U.S. patent application number 12/555039 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for bathtub support accessory.
Invention is credited to Susan Ammirato.
Application Number | 20100071124 12/555039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42036117 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100071124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ammirato; Susan |
March 25, 2010 |
BATHTUB SUPPORT ACCESSORY
Abstract
One embodiment of a bathtub support accessory may include a
wedge shaped body member and at least one fastener. The wedge
shaped body member may include a first wall, a second wall, a top
wall, and a pair of side walls. The first wall may include a first
top end portion and a first bottom end portion. The second wall may
include a second top end portion and a second bottom end portion.
The second wall may be inclined towards the first wall. The top
wall may extend arcuately between the first top end portion of the
first wall and the second top end portion of the second wall. The
wedge shaped body member may further include at least one lip
extension configured between the first bottom end portion and the
second bottom end portion. The at least one fastener releasably may
attach the wedge shaped body member to a bottom surface of the
bathtub.
Inventors: |
Ammirato; Susan; (Bowie,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellipex PLLC
30200 Telegraph Road, Suite 245
Bingham Farms
MI
48025
US
|
Family ID: |
42036117 |
Appl. No.: |
12/555039 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61100011 |
Sep 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/573.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/573.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/12 20060101
A47K003/12 |
Claims
1. A bathtub support accessory for supporting a body portion of an
individual in a bathtub, the bathtub support accessory comprising:
a wedge shaped body member, the wedge shaped body member
comprising, a first wall having a first top end portion and a first
bottom end portion, the first wall being substantially vertical, a
second wall having a second top end portion and a second bottom end
portion, the second wall being inclined towards the first wall, a
top wall extending substantially arcuately between the first top
end portion of the first wall and the second top end portion of the
second wall, a pair of side walls, the pair of side walls extending
vertically between the first wall and the second wall, and at least
one lip extension configured between the first bottom end portion
and the second bottom end portion; and at least one fastener for
releasably attaching the wedge shaped body member to a bottom
surface of the bathtub, the at least one fastener being carried by
at least one of the first bottom end portion of the first wall, the
second bottom end portion of the second wall, and the at least one
lip extension.
2. The bathtub support accessory of claim 1, wherein the at least
one fastener is a grip element.
3. The bathtub support accessory of claim 2, wherein the grip
element is made of a rubber material.
4. The bathtub support accessory of claim 1, wherein the at least
one fastener comprises a pair of suction cups.
5. The bathtub support accessory of claim 4, wherein the wedge
shaped body member further comprises a pull tab element configured
on each side wall of the pair of side walls of the wedge shaped
body member, the pull tab element operatively coupled to a
respective suction cup of the pair of suction cups and configured
to release attachment of the respective suction cup from the bottom
surface of the bathtub upon being operated.
6. The bathtub accessory of claim 5, wherein the pull tab element
is coupled to a spring element for releasably attaching the suction
cup of the pair of suction cups to the bottom surface of the
bathtub upon being operated.
7. The bathtub accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the at least
one lip extension comprises at least one aperture for receiving a
suction cup therethrough.
8. The bathtub accessory of claim 7, wherein the suction cup
comprises a flap member configured at a base portion of the suction
cup, the flap member facilitates detachment of the suction cup from
the bottom surface of the bathtub.
9. The bathtub support accessory of claim 1, wherein the top wall
comprises a plurality of perforations for allowing fluid filled in
the bathtub to pass through the plurality of perforations upon the
bathtub support accessory being received in the fluid.
10. The bathtub support accessory of claim 1, wherein the first
wall comprises a plurality of grooves configured thereon for
preventing slipping of the body portion of the individual.
11. The bathtub support accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the
first wall, the second wall, the top wall, the pair of side walls,
and the at least one lip extension is made of a plastic material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/100,011 filed on Sep. 25, 2008, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to bathtub
accessories, and, more particularly, to a bathtub support accessory
that is capable of supporting a body portion of an individual in a
bathtub.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Existing bathtub manufacturers typically produce bathtubs
having elongated metal or ceramic bodies with a smooth bottom
surface. This bottom surface may support a body portion of an
individual while the individual is bathing. Further, the bottom
surface may become slippery during baths, such that the body
portion may slide along the length of the bottom surface. The
individual may need to repeatedly readjust his position or use his
arms to hold onto other portions of the bathtub.
