U.S. patent application number 11/842554 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for bathtub liner system and method of installing a tub liner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Durotub, Inc.. Invention is credited to John BRANDENSTEIN.
Application Number | 20080040849 11/842554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39099958 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080040849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRANDENSTEIN; John |
February 21, 2008 |
BATHTUB LINER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INSTALLING A TUB LINER
Abstract
The present invention is an improved system and method for
installing a bathtub tub liner. The liner system can include a
planar liner molded to fit the interior of the bathtub, and an
adhesive to secure the liner to the tub, and a predetermined amount
of water added to the tub after placing the liner in the tub to
create an even amount of pressure securing the liner to the
tub.
Inventors: |
BRANDENSTEIN; John;
(Roswell, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
600 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30308
US
|
Assignee: |
Durotub, Inc.
Marietta
GA
|
Family ID: |
39099958 |
Appl. No.: |
11/842554 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60823046 |
Aug 21, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/580 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/580 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/02 20060101
A47K003/02 |
Claims
1. A method of renovating a bathtub having an interior with a
bottom, the method comprising: providing a sealant on at least a
portion of an interior of a bathtub; providing a foam layer over at
least a portion of the bottom of the interior of the bathtub;
providing a tub liner over the interior of the bathtub; and
providing pressure to the tub liner over a sufficient time to
laminate at least a portion of the tub liner to at least a portion
of the interior of the bathtub.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing pressure to the tub
liner comprises at least partially filling the tub liner with a
fluid.
3. The method of claim 2, the fluid comprising water.
4. The method of claim 1, the sealant comprising a urethane
sealant.
5. The method of claim 1, the foam layer comprising open cell
foam.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising saturating the foam
layer in epoxy.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising forming the tub liner
with a vacuum device.
8. A method of renovating a bathtub, the bathtub having an interior
with a bottom and sides for containing water, the method
comprising: inserting a layer of sealant on a portion of the
interior of the bathtub; inserting a open cell foam layer saturated
in epoxy over a portion of the bottom the interior of the bathtub;
inserting a molded acrylic sheet over the bottom and sides of the
interior of the bathtub; filling the bathtub with at least six
inches of water; and laminating the molded acrylic sheet to the
interior of the bathtub.
9. The method of claim 8, the sealant comprising a urethane
sealant.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising forming the tub liner
with a vacuum device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/823,046 filed 21
Aug. 2006, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is related to bathtubs and, in
particular, a bathtub liner system and method of installing a tub
liner, which renovates an old bathtub by laminating a tub liner to
the old bathtub.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Bathtubs in which people bathe are made of various
materials. Most bathtubs are made of cast iron, stamped steel,
porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and the like. Due to wear and tear
from usage, cleaning chemicals and the like, bathtubs deteriorate
over time and tend to crack. These cracks detract from the
appearance of the tubs, can spread to create a structural weakness
of the tub, and can further potentially injure a bather.
[0006] Solutions to repairing cracked bathtubs vary. In some
instances, urethane foam has been pumped into the cracks to improve
the appearance of the tub. Unfortunately, the foam is not long
lasting and the crack can resurface over time with additional wear
and tear. More recently, the solution has been to place a liner
over the tub. The liner can be sealed to the tub by a
tape/adhesive. Yet, over time, the liner often becomes separated
from the tub, and bubbles or air pockets situate between the tub
and the liner creating an undesired feel and look to at least the
bottom of the tub, where water can settle. A typical last resort,
because of cost, is to replace the old tub with a new tub. This
solution is costly, as it can require not only a whole new tub, but
also additional manual labor to achieve a seamless fit between the
new tub and the existing tub space. None of these solutions to
cracks in bathtubs are desired, ideal or preferred.
