Bathtub and bathroom

Abstract

To provide a bathtub having a bathtub body made of a sheet capable of changing the shape of a bathtub body itself.SOLUTION: A bathtub 10 includes a bathtub body 30 and a shape changing part 50. The bathtub body 30 is made of a sheet used by storing hot water in a suspended state. The shape changing part 50 includes an operation part (pull 62A) operated for changing the shape of the bathtub body 30 in a use state. The shape changing part 50 changes the shape of the bathtub body 30 by gathering or spreading part of the sheet forming the bathtub body 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to bathtubs and bathrooms. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional bathtub. This bathtub is equipped with a sheet-made bathtub body. The sheet-made bathtub body is made of a waterproof sheet made of synthetic fiber or the like, and is deformable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-260180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the bathtub body is deformable due to the elasticity and stretchability of the sheet. Patent Document 1 does not anticipate that the shape of the bathtub body itself will be deformed into a predetermined shape.

[0005] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to be able to change the shape of the bathtub body itself in a bathtub equipped with a bathtub body made of sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The bathtub disclosed herein comprises a sheet-made bathtub body that is used by filling it with hot and cold water while suspended, and a shape-changing section that has an operating section that is operated to change the shape of the bathtub body when in use.

[0007] The bathroom according to the present disclosure includes a hanging portion for suspending the bathtub. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a bathroom according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which a bathtub is suspended. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a bathroom according to the first embodiment, with the bathtub removed. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a bathtub according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram for explaining the shape-changing part according to the first embodiment, showing the state in which the bathtub body is in the shape shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view showing the bathtub according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the shape has been changed from that shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a bathtub according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a bathtub (part 1) according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a bathtub (part 2) according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a bathtub (third) according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following multiple embodiments within a range that does not cause contradictions is also included in the description of the present invention. The bathtub according to the present disclosure comprises: [1] A sheet-made bathtub body that is used by filling it with hot water while hanging; A shape change unit having an operating unit that is operated to change the shape of the bathtub body when in use; It is equipped with: [2] In the bathtub of [1] above, the shape changing part changes the shape of the bathtub body by gathering or spreading out a part of the sheet that forms the bathtub body. [3] In either of the bathtubs [1] and [2] above, the shape-changing portion can be changed so that a portion of the sheet forming the bathtub body functions as a side wall portion of the bathtub body, or so that the portion does not function as a side wall portion of the bathtub body. [4] In any of the bathtubs described above in [1] to [3], the shape-changing portion is a fastener provided to change the shape of the sheet-shaped bathtub body. [5] In the bathtub of either [1] or [2] above, the shape-changing part has a rope and a passage part provided on the bathtub body for passing the rope. [6] The bathroom according to the present disclosure is provided with a hanging part for hanging any of the bathtubs described above in [1] to [5].

[0010] <Embodiment 1> A bathtub 10 and bathroom 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which embody the bathtub and bathroom, will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bathtub 10 is placed in bathroom 1. Bathroom 1 is rectangular. Bathroom 1 has walls W1, W2, and W3 and a floor F. Bathroom 1 is surrounded by walls W1, W2, and W3 on three of the four sides of floor F in a plan view, and a wall with an entrance (not shown) is placed on the other side.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, bathroom 1 is equipped with a shower system 2. The shower system 2 is located on wall W1. The shower system 2 is located on wall W1 near wall W3. The shower system 2 includes a faucet 3, an overhead shower 4, and a hand shower 5. The faucet 3 is formed in a long cylindrical shape extending horizontally along the surface of wall W1. The faucet 3 is connected to a water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe (not shown) within wall W1. The faucet 3 is a mixer faucet. The faucet 3 can adjust the water volume, adjust the temperature by mixing hot and cold water, stop the water supply, and switch the flow path. In this specification, hot and cold water supplied from faucets installed in the bathroom will be referred to as hot and cold water, regardless of the temperature, mixing ratio, etc. The faucet 3 has a water outlet pipe 3A that forms a water spout. The faucet 3 can select either the water outlet pipe 3A, the overhead shower 4, or the hand shower 5 to dispense hot and cold water.

[0012] A bathtub 10 is installed in the bathroom 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bathtub 10 is attached to a pair of opposing walls W1 and W2 out of the three walls W1, W2, and W3. The bathtub 10 is removably attached to the walls W1 and W2. In other words, when the bathroom 1 is being used for a purpose other than its intended use, the bathtub 10 can be removed and used. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the bathroom 1 can be conveniently used as a shower room by removing the bathtub 10.