[0004] Various bathtub accessories may be used in combination with
conventional bathtubs for supporting an individual. Such bathtub
accessories may also provide comfort to the individual, especially
an upper body portion of the individual. However, such bathtub
accessories may still be unable to support a lower body portion,
such as buttocks, of the individual in the bathtub. Also, such
bathtub accessories may not prevent sliding of the body of the
individual.
[0005] Individuals may avoid submerging themselves under water by
placing their feet against a wall of the bathtub. This position may
lead to fatigue and discomfort over longer periods of time, because
the individual may be unable to relax his or her legs.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] One embodiment of a bathtub support accessory for supporting
a body portion of an individual in a bathtub may include a wedge
shaped body member and at least one fastener. The wedge shaped body
member may include a first wall, a second wall, a top wall, a pair
of side walls, and at least one lip extension. The first wall may
include a first top end portion and a first bottom end portion. The
first wall may be substantially vertical. Further, the second wall
may include a second top end portion and a second bottom end
portion. The second wall may be inclined towards the first wall.
The top wall may extend substantially arcuately between the first
top end portion of the first wall and the second top end portion of
the second wall. The pair of side walls may extend vertically
between the first wall and the second wall. Further, the at least
one lip extension may be configured between the first bottom end
portion and the second bottom end portion. Furthermore, one or more
fasteners may releasably attach the wedge shaped body member to a
bottom surface of the bathtub. The fastener may be carried by at
least one of the first bottom end portion of the first wall, the
second bottom end portion of the second wall, and the at least one
lip extension.
[0007] These together with other aspects of the present disclosure,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure.
For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The following detailed description of preferred
implementations and best mode will be set forth with regard to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bathtub
support accessory;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the bathtub support accessory of
FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a bathtub support accessory, in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic view the bathtub support accessory of
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, showing the accessory being used to support a
lower body portion of an individual; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the bathtub support accessory
of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, showing the accessory being used as a foot
rest.
[0014] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0015] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure
and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present
disclosure is not limited to a particular bathtub support
accessory, as shown and described. It is understood that various
omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as
circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are
intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present
disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of terms, "including,"
or "comprising," and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items.
[0016] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not
denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an"
herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0017] The term, "top," "bottom," "side," and the like, herein do
not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used
to distinguish placement of one element over another.
[0018] The present disclosure relates to a bathtub support
accessory for supporting a body portion of an individual in a
bathtub. More specifically, the bathtub support accessory may be
capable of supporting a lower body portion such as hips of the
individual. Further, the bathtub support accessory may also be used
as a foot rest, while taking bath in the bathtub. Moreover, the
bathtub support accessory may be easily removed from a surface of
the bathtub, after being used.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3 and 4, a bathtub support
accessory 1000 is illustrated, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure. The bathtub support
accessory 1000 may be capable of supporting a body portion of an
individual 2000 in a bathtub 3000. More specifically, FIG. 1A
illustrates a perspective view of a bathtub support accessory 1000.
FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the bathtub support accessory
1000. FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of a bathtub support
accessory 2000, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present disclosure. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates the bathtub
support accessory 1000 being used to support
[0020] Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bathtub support
accessory 1000 may include a wedge shaped body member 100 (herein
after referred to as body member 100) and at least one fastener
including, for example, a first fastener 210 and a second fastener
220. The body member 100 may include a first wall 110, a second
wall 120, a top wall 130, a pair of side walls such as a first side
wall 140a and a second side wall 140b (as shown in FIG. 3) and at
least one lip extension such as a lip extension 150a and a lip
extension 150b. The pair of side walls may hereinafter be
collectively referred to as "pair of side walls 140a, 140b".
[0021] The first wall 110 may be substantially vertical having a
first top end portion 112 and a first bottom end portion 114. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wall 110 may
include a plurality of grooves 116 configured thereon. It will be
evident to a person skilled in the art that for the simplicity of
the present description, only few of the grooves are marked with
the numeral 116, and the same may not be construed as limiting to
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0022] The second wall 120 may include a second top end portion 122
and a second bottom end portion 124. The second wall 120 may be
inclined towards the first wall 110. For the purpose of this
description, the second wall 120 is shown and described to assume a
concave shape (as shown in FIG. 1A). However, it will be evident to
a person skilled in the art that the second wall 120 may be
configured in any other shape known in the art.