[0007] Various U.S. patents disclose these and other solutions. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,460,167 to Benjamin discloses a bathtub
cover having a protective shell placed in a tub to prevent damage
during construction or a renovation. Yet, Benjamin is not designed
for bathing, and is not meant to be bonded to the tub it is
protecting. Further, it is not custom fit to a particular make and
model of a tub.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,621 to Thomas et al. discloses a repair
laminate sheet for acrylic and fiberglass tubs. Thomas et al.
discloses a pad having a fiberglass base topped with a gelcoat and
plastic tread to prevent skidding. The pad is glueable to the
bottom of a damaged tub bottom for reparation. The pad is not a
liner, but, instead, a sheet simply glueable over faults in a tub
bottom. The sheet includes a reinforcement portion for a cracked or
weakened tub bottom.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,605 to May discloses a replacement
surface and method of installation. May is not a liner, but is a
pad that is used as a replacement surface for a floor or tub.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,955 to Parkay et al. discloses a bathtub
liner apparatus that is designed to be placed into an existing
bathtub. The apparatus is not designed for restoration, but simply
to present a comfortable, non-skid surface. The apparatus is a
removable membrane for increasing comfort and to improve the
non-skid characteristics of the tub bottom.
[0011] Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,092 to Roiger discloses a method
of removing baths. The method does not enable a fit made for the
make and model of the tub to be fitted. Further, it does not
laminate the bottom of a liner, but is secured with foam that is
designed to adhere the tub and fill empty space around a gap
between the two tubs.
[0012] Therefore, it can be seen that a need exists for a superior
bathtub liner and method of installing same for renovating existing
bathtubs. It is to such a system, device, and method that the
present invention is primarily detected.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to a bathtub liner system. The
system is adapted to renovate an old, damaged bathtub by installing
an exacting liner, preferably comprising acrylic, directly over the
existing tub for a perfect fit. The present invention overcomes the
many deficiencies of the conventional method of lining tubs (where
the liner is attached to the tub with tape, that over time, cycles
of flexing causes the bond to weaken, and allows water to settle
underneath the bottom of the liner), by providing a permanent
insert that is laminated, as opposed to taped, to the bottom of a
tub, so over time, the bond between liner and tub does not weaken,
and thus not room for water to settle under the liner.
[0014] Generally, conventional bathtub liners have been perceived
as a good product, but for a significant weakness--they adhere to
the damaged bathtub with a sticky tape commonly used to install
vehicle windshields. Conventional liner solutions use an acrylic
sheet that is co-extruded. The acrylic sheet is vacu-formed to
create a shell of similar shape to the damaged bathtub. Then, this
sheet is adhered to the damaged bathtub with the stick tape.
Unfortunately, over time, the liner flexes at points of adhesion of
the tape relative the tub (simply during normal use of the
tub--people stepping in and out of the tub), which causes the
inherently poor bond at the outset to weaken over time, ultimately
allowing water to seep and settle beneath the bathtub liner.
[0015] Rather than using sticky tape to adhere the acrylic sheet to
the damaged bathtub, the present invention provides a lamination
process that provides a superior bond between liner and tub,
effectively removing any type of uneven adhesion points, so the
acrylic liner mold is laminated directly to the damaged bathtub. As
a result of the lamination process, there is no space between the
bathtub and the liner mold, and therefore there is no flexing in
the liner or room for water to settle between the liner and damaged
bathtub.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method
of renovating a bathtub is provided. The method of renovating the
bathtub comprises providing a sealant on at least a portion of an
interior of a bathtub; providing a foam layer over at least a
portion of the bottom of the interior of the bathtub; providing a
tub liner over the interior of the bathtub; and providing pressure
to the tub liner over a sufficient time to laminate at least a
portion of the tub liner to at least a portion of the interior of
the bathtub. Providing pressure to the tub liner can include at
least partially filling the tub liner with a fluid. In various
embodiments of the present invention, the fluid can preferably
include water; the sealant can preferably include a urethane
sealant; and the foam layer can preferably include open cell foam.
The method can also include saturating the foam layer in epoxy. The
method can further include forming the tub liner with a vacuum
device.
[0017] The various aspects of the embodiments of the present
invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated from a
review of the following detailed description of the disclosed
embodiments and by reference to the appended drawings and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate cross-sectional views of a tub liner
manufacturing process, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate partial cross-sectional views of the
tub liner manufacturing process, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates a top cross-sectional view of adhesive
connected to the bathtub of the tub liner system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of adhesive
connected to the bathtub of the tub liner system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate side views of the tub liner system
meeting a wall for the tub liner system, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lamination
process of the tub liner system, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate multiple views of the drain, handles,
and overflow and sealing the tub after a new liner has been
installed in a damaged tub via the tub liner system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a bathtub for
preparing a tub liner for bonding in the tub liner system, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
features of the invention, it is explained hereinafter with
reference to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In
particular, the invention is described in the context of being a
bathtub liner system and method of installing the same for
renovating a bathtub.
[0027] The invention, however, is not limited to its use as a
bathtub liner system or method. Rather, the invention can be used
when a cracked device needs repair with a liner. Thus, the liner
system described can also find utility as a liner system for many
applications, beyond a bathtub.
[0028] The material described hereinafter as making up the various
elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or
a similar function as the materials described herein are intended
to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other
materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to,
for example, materials that are developed after the time of the
development of the invention.
[0029] The present invention is a tub liner system, and a method of
installing the same. The tub liner system is adapted to be fittable
over a damaged tub to renovate same.
[0030] The tub liner system can include at least three layers: (1)
a liner; (2) a foam layer saturated in adhesive; and (3) a bottom
interior of the existing tub. These three layers are in
communication with one another through a lamination process. The
present lamination process is possible because the weight of water
applied after installation provides an equal compressive pressure
to the three layers.
[0031] The tub liner system can include a planar sheet adapted to
fit a tub. The planar sheet is adapted to fit the tub by being
shaped from a tub mold. The tub liner system further can include
foam layer sealed to the tub, and saturated with an adhesive. The
tub liner can be sealed to the tub by the foam, as well as by an
adhesive, if desired. By adding a predetermined amount of water to
the tub, the pressure and weight of the water can evenly seal the
liner to the tub.
[0032] The tub liner of the present invention preferably does not
contain lead. Many enameled tubs contain lead, which are leakable
into the tub water. The tub liner, not having lead, can, in effect,
protect the bather from lead contamination. In addition, an
optional built-in non-skid bottom increases safety. Further, a
built-in guard can keep matter in the tub, and off the bathroom
floor.
[0033] Liners can be made for various types of tubs. It is common
that liners are manufactured for cast iron or stamped steel tubs.
The structural integrity, or stiffness, of cast iron tubs of the
tub mold makes it easy to vacu-form the liner, as the tub will not
flex. The thin gauge metal of a steel tub, however, may not hold up
to the stress of the vacuum and may buckle. This can cause the
shape of the liner to become distorted. In the present invention,
buckling has been solved by equalizing the pressure on all sides of
the tub during the forming of the liner to the tub. Therefore,
regardless of how thin the tub is, there is little to no problem
with buckling.
[0034] Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout, the present invention is
illustrated. FIGS. 1A-1B show cross-sectional views of a tub liner
manufacturing process, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1B show a method of making a liner for a bathtub.
The method used to create the liner is achieved by using a vacuum
bag. The vacuum bag is large enough to surround the mold used to
create the liner, and is preferably connected to the bottom of the
bathtub.
[0036] Preferably, the present invention starts with a flat acrylic
sheet. The sheet is heated to a desired temperature, then placed in
the tub mold. The sheet is then vacu-formed to create the liner
having the desired shape.
[0037] Prior to the installation of the tub liner, the overflow and
drain of the tub can be removed. Eventually, after the tub liner
has been fitted and installed, the drain and overflow can be
replaced. Further, after the installation of the tub liner is
complete, the tub is then filled with water to apply even pressure
to the entirety of the bottom allowing the lamination process to
occur.
[0038] One of the first steps of renovating the damaged tub
includes taking measurements of the tub to be renovated. This
enables identifying the make and model of the tub. Preferably, an
inventory of tubs can be used such that when the make and model of
the tub to be repaired is determined, the identical tub from the
inventory can be used as the mode for fashioning the liner. Based
on the mold, the liner can be manufactured to fit perfectly in the
interior of the old tub.
[0039] A purpose of making the liner is to have a sheet 12 that
will be able to properly cover the surface of the bathtub 8.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1A, a vacuum bag 2 can be in communication
with a vacuum source 1 for removing air within the bag 2.
Preferably, the vacuum bag 2 is secured to the bathtub 8 by a
securing mechanism 6. As one skilled in the art would appreciate,
the securing mechanism 6 can be a clamp or like device. The sheet
12 can be positioned over the mold. In one embodiment, the sheet 12
is made of acrylic or plastic, and, having been heated, can be
adapted to take the shape of the mold of the interior of the
bathtub 8.
[0041] When the vacuum source is turned on, as shown in FIG. 1B,
air is removed/sucked from the bag 2, and the sheet 12 reshaped to
be flush with the inner surface of the bathtub 8. In other words,
the sheet 12 is molded. Over time, pressure is equal on both sides
of the sheet, so there is minimal to no strain on the interior of
the tub 8.
[0042] The liner can be made from a mold made from the same make
and model of bathtub 8 obtained from, for example, an inventory of
bathtubs, which is used to manufacture a custom liner that will fit
perfectly over the old tub.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, these figures illustrate how
an apron 3 of the sheet 12 is positioned on the tub 8.
[0044] Sizing of the apron (the top ledge at the front of the tub)
is an important step of the manufacturing of bathtub liners. An
apron 3 of the tub 8 should be measured to a proper size. If the
apron 3 is too large, it will be loose fitting, and if too small it
will not fit over the existing tub. In order to allow for
variations that show up in different models of the same tub, a
removable apron can be used that can be adjusted for each tub
during manufacturing.
[0045] A disadvantage with vacu-forming a bathtub liner is there
are two planes to form which are approximately 90.degree. apart.
With the present system, both planes can be formed simultaneously.
This is accomplished by bending the heated plastic sheet
approximately 90.degree. to meet the seal of the apron. This allows
for tub liner forming in a single step.
[0046] Preferably, a frame 7 is positioned about the top of the tub
8 to hold the sheet 12 during a heating and molding process. The
apron 3 extends over a side of the tub 8, which is preferably the
side that a bather enters the tub 8. Threaded adjusters 4 are
positioned over the side and over the apron 3 to hold the apron 3
in place. A front portion of the sheet can pivot approximately 90
degrees to allow the sheet 12 to seal the front of the apron 3. In
the end, the apron 3 can be secured to the side of the tub 8 via
the vacuum method.
[0047] FIG. 3A shows an overview placing adhesives in the bathtub
before a lamination process. A urethane sealant 15, preferably 3M
5200 urethane sealant, can be placed about the interior surface
(e.g., top surface and side walls of the interior) of the tub.
Then, the foam layer 14, kneaded in epoxy, can be inserted therein.
FIG. 3B shows the water 13 inserted into the tub after the foam
layer 14 has been inserted, and after the tub liner 17 has been
inserted over it. The water 13 creates uniform pressure for
lamination purposes. In one embodiment, there is at least six
inches of water inserted into the bathtub for this lamination
process.
[0048] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate side views showing the seal made
where the urethane sealant 15 and the tub liner 17 meet a wall 18.
FIG. 4A shows placing a large bead of the urethane sealant about
1/8'' from the wall 18. This is a preferred location of the placing
the urethane sealant 15, as it can ensure that there is no leaking.
FIG. 4B shows the tub liner 17 being placed over the urethane
sealant 15, which causes same to squeeze around. Preferably, a
portion of the urethane sealant 15 squeezes outside between the tub
liner 17 and the wall 18 to ensure a watertight seal
therebetween.
[0049] After the sheet 12 has been secured to the tub 8, preferably
via sealant and a foam layer, a lamination process can occur. FIG.
5 illustrates the lamination process. A fluid 13, commonly water,
is inserted into the tub 8 having the mold inserted therein. Water
pressure is equal on the entire bottom 17 of the tub, which can
improve adhesion of the tube liner system with the bottom 17 of the
fluid filled tub 16. Located between the mold/liner 17 and the
fluid filled tub 16 is a foam layer 14. In one embodiment, the foam
layer 14 preferably comprises an open cell foam saturated with
adhesive, such as an epoxy. This foam 14 can be used so a bottom
liner 17 of the fluid filled tub 16 is permanently laminated to the
original tub. By using the present tub liner and the method, space
between the tub and the liner can be minimized ensuring that the
bottom of the interior is firm, wherein little to no flexing of the
liner can occur over time. The bonding technique used is unique to
the tub repair--specifically tub liner industry. Using an open cell
foam saturated with adhesive 14, the bottom of the tub liner 17 can
be permanently laminated to the original tub 16. This process
dramatically increases the integrity of the installation and also
gives the bather a secure feeling in the bottom of the tub. This
solid bottom is not achieved with conventional installation
methods.
[0050] The lamination process is enhanced by using the substantial
weight of a full tub of water to apply equal pressure over the
entire bottom.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the tub liner includes an acrylic
finish, making the tub tough, easy to clean, and giving a glossy
look of porcelain. Further, thermal properties of the liner enable
bathwater to stay warmer longer.
[0052] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate placing a gasket 19 between the tub
and the plumbing pipe. Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates a side,
partial cross-sectional view of a drain 20, while FIG. 6B
illustrates a perspective view of the drain 20. The gasket 19 is
positioned between the tub and the plumbing pipe, not between the
liner and the tube. A portion of the gasket 19 can be reamed out
for securing devices, such as screws. Furthermore, some urethane
sealant 15 can be applied around the circumference of the overflow
and drain and the tub and the liner. FIG. 6C illustrates that
plumbers putty can be applied beneath the overflow drain 21.
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates the completed tub liner installed over a
damaged tub that has been renovated. The corners 25 are preferably
rounded to prevent damage to the walls 18. Further the tub liner is
cut to a proper depth to ensure that it does not prevent from
compression when filled with water for lamination.
[0054] While it will be understood by those of skill in the art
that the following very specific details regarding a preferred
installation can be modified without departing from the general
inventiveness, of the present invention, the installation process
of the tub liner can generally include the following steps:
[0055] First, remove the caulk and excess grout around the top and
front sides of tub, and clean out soap scum, preferably by using
ethyl alcohol. Then, remove both the overflow and drain from the
tub.
[0056] Second, measure the dimensions of the tub before cutting the
tub liner. The width of the back wall, the height of the tub, the
front of the apron, and along the floor should be measured. These
measurements can be made with a tape measure, or like measurement
tool. The left, center, and right of the tub should also be
measured. Preferably, a half inch (1/2'') is added to the
measurement of the apron measurement, in order to have enough liner
material for the apron.
[0057] Third, set spreaders up against the tile, or wall, and
tighten down securing devices, such as screws, to get a pattern of
the surrounding wall to enable a proper fit of the liner. Then,
bring it up flush to wall, but do not tighten the screws too much,
just enough to form a snug fit against the tile.
[0058] Fourth, adjust nylon backstops for liner.
[0059] Fifth, align the template to the liner, which is preferably
sitting on the cutting table, and cut off the excess with a
jigsaw.
[0060] Sixth, before a test fit of the liner, round off the corners
of the liner to prevent damaging the wall or tile.
