U.S. patent application number 11/868260 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for bathtub insert.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey M. Libit, Sidney M. Libit.
Application Number | 20080083063 11/868260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39273893 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Libit; Sidney M. ; et
al. |
April 10, 2008 |
BATHTUB INSERT
Abstract
A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub includes a body
including first and second end walls, first and second side walls
extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting
first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define
an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat includes a
sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and
a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit
portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect
to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation
for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a
bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge
is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and when the
body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable
on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area
is accessible by a user.
Inventors: |
Libit; Sidney M.; (Longboat
Key, FL) ; Libit; Jeffrey M.; (Alburquerque,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
Two Prudential Plaza
180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2000
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
39273893 |
Appl. No.: |
11/868260 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60828504 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/571.1 ;
4/578.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/006 20130101;
A47K 3/062 20130101; A47K 3/03 20130101; A47K 3/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/571.1 ;
004/578.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/022 20060101
A47K003/022; A47K 3/00 20060101 A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub, the bathtub insert
comprising: a body including first and second end walls, first and
second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support
wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls,
wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the
body; a seat including a sit portion extending generally inward
from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the
support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the
seatback portion connect to define the seat; wherein the body is
positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a
second orientation for use as a bathtub, and further wherein when
the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable
on a support surface of the bathtub, and further wherein when the
body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable
on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area
is accessible by a user.
2. The bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein when the body is in the
first orientation the sit portion and the seatback portion define
the seat for the user.
3. The bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein when the body is in the
second orientation the sit portion defines the seat for the user
within the interior area.
4. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a pair of
handles extending between the sit portion and the seatback
portion.
5. The bathtub insert of claim 4 wherein each handle is
substantially L-shaped, and includes a first end coupled to the sit
portion adjacent the first end wall and a second end coupled to the
seatback portion adjacent the support wall.
6. The bathtub insert of claim 4 wherein a portion of each handle
is generally aligned with the support wall such that when the body
is in the second orientation, the body is supported by the support
wall and the handles.
7. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a drain
plug positioned in the support wall of the body.
8. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a door
positioned in the second end wall of the body, the door for
providing access to the interior area of the body when the body is
positioned in the second orientation.
9. The bathtub insert of claim 8 wherein the door is pivotally
coupled to the second end wall.
10. The bathtub insert of claim 8 wherein the door is slidably
coupled to the second end wall.
11. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a door
positioned in one of the first and second side walls of the body,
the door for providing access to the interior area of the body when
the body is positioned in the second orientation.
12. A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub, the bathtub insert
comprising: a body including first and second end walls, first and
second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support
wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls,
wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the
body, and further wherein the body is positionable in a first
orientation for use as a shower seat, in which the open edge is
positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and a second
orientation for use as a bathtub, in which the support wall is
positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the
interior area is accessible by a user; a seat including a first
portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a
second portion extending from the support wall to the first
portion, wherein the first and second portions connect to define
the seat; and a pair of handles extending between the first portion
and the second portion, wherein the handles combine with the
support wall of the body to support the body when in the second
orientation; a door formed in at least one of the end walls and
side walls, the door for providing access to the interior area of
the body when the body is positioned in the second orientation.
13. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein when the body is in the
first orientation the first portion and the second portion define
the seat for the user.
14. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein when the body is in the
second orientation the first portion defines the seat for the user
within the interior area.
15. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein each handle is
substantially L-shaped, and includes a first end coupled to the
first portion adjacent the first end wall and a second end coupled
to the second portion adjacent the support wall.
16. The bathtub insert of claim 12, and further comprising a drain
plug positioned in the support wall of the body.
17. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is positioned
in the second end wall of the body.
18. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is positioned
in one of the first and second side walls of the body.
19. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is pivotally
coupled to the respective wall.
20. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is slidably
coupled to the respective wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/828,504, entitled "Bathtub Insert", filed Oct.
6, 2006 by Sidney M. Libit and Jeffrey M. Libit, the entire
contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a bathtub insert, and in
particular an insert that allows older and disabled persons to more
easily enter and exit a bathtub and bathe.
