Cushioned Basin and Method

Abstract

The present invention provides cushioned basins for immersion of a user in comfort. In preferred embodiments, a substantially rigid basin is used to provide structural support and for bearing the weight of the basin contents. A cushioning layer is affixed to the rigid basin and is encapsulated by a tactile layer of material having one or a combination of properties such as flexibility, durability, waterproofness, and/or smooth, stippled, or woven texture. Methods for assembling a cushioned basin include steps for providing a structural support basin, permanently affixing a cushioning layer thereto, and encapsulating the cushioning layer within a tactile layer.

1 . A cushioned basin comprising:
 a rigid basin for providing structural support and for bearing the weight of basin contents;   an attachment layer affixed to the rigid basin;   a cushioning layer affixed to the attachment layer; and   a tactile layer encapsulating the cushioning layer.   
     
     
         2 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the tactile layer further comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         3 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the tactile layer further comprises a waterproof material. 
     
     
         4 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the tactile layer further comprises an upholstery fabric material. 
     
     
         5 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises a waterproof material. 
     
     
         6 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises a closed foam material. 
     
     
         7 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises flexible polyurethane foam material. 
     
     
         8 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises material having a compression modulus within the range of about 1.5 to 3.5. 
     
     
         9 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises flexible polyurethane foam material having a density of more than about 1.6 PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot). 
     
     
         10 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  wherein the cushioning layer further comprises material having a firmness the range of about 10 to 40 IFD25 (25% Indentation Force Deflection). 
     
     
         11 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  further comprising a bath tub. 
     
     
         12 . A cushioned basin according to  claim 1  further comprising a spa. 
     
     
         13 . A cushioned basin comprising:
 a rigid basin for providing structural support and for bearing the weight of basin contents;   an attachment layer affixed to the rigid basin;   a flexible polyurethane foam cushioning layer affixed to the attachment layer, the cushioning layer having a compression modulus within the range of about 1.5 to 4, density within the range of about 1.6 to 2.0 PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot), and firmness the range of about 10 to 40 IFD25 (25% Indentation Force Deflection); and   a flexible tactile layer encapsulating the cushioning layer.   
     
     
         14 . A method for assembling a cushioned basin comprising the steps of:
 providing a basin for structural support and for bearing the weight of basin contents;   permanently affixing a cushioning layer affixed to the rigid basin; and   encapsulating the cushioning layer within a tactile layer.   
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of providing a textured tactile layer. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of providing a smooth tactile layer. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of selecting the layers for a combined compression modulus of approximately 1.5 to 3.5. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of selecting flexible polyurethane foam cushioning layer having a density of more than about 1.6 PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot). 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of selecting cushioning layer material having a firmness the range of about 10 to 40 IFD25 (25% Indentation Force Deflection). 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of selecting a flexible basin material.