U.S. patent number RE37,481 [Application Number 08/874,078] was granted by the patent office on 2001-12-25 for fold-up bathtub.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Safety 1st, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael S. Bernstein, David W. Crossley, Brian C. Sundberg.
United States Patent |
RE37,481 |
Crossley , et al. |
December 25, 2001 |
Fold-up bathtub
Abstract
A baby bathtub having a base with a reservoir therein in which
the baby is supported and an outwardly extending headrest and leg
rest that support the baby's head and legs when the baby is in the
reservoir. The headrest and leg rest are pivotally connected to the
base so that they can move from the extended operative positions to
a retracted position over the base for convenient storage or toting
of the bathtub.
Inventors: |
Crossley; David W. (Woonsocket,
RI), Sundberg; Brian C. (Stoughton, MA), Bernstein;
Michael S. (Natick, MA) |
Assignee: |
Safety 1st, Inc. (Canton,
MA)
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Family
ID: |
22691735 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/874,078 |
Filed: |
June 12, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
188088 |
Jan 28, 1994 |
05425149 |
Jun 20, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/572.1; 4/574.1;
4/575.1; 4/621 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K
3/064 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47K
3/02 (20060101); A47K 3/064 (20060101); A47K
003/064 () |
Field of
Search: |
;4/571.1,572.1,573.1,574.1,575.1,578.1,579,621 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0036381 |
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Apr 1906 |
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CH |
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0240882 |
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Nov 1911 |
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DE |
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2307509 |
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Dec 1976 |
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FR |
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0003790 |
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Dec 1976 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Fetsuga; Robert M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks,
P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A baby bathtub comprising:
a base having a support on which the base may stand on a flat
surface and having an upwardly open contoured reservoir for
receiving a baby's torso, said base having a foot end and a head
end and a pair of side walls,
said base having a rim that extends beyond the support at the foot
and head ends for supporting the tub from the rim in a .[.sinks.].
.Iadd.sink.Iaddend.,
a leg rest pivotally connected to the foot end of the base and
movable between an extended position wherein it extends away from
the base beyond the foot end and for supporting the feet of a baby
positioned with its torso in the reservoir and a folded position
wherein it overlies the base,
and a headrest pivotally connected to the head end of the base and
movable between an extended position wherein it extends away from
the base beyond the head and for supporting the head of a baby
positioned with its torso in the reservoir and a folded position
wherein the headrest overlies the base,
said leg rest and headrest in the folded position being compact so
that the bathtub is easy to tote and store.
2. A baby bath tub as defined in claim 1 wherein hinges pivotally
connect the leg rest and headrest to the base,
and latches are mounted .[.in.]. adjacent the hinges for releasably
locking the leg rest and headrest in the extended positions.
3. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 1 wherein
the headrest and leg rest lie in an area defined by the perimeter
of the base when they are in their folded positions.
4. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 2 wherein
the latches are mounted on the headrest and leg rest and engage the
base in the latching position.
5. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 1 wherein
a pad is secured to the head rest and base on which the baby lies
when placed in the bathtub.
6. A baby bathtub as defined in claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.5
.Iaddend.wherein
the pad overlies the pivotal connection between the base and
headrest for preventing water from dripping through the connection
and directing water into the reservoir.
7. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 5 wherein
the pad is .[.permanently.]. secured to both the headrest and
base.
8. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 1 wherein
a pad is secured to the base, leg rest and headrest and overlies
the pivotal connection between them .[.for preventing water from
dripping through the connections.]. . .[.
9. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 8 wherein
a pad is secured to the base, leg rest and headrest for providing
comfort for a baby in the bathtub..].
10. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 1 wherein
.[.a well is provided in.]. .Iadd.at least .Iaddend.one of the leg
rest, headrest and base .Iadd.includes a well .Iaddend.for holding
.[.both.]. .Iadd.bath .Iaddend.accessories.
11. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 10 wherein
a drain is provided in the reservoir for draining it.
12. A baby bathtub comprising:
a rigid, molded plastic base defining a reservoir having an upper
surface for supporting a baby in the bathtub,
a rigid, molded plastic headrest movably connected to the base at
one end thereof and having an upper head supporting surface, the
headrest being movable between a folded position wherein the head
supporting surface lies closely adjacent to the base and an
extended position for supporting a baby's head when lying on the
upper surface of the base,
and a rigid, molded plastic legrest movably connected to the base
at an opposite end thereof and having an upper leg supporting
surface, the legrest being movable between a folded position
wherein the leg supporting surface lies closely adjacent to the
base and an extended position for supporting a baby's leg when
lying on the upper surface of the base.
13. A baby bathtub as in claim 12 wherein the bathtub is convenient
for toting and storage when in the folded position.