[0013] Each of the pair of walls W1 and W2 has a hanging member 20. The hanging member 20 corresponds to the hanging portion according to the present disclosure. The bathtub 10 is attached by hanging it on the hanging member 20. The hanging member 20 is a hook-shaped member that is J-shaped in a side view and opens upward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two hanging members 20 on the wall W1 side are arranged below the faucet 3 and spaced apart horizontally. Two hanging members 20 on the wall W2 side are provided at the same height and spaced apart as the hanging members 20 on the wall W1 side. In other words, two hanging members 20 are provided on each of the pair of walls W1 and W2, for a total of four. Each hanging member 20 hangs the bathtub 10 by hooking a loop portion 41 (described later) on the bathtub 10.

[0014] Bathtub 10 is detachably attached to a pair of walls W1, W2. Bathtub 10 is filled with hot water. Bathtub 10 can be freely changed in shape, such as folded or unfolded. Bathtub 10 fills with hot water when unfolded. Bathtub 10 is boat-shaped when suspended and filled with hot water.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the bathtub 10 is composed of a bathtub body 30, a rope 40, and a shape-changing part 50. The bathtub body 30 is filled with hot and cold water. The bathtub body 30 is made of a sheet. The bathtub body 30 is formed by cutting, joining, and other processes on a single sheet material. The sheet that makes up the bathtub body 30 has little elasticity, and the boat-shaped shape is maintained to a certain extent when filled with hot and cold water. When in use, the bathtub body 30 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. When in use, the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 is open upward. When in use, the bathtub body 30 gradually widens from the bottom end to the top end.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the bathtub body 30 has four side walls, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. The first and second side walls 30A and 30B extend downward from a pair of opposing long sides in a plan view. The third and fourth side walls 30C and 30D extend downward from a pair of opposing short sides in a plan view. Both end edges of the third and fourth side walls 30C and 30D are continuous with both end edges of the first and second side walls 30A and 30B.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the bathtub body 30 has a folded portion 32. The folded portion 32 is formed by folding back the outer edge of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30 and overlapping it. The folded portion 32 is maintained in an overlapped state by sewing the folded sheets together. As shown in Figure 3, the folded portion 32 is formed on the upper edge of the side that corresponds to the long side of the rectangle when the bathtub body 30 is in use and has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Because the folded portion 32 has a double structure by being folded back, it also functions as a reinforcing portion at the upper edge of the bathtub body 30.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the folded portion 32 has a wide portion 32A and an insertion portion 32B. The wide portion 32A is located in the portion corresponding to the four corners of the rectangular bathtub body 30 in a plan view. The wide portion 32A is wider than the other portions by setting a large folding margin. The insertion portion 32B is a portion of the folded portion 32 that extends along the long side. The insertion portion 32B connects the wide portions 32A at the four corners. The insertion portion 32B is cylindrical, and a rope 40 is inserted inside. The cylindrical space inside the insertion portion 32B is connected to the space inside the wide portions 32A at both ends. The rope 40 inside the insertion portion 32B extends to the wide portions 32A at both ends. The bathtub 10 is configured to suspend the bathtub body 30 while distributing the load over approximately the entire length of the rope 40 in the extension direction. Therefore, the bathtub 10 suppresses localized load imbalance on the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30.

[0019] The rope 40 is used to suspend the bathtub body 30. The rope 40 suspends the bathtub body 30 when the bathtub 10 is in use. As shown in FIG. 3, the rope 40 is arranged on the upper edge of the side walls 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 30, which are rectangular in plan view. The side walls 30A, 30B correspond to the longer sides. In other words, when the bathtub 10 is installed, the bathtub body 30 is suspended from the rope 40 at the upper edges of the two opposing side walls 30A, 30B. The rope 40 extends continuously from the wide portion 32A at one end to the wide portion 32A at the other end. This allows the rope 40 to function as a reinforcing member that reinforces the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 when suspended. The rope 40 has a loop 41. The loop 41 is provided at both ends of the rope 40. The loop portion 41 exposes the rope 40 in a loop shape to the outside from the wide portion 32A, and returns the end portion to the inside of the wide portion 32A and fixes it to the wide portion 32A.

