Patent Publication Number: US-7900296-B2

Title: Bath apparatus with handle and auxiliary features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/083,594 filed Mar. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,757 B2 which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an apparatus for bathing body parts, such as the feet or hands. 
     2. Background Art 
     Most people experience foot problems at some time in their lives. This is not surprising, considering that many people are employed in jobs that require them to be on their feet all day. In fact, even an average day of walking can exert force equal to several hundred tons of pressure on the feet. 
     In an attempt to alleviate a variety of podiatric problems, bathing of the feet has become a recognized therapeutic method. For example, soaking soothes the feet and aids in recovery from fatigue. Bathing of the feet also stimulates the circulation of blood therethrough, which results in increased metabolism and excretion. In addition, foot bathing facilitates the removal of painful growths such as calluses, bunions, and corns. 
     Many types of footbaths have been utilized as therapeutic devices for the feet. Typically, footbaths provide heated water for which the temperature is maintained via electrical means. In addition, current footbaths often provide massage to the feet through vibration of the footbath. Vibratory massage enhances the therapeutic results achieved with soaking alone by further increasing circulation, as well as relaxing and massaging the muscles. 
     Conventional footbaths may be difficult and/or awkward to transport, fill and empty due to size, weight and difficulty of stabilizing the footbath to prevent splashing or spilling of water from the footbath. The water in the footbath also adds to the weight, thereby increasing the difficulty in manual transportation. The prior art has offered footbaths with handles that are typically on the backside or underside of the bath chamber, and thus, are only useful when the bath chamber is empty and the water is not a factor. 
     The prior art has also provided footbaths having a peripheral rim or one or more handles displaced about the peripheral rim. Although such peripheral handles are useful for transporting the footbath in an empty condition, two-handed carrying is necessitated. Two-handed carrying may be awkward by requiring the user to carry the footbath close to his/her body. Such transportation often lacks in ergonomics and results in unsteady movements, thereby causing splashing or spilling of the fluid therein. 
     The prior art has offered various massage features such as rotary massage attachments on the housing of the footbath, for providing a targeted massage or therapeutic effect to a body part of the user. Oftentimes, such features require the user to rest the body on the housing adjacent to the massage attachment. Due to the structural rigidity of the adjacent housing portion, such resting may be uncomfortable or awkward. Additionally, it may difficult for a user to convey the targeted body part to the massage feature. 
     Personal care for one&#39;s feet often extends outside the realm of features conventionally provided in footbaths. For example, consumers may treat their feet to pedicures and lotions as well as bathing, massage and therapy. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a footbath that can be transported ergonomically when filled or empty. A need also exists to enhance comfort to a user when operating auxiliary features of a footbath. Incorporation of various foot treatment features into a footbath is also needed so that a user may experience a variety podiatric and pedicure features from a single apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for bathing a body part. The apparatus has a bath chamber for containing fluid with an opening for receiving the body part. A housing is mounted to the bath chamber for retaining an operational assembly that imparts a therapeutic effect to the bath chamber. The housing provides a base for supporting the bath chamber. A handle is mounted to one of the bath chamber and the housing for providing a grip portion that extends above the bath chamber and a center of gravity of the bath apparatus for facilitating manual transportation of the apparatus when filled. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a spout formed in the bath chamber for emptying the bath chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide the handle grip portion generally perpendicular to a pivot axis of the handle for enhancing ergonomic grasping and transportation. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a plurality of attachment points for attaching the handle in multiple positions. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is wherein the handle is mounted to the bath chamber and the bath chamber is removable from the housing. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is wherein the handle has a retracted and an extended position. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism for securing the handle in a fixed position. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a recess within the bath apparatus for receiving the handle in the retracted position. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for extending the handle. 
     An aspect of the present invention is to provide a bath apparatus having a bath chamber for containing fluid. A pair of wheels are mounted to the bath chamber and a telescoping handle is mounted to the bath chamber so that in an extended position of the handle, the bath chamber may be transported upon the wheels. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bath apparatus having a bath chamber for containing fluid, a contact area adapted to be uncovered by fluid, and a flexible contact pad mounted on the contact area for providing flexible support to a body part. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bath apparatus having a bath chamber, a housing, and a motorized pedicure apparatus mounted within a receptacle on the housing. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bath apparatus having a bath chamber and a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid upon manual actuation. 
     An even further aspect of the invention is to provide a bath apparatus having a bath chamber and a removable bristle pad disposed therein. 