14. A baby bathtub as in claim 13 wherein latches interconnect the
base and headrest as well as the base and legrest for releasably
locking the legrest and base as well as the headrest and base in
their extended position.
15. A baby bathtub as in claim 14 wherein the latches are disposed
on an underside of the bathtub to be inaccessible to the baby while
in the bathtub.
16. A baby bathtub as in claim 13 wherein the headrest and legrest
are each pivotally connected to the base.
17. A baby bathtub as defined in claim 12 .[.wherein latches
interconnect.]. .Iadd.further comprising a first latch connecting
.Iaddend.the base and .Iadd.the legrest for releasably locking the
leg rest in the extended position, and a second latch connecting
the base and the .Iaddend.headrest .[.as well as the base and the
legrest.]. for releasably locking the .[.legrest and base, as well
as the.]. headrest .[.and base.]. in .[.their.]. .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.extended .[.positions.]. .Iadd.position.Iaddend..
18. A baby bathtub as in claim 17 wherein the latches are disposed
on an underside of the bathtub to be inaccessible to the baby while
in the bathtub.
19. A baby bathtub as in claim 12 wherein the headrest and legrest
are each pivotally connected to the base..Iadd.
20. A baby bathtub comprising:
a rigid, molded plastic defining a reservoir having an upper
surface for supporting a baby in the bathtub,
a rigid, molded plastic headrest movably connected to the base at
one end thereof and having an upper head supporting surface, the
headrest being movable between a retracted position wherein the
headrest lies closely adjacent to the base and an extended position
for supporting a baby's head when lying on the upper surface of the
base, and
a rigid, molded plastic movably connected to the base at an
opposite end thereof and having an upper leg supporting surface,
the legrest being movable between a retracted position for storage
and an extended position for supporting a baby's leg when lying on
the upper surface of the base. .Iaddend..Iadd.
21. A baby bathtub as in claim 20 wherein latches interconnect the
base and headrest as well as the base and legrest for releasably
locking the legrest and base as well as the headrest and base in
their extended position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A baby bathtub as in claim 21 wherein the latches are disposed
on an underside of the bathtub to be inaccessible to the baby while
in the bathtub. .Iaddend..Iadd.
23. A baby bathtub as in claim 20 wherein the headrest and legrest
lie in an area defined by the perimeter of the base in their
retracted position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
24. A baby bath tub as defined in claim 20, further comprising a
first latch mounted adjacent the first hinge for releasably locking
the leg rest in the extended position, and a second latch mounted
adjacent the second hinge for releasably locking the head rest in
the extended position. .Iaddend.
Description
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates to baby bathtubs to be used on counters or
tables or in typical double kitchen sinks or large single tub
sinks.
There are a variety of baby bathtubs now on the market for
conveniently bathing a baby. However, many of them are relatively
large particularly if they are designed to be used for infants that
are relatively large, for example, approximately the average size
of a six month old. As a result of their large size, they are often
inconvenient to tote or store. Moreover, they are not convenient to
use in small double sinks. Many of the prior art tubs also lack a
suitable basin to hold bathing accessories such as a wash cloth and
soap.
The principle object of the present invention is to provide a tub
which is large enough to be used with larger infants but which can
be folded into a relatively compact size to facilitate toting or
storing in a trunk, cabinet or closet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable
baby bathtub which is suitable for use in a single or double
kitchen sink without danger to the infant occupying it.
Another object of the invention is to provide a foldable bathtub
which can be carried about with an infant in it when the tub is
unfolded, without any danger of the tub collapsing.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a tub that can
be manufactured and sold for a modest price and yet provide long
and dependable service.
To accomplish these and other objects, the bathtub of the present
invention is made of three major parts, namely, a base having the
major bathing reservoir in it, and a headrest and a foot rest each
pivotally connected to the base. The pivotal connections between
the base and the headrest and foot rest enable the two to be folded
over the base so that each lies within the perimeter of the base
and in the reservoir so that the effective volume of the tub for
purposes of storage is essentially only that of the base itself.
Latches are provided for securely locking both the headrest and
foot rest in the extended or operative position so that the tub
will not accidentally fold when in use. The location of the latches
renders them inaccessible to the infant in the tub so that that
cannot accidentally be released. A cushion pad lines the upper
surfaces of the base, headrest and foot rest for maximum comfort of
the infant. The surfaces of the three major parts form smooth
continuations of one another and are contoured to support the
infant in a partially-reclined position. Shoulders are provided on
the bottoms of the parts that cooperate with one another so that
the tub may be placed in a stable position in either a single or
double sink, and a support rim is provided on the base for
supporting the tub on a table, counter top or other flat
surface.