[0023] The top wall 130 extends substantially arcuately between the
first top end portion 112 of the first wall 110 and the second top
end portion 122 of the second wall 120. Accordingly, the top wall
130 may be configured to assume in an inverted concave shape.
However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
top wall 130 may be configured in any other shape known in the art.
Further, the top wall 130 is made of a hard plastic material. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the top wall 130 includes a
plurality of perforations 132 configured thereon. The plurality of
perforations 132 allows any fluid (not shown), such as water,
filled in the bathtub (not shown) to pass therethrough when the
bathtub support accessory 1000 is being received in the fluid. It
will be evident to a person skilled in the art that for the
simplicity of the present description, only few of the perforations
are marked with the numeral 132, and the same may not be construed
as limiting to the scope of the present disclosure.
[0024] The first side wall 140a and the second side wall 140b of
the pair of side walls 140a, 140b may extend vertically between the
first wall 110 and the second wall 120 of the body member 100.
Accordingly, the first wall 110, the second wall 120, the top wall
130, and the pair of side walls 140a, 140b may collectively define
a space therein, thereby configuring the body member 100 as a
hollow structure. Thus, upon being immersed in the fluid filled in
the bathtub, the body member 100 may be retained within the fluid
due to the presence of the plurality of perforations 132 on the top
wall 130. Specifically, the plurality of perforations 132 on the
top wall 130 allow the fluid to pass therethrough, thereby allowing
the bathtub support accessory 1000 to stay immersed in the
fluid.
[0025] Each of the first wall 110, the second wall 120, the top
wall 130, and the pair of side walls 140a, 140b may be made of
plastic material. The plastic material of each of the first wall
110, the second wall 120, the top wall 130, and the pair of side
walls 140a, 140b also allows the bathtub support accessory 1000 to
assume a lightweight configuration.
[0026] The at least one lip extension, such as the lip extension
150a and the lip extension 150b, may be configured between the
first bottom end portion 114 of the first wall 110 and the second
bottom end portion 124 of the second wall 120. Referring to FIG.
1B, the lip extension 150a may be configured at a bottom edge
portion (not numbered) of the first side wall 140a of the pair of
side walls 140a, 140b. Further, the lip extension 150b is
configured at a bottom edge (not numbered) of the second side wall
140b of the pair of side walls 140a, 140b. For the purpose of this
description, the at least one lip extension is assumed to be the
lip extension 150a and the lip extension 150b. In an alternate
embodiment, the at least one lip extension may be any one of the
lip extension 150a and the lip extension 150b configured between
the first bottom end portion 114 of the first wall 110 and the
second bottom end portion 124 of the second wall 120. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one lip
extension such as the lip extension 150a and the lip extension 150b
is made of plastic material.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 3 and 4, the first fastener 210 and
the second fastener 220 ("fasteners 210, 220") may allow releasable
attachment of the body member 100 to a bottom surface 4200 of a
bathtub 4000. The fasteners 210, 220 may be carried by at least one
of the first bottom end portion 114 of the first wall 110, the
second bottom end portion 124 of the second wall 120, and the at
least one lip extension such as the lip extension 150a and the lip
extension 150b.
[0028] The first fastener 210 in one form may be a grip element.
More specifically, the first fastener 210 may be a non-slip element
made of rubber material. The first fastener 210 may be disposed
along an entire length of the second bottom end portion 124 of the
second wall 120. The first fastener 210 may facilitate in holding
the body member 100 to the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000.
In the present embodiment, the first fastener 210 may be carried by
the second bottom end portion 124 of the second wall 120. However,
it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that, the first
fastener 210 may instead be carried by the first bottom end portion
114 of the first wall 110. It will also be evident to a person
skilled in the art that the first fastener 210 may be carried by
the second bottom end portion 124 of the second wall 120 by any
means known in the art, such as by means of a glue attachment and
the like.
[0029] The second fastener 220 in one form may include a pair of
suction cups, such as a suction cup 220a and a suction cup 220b
("suction cups 220a, 220b"). The suction cups 220a, 220b may
facilitate the body member 100 to be easily secured to the bottom
surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000. In the present embodiment, the
suction cups 220a, 220b may be carried by a respective one of the
lip extensions 150a and 150b of the body member 100. However, in an
alternative embodiment, the suction cups 220a, 220b may be carried
by a respective one of the first bottom end portion 114 of the
first wall 110 and the second bottom end portion 124 of the second
wall 120. Furthermore, although the present embodiment is explained
with reference to fasteners 210, 220, the bathtub support accessory
may have more or less than two suitable fasteners.
[0030] Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 1B, Further, the body member
100 may include a handle or a pull tab element, which may include,
for example, pull tab elements 160a, 160b (as shown in FIG. 2). The
pull tab elements 160a, 160b may be carried by a respective one of
the side walls 140a, 140b. Further, the pull tab elements 160a,
160b may be operatively coupled to a respective one of the suction
cups 220a, 220b, such that the pull tab elements 160a, 160b.
[0031] For attaching the bathtub accessory 1000 to the bottom
surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000, an individual may push the pull
tab elements 160a, 160b in a downward direction. Each of the pull
tab elements, such as the pull tab element 160a, may in turn pull a
respective spring element, such as spring element 162a, thereby
drawing the suction cup away from the bottom surface 4200 and
creating a vacuum at a central portion (not shown) of the
respective suction cup, such as the suction cup 220a. The vacuum
created at each of the suction cups 220a, 220b facilitates the body
member 100 to firmly attach to the bottom surface 4200. Further,
the suction cups 220a, 220b may be unlocked by lifting the pull tab
elements 160a, 160b, respectively upwards thereby releasing the
vacuum created at the central portion of the suction cups 220a,
220b. The pull tab elements 160a, 160b thereby allow easy and
convenient removal of the bathtub accessory 1000 from the bathtub
4000.
[0032] Referring to an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
bathtub support accessory may instead have detachable suction cups
instead of non-detachable suction cups. Specifically, FIG. 2
illustrates a bottom view of the bathtub accessory 2000. The
bathtub accessory 2000 is similar to the bathtub accessory 1000,
except the lip portions may include a plurality of apertures for
receiving detachable suction cups, such as suction cup 300, therein
unlike the non-detachable suction cups carried by the bottom
surface of the bathtub accessory 1000. For example, as shown in
FIG. 2, the lip extension 402a may include an aperture 504a for
receiving the suction cup 300. Similarly, the lip extension 402b
may include an aperture 504b for receiving the suction cup 300.
Also, each aperture 504a, 504b may have a keyhole shape. However,
it may be evident to a person skilled in the art that the at least
one aperture may be configured in any other shape known in the art.
Further, at least one suction cup, such as the suction cup 300, may
be configured in a shape that may be received in the apertures
504a, 504b.
[0033] Referring still to FIG. 2, the suction cup 300 may include a
top portion 302, a base portion 304, a neck portion 306, a head
portion 308 disposed on the top portion 302, and at least one flap
member such as a flap member 310 disposed at the base portion 304
thereof. The suction cup 300 may be carried by the bathtub
accessory 2000 and adapted to hold the bathtub accessory 2000 to
the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000.
[0034] For attaching the bathtub accessory 2000 to the bottom
surface 4200 of a bathtub 4000, an individual may slide the head
portion 308 of the suction cup 300 through an aperture 504a.
Thereafter, the individual may manually press the base portion 304
of the suction cup 300 against the bottom surface 4200 of the
bathtub 4000. Further, for removing the bathtub accessory 2000 from
the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000, the flap members, such
as flap member 310, may be removed. Specifically, upon pulling the
flap member 310, the vacuum created at the suction cup 300 may be
released, thereby enabling the individual to conveniently remove
the bathtub accessory 2000 from the bottom surface 4200 of the
bathtub 4000.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic side
view of the bathtub support accessory 1000, illustrating the
accessory being used to support a lower body portion of the
individual 3000. The bathtub 4000 may be filled with a fluid 4100,
such as water. The bathtub support accessory 1000 provides support
to buttocks 3100 of the individual 3000 in the bathtub 4000. As
described, the second wall 120 of the body member 100 (as shown in
FIG. 1A) may prevent buttocks 3100 of the individual 3000 from
sliding down into the bathtub 4000. Also, one or more fasteners
210, 220 may assist in holding the body member 100 in one position
at the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000.