[0020] When in use, hanging from the rope 40 and filled with hot water, the bathtub body 30 has a boat-like shape with a downward recess in the center. When in use, the upper edge of the bathtub body 30 opens upward. When in use, the bathtub body 30 has a boat-like shape that gradually widens from the bottom to the top. When in use, the underside of the center of the bathtub body 30 comes into contact with the floor F of the bathroom 1. This allows the floor F to support most of the load of the bathtub 10 when in use. Therefore, the reinforcing structure of the walls W1 and W2 can be simplified compared to when the bathtub 10 is supported only by the walls.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the loop portion 41 is hooked onto a hanging member 20 provided on the walls W1 and W2. The loop portion 41 is provided on the upper edge of the bathtub 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the loop portion 41 is provided on the four corners of the bathtub main body 30, which is rectangular in plan view. The bathtub main body 30 is hung from the hanging member 20 via a 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.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the shape-changing unit 50 changes the shape of the bathtub body 30. Specifically, the shape-changing unit 50 gathers and spreads out portions of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30. The shape-changing unit 50 can be placed in two states: one in which it gathers and holds portions of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30, and one in which it releases this holding. The shape-changing unit 50 is provided on the side walls of the bathtub body 30. Of the four side walls 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 30, the shape-changing unit 50 is provided on the side walls 30C and 30D that form the shorter sides of the rectangle. The shape-changing unit 50 changes the shape of the side walls 30C and 30D of the bathtub body 30.

[0023] The shape changing portion 50 is configured to have a fastener 60. The fastener 60 is a slide fastener. The fastener 60 has a pair of stringers 61A, 61B and a slider 62. The stringers 61A, 61B are configured such that a large number of fastener elements 64 are aligned at regular intervals along one end edge of long strip-shaped fastener tapes 63A, 63B. The fastener 60 can engage or disengage the fastener elements 64 of the pair of stringers 61A, 61B by sliding the slider 62 along the arrangement direction of the fastener elements 64. The pull tab 62A of the slider 62 corresponds to the operating portion according to the present disclosure.

[0024] The fastener 60 is arranged on each of the side walls 30C, 30D of the bathtub body 30, with a pair of stringers 61A, 61B extending in the vertical direction. The pair of stringers 61A, 61B are joined to the bathtub body 30. In detail, as shown in FIG. 4, the pair of stringers 61A, 61B are joined to the joined portions 33A, 33B of the bathtub body 30 at each fastener tape 63A, 63B. Each fastener tape 63A, 63B is joined by heat welding or the like to the joined portions 33A, 33B located on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30 at the edge opposite the edge on which the fastener elements 64 are aligned. The joined portions 33A, 33B are set at positions separated from each other on the surface of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30. The joined portions 33A and 33B form a V-shape that widens from the bottom to the top of the bathtub body 30 when the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30 is unfolded.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, when the fastener elements 64 of the pair of stringers 61A, 61B are interlocked (hereinafter also referred to as the closed state), the fastener 60 holds the pair of stringers 61A, 61B connected and aligned parallel to each other. In this state, the bathtub body 30 holds the joinable portions 33A, 33B in close proximity to each other, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, when the fastener 60 is in the closed state, the shape changing portion 50 brings the joinable portions 33A, 33B, which are part of the bathtub body 30, closer together.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the bathtub body 30 with the fastener 60 in the closed state forms a bag-shaped portion 34. The bag-shaped portion 34 is the portion between the joined portions 33A and 33B in the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30. The bag-shaped portion 34 is an excess portion of the sheet that results when the joined portions 33A and 33B, which are originally located far apart in the bathtub body 30, are brought close together by closing the fastener 60. The bag-shaped portion 34 is bag-shaped on the back side of the fastener 60.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, when the fastener elements 64 of the pair of stringers 61A, 61B are disengaged (hereinafter referred to as the open state), the stringers 61A, 61B can individually assume any position. In this state, the positions of the joined portions 33A, 33B in the bathtub body 30 are also released. Therefore, the joined portions 33A, 33B can assume positions apart. For example, when the bathtub 10 is filled with water with the fastener 60 in the open state, if an outward force due to the water pressure acts on the inner surface of the bathtub body 30, the excess portion that formed the bag-shaped portion 34 when the fastener 60 is closed is stretched and the bathtub body 30 expands. In this way, when in use, the bathtub body 30 with the fastener 60 in the open state can assume a shape different from the shape when the fastener 60 is in the closed state. When the fastener 60 is in an open state, the shape changing portion 50 allows the joinable portions 33A, 33B, which are arranged side by side substantially parallel to each other when the fastener 60 is in a closed state, to be expanded into a V-shape.