These and other objects and features of the invention will be
better understood and appreciated from the following detailed
description read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the baby bathtub embodying the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top .[.plane.]. .Iadd.plan .Iaddend.view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a bottom .[.plane.]. .Iadd.plan .Iaddend.view thereof on
an enlarged scale;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are a cross-sectional side elevation views of the
baby bathtub taken along the sections line 4--4 and 5--5,
respectively, in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the bathtub on an
enlarged scale taken along the section line 6--6 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale
taken along the section line 7--7 of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are fragmentary cross-sectional views on an enlarged
scale taken along the section lines 8--8 and 9--9 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale
taken along section line 10--10 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is side view of the baby bathtub of the present invention
shown in the folded position for carrying or storage; and
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the baby bathtub of the present
invention as it fits in a single or double sink, the sinks being
shown superimposed in broken lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The baby bathtub of the present invention is uniquely constructed
so as to provide a large tub volume which is both comfortable and
safe for the baby when in use. The tub is capable of being folded
into a relatively small volume for convenience when being
transported or stored. In FIG. 1 the tub is shown in the open or
extended position for use as a baby bathtub and in FIG. 11 the tub
is shown folded for transport or storage.
The tub comprises three major parts, namely, a base 10, headrest 12
and leg rest 14. The headrest 12 and leg rest 14 are pivotally
mounted on the base 10 so that they can be moved from the extended
or operative position of FIG. 1 to the folded position of FIG. 11.
The tub includes latches 16 and 18 shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10 for
releasably locking the headrest 12 and leg rest 14 in their
extended positions. The latches 16 and 18 enable the tub to be
carried by the headrest and leg rest without collapsing. The
various parts of the bathtub assembly are described in detail
below.
The base 10 preferably is molded as a one piece plastic structure.
The base includes a support rim 22 in the form of a substantially
continuous wall having side panels 24 and 26 and transverse walls
28 and 30 at the head and foot ends of the base structure. The
walls 24-30 are essentially vertical and have coplanar bottom edges
32 which enable the support rim to provide a stable platform for
the base when placed on a surface such as a table or counter
top.
Base 10 has side walls 36 that are disposed upwardly of the side
walls 24 of the support rim 22. A contoured bottom wall 38 joins
the bottom of the side walls 36 and the top of the support rim 22
and defines the supporting surface for the baby when placed in the
tub. The bottom wall 38 is generally V-shaped with a rounded apex
so as to define a comfortable supporting surface for the baby in a
partially reclined position. The side and bottom walls 36 and 38
define the tub proper which contains the bath water as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. A drain 39 is provided at the low point of the
bottom wall for emptying the tub. The tops of the side walls 36
carry flanges 40 that extend outwardly and then downwardly to
define a skirt above the top of the side walls which would rigidify
the structure and provide comfortable arm rests for the baby in the
tub. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the ends of the skirt 40 adjacent
the headrest 12 and leg rest 14 are closed by the flanges 42. The
side walls 36 of the base 10 at their head and foot ends and
adjacent the skirts 40 contain sockets 44 for receiving hinge pins
46 that are carried by the headrest 12 and leg rest 14 as is
explained more fully below. The sockets 44 and hinge pins 46 allow
the headrest and leg rest 12 and 14 to pivot between the positions
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11.
The headrest 12 has a supporting surface 50 and a surrounding rim
52. The rim 52 includes an inner vertical wall 54, a top wall 56
and skirt 58 which is generally parallel to the inner wall 54. The
inner wall 54 extends upwardly from the periphery of the supporting
surface 50 and diminishes in height toward the center of high end
of the rim as is clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The hinge pins 46
that fit into the slots 44 are carried on the ends of the skirt 58
shown in FIG. 7. When the headrest 12 is in the operative position
shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the supporting surface of the headrest 50
forms a smooth continuation of the supporting surface 38 of the
base. The surface 50 of the headrest extends over the upper wall 60
of shoulder 62 at the head end of the base (see FIGS. 4 and 8), and
a slight cavity 64 is provided where the wall 60 and supporting
surface 38 join one another adjacent the lower end 66 of surface
50. That cavity 64 receives the fold of the pad which lines the
tub, as described more fully below.