     The above aspects, and other aspects, objects, features, advantages, embodiments and benefits of the present invention are readily apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the bath apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of the bath apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bath apparatus of  FIG. 5 , illustrated with a handle in an extended position; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the bath apparatus of  FIG. 5 , illustrated with the handle in the extended position; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial section view of an exemplary pivotal connection between a handle and a bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary pivotal connection between a handle and a bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged partial section view of a bath apparatus and a handle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged partial section view of a pivotal connection of a bath apparatus and a handle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14   a  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14   b  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the bath apparatus of  FIG. 5 , illustrated with a pedicure apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the pedicure apparatus of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of a fluid dispenser of the bath apparatus of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative lid for the bath apparatus of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment bath apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the bath apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrated with a bristle pad in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation view of the bristle pad of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a bath apparatus  30  in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  30  can be used to provide heat, waterjets, bubbles, and combinations thereof to body parts, such as feet. The bath apparatus  30  is preferably constructed from a plastic material so as to be lightweight and portable, as well as durable, leakproof, and corrosion resistant. Although the bath apparatus  30  is illustrated and described herein as being particularly adaptable for use as a footbath, it is understood that the bath apparatus  30  of the present invention may be used for bathing other body parts, such as the hands. 
     The bath apparatus  30  includes a bath chamber  32  for containing fluid, such as water, and receiving the body part, such as the foot, therein. The bath chamber  32  includes a bottom surface  34  and a wall structure  36  extending upwardly therefrom. The wall structure  36  terminates in an upper surface  38  that includes a contact portion  40  adapted to be exposed when water is contained in the bath chamber  32 . The bottom surface  34  can be generally parallel to a supporting surface on which the bath apparatus  30  is placed, or alternatively, the bottom surface  34  could be slanted downward toward the user. 
     The bath chamber  32  is of a length and width to accommodate the feet of an adult user, such that sufficient space is provided for the user&#39;s feet to be readily inserted and removed, and to allow the feet to be moved about slightly while in position within the bath chamber  32 . In a preferred embodiment, the bath chamber  32  is generally U-shaped and the contact portion  40  is generally peninsular and centrally disposed within the bath chamber  32 . With this configuration, a user&#39;s feet are received on either side of the peninsular contact portion  40 , wherein the feet are spaced apart sufficiently to provide comfortable placement. For use, the bath chamber  32  is filled with water to a level such that a user&#39;s feet may be submerged up to approximately the height of the ankles. A maximum fill level may be indicated, such as the marking illustrated in  FIG. 1 , so that an optimal fill level is obtained with the combination of water and feet placed within the bath chamber  32 . A user can then easily remove his/her feet for placement on contact portion  40  for targeted therapy as described below. Of course, it is understood that contact portion  40  can have any location on bath apparatus  30  which remains uncovered by water and is accessible to the user. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bottom surface  34  of bath chamber  32  includes a plurality of raised nodes  42  which can be of varying sizes. The nodes  42  function to massage the feet upon contact, and also allow water to flow under them. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , bath apparatus  30  further includes a lid  44  adapted to be attached to the wall structure  36  to at least partially cover an opening of the bath chamber  32 . The lid  44  is preferably constructed from a plastic material, and is sufficiently rigid so that it can be used as a foot rest when only one foot is submersed with the bath chamber  32 . The lid  44  also includes a pair of showerheads  46 ,  48  for providing a pressurized fluid massage effect to the user&#39;s feet when disposed within the bath chamber  32 . The details of the showerheads  46 ,  48  are discussed in greater detail in assignee&#39;s copending application titled Bath Apparatus with Pressurized Fluid Massage, filed on Mar. 18, 2005, Ser. No. 11/083,725, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     The bath apparatus  30  includes three operational switches, namely massage/heat switch  50 , shower switch  52  and bubbles/heat switch  54 . Each switch  50 ,  52 ,  54  operates a feature independent of one another so that a user may select one or a combination of these features. Wiring interconnects the switches  50 ,  52 ,  54  with each of the corresponding mechanical/electrical operational assemblies described below, which are then powered via connection of a standard power cord  56  to any  110  V AC outlet. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , several mechanical/electrical operational assemblies of bath apparatus  30  of the present invention will now be described. The bath chamber  32  is provided within an upper housing portion  58 . Each of the following operational assemblies is housed in a cavity provided between the upper housing portion  58  and a lower housing portion  60 . One operational assembly, a heater (not shown) is provided in communication with the bath chamber  32  and is powered by either of the massage/heat switch  50  and bubbles/heat switch  54 . The heater may be a rope heating element that is operable to conduct heat to the water contained within the bath chamber  32 . The heated water maintained by the rope heating element relieves tired muscles and promotes circulation of the blood. The rope heating element is positioned to wind back and forth to substantially cover bath chamber bottom surface  34 . The rope heating element preferably includes insulated conducting wires, wherein the conductive materials are capable of transmitting heat to the bath chamber bottom surface  34  without generating temperatures that exceed the melting point of the plastic material used to construct the bath apparatus. 
     Rope heating elements are well known in the art of footbaths and are disclosed in assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,000 B1 issued to Kaufman et al., titled Bath Apparatus with Therapy Centers; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,471 B2 issued to Ferber et al., titled Bath Apparatus. The Kaufman et al. and Ferber et al. patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
     The bath apparatus  30  further includes a motorized operational assembly, an air pump (not shown) disposed adjacent to bottom surface  34  of bath chamber  32  and in communication therewith. The pump is turned on and off by the bubbles/heat switch  54 . The pump directs air into bath chamber  32  to generate air bubbles in the water contained therein. The pump forces air through an outlet tube which is connected to an injection molded bubble egress strip or tube  62  formed in communication with bath chamber bottom surface  34 . The egress tube  62  is generally U-shaped and extends from a first side  64  to a second side  66  of the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . Air is forced out of a plurality of egress holes  68  that are provided along the bubble egress tube  62  to form air bubbles in the water contained in bath chamber  32 . Of course, the outlet tube and the egress tube  62  could be constructed as a single component. Alternatively, one egress tube could be disposed within the first side  64  of bottom surface  34 , and another egress tube could be disposed within the second side  66  of bottom surface  34 . 
     In addition to the generally U-shaped configuration of the bubble egress tube  62  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bubble egress tube  62  can be constructed to have various configurations which provide more complete coverage of bath chamber bottom surface  34 . For example, bubble egress tube  62  can have a linear configuration, a continuous curvilinear configuration, including at least one generally S-shaped segment or at least one reverse curve, such as a serpentine configuration, as illustrated in the Ferber et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,471 patent. Alternatively, the bubble egress tube  62  can include a continuous configuration of linear segments, such as a square-wave or a sawtooth configuration, as illustrated in the Ferber et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,471 patent. 
     The bubble egress tube  62  is disposed below the bath chamber bottom surface  34 , such that the plurality of egress holes  68  are flush with bottom surface  34 . Alternatively, the bubble egress tube  62  may protrude at least partially above bottom surface  34 , such that egress holes  68  are raised above bottom surface  34 . The plurality of bubble egress holes  68  can be positioned at multiple axial locations along the egress tube  62 , thereby providing an even greater ability to generate bubbles within a given area of bottom surface  34 . 
     Still further, bath apparatus  30  includes another motorized operational assembly, a vibration assembly (not shown), in communication with bath chamber  32  for imparting vibration to bath chamber  32  to provide a massaging effect to the feet. The vibration assembly is turned on and off by actuation of the massage/heat switch  50 . The vibration assembly includes a motor affixed to an underside of bath chamber  32 , an output shaft rotatably driven by the motor, and a counterweight affixed to the output shaft. The vibration assembly is affixed underneath a central portion of bath chamber  32  by a motor support bracket. When the motor is electrically powered by actuation of massage/heat switch  50 , rotation of the output shaft and the attached counterweight imparts vibrations to the motor support bracket, and these vibrations are then transferred to bath chamber  32  and the water contained therein in order to massage the feet. Foot baths with vibration assemblies are disclosed in further detail in the Kaufman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,000 and Ferber et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,471 patents, which have been incorporated by reference. The lower housing portion  60  includes a plurality of feet  70  constructed from a material such as rubber to resist movement of bath apparatus  30  along a supporting surface. It is fully contemplated that variable vibration intensities could be provided in accordance with the present invention. 