[0003] Existing conventional bathtubs and showers are designed for
an "average" person, but such tubs are difficult to use by persons
with disabilities and the elderly. The vertical walls of
conventional bathtubs must be stepped over to enter and exit the
tub, which is difficult or impossible for some people. Some devices
are available to assist disabled or elderly persons in entering,
exiting and using showers, but many such devices do not allow a
user to soak or use a bathtub, or to retrofit or be temporarily
installed in an existing bathtub or shower unit.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides a bathtub insert
for use with a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a body
including first and second end walls, first and second side walls
extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting
first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls
define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat
includes a sit portion extending generally inward from the first
end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to
the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion
connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first
orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for
use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the
open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and
when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is
positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the
interior area is accessible by a user.
[0005] In another embodiment, the invention provides a bathtub
insert for use with a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a body
including first and second end walls, first and second side walls
extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting
first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls
define an open edge and an interior area of the body. The body is
positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat, in
which the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the
bathtub, and a second orientation for use as a bathtub, in which
the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the
bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user. The
bathtub insert also includes a seat having a first portion
extending generally inward from the first end wall and a second
portion extending from the support wall to the second portion,
wherein the first and second portions connect to define the seat. A
pair of handles extend between the first portion and the second
portion, wherein the handles combine with the support wall of the
body to support the body when in the second orientation. A door is
formed in at least one of the end walls and side walls, the door
for providing access to the interior area of the body when the body
is positioned in the second orientation.
[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a bathtub insert according to one
embodiment of the invention, the bathtub insert positioned in a
first orientation to provide a seat.
[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the bathtub insert shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B positioned in a second orientation to provide a
bathtub.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another
embodiment of the invention, the insert positioned to provide a
bathing area.
[0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a bathtub insert according to
another embodiment of the invention, the bathtub inserted
positionable in a first orientation (FIG. 4A) to provide a seat and
a second orientation (FIG. 4B) to provide a bathtub.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another
embodiment of the invention, the insert positioned to provide a
seat.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the bathtub insert shown
in FIG. 6.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert coupled to
an existing bathtub according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternate embodiments of a
telescoping bathtub insert coupled to an existing bathtub.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description of the
embodiments provided as examples and should not be regarded as
limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] This invention relates to a bathtub insert configured for
fitting within an existing bathtub and utilizing an existing shower
head. The bathtub insert provides a deeper and more convenient
bathing facility within the confines of a generally conventional
installed bathtub or shower stall. The insert forms a deeper tub
relative to the existing tub and the insert walls extend higher
than those of the existing tub. The insert includes a seat formed
therein and is sized to fit within the existing tub or shower
stall. In one embodiment, the insert includes fixed walls and a
sealing pivotal door. The door allows a disabled or elderly person
to more easily enter and exit the bathtub by sliding onto the seat.
In a further embodiment, the walls may be telescoping or include a
pivotally connected upper section.
[0019] The water level is raised within the insert such that a
person may sit on the seat and take a bath. The insert does not
require any additional plumbing as the water supply may be provided
by the existing shower head or bathtub faucet. In one embodiment,
the insert includes a drain for draining water from the insert.
[0020] In one embodiment, the insert is positionable in two
different orientations. In a first orientation, the insert defines
a shower seat for a user. In a second orientation or inverted
position, the insert defines an easily accessible bathing area for
a user, including a seat and access door.
[0021] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B illustrate a bathtub insert 10
according to one embodiment of the invention. The bathtub insert 10
provides an easily accessible and deeper bathing area than
conventional bathtubs. The bathtub insert 10 is configured for use
with a conventional bathtub or shower stall. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bathtub insert 10 may be positioned in a bathtub
(not shown) in a first orientation for use as a shower seat (FIGS.
1A and 1B) and in a second orientation (FIGS. 2A and 2B) for use as
a deeper bathtub.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bathtub insert 10 includes
a first end wall 14, a second end wall 18, two side walls 22, 26
extending between the end walls 14, 18, and an upper wall 30. As
will become clear in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the insert 10 does not
include a lower wall. A seat 34 is defined between the first end
wall 14 and the upper wall 30. The seat 34 includes a sit portion
34A extending generally inward from and substantially perpendicular
to the first end wall 14, and a seatback portion 34B extending
generally downward from and substantially perpendicular to the
upper wall 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the sit portion 34A
of the seat 34 is about 21 inches above a lower edge 14A of the
first end wall 14 and recessed from the upper wall 30 about 15
inches. The seat 34 provides a sitting area for a user when the
insert 10 is positioned in the first orientation, and allows a user
to sit down while taking a shower. The sit portion 34A supports the
user's posterior and the seatback portion 34B provides a backrest
for the user.