[0036] In use, the plurality of perforations 132 configured on the
top wall 130 of the body member 100 may facilitate the bathtub
support accessory 1000 to sink to the bottom surface 4200 of the
bathtub 4000. Specifically, the plurality of perforations 132
allows the fluid 4100 to pass therethrough. Further, the plurality
of perforations 132 may enable air trapped within the hollow space
defined within the body member 100 to release therefrom.
Thereafter, the individual 3000 may attach the bathtub support
accessory 1000 at any place on the bottom surface 4200 of the
bathtub 4000 as per his/her requirement and convenience. As
explained herein, the fasteners 210, 220 facilitate in securing the
body member 100 to the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000. The
individual 3000 may thereafter lie down in the bathtub 4000 in such
a way that the lower body portion 3200, such as a thigh portion of
the body of the individual 3000 rests on the second wall 120 of the
body member 100, and accordingly the buttocks 3100 of the
individual 3000 are prevented from sliding down in the bathtub
4000. The bathtub support accessory 1000 enables the individual
3000 to relax his/her legs by freely floating his/her legs in the
fluid 4100. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
bathtub support accessory 1000 may also be used as a foot rest,
which is explained in conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic side view of
the bathtub support accessory 1000 being used as a foot rest in the
bathtub 4000. The first wall 110 of the body member 100 may be used
for supporting feet such as a foot 3300 of the individual 3000. The
individual 3000 may place the bathtub support accessory 1000 as per
his/her convenience, in such a way that the foot 3300 of the
individual 3000 rests against the first wall 110 of the body member
100. Specifically, the individual 3000 may place the first wall 110
of the body member 100 facing towards his/her feet, such as the
foot 3300 of the individual 3000. In use, the individual 3000 may
lie down in the bathtub 4000 with his/her feet resting against the
plurality of grooves 116 configured on the first wall 110 of the
body member 100. The plurality of grooves 116 may prevent slipping
down of the foot 3300 of the individual 3000. Accordingly, the
bathtub support accessory 1000 prevents the individual 3000 from
submerging in the fluid 4100.
[0038] The bathtub support accessories 1000 and 2000 may be used in
combination with bathtubs, such as the bathtub 4000 at a multitude
of places such as homes, spas, hotels, and the like. The bathtub
support accessories 1000 and 2000 may be fabricated in a variety of
sizes. Preferably, the bathtub support accessories 1000 and 2000
may have a length of about six inches, a height of about four
inches, and a width of about fifteen inches. However, it will be
evident to a person skilled in the art that any size of the bathtub
support accessory 1000 may be manufactured as per user preferences
and application area of the bathtub support accessories 1000 and
2000. The bathtub support accessories 1000 and 2000 may be
manufactured in various colors to match with a bathroom decor.
Further, the exact dimensions and materials required during the
construction and operation of the bathtub support accessories 1000
may vary while manufacturing the same.
[0039] As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides a
bathtub support accessory that may be capable of supporting a body
portion of an individual. Various embodiments of the present
disclosure offer following advantages. The bathtub support
accessory 1000, as described herein, is capable of supporting a
body portion of an individual. Specifically, a second wall of a
wedge shaped body member prevents buttocks of the individual from
sliding down into a bathtub. The bathtub support accessory thereby
holds the individual in an upright position. Accordingly, the
individual may rest in the bathtub for a long time. Further, the
bathtub support accessory may also be used as a foot rest.
Specifically, a plurality of grooves configured on a first wall of
the wedge shaped body member prevents feet of the individual from
slipping down. Further, at least one fastener enables the
individual to attach the wedge shaped body member at a bottom
surface of the bathtub as per his/her convenience.
[0040] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and
its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in
the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is understood that various
omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as
circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions
and substitutions are intended to cover the application or
implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the
claims of the present disclosure.
* * * * *