bathtub body 720 of Embodiment 6 differs from that of Embodiment 5 in that it includes a reinforcing member 739 and an inner diameter D2 of a through hole 722H is different. Other configurations are similar to those of Embodiment 5. The same components as those of Embodiment 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since the bathroom 650 is similar to that of Embodiment 5, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0163] A second side wall portion 722 of the bathtub body 720 forms the through hole 722H. The outer edge portion of the through hole 722H has the reinforcing member 739 for reinforcement. The reinforcing member 739 has an annular shape. The outer diameter of the reinforcing member 739 is equal to the outer diameter of the flange portion 633B of the fixing member 633. The inner diameter of the reinforcing member 739 is substantially equal to the inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H. The reinforcing member 739 is disposed with the outer edge of the through hole 722H and the inner edge of the reinforcing member 739 aligned with each other, and is thermally welded to the outer side of the bathtub body 720 via a thermally welded member 739A having the same shape as the reinforcing member 739. The material of the reinforcing member 739 is a polyester woven fabric identical to that of the outer side of the bathtub body 720.

[0164] As illustrated in Fig. 34, the inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H formed in the bathtub body 720 is smaller than an outer diameter D1 of the water passing portion main body 631A. The outer diameter D1 of the water passing portion main body 631A is 26.4 mm, and the inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H is 26.0 mm.

[0165] As described above, the bathtub 610 of Embodiments 5 and 6 includes the bathtub body 620, 720 which is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, and the bathtub body 620, 720 has the bathtub drain port 630, 730 through which the stored hot water is drained. Since the bathtub 610 has the bathtub drain port 630, 730 in the bathtub body 620, 720, hot water stored in the bathtub body 620, 720 can be easily drained.

[0166] In the bathtub 610 of Embodiments 5 and 6, in a use state in which the bathtub body 620, 720 is hung in the bathroom 650 and used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is positioned spaced upward from the floor F of the bathroom 650. In the bathtub 610, since the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is positioned spaced upward from the floor F of the bathroom 650, the drainage force is not weakened and drainage is not impeded due to the contact of the bathtub drain port 630, 730 with the floor F, so that drainage can be performed smoothly.

[0167] In the bathtub 610 of Embodiments 5 and 6, the opening diameter of the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is 20 mm. In the bathtub 610, since the opening diameter of the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is smaller than 40 mm, the drain flow rate of the bathtub drain port 630, 730 does not exceed the drain flow rate of the bathroom drain port 80, and the hot water drained from the bathtub drain port 630, 730 and flowing into the bathroom drain port 80 of the bathroom 650 is less likely to spread over the floor F of the bathroom 650.

[0168] In the bathtub 610 of Embodiments 5 and 6, the bathtub drain port 630, 730 includes the drain plug 636 that is opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body 620, 720. In the bathtub 610, since the drain plug 636 can be opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body 620, 720, the drain plug 636 can be easily opened when hot water stored in the bathtub body 620, 720 is drained. In particular, in the bathtub 610, even when the bathtub body 620, 720 is hung near the wall W3 of the bathroom 650 and the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is provided at a position where the hand of the bathing person or the like cannot reach through a space between the wall W3 of the bathroom 650 and the bathtub 610 due to a small gap between the wall W3 of the bathroom 650 and the bathtub 610, the drain plug 636 can be opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body 620, 720, and thus the drain plug 636 can be easily opened and closed.

[0169] In Embodiment 6, the bathtub body 720 is formed with the through hole 722H constituting the bathtub drain port 730 and includes the reinforcing member 739 that reinforces the outer edge portion of the through hole 722H. In the bathtub 610, deformation of the through hole 722H is suppressed by the reinforcing member 739. Therefore, even when the bathtub 610 is filled with hot water and a water pressure is applied to the bathtub, deformation of the through hole 722H is suppressed, and the water passing member 631 is not easily detached from the bathtub body 720.

[0170] In Embodiment 6, the bathtub drain port 730 includes the through hole 722H formed in the bathtub body 720, and the water passing member 631 having the water passing portion main body 631A inserted into the through hole 722H. The inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the water passing portion main body 631A. In the bathtub 610, since the gap between the through hole 722H and the water passing member 631 can be reduced, the water passing member 631 attached to the through hole 722H is not easily detached from the bathtub body 720 even when the bathtub is filled with hot water and water pressure is applied to the bathtub.

[0171] The bathroom 650 of Embodiments 5 and 6 includes the floor F, and in a use state in which the bathtub 610 is hung and used with hot water stored therein, the floor F has the bathroom drain port 80 provided on a side on which the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is positioned. In the bathroom 650, since the bathroom drain port 80 can be provided in the floor F near the bathtub drain port 630, 730 of the bathtub 610, hot water drained from the bathtub drain port 630, 730 can flow into the bathroom drain port 80 before spreading over the floor F of the bathroom 650.

[0172] The bathroom 650 of Embodiments 5 and 6 includes the entrance Ent, and the bathroom drain port 80 is provided on the wall W3 side facing the entrance Ent. Since the hot water drained from the bathtub drain port 630, 730 flows into the bathroom drain port 80 formed on the wall W3 side facing the entrance Ent, when the hot water is drained from the bathtub drain port 630, the hot water does not splash toward the entrance Ent or splash onto a person in the bathroom 650. The bathroom 650 has a good appearance since the bathroom drain port 80 is provided on the wall W3 side facing the entrance Ent.

[0173] The present disclosure is not limited to Embodiments 5 and 6 described with reference to the above description and drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) In Embodiments 5 and 6, the bathtub body 620, 720 has one bathtub drain port 630, 730. In contrast, the bathtub body may have a plurality of bathtub drain ports. (2) In Embodiments 5 and 6, in a use state of the bathtub 610 in which the bathtub body 620, 720 is hung in the bathroom 650 and used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is positioned spaced upward from the floor F. In contrast, in the use state of the bathtub, the bathtub drain port may be in contact with the floor. (3) In Embodiments 5 and 6, the opening diameter of the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is 20 mm. The opening diameter of the bathtub drain port is only required to be smaller than 40 mm, and may be 15 mm to 35 mm. (4) In Embodiments 5 and 6, the drain plug 636 is opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body 620, 720. In contrast, the drain plug may be opened and closed from the outside of the bathtub body. (5) In Embodiments 5 and 6, the floor F of the bathroom 650 has the bathroom drain port 80 on the side where the bathtub drain port 630, 730 is positioned. In contrast, the position of the bathroom drain port may be provided at an arbitrary position regardless of the position of the bathtub drain port. (6) In Embodiments 5 and 6, the bathroom drain port 80 is provided on the wall W3 side facing the entrance Ent. In contrast, the position of the bathroom drain port may be provided at an arbitrary position regardless of the position of the entrance. (7) In Embodiment 6, the reinforcing member 739 has an annular shape. In contrast, the reinforcing member may have a square shape, a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or other shapes. (8) In Embodiment 6, one reinforcing member 739 having a hole having an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H is bonded. In contrast, a plurality of reinforcing members may be used. The plurality of reinforcing members may be stacked and bonded. The plurality of reinforcing members may also be arranged and bonded around the through hole. (9) In Embodiment 6, the reinforcing member 739 is thermally welded via the thermally welded member 739A having the same shape. In contrast, the reinforcing member may be bonded to the bathtub body by any method other than thermal welding. (10) In Embodiment 6, the reinforcing member 739 is thermally welded to the outer side of the bathtub body 720. In contrast, the reinforcing member may be bonded to at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the bathtub body. (11) In Embodiment 6, the material of the reinforcing member 739 is a polyester woven fabric identical to that of the outer side of the bathtub body 720. In contrast, the material of the reinforcing member may be any other material. (12) In Embodiment 6, the outer diameter D1 of the water passing portion main body 631A is 26.4 mm, and the inner diameter D2 of the through hole 722H is 26.0 mm. In contrast, the inner diameter of the through hole is only required to be smaller than the outer diameter of the water passing portion main body, and may be of such a size that an outer edge portion of the through hole does not tear upon the insertion of the water passing portion main body. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0174] 1 ... Bathroom 10, 210, 310 ... Bathtub 20 ... Hanging member (hanging portion) 21 ... Drying hanging member (drying hanging portion) 30, 230, 330, 430 ... Bathtub body 32 ... Folded-back portion 40 ... Rope 41 ... Loop portion (engaging portion) L1, L1A, L1B, L2, L3, L4 ... Layer of sheet (L1, L1A, L1B ... first layer (layer formed of water-impermeable material), L2 ... Second layer (layer formed of material having durability), L3 ... Third layer (layer formed of material having heat retaining property)) S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 ... Sheet 1 ... Bathroom 10, 210, 310 ... Bathtub 20 ... Hanging member (hanging portion) 30, 230, 330, 430 ... Bathtub body 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D ... Side wall portion (30A ... first side wall portion, 30B ... second side wall portion, 30C ... third side wall portion, 30D ... fourth side wall portion) 31, 231, 331, 431 ... Joint portion 32 ... Folded-back portion H ... Thermal welding material L1, L1A, L1B ... First layer (layer of water-impermeable material) L2 ... Second layer (fabric) S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 ... Sheet 510 ... Bathtub 14 ... Folded-back portion 520 ... Bathtub body 530 ... Rope 531 ... Loop portion 33 ... Loop end portion 36 ... First surface portion 37 ... Second surface portion 34 ... Rope material 43 ... Reinforcing sheet material 44 ... First reinforcing portion 45 ... Second reinforcing portion 50 ... Bathroom 70 ... Hanging member 610 ... Bathtub 620, 720 ... Bathtub body 622H, 722H ... Through hole 630, 730 ... Bathtub drain port 636 ... Drain plug 739 ... Reinforcing member 650 ... Bathroom 80... Bathroom drain port Ent ... Entrance F ... Floor

Claims

1. A bathtub comprising a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes a plurality of layers, and wherein, among the plurality of layers, at least one layer is formed of a water-impermeable material, and at least one other layer is formed of a material having durability.