[0023] The bathtub insert 10 includes a pair of generally L-shaped
rails 38 positioned adjacent the seat 34. Each rail 38 includes a
first end 38A mounted proximate the intersection of the upper wall
30 and the respective side wall 22, 26 and a second end 38B mounted
proximate the intersection of the first end wall 14 and the
respective side wall 22, 26. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second end
wall 18 of the insert 10 includes a door 42 for providing access to
a bathing area 46, as discussed below.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, by inverting the bathtub
insert 10 (i.e., rotating the insert 10 approximately 180.degree.)
to the second orientation, the bathtub insert 10 provides the
bathing area 46 for a user. In the second orientation, the upper
wall 30 and the rails 38 of the insert 10 define a base surface
that rests upon a bottom of the bathtub for supporting the insert
10. The walls 14-30 of the insert 10 define the bathing area 46
with an open end for gaining access to the bathing area 46 and
supplying water to the bathing area 46. In the illustrated
embodiment, the end walls 14, 18 and the side walls 22, 26 of the
insert 10 extend higher than walls of the existing bathtub to
define a deeper bathing area 46 than the existing bathtub.
[0025] The door 42 formed in the second end wall 18 of the insert
10 provides access to and from the bathing area 46 of the insert
10. The door 42 allows a user to easily slide or step into the
bathing area 46 from the bathtub, shower stall, or bathroom. In the
illustrated embodiment, the door 42 has a height of about 21 inches
and is spaced from the upper wall 30 (i.e., begins above the upper
wall in FIGS. 2A and 2B) by about 15 inches. Preferably, the door
42 is sealed such that water within the bathing area 46 (see FIG.
2B) does not leak from the insert 10.
[0026] In one embodiment, the door includes a dagger board inserted
into a groove slot formed in the second end wall surrounding the
door opening. In another embodiment, the door includes a hinged
door that folds by a hinge and opens outwardly with respect to the
bathing area. The hinge may be molded in plastic as a live hinge or
metal and attached to the door and insert in a conventional manner.
Both doors include grommet material to secure a seal to the inner
or outer periphery of the door opening. In still another
embodiment, the door includes a hinged door coupled to an interior
surface of the insert (i.e., the second end wall). The door is
larger than a width or a length of the door opening and is creased
in the middle, similar to a folding door. The door includes a seal
(e.g., formed from rubber or plastic) positioned about the inner or
outer periphery of the door opening.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2A, the sit portion 34A and the seatback
portion 34B of the seat 34 (when the bathtub insert 10 is in the
first orientation) define a second seat 50 when the insert 10 is in
the second orientation. The sit portion 50A of the second seat 50
may be used as a seat to support a posterior of the user while
bathing or a step, while the seatback portion 34B extends generally
parallel and adjacent to the user's legs while the user is seated.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second seat 50 is raised about
15 inches from the upper wall 30 of the insert 10. The upper wall
30 of the insert 10 includes a closeable drain 54 for allowing
water to drain from the bathing area 46.
[0028] In one embodiment, the bathtub insert 10 is fabricated from
aluminum. In another embodiment, the insert 10 is fabricated from a
plastic material using an injection molding process, a roto-molding
process, or the like.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an invertable bathtub insert 110
according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified
by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 3, the insert 10 is shown
in the second orientation for positioning within a conventional
bathtub and providing the bathing area 46 for a user. In this
illustrated embodiment, a door 114 is coupled to one of the side
walls 22, 26 of the insert 110 to provide access to the bathing
area 46. The door 114 is coupled to the side wall by hinges 118
such that the door 114 pivots inwardly toward the bathing area 46
when opened.
[0030] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an invertable bathtub insert 210
according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified
by the same reference numerals. FIG. 4A shows the insert 210 in the
first orientation for use as a shower seat and FIG. 4B shows the
insert 210 in the second orientation for use as a bathtub. In this
illustrated embodiment, a door 214 is coupled to one of the side
walls 22, 26 of the insert 210 to provide access to the bathing
area 46. The door 214 is coupled to the side wall by hinges 218
such that the door 214 pivots inwardly toward the bathing area 46
(second orientation) when opened.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an invertable bathtub insert 310
according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified
by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, the insert 310 is shown
in the first orientation for positioning within a conventional
bathtub and providing the sitting area for a user. Although not
shown in FIG. 5, the door 42 is coupled to the second end wall 18
of the insert 310 for providing access to the bathing area (not
shown) when the insert 310 is positioned in the second
orientation.
[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a bathtub insert 410 according to
another embodiment of the invention. The insert 410 is a
telescoping bathtub configured for use with a conventional bathtub
or shower stall. The insert 410 is shown in a telescoped position
in FIGS. 6 and 7. A conventional bathtub has a depth of about 12
inches; however, in the illustrated embodiment the telescoping
insert 410 provides a bathing area 414 having a depth of about 36
inches.
[0033] The bathtub insert 410 includes three generally rectangular
portions that are slidably coupled together in a telescoping
relationship. A lower portion 418 provides a base for the insert
410 and is positioned within, on, or around the existing bathtub
(not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 418
includes a seat 422 for a user to sit on or step on during use. A
central portion 426 is slidably coupled to an exterior surface 418A
of the lower portion 418 and an upper portion 430 is slidably
coupled to an exterior surface 426A of the upper portion 430. In
one embodiment, seals are positioned between the coupled portions
418, 426, 430 to prevent water leakage. When the insert 410 is in a
compacted position, the lower portion 418 is retained within the
central portion 426, which is retained within the upper portion
430.
[0034] To move the insert 410 to the telescoped position for use,
the upper portion 430 is lifted generally upward to pull the upper
portion 430 and the central portion 426 away from the lower portion
418 and create the deeper bathing area 414. The three portions 418,
426, 430 thereby define the bathing area 414 for a user. Locking
means (not shown) may be used to hold the insert 410 in the
telescoped position. Water is supplied to the bathing area 414 from
a shower head or bathtub faucet. In one embodiment, the lower
portion 418 may include a closed bottom for holding water within
the bathing area 414 and a closable drain for draining water from
the bathing area 418. In a further embodiment, the lower portion
418 includes an open bottom.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert 510
according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 410 shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, whereby like elements will be identified by the same
reference numerals. FIG. 8 shows how the insert 510 is coupled to
an existing bathtub 512. The lower portion 418 of the insert 510
slides over and around an exterior surface 512A of the existing
bathtub 512. One or more peripheral seals 514 prevent water from
leaking from the bathtub through the insert 510.
[0036] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a telescoping bathtub insert 610
according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 410 shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, whereby like elements will be identified by the same
reference numerals. FIG. 9A shows an alternate embodiment for
mounting the insert 610 to an existing bathtub (not shown). The
lower portion 418 of the insert 610 rests upon an upper edge of the
existing bathtub. The insert 610 includes pivotable legs 614
coupled to an exterior surface 418A of the lower portion 418. In
one embodiment, the pivotable legs 614 are positioned proximate a
lower edge 418B of the lower portion 418. In a lowered position,
shown by dashed lines in FIG. 9A, the legs 418 rest upon a floor
620 of the bathtub and support the insert 610 on the bathtub. One
or more peripheral seals prevent water from leaking from the
bathtub through the insert 610.
[0037] In another embodiment of the bathtub insert 610, pivotable
legs 618 are positioned proximate an upper edge 418C of the lower
portion 418, such that when in the lowered position, the legs 618
rest upon the upper edge of the bathtub to support the insert.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a bathtub insert 710 according to
another embodiment of the invention. The insert 710 has a
clamshell-type design and is configured for use with a conventional
bathtub or shower stall. The insert 710 includes a lower portion
714 having a seat 718 and a pivotable upper portion 722 (shown in
an open position in FIG. 10). The upper portion 722 and the lower
portion 714 are hinged together along a rear edge 726 of the insert
710. During use, the lower portion 714 is received by the existing
bathtub (not shown) and a user enters the insert 710 while the
upper portion 722 is in the open position. The upper portion 722 is
then moved to a closed position in which a lower edge 722A of the
upper portion 722 rests upon or overlaps an upper edge 714A of the
lower portion 714. The upper portion 722 includes an open top to
allow a user to sit within the insert 710. In the closed position,
the insert portions 714, 722 define a bathing area 726 having a
depth greater than a depth of the existing bathtub.
[0039] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the
figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended
as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present
invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary
skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their
configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *