US20100071124A1

US20100071124A1 - Bathtub support accessory

Info

Publication number: US20100071124A1
Application number: US12/555,039
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Ammirato
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-25
Filing date: 2009-09-08
Publication date: 2010-03-25

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

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

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

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.
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.
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

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.
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

The following detailed description of preferred implementations and best mode will be set forth with regard to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bathtub support accessory;

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the bathtub support accessory of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a bathtub support accessory, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

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.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 140 a and a second side wall 140 b (as shown in FIG. 3) and at least one lip extension such as a lip extension 150 a and a lip extension 150 b. The pair of side walls may hereinafter be collectively referred to as “pair of side walls 140 a, 140 b”.
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.
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.
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.
The first side wall 140 a and the second side wall 140 b of the pair of side walls 140 a, 140 b 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 140 a, 140 b 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.
Each of the first wall 110, the second wall 120, the top wall 130, and the pair of side walls 140 a, 140 b 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 140 a, 140 b also allows the bathtub support accessory 1000 to assume a lightweight configuration.
The at least one lip extension, such as the lip extension 150 a and the lip extension 150 b, 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 150 a may be configured at a bottom edge portion (not numbered) of the first side wall 140 a of the pair of side walls 140 a, 140 b. Further, the lip extension 150 b is configured at a bottom edge (not numbered) of the second side wall 140 b of the pair of side walls 140 a, 140 b. For the purpose of this description, the at least one lip extension is assumed to be the lip extension 150 a and the lip extension 150 b. In an alternate embodiment, the at least one lip extension may be any one of the lip extension 150 a and the lip extension 150 b 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 150 a and the lip extension 150 b is made of plastic material.
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 150 a and the lip extension 150 b.
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.
The second fastener 220 in one form may include a pair of suction cups, such as a suction cup 220 a and a suction cup 220 b (“ suction cups 220 a, 220 b”). The suction cups 220 a, 220 b 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 220 a, 220 b may be carried by a respective one of the lip extensions 150 a and 150 b of the body member 100. However, in an alternative embodiment, the suction cups 220 a, 220 b 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.
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 160 a, 160 b (as shown in FIG. 2). The pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b may be carried by a respective one of the side walls 140 a, 140 b. Further, the pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b may be operatively coupled to a respective one of the suction cups 220 a, 220 b, such that the pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b.
For attaching the bathtub accessory 1000 to the bottom surface 4200 of the bathtub 4000, an individual may push the pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b in a downward direction. Each of the pull tab elements, such as the pull tab element 160 a, may in turn pull a respective spring element, such as spring element 162 a, 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 220 a. The vacuum created at each of the suction cups 220 a, 220 b facilitates the body member 100 to firmly attach to the bottom surface 4200. Further, the suction cups 220 a, 220 b may be unlocked by lifting the pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b, respectively upwards thereby releasing the vacuum created at the central portion of the suction cups 220 a, 220 b. The pull tab elements 160 a, 160 b thereby allow easy and convenient removal of the bathtub accessory 1000 from the bathtub 4000.
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 402 a may include an aperture 504 a for receiving the suction cup 300. Similarly, the lip extension 402 b may include an aperture 504 b for receiving the suction cup 300. Also, each aperture 504 a, 504 b 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 504 a, 504 b.
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.
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 504 a. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.