2. The bathtub according to claim 1, wherein an outermost layer of the sheet is made of a fabric.

3. The bathtub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, among the plurality of layers of the sheet, at least one layer is formed of a material having heat retaining property.

4. The bathtub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the sheet, an outermost surface is rougher than an innermost surface.

5. The bathtub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a use state, an upper edge of the bathtub body has a folded-back portion that is folded back outward.

6. The bathtub according to claim 5, further comprising a rope from which the bathtub body is hung in a use state, wherein the rope is inserted into the folded-back portion and extends therein.

7. The bathtub according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least four engaging portions that are hooked onto hanging portions provided in a bathroom.

8. A bathtub comprising a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the sheet forming the bathtub body includes, in a side wall portion, a joint portion formed by joining portions of the sheet to each other.

9. The bathtub according to claim 8, wherein, in a plan view in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub body has a rectangular shape, and wherein the joint portion extends in a vertical direction in a side wall portion forming a predetermined side in the plan view, at a central portion in a direction in which the side extends.

10. The bathtub according to claim 8, wherein, in a plan view in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub body has an oblong shape, and wherein the joint portion extends in a vertical direction in a side wall portion forming a short side in the plan view, at a central portion in a direction in which the short side extends.

11. The bathtub according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, in the joint portion, a melted thermal welding material is interposed between overlapped sheets.

12. The bathtub according to claim 11, wherein, in the joint portion, the overlapped sheets are sewn together so as to penetrate the thermal welding material.

13. The bathtub according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the bathtub body is formed of one sheet.

14. The bathtub according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the sheet includes a fabric and a layer of a water-impermeable material superposed on the fabric.

15. The bathtub according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, in a use state in which the bathtub body is used with hot water stored therein, an upper edge of the bathtub body has a folded-back portion that is folded back outward, and the sheets overlapped at the folded-back portion are sewn together.

16. A bathtub comprising: a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung; and a rope disposed along an upper edge portion of the bathtub body in a hung state, wherein the bathtub body includes a folded-back portion formed by folding back an outer edge portion of a sheet material constituting the bathtub body, wherein the rope includes a loop portion formed by folding back an end portion of the rope, wherein a loop end portion of the rope at which the loop portion is closed is accommodated inside the folded-back portion, wherein the loop end portion and the folded-back portion are sewn together with a thread, and wherein the thread penetrates a first surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on one side of the loop end portion, the loop end portion, and a second surface portion of the folded-back portion disposed on the other side of the loop end portion.

17. The bathtub according to claim 16, wherein a pair of rope materials constituting the loop end portion of the rope are sewn together with a thread.

18. The bathtub according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are sewn together along an edge of a rope material constituting the loop end portion.

19. The bathtub according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a reinforcing sheet material superposed on an outer side of the folded-back portion, wherein the reinforcing sheet material includes a first reinforcing portion superposed on the first surface portion and a second reinforcing portion superposed on the second surface portion, wherein the folded-back portion and the reinforcing sheet material are sewn together with a thread, and wherein the thread penetrates the first reinforcing portion, the first surface portion, the loop end portion, the second surface portion, and the second reinforcing portion.

20. The bathtub according to claim 19, wherein the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion are sewn together along an edge of a rope material constituting the loop end portion.

21. A bathtub comprising a bathtub body that is made of a sheet and is used with hot water stored therein while being hung, wherein the bathtub body has a bathtub drain port through which the stored hot water is drained.

22. The bathtub according to claim 21, wherein, in a use state in which the bathtub body is hung in a bathroom and used with hot water stored therein, the bathtub drain port is positioned spaced upward from a floor of the bathroom.

23. The bathtub according to claim 21 or 22, wherein an opening diameter of the bathtub drain port is smaller than 40 mm.

24. The bathtub according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the bathtub drain port includes a drain plug that is opened and closed from the inside of the bathtub body.

25. The bathtub according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the bathtub body is formed with a through hole constituting the bathtub drain port and includes a reinforcing member that reinforces an outer edge portion of the through hole.

26. A bathroom comprising a hanging portion from which the bathtub according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is hung.

27. A bathroom comprising a floor, wherein, in a use state in which the bathtub according to any one of claims 21 to 25 is hung and used with hot water stored therein, the floor has a bathroom drain port provided on a side on which the bathtub drain port is positioned.

28. The bathroom according to claim 27, further comprising an entrance, wherein the bathroom drain port is provided on a wall side facing the entrance.

29. A bathtub drying method comprising: hanging the bathtub according to any one of claims 1 to 25 from a drying hanging portion; and drying the bathtub.

30. The bathtub drying method according to claim 29, wherein the drying hanging portion is provided above a hanging portion from which the bathtub is hung when the bathtub is used with hot water stored therein.

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