US20040019964A1

US20040019964A1 - Bathtub safety device

Info

Publication number: US20040019964A1
Application number: US10/212,984
Authority: US
Inventors: Derwin Hunt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-05
Filing date: 2002-08-05
Publication date: 2004-02-05

Abstract

A bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub includes an elongate, generally resilient padding arrangement for mounting to a bathtub along an edge thereof, a generally pliant drape member for attachment to the padding arrangement for disposal in a manner extending away from the bathtub edge, and an attachment assembly for removably attaching the body and the drape member to the bathtub edge wherein the drape member extends from the body across a side of the bathtub. The attachment assembly may include at least one suction cup. Preferably, the padding arrangement extends across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub. Optionally, the padding arrangement may further include a portion of the body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into the well of the bathtub, a second resilient pad member disposed within the portion of the body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub, and a second attachment assembly spaced a predetermined distance from the first attachment assembly for bathtub engagement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to safety devices for use in the home and, more particularly, to a bathtub safety device providing padding along a bathtub edge and absorbency down the outer side of the bathtub.

Many accidents happen within a domestic or residential setting. A number of these accidents happen in relation to a bathtub. Even astronaut John Glenn, one of the first men to ascend to space and safely return, was injured in a bathtub fall.

Certain types of safety devices have been provided for the bathtub, including bars and rails for grasping and non-skid bathtub mats or appliques that are applied to the floor of the bathtub Bo prevent slipping. Injuries may occur when entering or exiting a bathtub due to the impact with the hard bathtub edge or side. A slip can land a person's legs in sharp contact with the bathtub edge, which may result in injury. Further, wet, slick bathtub edges and sides may contribute to the frequency of such accidents.

Therefore, there exists the need for a device which will protect the user from harsh contact with the bathtub edge and will also provide an absorbent device to reduce the likelihood of slip-and-fall incidents around the bathtub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a bathroom safety device that is atttachable to a bathtub and provides a padded surface along a bathtub edge and an absorbent and decorative surface both along a bathtub edge and along an outer surface of the bathtub.

To those ends, a bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub includes an elongate, generally resilient padding arrangement for mounting to a bathtub along an edge thereof, a generally pliant drape member for attachment to the padding arrangement for disposal in a manner extending away from the bathtub edge, and an attachment assembly for removably attaching the body and the drape member to the bathtub edge wherein the drape member extends from the body across a side of the bathtub.

Preferably, the padding arrangement includes a generally elongate, resilient body and at least one resilient pad member fitted within the body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof.

It is preferred that the attachment assembly include at least one suction cup. Further, the attachment assembly may include a plurality of suction cups arranged generally in at least one row.

Preferably, the padding arrangement extends across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub. It is further preferred that the padding arrangement further include a portion of the body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into the well of the bathtub, a second resilient pad member disposed within the portion of the body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub, and a second attachment assembly spaced a predetermined distance from the first attachment assembly for bathtub engagement.

It is preferable that the second attachment assembly include at least two suction cups spaced a predetermined distance apart for bathtub engagement. Further, the second attachment assembly may include a plurality of suction cups arranged in at least two rows, the at least two rows being spaced a predetermined distance apart for bathtub engagement.

The drape member may be formed from absorbent material, and the body may include an upwardly projecting curved portion. Preferably, the bathtub safety device further includes at least one pocket member disposed on the drape member. Additionally, a fastener assembly may be attached to the drape member for removably attaching a storage net to the drape member. The drape member may be formed of terry cloth in various colors and patterns, and, accordingly, may function as a decorative item for a bathroom. It is foreseeable that a user may own several drape members to match towels or other bathroom colors and interchange the drape members at will.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub includes an elongate, generally resilient padding arrangement extending across an edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub for mounting to the bathtub along the edge and an inner side thereof and a generally pliant drape member for attachment to the padding arrangement for disposal in a manner extending across an outer side of the bathtub away from the bathtub edge. Further, the present invention includes an attachment assembly for removably attaching the body and the drape member to the bathtub edge and the bathtub side wherein the drape member extends from the body across the outer side of the bathtub.

Preferably, the padding arrangement includes at least one resilient pad member fitted within the body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along the edge and an inner side of the bathtub. It is further preferred that the padding arrangement includes a first resilient pad member fitted within the body extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along an edge of the bathtub and a second resilient pad member fitted within the body extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along inner side of the bathtub.