     The contact portion  40  is configured to receive massage attachments such as massage attachment  72 , or such as the attachments disclosed in the Ferber et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,471 patent. Massage attachments are a motorized operational assembly that advantageously allow for massage to be targeted to specific locations of the foot such as the ball, heel, or arch. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a motor  74  is disposed on an underside of the bath chamber  32 , and may be attached to the underside of the contact portion  40  or to the lower housing portion  60  with a motor bracket  76 , using screws (not shown). The various massage attachments are adapted to be received on an output shaft that is rotatably driven by the motor  74  and adapted to be accessible through the contact portion  40 . The motorized rotation of the massage attachments such as the massage attachment  72 , is activated by pressure of a body part applied thereon, which then establishes electrical contact to supply power to the motor  74 . Alternatively, the motor  74  can be configured to operate when the user actuates a manual switch (not shown). 
     The contact portion  40  also includes a gel pad  78  mounted proximate to the massage attachment  72  for providing comfortable, padded, flexible support to a portion of the user&#39;s foot, such as the heel, as the user receives a massage effect from the massage attachment  72 . The gel pad  78  enhances traction and friction for steady placement of the user&#39;s foot or other body part without slipping off of the contact portion  40 . Additionally the gel pad  78  is much softer than the typically structurally rigid contact portion  40 . 
     A fluid pump, which is another motorized operational assembly, may also be provided for pumping water through the showerheads  46 ,  48 . The pump is controlled by the shower switch  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the bath apparatus  30  further includes a handle  80 . The handle  80  is generally arcuate and is pivotally connected to the bath chamber upper surface  38  at pivotal connections  82 ,  84  on lateral sides thereof. In the retracted orientation of the handle  80 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the handle  80  is streamlined into an aesthetic appearance of the bath chamber upper surface  38 . The pivotal connections  82 ,  84  are provided so that when the handle  80  is pivoted to an extended orientation, as illustrated in phantom in  FIG. 1 , a central portion  86  of the handle  80  is disposed over a center of gravity of the bath apparatus  30  and fluid retained therein. Thus, the handle  80  assists in manual transportation and portability of the bath apparatus  30 . Although a pair of pivotal connections  82 ,  84  are illustrated, the invention contemplates that the handle  80  may have only one pivotal connection and the handle  80  may be cantilevered from the pivotal connection. 
     One-handed transportation is capable by providing the handle  80  with the central grip portion  86  displaced above and generally aligned with the center of gravity of the bath apparatus  30  when filled with fluid. This transportation permits the user to carry the bath apparatus  30  by the user&#39;s side, resulting in steady transportation, thereby minimizing spilling and splashing. 
     The lid  44  generally lessens spilling and splashing during transportation and operation of the bath apparatus  30  by covering a portion of the opening of the bath chamber  32 . The lid  44  is further provided with a pair of spouts  88 ,  90  each disposed adjacent to, and on lateral sides of duct work to the showerheads  46 ,  48 . The spouts  88 ,  90  provide openings in the lid  44  such that a user may dispose the fluid within the bath chamber  32  by grasping the handle  80  in the upright position and tilting the bath chamber  32  into an orientation wherein the spouts  88 ,  90  are lowered relative to the pivotal connections  82 ,  84 . Thus, the user may dispose the liquid by lifting a rear portion of the bath chamber  32  upward thereby pouring the liquid at a limited rate and region of flow for disposing the liquid. Of course, the invention contemplates that one spout or any number of spouts may be provided in the bath chamber  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  92  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. Like elements retain same reference numerals wherein new elements are assigned new reference numerals. The bath apparatus  92  includes a generally arcuate handle  94  pivotally connected to lateral sides of the bath apparatus  92  at pivotal connections  82 ,  84 . The handle  94  pivots about a pivot axis  96  between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle  94  includes a central grip portion  98  that is displaced generally perpendicular to the pivot axis  96 . This orientation of the central grip portion  98  facilitates ergonomic transportation, such that a user may grasp the grip portion  98  and carry the bath apparatus  92  with one hand adjacent to a side of the user, without having to rotate the user&#39;s wrist. Thus, with the offset central grip portion  98 , the user may transport the bath apparatus  92  by grasping the handle  94  in an orientation that is relatively natural and ergonomic for positioning a user&#39;s arm and wrist at the user&#39;s side. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  100  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  100  has a housing  102  with a generally arcuate handle  104  pivotally connected to lateral sides thereof for a retracted position as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , and an extended position as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Unlike the prior embodiment wherein the handle  80  is streamlined into the peripheral rim of the bath chamber  32  and the upper surface  38 , the handle  104  of the bath apparatus  100  is oriented outboard of the bath chamber  32 . Further, the handle  104  is disposed beneath the bath apparatus upper surface  38  for providing a streamlined housing appearance. 
     The housing  102  includes a recess  106  formed thereabout for receiving the handle  104  in the retracted position thereby enhancing compactness of the housing  102  and handle  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the handle  104  extends to an orientation wherein a central grip portion  108  is disposed above the center of gravity of the bath apparatus  100 . Additionally, the central grip portion  108  may be provided with an overmolded elastomeric grip surface  110  for enhancing a user&#39;s grasp about the grip portion  108 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a pivotal connection for the handle  104  is illustrated with dashed lines and referenced by numeral  112 . The invention contemplates multiple pivotal connection points such as pivotal connections labeled with numerals  114 ,  116 ,  118 . By providing multiple pivotal connection points, the user may mount the handle  104  to a desired position on the housing  102  thereby facilitating customized handle orientations for filling, emptying or transporting the bath apparatus  100 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary embodiment pivotal connection  112  is illustrated in greater detail. The housing  102  includes a plurality of threaded inserts that are insert-molded into the housing  102 , such as threaded insert  120  that is illustrated at pivotal connection  112 . A threaded insert  120  is provided for each of the pivotal connections  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 . The pivotal connection  112  includes a shoulder bolt  122  for securing the handle  104  to the threaded insert  120 . Specifically, the shoulder bolt  122  includes a threaded end  124  that is threadably engaged within the threaded insert  120 . The shoulder bolt  122  also includes a shaft body  126  extending from the threaded end  124  to a knurled head  128 . The handle  104  is bearingly supported about the shaft body  126 . The knurled head  128  permits a user to rotate the shoulder bolt  122  thereby disengaging the threaded end  124  from the threaded insert  120 . The shaft body  126  may include a retaining clip  130  mounted thereto for retaining the shoulder bolt  122  to the handle  104  when disengaged from the housing  102 . Thus, the user may unscrew the shoulder bolt  122  at the pivotal connection, such as pivotal connection  112  and reassemble the handle  104  to an alternate pivotal connection. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment pivotal connection  132  is illustrated for mounting the handle  104  at multiple attachment points along the housing  102 . Specifically, the housing  102  includes a plurality of cam tracks such as cam track  134  formed within a lateral side of the housing  102  within a peripheral rim of the bath chamber  32 . The cam track  134  includes a vertical portion  136  for insertion of a pin  138  that extends from the handle  104 . The cam track  134  also includes a horizontal portion  140  for receiving the pin  138 . A pair of leaf springs  142 ,  144  are provided within the horizontal portion  140  for snapping the pin  138  into a locked location within the horizontal portion  140 . If the user desires an alternative attachment point from the pivotal connection  132 , the user grasps the handle  104  and biases the handle  104  in a direction such that the pin  138  compresses the leaf springs  142 ,  144  thereby translating the pin  138  through the cam track  134 . Thus, the user may disengage the handle  104  from the housing  102  and reengage it at another cam track  134  along the housing  102 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  146  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, the bath apparatus  146  includes an upper housing portion  148  that includes a bath chamber  150 . The upper housing portion  148  is removable from a lower housing portion  152 . Thus, for filling and emptying the bath chamber  150 , the user may grasp the handle  80  and remove the upper housing portion  148  from the lower housing portion  152 . This arrangement of the upper and lower housing portions  148 ,  152  reduces the total amount of weight required for transportation by the user by retaining the therapeutic operational assemblies within the lower housing portion  152 . Of course, disconnects may be provided between the operational assemblies such as a disconnect through ducting to the egress strip  62  or a disconnect at the output shaft that drives the massage attachment  72 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , the handle  80  is illustrated in the retracted position in cooperation with a locking mechanism  154 . The locking mechanism  154  may be utilized for retaining the handle  80  in the retracted position. The locking mechanism  154  includes a lever  156  pivotally connected to the upper housing portion  58 . A compression spring  158  is mounted between the upper housing portion  58  and the lever  156  for extending the lever  156  to the locked orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Lever  156  includes a leading edge  160  so that as the handle  80  is translated from the extended position to the retracted position, the handle  80  engages the leading edge  160  thereby translating the lever  156  towards the upper housing portion  58  and compressing the spring  158 . Once the handle  80  is translated fully to the retracted position, the spring  158  biases the lever  156  forward to the locked orientation. 
     The handle  80  may include a mechanism for extending the handle  80  to the extended orientation. With reference now to  FIG. 12 , an enlarged partial section view of an alternative embodiment pivotal connection  162  is illustrated. The handle  80  may include an aperture  164  for receiving a pivot shaft  166  extending laterally from the bath apparatus  30 . A torsion spring  168  is provided in engagement to the pivot shaft  166  of the bath apparatus  30  at a first end thereof. A second of the torsion spring  168  is engaged to a projection  170  on the handle  80 . Thus, the torsion spring  168  biases the handle  80  to the upright or extended position. 
     The mechanism for extending the handle  80  may be electronically controlled. For example, with reference again to  FIG. 11 , a solenoid  172  may be provided in the upper housing portion  58 . The solenoid  172  may drive a link  174  that is pivotally connected to the lever  156 . Thus, the solenoid  172  may actuate the link  174  and the lever  156  thereby releasing the handle  80  so that the torsion spring  168  may extend the handle  80  to the extended position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , another alternative bath apparatus  176  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  176  includes a handle  178  that is disposed within a recess  180  formed within the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . The handle  178  is pivotally connected to the bath chamber bottom surface  34  about a pivot axis  182  that is generally aligned with a center of gravity of the bath apparatus  176 . A pair of notches  184  are provided within the recess  180  so that the user may grasp the handle  178  and translate the handle  178  from a retracted orientation to an extended orientation. In the retracted orientation, the handle  178  is aligned generally flush with the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . Thus, a top surface of the handle  178  forms part of the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . Accordingly, massage nodes  186  may be provided on the handle  178  for providing a uniform massage node pattern along the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . The bath apparatus  176  provides the handle  178  in an orientation that both assists manual transportation and conceals the handle  178  when not in use. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14   a , an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  188  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  188  includes a pair of wheels  190  disposed along a lower region of the lower housing portion  60 . Additionally, a telescoping handle  192  is provided that retracts beneath the lower housing portion  60  and also extends therefrom, as illustrated in  FIG. 14   a , so that a user may grasp the handle and transport the bath apparatus  188  upon the wheels  190 . The bath apparatus  188  includes a lid  194  so that the bath apparatus can be transported with fluid contained therein so that when the bath apparatus  188  is tilted to an angle, as illustrated in  FIG. 14   a , the bath chamber  32  and the lid  194  collectively retain the fluid therein. 
     The bath apparatus  188  may also have a total of four wheels  190  as illustrated in  FIG. 14   b  for transporting the bath apparatus  188 . Each wheel  190  may be disposed beneath one of the feet  70 , and may be retractable into the lower housing portion  60 . Additionally the telescoping handle  192  may be pivotally connected to the lower housing portion  60  in the extended position so that the handle  192  may extend upward from the bath apparatus  188 . By providing four wheels  190  on the bath apparatus  188 , the user may transport the bath apparatus  188  generally horizontally when filled with fluid, thereby minimizing the likelihood of spilling. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  196  in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  196  is provided with a pedicure station  198 . The pedicure station  198  is a receptacle formed within a housing  200  of the bath apparatus  196  that retains a motorized operational assembly, such as a motorized pedicure apparatus  202  for imparting a rotary pedicure effect to a body part of a user, particularly to the foot. Pedicure apparatuses are well known in the art, for providing treatment to the feet of a user. Pedicure apparatuses are often provided with multiple interchangeable attachments. Accordingly, a secondary lid  204  is pivotally connected to the lid  44 ′ for enclosing a compartment  206  therebetween which retains a plurality of interchangeable pedicure attachments  208 . 
     The pedicure station  198  is generally angled toward the bath chamber  32  so that the pedicure apparatus  202  is positioned whereby a user may place a body part against an attachment of the pedicure apparatus  202  for applying a rotary pedicure effect thereto. Alternatively, the user may manually grasp the pedicure apparatus  202  and remove it from the pedicure station  198  for conveying the pedicure apparatus  202  to the body part, rather than conveying the body part to the pedicure apparatus  202 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 16 , the pedicure apparatus  202  is illustrated in enlarged and in greater detail. The pedicure apparatus  202  has an elongate housing  210  that is sized to be grasped by a user. The pedicure apparatus  202  includes a motor  212  oriented within the housing  210 . The motor  212  drives an output spindle  214 . The output spindle  214  is adapted to receive multiple pedicure attachments  208  such as pedicure attachment  216  for providing a variety of rotary pedicure effects to the user. These pedicure attachments  208  may include coarse, medium and fine pumice characteristics, as well as brushes, rollers and the like. 
     The housing  210  is further provided with an elastomeric grip surface  218 , which may be overmolded over the housing  210  for providing comfort to the grip of the user and for enhancing the grip of the user. 
     The pedicure apparatus  202  may be attached to the pedicure station  198  via a tether  220 . The tether  220  avoids misplacement of the pedicure apparatus  202  from the bath apparatus  196 . Additionally, the tether  220  includes conductive wiring therein for providing a power source from the bath apparatus  196  to the motor  212  of the pedicure apparatus  202 . Further, the tether  220  may be retractable within one of the pedicure station  198  and the pedicure apparatus housing  210  for providing cord management of the tether  220 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17 , another alternative embodiment bath apparatus  222  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  222  includes a pedicure apparatus  224  having a pedicure station  226  within the pedicure attachment compartment  206 . Additionally, the pedicure apparatus  224  has an elastomeric grip surface  228  that is contoured about a forward portion of the housing  210  and partially surrounds an on/off switch  230  of the pedicure apparatus  224 . 
     The bath apparatus  222  further includes a series of comfort attachments  232  for enhancing the therapeutic effects of the bathing operation. The comfort attachments  232  may be interchangeable and may include the options of gel pads, loofahs, pumice, bristles, or the like. The invention contemplates that the bristles may be provided in various arrangements with varying densities and lengths. The bristles may be utilized for cleaning of the feet or for providing a comfortable artificial turf feel to the underside of the user&#39;s feet. 
     The bath apparatus  222  also includes a peninsular contact portion  234  extending from the bath chamber  32 . With reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the contact portion  234  includes a reservoir  236  for retaining a therapeutic additive, such as lotion, therein. The contact portion  234  further includes a dome-shaped cover  238  that is generally flexible and has a series of apertures  240  formed therethrough. The user may dispense a fluid from the reservoir  236 , such as lotion, by depressing cover  238  with a body part so that the lotion is dispensed through the apertures  240  upon the body part. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , the lid  44 ′ of the bath apparatus may include multiple inserts  241  for providing various therapeutic pedicure effects. For example, the inserts  241  may be formed from pumice, loofah, bristles, gel pads, or the like. Additionally, the inserts may be generally transparent to view an operation performed beneath the lid  44 ′, such as a pressurized fluid massage effect. 
     In  FIG. 20 , an alternative embodiment bath apparatus  242  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The bath apparatus  242  includes a contoured lid  244  having showerheads  246 ,  248  formed on the underside thereof for providing a pressurized fluid massage effect upon a top surface of a user&#39;s feet. The bath apparatus  242  may be provided with a pedicure station  198  for retaining a motorized pedicure apparatus. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another alternative embodiment bath apparatus  250 . The bath apparatus  250  includes a handle  252  that is integrated into an opening of a bath chamber  254 . The handle  252  maybe fixed relative to the bath chamber  250  or may be pivotally connected thereto. The handle  252  is displaced above the center of gravity of the bath apparatus  250  and does not need to be retracted during operation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , the bath apparatus  30  from  FIGS. 1-3  is illustrated with a removable comfort attachment disposed therein. Specifically, a bristle pad  256  is inserted into the bath chamber  32 . The bristle pad  256  is sized to rest upon the bath chamber bottom surface  34  and may include suction cups for securing the bristle pad  256  to the bath chamber bottom surface  34 . Additionally, the bristle pad  256  is formed to provide clearance for the egress strip  62  so that the bubbling massage effect is not interfered with by the bristle pad. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the bristle pad  256 . The bristle pad  256  includes a series of elastomeric bristles  258  extending from the pad  256 . The bristles  258  are formed from a low durometer material so that the bristles  258  are flexible and comforting to the feet of the user. The bristles  258  provide a feel similar to artificial grass or turf and may provide a bristle massage effect to the feet of the user. The invention contemplates that the bristles  258  may have varying lengths, widths, densities, or other characteristics. 
     During the vibrational massage operation of the bath apparatus  30 , the bristles  258  convey a flexible vibratory massage effect upon the feet of the user. Additionally, the bristles  258  may enhance the flow of fluid beneath the user&#39;s feet thereby soothing the undersides of the feet. 
     In summary, multiple auxiliary features are provided for adding to the overall bathing and therapeutic experience, while enhancing transportation and incorporating products that are typically provided separate from bathing apparatuses. 
     While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.