[0061] Seventh, test fit the tub. It is preferable that the liner
fits comfortably without pressure points on the wall.
[0062] Eighth, cut two cross braces from scrap plastic. These will
be used to apply pressure to sides of liner after tub is bonded in
place.
[0063] Ninth, position a protector against wall opposite the drain.
Pick up the liner with the drain hole down, and set the liner into
the tub with drain end going down first. Pull the tub liner out
past the soap-dish, if present, and fan the outside apron out to
get the liner in the tub. Next, remove the liner and make several
cuts before a proper fit will be obtained.
[0064] Tenth, form the drain hole. Place a heat protector pad with
hole over drain area heat and form drain.
[0065] Eleventh, return the liner back to the cutting table, and
cut out the overflow and drain holes. Then, smooth edges of drain
and overflow holes with sandpaper.
[0066] Twelfth, rough up underside of liner with 36 or 60 grit sand
paper, and wipe down entire underside with alcohol, preferably,
ethyl alcohol.
[0067] Thirteenth, place the foam layer on the interior bottom of
the tub.
[0068] Fourteenth, cut off at least six pieces of excess foam and
save same for placing on top of the apron. The extra foam can be
saturated in epoxy, and be placed on top of the tub apron. Cut the
back part of the pad about 3'' short to allow stretching. Also, cut
a hole in foam pad for the drain.
[0069] Fifteenth, test fit the liner before using the Whirl-A-Way.
Using the Whirl-A-Way, strip paint down to the metal on the top
along the tiles, around the drain and overflow, in a V-shaped
pattern around the inside of the tub and the complete bottom of
tub.
[0070] Sixteenth, scrape the remaining paint off the top edge of
the tub. Then, wipe down with ethyl alcohol.
[0071] Seventeenth, mix the two part epoxy (preferred ratio is two
parts resin (20 to 24 oz)) to one part hardener (10 to 14 oz) and
pour onto the foam pad. Knead it in until it is saturated. Make
sure there are no dry spots in the foam pad, because a dry spot can
form a hollow spot that could cause a crack to form. Also, saturate
the six pieces that go under the drip guard at the same time.
[0072] Eighteenth, apply sealants--preferably using a total of
three tubes of 3M 5200 sealant--liberally around the top edge of
the tub on the four sides of the bathtub. It is preferred that at
least one full tube is used next to the tile. This can enable a
solid seal and adhesion when the liner is pressed down. Apply two
caulk lines around drain and overflow. On the outside face of the
tub, run a bead down the front at each end. Save a portion of last
tube for overflow.
[0073] Nineteenth, cut and stack small epoxy saturated pads and
place on top of the apron (FIG. 3A). Set in liner drain end first
and then press down the liner. Keep the liner as level as possible.
Do not allow drain end to scrape up 3M 5200 as the back end of the
tub liner is slid down.
[0074] Twentieth, place one or two drain gaskets around drain
between flanged waste piping and tub, as needed.
[0075] Twenty-first, apply plumbers putty around waste drain, and
screw back in. Tighten it snugly and give it about a half turn.
Verify that liner is bottomed out against tub.
[0076] Twenty-second, fill the tub with water to approximately two
inches below overflow plate. Take two braces made from scrap
plastic and put a folded paper towel to protect surface of liner on
each end. Press in on the sides of tub so that it will help the
liner adhere to the sides.
[0077] Twenty-third, use Naptha to clean off excess urethane
sealant around liner and tile that has squeezed out.
[0078] Twenty-fourth, run a bead of silicone caulk around the
outside edge of the liner. Do one wall at a time to allow smoothing
before it sets up.
[0079] In conclusion, the high precision of this manufacturing
liner, along with an installation process enables the manufacturing
of a bathtub liner integral and permanent with the existing tub,
producing superior to taped liners over the conventional
methods.
[0080] The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore,
considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims,
rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to
be embraced therein.
* * * * *