Preferentially, the attachment assembly includes at least one suction cup for bathtub engagement. Further, the attachment assembly includes a first plurality of suction cups arranged generally in at least one row for bathtub engagement.

Preferably, the attachment assembly includes at least two suction cups spaced generally laterally apart at a predetermined distance for bathtub engagement. It is further preferred that the attachment assembly includes a plurality of suction cups arranged in at least two rows, the at least two rows being spaced generally laterally apart at a predetermined distance for bathtub engagement.

It is preferred that the drape member be formed from absorbent material and that the body includes an upwardly projecting curved portion. It is also preferred that the present invention include at least one pocket member disposed on the drape member, and the present invention may include a fastener assembly attached to the drape member for removably attaching a storage net to the drape member.

According to another preferred embodiment a bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub includes an elongate, generally resilient body for mounting to a bathtub along an edge and side thereof; a generally pliant drape member for attachment to the body for disposal in a manner extending away from the bathtub edge; a padding arrangement including at least one resilient pad member fitted within the body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along an edge of the bathtub; and a plurality of suction cups arranged for removably attaching the body and the drape member to the bathtub edge wherein the drape member extends across an outer side of the bathtub.

Preferably, the body extends across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub. The device may further include a second resilient pad member disposed within a portion of the body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub, and a second attachment assembly spaced a predetermined distance from the first attachment assembly for bathtub engagement.

It is also preferred that the present invention include at least one pocket member disposed on the drape member, and the present invention may include a fastener assembly attached to the drape member for removably attaching a storage net to the drape member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a bathtub safety device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in use on a bathtub; [0020]
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in use on a bathtub; [0021]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a padding arrangement associated with the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along line [0022] 3-3 thereof;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a padding arrangement associated with the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along line [0023] 4-4 thereof;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a drape member associated with the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 1; [0024]
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a drape member associated with the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 2; [0025]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along line [0026] 3-3 thereof;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub safety device illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along line [0027] 4-4 thereof,
FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a bathtub safety device illustrating optional pockets attached thereto; and [0028]
FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a bathtub safety device illustrated with optional net hangers attached thereto.[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a bathtub safety device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated generally at [0030] 10 and includes a padding arrangement 12 and a drape member 14 attached thereto, all shown mounted to a bathtub B in an operational position. The padding arrangement 12 is an elongate, semicircular, at least partially resilient member sized to provide protection along a portion of a bathtub edge E and to project upwardly in a curved manner to provide padded protection for users. The drape member 14, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter is a pliant sheet that is preferably formed from terry cloth or other absorbent textile material. The drape member 14 is removably attached to the padding arrangement 12.
Turning how to FIG. 3, the [0031] padding arrangement 12 as illustrated in cross-section, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and according to one version, includes a generally semi-resilient or fully resilient body 15 having a semi-circular cavity formed therein with pad 17, formed from foam or other resilient material disposed therein along the length of the body 15. Optionally, the entire padding arrangement 12 can be a one-piece unit with the body 15 functioning as both the body and pad, with the one-piece unit being resilient. The padding arrangement 12 has a generally semi-circular cross-section resulting in a curved top and a flat bottom portion. Suction cups 30 are arranged in a linear row along the flat bottom portion for bathtub engagement.
Turning now to FIG. 5, a [0032] drape member 14 is illustrated in a plan view and includes a mounting arrangement formed at one end thereof wherein the opposite end may drape over the outside wall J of the bathtub B. A linear row of apertures 36 is provided so that the suction cups 30 may pass therethrough. In order to attach a free end of the drape member 14 onto the body of the drape member 14 hook and loop fasteners are used. It should be noted that while hook and loop fasteners are used, other fastening arrangements such as snap fasteners may be used as well. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of textile fasteners may be used. A first part of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the drape member 14 across the width thereof and is illustrated at 34. Second portions of the hook and fastener illustrated at 32 are arranged in a row extending across the width of the drape member 14 with the row of apertures 36 intermediate the hook and loop fastener portions 32, 34.
Turning now to FIG. 7, the [0033] drape member 14 is as shown attached to the padding arrangement 12 which is in turn shown attached to a bathtub B. In order to attach the drape member 14 to the padding arrangement 12, the suction cups 30 are fitted through the openings 36 (not shown in FIG. 7) on the drape member 14 and the drape member 14 is then wrapped around the padding arrangement 12. The first and second hook and loop fastener portions 32, 34 are then attached to one another which will retain the drape member 14 in operational contact with the padding arrangement 12. The attachment assembly 18 is then attached to the bathtub B along the edge E and the drape member 14 is allowed to hang free, adjacent the outer wall J of the bathtub B. The drape member 14 may be of virtually any length desired and sometimes it is helpful if the drape member 14 is sufficiently long to extend outwardly into the floor area adjacent the bathtub as seen in FIG. 7, to enhance the potential for absorbing water.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at [0034] 20. The second preferred embodiment provides enhanced padding by placing an extended portion 26 of a padding arrangement 22 directed downwardly into the bathtub well W with a second attachment assembly 28 (hidden in FIG. 2 and seen in FIG. 4) retaining the bathtub safety device 20 in place along an inner wall I of the bathtub B.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a first option for the [0035] second padding arrangement 22 includes providing a semi-resilient or fully resilient body 25 having a first pad 27 shaped similarly to the pad 17 appearing in FIG. 3 disposed along the length of the body 25. The body 25 includes a curved top which extends beyond the horizontal plane defined by the bottom portion of the body 25 and into a second curved portion 26 which is intended to extend inwardly into the bathtub well W along the inner wall I. A second generally semi-circular resilient pad 29 is disposed within the second curved portion 26. Optionally, the pads 27, 29 may be formed in one piece. The bottom of the second padding arrangement 22 is generally L-shaped with an attachment assembly 28 attached thereto. The attachment assembly 28 includes a first row of suction cups 30 attached along a first bottom portion of the body 25. The attachment assembly 28 further includes a second row of suction cups 31 attached to the downwardly projecting bottom portion. Optionally, and as will be seen in FIG. 6, the rows of suction cups 30, 31 may be staggered and are preferably so.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a [0036] second drape member 24 is shown in a plan view and includes, at one end, first and second portions of a hook and loop fastener 32, 34 similar to those appearing on the first drape member 14. First and second rows of apertures 36, 38 respectively, are arranged intermediate the first and second hook and loop fastener portions 32, 34 in a staggered arrangement. The staggered arrangement is preferred to provide essentially the same gripping force as the linear row 36 of openings along the first drape member 14.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the [0037] bathtub safety device 20 is illustrated at attached to a bathtub B. In order to attach the drape member 24 to the padding arrangement 22, the drape member 24 is placed along the bottom portion of the padding arrangement 22 with the suction cups 30, 31 projecting through the apertures 36, 38. The drape member 24 is then wrapped around the padding arrangement 22 and allowed to drape over the outside wall J of the bathtub B. The hook and loop fastener portions 32, 34 are joined to more securely attach the towel to the padding arrangement 22. The drape member 24 is allowed to extend outwardly onto the floor adjacent the bathtub B for enhanced safety. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the second version of the drape member 24 must be longer than the first version of the drape member 14 in order to circumnavigate the larger padding arrangement 22 associated with the second version of the bathtub safety device 20.
Turning now to FIG. 9, an option available with the [0038] bathtub safety device 10, 20 of the present invention is illustrated in the form of two pockets 40 attached to the outside of the drape member 14 to receive bathtub accessories and grooming items. It should be noted that it is well within the ordinary skill of those in this art to provide anywhere from one to any number of pockets on the side of the drape member 14.
Turning now to FIG. 10, a second option is illustrated in the form of a fastening arrangement [0039] 42 to attach a bath storage net N to the bathtub safety device 10, 20. The net N in may be used to store bath toys in a known manner. The fastening assembly 42 may include corresponding hook and loop fastener portions, hooks sewn to the drape member 14 or any number of known devices which would support such a net.
It is preferred that the [0040] drape member 14, 24 be formed from terry cloth or some other absorbent material in any number of patterns or colors. The detachable nature of the drape member 14, 24 from the padding arrangement 12, 22 gives the user the option to change the drape member 14, 24 for laundering or replacement with other decorative drape members 14, 24.
By the above, the present invention provides a versatile and attractive bathroom safety device which should act to prevent slip-and-fall type of injuries when entering or exiting the bathtub and to provide absorbency for water dripping from a bathtub. The device is simple, easy to install and also allows for decorative bathroom changes. [0041]
It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. [0042]

Claims

I claim:

1. A bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub comprising:

an elongate, generally resilient padding arrangement for mounting to a bathtub along an edge thereof;

a generally pliant drape member for attachment to said padding arrangement for disposal in a manner extending away from the bathtub edge; and

an attachment assembly for removably attaching said padding arrangement and said drape member to the bathtub edge wherein said drape member extends from said padding arrangement across a side of the bathtub.

2. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 wherein said padding arrangement includes a generally elongate, resilient body and at least one resilient pad member fitted within said body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof.

3. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 wherein said attachment assembly includes at least one suction cup.

4. A bathtub safety device according to claim 3 wherein said attachment assembly includes a plurality of suction cups arranged generally in at least one row.

5. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 wherein said padding arrangement extends across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub.

6. A bathtub safety device according to claim 2 wherein said padding arrangement further includes a portion of said body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into the well of the bathtub, a second resilient pad member disposed within said portion of said body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub, and a second attachment assembly spaced a predetermined distance from said first attachment assembly for bathtub engagement.

7. A bathtub safety device according to claim 6 wherein said second attachment assembly includes at least two suction cups spaced a predetermined distance apart for bathtub engagement.

8. A bathtub safety device according to claim 7 wherein said second attachment assembly includes a plurality of suction cups arranged in at least two rows, said at least two rows being spaced a predetermined distance apart for bathtub engagement.

9. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 wherein said drape member is formed from absorbent material.

10. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 wherein said padding arrangement includes an upwardly projecting curved portion.

11. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one pocket member disposed on said drape member.

12. A bathtub safety device according to claim 1 and further comprising a fastener assembly attached to said drape member for removably attaching a storage net to said drape member.

13. A bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub comprising:

an elongate, generally resilient padding arrangement extending across an edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub for mounting to the bathtub along the edge and an inner side thereof;

a generally pliant drape member for attachment to said padding arrangement for disposal in a manner extending across an outer side of the bathtub away from the bathtub edge; and

an attachment assembly for removably attaching said padding arrangement and said drape member to the bathtub edge and the bathtub side wherein said drape member extends from said padding arrangement across the outer side of the bathtub.

14. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 wherein said padding arrangement includes a generally resilient body and at least one resilient pad member fitted within said body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along the edge and an inner side of the bathtub.

15. A bathtub safety device according to claim 14 wherein said padding arrangement includes a first resilient pad member fitted within said body extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along an edge of the bathtub and a second resilient pad member fitted within said body extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along inner side of the bathtub.

16. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 wherein said attachment assembly includes at least one suction cup for bathtub engagement.

17. A bathtub safety device according to claim 16 wherein said attachment assembly includes a first plurality of suction cups arranged generally in at least one row for bathtub engagement.

18. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 wherein said attachment assembly includes at least two suction cups spaced generally laterally apart at a predetermined distance for bathtub engagement.

19. A bathtub safety device according to claim 18 wherein said attachment assembly includes a plurality of suction cups arranged in at least two rows, said at least two rows being spaced generally laterally apart at a predetermined distance for bathtub engagement.

20. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 wherein said drape member is formed from absorbent material.

21. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 wherein said body includes an upwardly projecting curved portion.

22. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 and further comprising at least one pocket member disposed on said drape member.

23. A bathtub safety device according to claim 13 and further comprising a fastener assembly attached to said drape member for removably attaching a storage net to said drape member.

24. A bathtub safety device for removable attachment to a bathtub comprising:

an elongate, generally resilient body for mounting to a bathtub along an edge and side thereof;

a generally pliant drape member for attachment to said body for disposal in a manner extending away from said bathtub edge;

a padding arrangement including at least one resilient pad member fitted within said body and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof along an edge of the bathtub; and

a plurality of suction cups arranged for removably attaching said body and said drape member to the bathtub edge wherein said drape member extends across an outer side of the bathtub.

25. A bathtub safety device according to claim 24 wherein said body extends across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of the bathtub, said device further comprises a second resilient pad member disposed within a portion of said body extending across the edge of the bathtub and downwardly into a well of said bathtub, and a a second plurality of suction cups for bathtub engagement.

26. A bathtub safety device according to claim 24 and further comprising at least one pocket member disposed on said drape member.

27. A bathtub safety device according to claim 24 and further comprising a fastener assembly attached to said drape member for removably attaching a storage net to said drape member.