[0028] The function and effect of the bathtub 10 and bathroom 1 configured as described above will now be explained. The bathtub 10 can be attached and detached freely to the walls W1 and W2 of the bathroom 1. This makes it extremely easy to install and store the bathtub 10. When installing the bathtub 10, it can be installed simply by hooking the four loop portions 41, which serve as engagement parts, onto the hanging members 20 on the walls W1 and W2. The bathtub 10 is hung from the hanging members 20, and in this state, hot and cold water is filled in the bathtub body 30 and used.

[0029] To fill the bathtub 10 with hot water, the faucet 3 in the shower device 2 is used. The faucet 3 can discharge hot water from either the water outlet pipe 3A, the overhead shower 4, or the hand shower 5. A bather in the bathtub 10 can fill the bath with hot water from the water outlet pipe 3A, or from either the overhead shower 4 or the hand shower 5. The bathtub 10 is flexible and can be shaped to fit the bather's body.

[0030] When in use, the water pressure of the bathtub 10 acts on each part of the bathtub 10. This water pressure causes each part of the bathtub 10 to deform, and the bathtub body 30 and the rope 40 become taut. In particular, the rope 40, which is stretched between the walls W1 and W2 at the upper edge, becomes taut enough that it does not shake significantly even when you place your hand on it. Therefore, while the bathtub 10 is freely deformable, deformation is suppressed by storing water, and a stable shape is maintained even when bathers enter and exit the bathtub 10.

[0031] In the bathtub 10, the shape changing unit 50 is used to change the shape of the bathtub body 30 in use to the desired shape. The shape changing unit 50 has a fastener 60. The shape changing unit 50 changes the shape of the bathtub body 30 by pulling the pull tab 62A of the fastener 60 and sliding the slider 62. The shape changing unit 50 changes the shape of the bathtub body 30 to different shapes in two states: when the fastener 60 is closed and when the fastener 60 is open.

[0032] For example, let's assume that the fastener 60 is in a closed state. When the fastener 60 is in this closed state, the bathtub body 30 is held in a state in which the joinable portions 33A, 33B, to which the stringers 61A, 61B of the fastener 60 are joined, are close to each other. In this state, the joinable portions 33A, 33B remain close together even if hot and cold water is accumulated inside the bathtub body 30 and water pressure from inside the bathtub body 30 acts to widen the gap. Therefore, when the fastener 60 is in a closed state, the bathtub body 30 will remain in a taut state with the side wall portions 30C, 30D remaining narrow, even if water pressure from hot and cold water acts from inside.

[0033] When the slider 62 is slid from the closed state of the fastener 60 to the open state, the connection between the stringers 61A, 61B is released. Accordingly, the positional holding state of the joined portions 33A, 33B on the bathtub body 30 side is released. When the fastener 60 is in this open state, the bathtub body 30 can be deformed into a shape different from the shape when the fastener 60 is in the closed state. Specifically, when the fastener 60 is in the open state, the width of the side wall portions 30C, 30D of the bathtub body 30 can be deformed to be wider than the width of the side wall portions 30C, 30D when the fastener 60 is in the closed state. Therefore, when the fastener 60 is in the open state, the water pressure of hot and cold water acts from the inside of the bathtub body 30, causing the side wall portions 30C, 30D to deform wider and become taut.

[0034] When the zipper 60 is closed, a bag-shaped portion 34 is formed in the bathtub body 30. The bag-shaped portion 34 is bag-shaped on the rear side of the zipper 60 (the side opposite the pull tab 62A). In this case, the portion of the sheet forming the bathtub body 30 that forms the bag-shaped portion 34 is not exposed to the inside of the bathtub 10 when the zipper 60 is closed, and does not function as a side wall of the bathtub body 30. In other words, when the zipper 60 is closed, the bag-shaped portion 34 does not have the function of receiving the pressure of the collected hot water. When the zipper 60 is closed, the surface area of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 is reduced by the amount of the bag-shaped portion 34, and the internal volume of the bathtub 10 is also reduced. One method for narrowing the width of the side wall is to wrinkle part of the sheet forming the side wall, for example, by making it bellows-shaped. In this case, the wrinkles are exposed on the inner surface of the bathtub, which results in a difference in appearance and feel compared to a smooth inner surface of the bathtub. In contrast, when the bag-shaped portion 34 is formed, the surface area of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 is reduced, so that the width can be narrowed without forming wrinkles.

[0035] In this way, the bathtub 10 is equipped with a shape-changing section 50, which allows the shape of the bathtub body 30 to be changed. Specifically, the bathtub 10 is equipped with a shape-changing section 50 on the side walls 30C, 30D of the bathtub body 30, which allows the width of the side walls 30C, 30D to be changed. More specifically, the shape-changing section 50 allows the width of the side walls 30C, 30D to change in a V-shape, increasing from the bottom to the top. Therefore, for example, for multiple bathers of different builds, the bathtub 10 can change the side walls 30C, 30D to widths appropriate for each bather's build, making it less likely for the bathers to feel cramped.