The rim 52 of headrest 12 defines a cavity 70 at each end that
house the latches 16 that lock the headrest in the operative or
extended position of FIG. 1. The latch 16 is mounted in the cavity
70 by means of a slot channel 72 molded as an integral part of the
rim 52 of headrest 12 as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The slot 72
is defined by a pair of side walls 74 and bottom wall 76, and the
slot receives the split mounting bracket 78. Once inserted in
place, the bracket is essentially immovably retained in position by
the barb 80 of tine 82 of bracket 78 and by the shoulder 84 of the
other tine 86 of the bracket. The bracket is formed as an integral
part of the latch 16. Latch 16 also includes a spring-like post 90
that extends downwardly from bracket 78, and which carries a hook
92 and an actuator handle 94. As shown in FIG. 9, the hook 92 is
designed to engage lip 91 of a pocket wall 96 at the head end of
the base 10 beneath the supporting surface 38. The flexible support
90 of the latch 16 enables the hook 92 to be disengaged from the
pocket 96 simply by pressing upwardly on the handle 94 so as to
move the hook to the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 9. When
the hook is disengaged in that fashion, the headrest 12 may be
pivoted on the hinge pins 46 to the folded position shown in FIG.
11.
The leg rest 14 includes a supporting surface 100 and a surrounding
rim 102 somewhat similar to the rim 52 of the headrest. The surface
100 is provided with a well 104 that is large enough to hold bath
accessories such as a wash cloth, soap, etc. The rim 102 includes
an inner vertical wall 106, outer wall 108 and horizontal wall 110
that together define an inverted channel 112 for housing that
latches 18 that releasably lock the leg rest in the extended
position. The latches 18 carried by the leg rest are identical to
the latches 16 in the headrest, and they need not be described
again. They are mounted in the same fashion as the latches in the
headrest and engage latching pockets 114 shown in FIG. 3. As is
also shown in that figure, the hinge pins 46 on the leg rest are
carried on the outside wall 108 at each end of that wall, and
extend into the slots 44 at the adjacent ends of the side walls 36
of the base 10.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the leg rest 14 is in the extended
position, the shelf or supporting surface 100 of the leg rest
adjacent the base overlaps the supporting surface 38 of the base.
Furthermore, in the extended position, the surface 100 is
essentially horizontal so that the infant's heels and or lower legs
may rest comfortably on the leg rest with legs slightly bent at the
knee when the baby's buttocks are in the lowest part of the surface
38 of the base.
As is clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 7, a sponge pad 120 made
of foam plastic or other suitable material which is mildew
resistant, covers the supporting surface 50 of the headrest, the
supporting surface 38 of the base and overlaps a portion of the
surface 100 of the leg rest. The pad provides a very comfortable
surface for the baby placed in the tub. The pad 120 also acts as a
shingle over the juncture of the surfaces .[.150.]. .Iadd.50
.Iaddend.and 100 of the headrest and leg rest with the adjacent
ends of the surface 38 of the base. The pad 120 is secured to the
base 10, headrest 12 and leg rest 14 by transverse application of
adhesive 122, 124 and 126.Iadd., preventing water from dripping
through the connection and directing water into the
reservoir.Iaddend.. These applications of adhesive however are
spaced from the hinge connections between the three parts so as not
to interfere with the folding of the tub. The pad 120 does not
interfere with the folding of the leg rest 14 and headrest 12 to
the retracted position .Iadd.closely adjacent the base.Iaddend..
Any bulging at the fold between the base 10 and headrest 12 may be
accommodated in the cavity 64.
In FIG. 12 the baby bathtub of the present invention shown in its
extended or operative configuration is schematically depicted as it
may be placed in either a double kitchen sink 128 or a larger
single tub sink 129. Placed in a typical double kitchen sink having
tubs 130 and 132, the shoulder 62 at the head end of the base 10 is
shown to rest on the lip 134 at the right end of tub 130 while the
foot end 136 of the base which is coplanar with the bottom edge 140
of shoulder 62 rests on the top 135 of the left side .Iadd.of
.Iaddend.basin 130, .Iadd.which is also .Iaddend.the wall 137
between the two basins 130 and 132. In that position the leg rest
14 extends above the basin 132 in cantilever fashion and is held in
that position by the latch 18 (not shown in FIG. 12). Referring to
the same figure, the single tub sink 129 will support the end of
the leg rest 14 by means of the shoulder 146 defined by the skirt
102 of the leg rest to the left of the well .[.140.].
.Iadd.104.Iaddend.. Thus, the baby bathtub of this invention may be
used either on a flat surface such as a table or counter top
supported in place by the rim 22 on the base or in a single or
double sink by means of the shoulder 62 at the head end of the base
and either the shoulder 136 at the foot end of the base or the
shoulder 146 at the extreme end of the leg rest. It will also be
evident from the foregoing description that the baby bathtub of the
present invention while providing a large reservoir full of water
as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, is very compact as its head and foot
ends may be folded over in the manner shown in FIG. 11 for carrying
or storage. Furthermore, the baby bathtub has a convenient well at
the leg rest for holding bath accessories when the device is in
use.
Having described this invention in detail those skilled in the art
will appreciated that many modifications may be made of this
invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not
intended that the breadth of the invention be limited to the
specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of
the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *