The United States Patent and Trademark Office has officially issued U.S. Patent No. 12,662,832 for a revolutionary outdoor wellness invention. This patent, titled “Outdoor soaking tub,” was filed by Larson Design, LLC, a pioneering New Hampshire based enterprise that operates commercially as Soake Pools. The newly patented technology represents a significant architectural and engineering advancement in residential spa systems, blending structural permanence with high luxury styling.
Developed by local inventors Karen C. Larson and Brian P. Larson in Pembroke, New Hampshire, this invention introduces a highly resilient precast concrete design that redefines backyard relaxation. Because of its outstanding contribution to regional manufacturing and material science innovation, this unique outdoor soaking tub has been awarded the prestigious New Hampshire State Patent of the Month for July 2026. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional pool and hot tub manufacturing processes.
Groundbreaking Structural Innovation
The core innovation of this outdoor soaking tub lies in its specialized precast concrete construction. Traditional hot tubs rely on acrylic or fiberglass shells that are prone to cracking, fading, and weather wear over time. In contrast, this patented design employs a heavy duty precast concrete tub portion reinforced with a network of metal rods precast directly into the sloping sidewalls and end walls. This engineering approach provides unmatched longevity, allowing the tub to withstand intense seasonal temperature shifts without shifting or leaking.
Additionally, the utility of the invention extends to its elegant integration of decorative corner legs. At least one of these structural legs is uniquely designed to house internal pathways for the tub’s plumbing and electrical systems. This eliminates visible cords and external pipes, keeping the visual aesthetic clean while sheltering critical electrical components from environmental hazards. With a custom tiled interior, an ergonomic floor sloped toward a dedicated drain, and specialized connection members for head pillows, the tub delivers an optimal deep soaking experience that can easily switch between a hot hydrotherapy spa and a refreshing cold plunge pool.
Why It Won New Hampshire Patent of the Month (July 2026)
Each month, the state celebrates exceptional engineering achievements that originate within its borders. For July 2026, U.S. Patent No. 12,662,832 was selected due to its remarkable impact on the manufacturing sector and its brilliant application of civil engineering concepts to consumer wellness products. Larson Design, LLC, which expanded its operations into a state of the art corporate campus in Pembroke, New Hampshire, serves as an inspiring example of a family owned business scaling to a national presence. By moving the entire design, tiling, and precast manufacturing process under one regional roof, they have enhanced local job creation and firmly established New Hampshire as a hub for luxury pool innovation.
USA R&D Tax Credit Eligibility and Practical Applications
From a commercial perspective, the extensive research and development required to bring this patented concrete soaking tub to life provides a clear path toward securing the federal R&D tax credit in the United States under Internal Revenue Code Section 41. To qualify, a project must satisfy the standard four part test. First, the permitted purpose of the development was to design a superior, durable precast container capable of managing extreme hydrostatic pressure and thermal energy. Second, the engineering team faced substantial technical uncertainty regarding how to cast intricate, sloped concrete walls uniformly without leaving structural micro voids and how to securely embed electrical conduits inside load bearing decorative legs. Third, the company engaged in a systematic process of experimentation, utilizing iterative physical prototyping, finite element analysis, and meticulous material testing of different concrete formulations to optimize heat retention and structural strength. Finally, the development process is inherently technological in nature, relying on fields such as mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and material science. Consequently, the wages, supply costs, and contractor expenses associated with designing, prototyping, and testing this invention represent qualified research expenses that are highly eligible for the US R&D tax credit.