[0036] Bathtub 10 can save water by narrowing the width of both side walls 30C, 30D to reduce the volume. Even if only one of side walls 30C, 30D is narrowed, bathtub 10 still achieves the following effect. That is, when a bather bathes lying longitudinally, the width of the side walls 30C, 30D located near the bather's feet is narrower than the side walls located near the upper body. This makes bathtub 10 less likely to make the bather feel cramped near the upper body, while also saving water near the feet.

[0037] Bathtub 10 allows the bather to freely change the shape of bathtub body 30 by operating pull handle 62A, which serves as the operating part of shape-changing part 50. Bathers in bathtub 10 can freely change the shape of bathtub body 30 by operating pull handle 62A to change the shape to suit their own physique or to a desired shape depending on their mood each time they bathe.

[0038] When in use, the underside of the center of the bathtub 10 contacts the floor F. This contact between the underside of the bathtub 10 and the floor F allows the weight of the water and bather in the bathtub 10 to be properly supported by the floor F. This prevents excessive load from being placed on the parts of the bathtub 10 involved in suspending it, such as the hanging member 20, loop portion 41, rope 40, and insertion portion 32B. The bathroom 1 can simplify the strength of its suspension structure compared to a structure in which the bathtub is suspended only by its upper edge. Specifically, the strength of the bathroom 1's configuration, such as the hanging member 20 and wall W1 and W2 structures, and the bathtub 10's configuration, such as the bathtub body 30 and rope 40 structures, can be simplified.

[0039] When bathing is finished, the water stored in the bathtub 10 is drained and removed from the walls W1, W2. When removing the bathtub 10 from the walls W1, W2, it can be removed with the simple action of removing the loop portion 41 from the hanging member 20. Once removed, the bathtub 10 is washed, dried, folded, and stored. Because the bathtub 10 is detachable, the entire interior and exterior surfaces of the bathtub 10 can be cleaned, unlike conventional freestanding bathtubs. Once the water and water have been drained from the bathtub 10, it can be removed from the walls W1, W2 and freely transformed into a folded or rolled-up state. The bathtub 10 can be easily transformed into a shape suitable for storage.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, bathroom 1 can be suitably used as a shower room where showers can be taken when bathtub 10 is removed. When bathtub 10 is not installed in bathroom 1, the entire floor F can be used as a washing area for showering. Showering can be done in bathroom 1 using at least one of the overhead shower 4 and hand shower 5 in shower device 2. When showering with bathtub 10 removed, neither foam nor water will adhere to bathtub 10. This makes bathroom 1 easy to clean after showering.

[0041] Because bathtub 10 is made of sheet, it is easy to manufacture inexpensively compared to conventional bathtubs 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, etc. of bathtub 10 can be freely set to suit each user. Compared to conventional freestanding bathtubs made of FRP or the like, bathtub 10 has advantages in terms of transportation costs and recyclability. Therefore, bathtub 10 can reduce the environmental impact. It is relatively easy for one user to own multiple bathtubs 10. In this case, the user can select the desired bathtub from multiple bathtubs 10 depending on their mood, the season, etc., just like choosing clothes.

[0042] As described above, the bathtub 10 of embodiment 1 includes a bathtub body 30 made of a sheet that is used by filling it with hot and cold water while suspended. The bathtub 10 also includes a shape-changing unit 50. The shape-changing unit 50 has a pull tab 62A of the slider 62 of the fastener 60 as an operating unit. The bathtub 10 is operated to change the shape of the bathtub body 30 in use by pulling the pull tab 62A to slide the slider 62. This configuration allows the bathtub 10 to change the shape of the bathtub body 30 itself. In other words, unlike when the bathtub 10 is deformed by the expansion and contraction of the sheet that forms the bathtub body, the shape of the bathtub body 30 can be intentionally changed to a desired shape by intentionally performing the change operation.

[0043] In the bathtub 10, the shape-changing unit 50 changes the shape of the bathtub body 30 by moving together or spreading apart parts of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30. Specifically, the shape-changing unit 50 moves together or apart at least two areas (in this embodiment, the joined portions 33A and 33B) set on the sheet that forms the bathtub body 30, thereby changing the shape of the bathtub body 30. This makes it easy to change the shape of the bathtub body 30 in the bathtub 10.

[0044] In the bathtub 10, the shape-changing portion 50 can be changed so that a portion of the sheet forming the bathtub body 30 functions as the sidewall of the bathtub body 30, or so that that portion does not function as the sidewall of the bathtub body 30. In other words, the shape-changing portion 50 can be changed so that the portion of the sheet forming the bathtub body 30 that forms the bag-shaped portion 34 is either exposed to the inside of the bathtub 10 or not. With this configuration, the surface area of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 is changed by changing the shape of the bathtub 10. Therefore, the size of the bathtub body 30 can be changed by changing the shape without causing wrinkles or other problems on the inner surface.

[0045] In the bathtub 10, the shape-changing part 50 is configured with a fastener 60. Therefore, the bathtub 10 can change the shape of the bathtub body 30 with a simple configuration. That is, the shape of the bathtub body 30 can be easily changed by pulling the pull tab 62A on the fastener 60, which serves as the operating part.

[0046] The bathroom 1 in embodiment 1 is equipped with a hanging member 20 for hanging the bathtub 10. Therefore, when taking a shower, for example, the bathroom 1 can create a larger space by removing the bathtub 10. In other words, the bathroom 1 can be fitted with the bathtub 10 only when it is needed, and can be removed when it is not needed. Therefore, by removing the bathtub 10 when the bathroom 1 is being used for a purpose other than its intended use, the space can be used more efficiently by eliminating the bathtub 10.

[0047] <Embodiment 2> A bathtub 210 of embodiment 2, which embodies the bathtub of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Figure 6. The bathtub of embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the shape-changing portion. In other respects, bathtub 210 of embodiment 2 has the same configuration as bathtub 10 of embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as embodiment 1 are assigned the same symbols, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the bathtub 210 is equipped with a shape-changing section 250. The shape-changing section 250 has a shape-changing rope 240 and a passing section 232. The passing section 232 is provided on the bathtub main body 230. The bathtub main body 230 has the same configuration as the bathtub 10 of embodiment 1, except for the passing section 232. The passing section 232, like the folded section 32 in embodiment 1, is formed by folding back and overlapping the outer edge of the sheet that forms the bathtub main body 230, forming a cylindrical shape. The passing section 232 is formed on the upper edge of the side wall section 30C, which forms the short side of the rectangular bathtub main body 230 when in use. The passing section 232 is formed over substantially the entire length of the upper edge of the side wall section 30C. Both ends of the passing section 232 extend to the side wall sections 30A and 30B, which correspond to the long sides on both sides.

[0049] The shape-changing rope 240 is inserted into the passing section 232. The rope 240 passes through the passing section 232 and is exposed to the outside from both ends of the passing section 232. The rope 240 is formed into a loop by tying the ends together to form a knot 240A. The knot 240A corresponds to the operating unit of the present disclosure. The circumferential length of the rope 240 can be freely changed by adjusting the position of the knot 240A. The bathtub body 230 is made of a flexible sheet, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the bathtub body 230 is tightened and its shape is changed according to the circumferential length of the rope 240. In this way, the shape-changing unit 250 changes the shape of the bathtub body 230 by moving the ends of the passing section 232, which are two parts set on the sheet that forms the bathtub body 230, closer or farther apart according to the circumferential length of the rope 240.

[0050] In this way, the circumference of the rope 240 can be adjusted by changing the position of the knot 240A, which serves as the operating part, or by undoing the knot 240A. This changes the shape of the side wall 30C of the bathtub body 230. The bathtub 210 of the second embodiment, which has this configuration, can easily change the bathtub body 230 into a desired shape, just like the first embodiment. In addition, the bathtub 210 can realize a shape-changing part 250 with a simple configuration that includes the rope 240 and the passage part 232.

[0051] A modified example in which the shape-changing portion is configured with a rope and a passing portion, as in the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The bathtub 310 shown in FIG. 7 includes a bathtub body 330 and a shape-changing portion 350. The shape-changing portion 350 includes a shape-changing rope 340 and a passing portion 332. The passing portion 332 is formed in a ring shape extending approximately the entire circumference in the vertically middle portion of the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portions 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 330 when in use. The rope 340 is inserted into the passing portion 332. Both ends of the rope 340 are pulled out from a notched portion 332A, which is a partial cutout in the annular passing portion 332. Both ends of the rope 340 pulled out from the passing portion 332 form a knot 340A. As in embodiment 2, the shape changing unit 350 configured in this manner adjusts the circumferential length of the rope 340 by changing the position where the knot 340A is tied, thereby constricting each of the side wall sections 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D at their vertically intermediate portions and changing the shape of the bathtub body 330. The shape changing unit 350 changes the shape of the bathtub body 330 by moving together or apart the portions of the sheet that forms the bathtub body 330 that are located inside the annular passing section 332, depending on the circumferential length of the rope 340.

[0052] The bathtub 410 shown in Figure 8 comprises a bathtub body 430 and a shape-changing portion 450. The bathtub body 430 has a lid portion 430E. The shape-changing portion 450 is provided on this lid portion 430E. The lid portion 430E is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view that covers the upper opening of the bathtub body 430 when in use. The lid portion 430E is attached to the upper edge of the bathtub body 430. In detail, the lid portion 430E is connected to the upper edges of three of the four side walls 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 430, namely, 30A, 30B, and 30C, but is not connected to the upper edge of side wall 30D. The lid portion 430E forms a U-shaped curved edge on the edge on the side of side wall 30D. As a result, the bathtub body 430 forms an opening 430F between the upper edge of the side wall 30D and the edge of the lid 430E. The opening 430F has a smaller area than the opening formed by the upper edges of the four side walls 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D of the bathtub body 430. The lid 430E is removably attached to the upper edges of the three side walls 30A, 30B, and 30C of the bathtub body 430 with fasteners Z.

[0053] The shape-changing portion 450 has a shape-changing rope 440 and a passing portion 432. The passing portion 432 is provided along the edge of the lid portion 430E that corresponds to the side wall portion 30D. The passing portion 432 forms a notch portion 432A. The notch portion 432A is provided in the center of the passing portion 432 in the extension direction. The rope 440 is inserted into the passing portion 432. The rope 440 is divided into two. One end of each rope 440 is connected to both ends of the upper edge portion of the side wall portion 30D, respectively. The other ends of each rope 440 are exposed to the outside from the notch portion 432A and are tied together to form a knot 440A. The knot 440A corresponds to the operating portion according to the present disclosure.

[0054] The shape-changing unit 450 adjusts the length of the rope 440 by changing the position where the knot 440A is tied, thereby narrowing the edge of the lid 430E on the side wall 30D side. This allows the bathtub body 430 to narrow the size of the opening 430F formed by the upper edge of the side wall 30D and the edge of the lid 430E corresponding to the side wall 30D. In other words, the shape-changing unit 450 moves the edges of the opening 430F closer together or further apart, thereby changing the shape of the bathtub body 430. When bathers take a bath in the bathtub 410 with the size of the opening 430F narrowed, they can enjoy a unique bathing experience, with only their head sticking out of the opening 430F, as if the bathtub 410 were fitting their body perfectly. By providing a lid portion 430E on the bathtub body 430, the bathtub 410 can improve the heat retention of the stored hot water compared to when the bathtub has an opening surrounded by the upper edge portions of the side wall portions 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0055] The bathtub 510 shown in FIG. 9 includes a bathtub body 530 and a shape-changing section 550. The shape-changing section 550 includes a shape-changing rope 540 and a passing section 532. The passing section 532 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the bathtub body 530 when in use. Specifically, the passing section 532 extends downward from the center of the upper edge of the side wall 30A along the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 30A, passes through the bottom surface of the bathtub body 530, extends upward along the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 30B, and extends to the center of the upper edge. The rope 540 is inserted into the passing section 532. Both ends of the rope 540 are exposed to the outside from both ends of the passing section 532. The rope 540 is looped by tying the ends together to form a knot 540A. The knot 540A corresponds to the operating unit of the present disclosure. The circumferential length of the loop of rope 540 can be freely changed by adjusting the position of knot 540A. Bathtub body 530, which has flexibility, can be tightened according to the circumferential length of rope 540, and its shape can be changed.

[0056] Shape-changing unit 550 configured as described above can adjust the position of knot 540A to shorten the circumference of rope 540 and tighten bathtub main body 530, thereby forming inner wall 530G as shown in Figure 9. Inner wall 530G can divide the space inside bathtub main body 530 into two. This allows users to enjoy different bathing experiences on either side of inner wall 530G, for example, by storing hotter water in one of the two spaces separated by inner wall 530G and lukewarm water in the other.

[0057] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure: In the present disclosure, the various features of the above-described embodiments and the embodiments to be described later may be combined in any manner as long as they are not inconsistent.

[0058] The configuration, size, spatial shape, etc. of the bathroom according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments. In a bathroom, it is not necessary for the hanging part to be provided on the wall. The hanging part may be provided on the ceiling of the bathroom. The hanging part may be provided on a movable frame installed on the bathroom floor. In a bathroom, it is preferable to provide a reinforcing structure in a part corresponding to the hanging part, such as behind the wall, in the ceiling, or under the floor.

[0059] The configuration of the bathtub according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The bathtub may be configured with a member for suspending the bathtub body, such as a rope, as in the above-described embodiments, or may be configured with only the bathtub body.

[0060] The bathtub body according to the present disclosure is not particularly limited in shape, size, configuration, etc., as long as it is made of a sheet and used while suspended to fill with hot and cold water. The shape of the bathtub body is not limited to the shapes exemplified in the above embodiments. When viewed from above in use, the bathtub body can be a polygonal shape such as a square, triangle, or pentagon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0061] The hanging form of the bathtub body is not limited to the form in which it is hung from a hanging part at a loop portion as exemplified in each of the above embodiments. The hanging form of the bathtub body may be, for example, a form in which it is hung from a hanging part at a through-hole formed in the bathtub body, a form in which it is hung from a hanging part by a looped rope that passes through a through-hole formed in the bathtub body, or a form in which it is hung by simply tying the end of the rope to a hanging part. The bathtub body may be hung from five or more hanging parts, or from three or fewer hanging parts.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the configuration of the sheet forming the bathtub body is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above embodiments. The sheet may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure having two or more layers. Preferably, the sheet has a two-layer or more layer structure, including a layer made of a water-impermeable material that ensures waterproofing and a layer made of a durable material that ensures strength.

[0063] In the bathtub disclosed herein, it is not essential that the bathtub body has a folded portion. If the bathtub body has a folded portion, its configuration, shape, arrangement, etc. are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The folded portion may be provided around the entire upper edge of the bathtub body, or may be provided partially, such as on only one of the four sides of the upper edge of the bathtub body, which is rectangular in plan view. The folded portion may be folded inward at the upper edge of the bathtub body when in use.

[0064] It is not essential that the bathtub according to the present disclosure be provided with a hanging rope. If the bathtub is provided with a hanging rope, its shape, arrangement, etc. are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. The hanging rope may be looped. In this case, the hanging rope may be a looped rope that runs along the upper edge of the bathtub body, a looped rope that is passed through a through-hole formed in the bathtub body, or the like.

[0065] When the bathtub body according to the present disclosure is configured with a lid portion, the lid portion may be non-detachably attached to the bathtub body, for example, by heat welding, sewing, etc.

[0066] The number of shape-changing parts in the bathtub according to the present disclosure is not limited to the number exemplified in the above embodiments. The bathtub may, for example, have three or more shape-changing parts. If multiple shape-changing parts are provided, the shape of the bathtub body may be changed using one or more of the multiple shape-changing parts. In other words, if multiple shape-changing parts are provided, the shape of the bathtub body does not have to be changed using all of the shape-changing parts.

[0067] When the shape-changing unit according to the present disclosure changes the shape of the bathtub body by moving parts of the sheet together or apart, in other words, when the shape-changing unit changes the shape of the bathtub body by moving parts of the sheet that form the bathtub body together or apart, the number of parts set on the sheet is not limited to the two exemplified in embodiment 1. The number of parts may be three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...bathroom, 10,210,310,0,510...bathtub, 20...hanging member (hanging part), 30,230,330,430,530...bathtub body, 30A,30B,30C,30D...side wall part, 50,250,350,450,550...shape change part, 60...fastener, 62A...pull (operating part), 232,332,432,532...passing part, 240,340,440,540...rope, 240A,340A,440A,540A...knot (operating part)

Claims

1. A sheet-made bathtub body that is used by filling it with hot water while hanging; A shape change unit having an operating unit that is operated to change the shape of the bathtub body when in use; Equipped with a bathtub.

2. The bathtub according to claim 1 , wherein the shape changing section changes the shape of the bathtub body by gathering or spreading a portion of the sheet forming the bathtub body.

3. The shape-changing portion may be formed such that a part of the sheet forming the bathtub body functions as a side wall portion of the bathtub body, or A bathtub as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, which can be modified to either a case where the part does not function as a side wall part of the bathtub body or a case where the part does not function as a side wall part of the bathtub body.

4. The bathtub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape-changing portion is a fastener provided to change the shape of the bathtub body.

5. The shape changing portion is Rope and A passage provided on the bathtub body through which the rope passes; 3. The bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. A bathroom equipped with a hanging part for hanging the bathtub according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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