BATHTUB COMPRISING SEGMENT BOARDS

Abstract

A bathtub comprising segment boards is disclosed. The bathtub includes a base and walls extending from the base. The walls include a plurality of pairs of segment board receiving sections. Each pair of segment board receiving sections position at opposite walls. The segment board receiving sections are positioned at ⅓rd, ½, or ⅔rd length of the walls. The bathtub includes a panel positioned adjacent to one side of the walls. The panel includes board openings. The board openings are configured to receive the segment boards. The segment boards are removed and inserted in the segment board receiving sections for partitioning the bathtub such that the volume of the bathtub is reduced to ½, ⅔ or ⅓ of its full volume. The segment boards include cam latches for locking the segment boards into the board openings when not in use. The walls include locking members for locking the segment boards.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bathtubs. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bathtub comprising segment boards for separating the volume of the bathtub into two or more parts.

Description of the Prior Art

It is known that bathtubs are large containers used for holding water in which a person may bathe. Typically, the bathtubs are made up of ceramic, porcelain, acrylic or fiberglass, or any other suitable material. When a child or baby needs to be given a bath, the bathtub needs to be filled with water to a certain height. Filling the bathtub to the required level may result in water getting cold. Further, the majority portion of the bathtub is not used while giving bath to the child or baby. As a result, a significant volume of water gets wasted using traditional bathtubs.

In order to overcome the above problems, bathtub barriers or bathtub partitions have been used in the past. An example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,095, entitled “Bathtub partition” (“the '095 Patent”). The '095 Patent discloses a partition structure arranged to transversely divide a bathtub to minimize water usage to accommodate an infant or small child therewithin is provided to include a continuous U-shaped resilient support member arranged to sealingly engage the side walls and floor of the bathtub, wherein a rigid web received within and coextensive relative to the support member effects division of the bathtub in use.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Publication No. 20070079435, entitled “Portable bathtub barrier” (“the '435 Publication”). The '435 Publication discloses a bathtub barrier having a pair of extendable rod assemblies having pivotably non-skid end piece assemblies adapted to engage the sides of a bathtub, and a pliable panel interconnecting the rod assemblies. The rod assemblies include an inner tube and an outer tube that are slidably engaged, and a lead screw assembly that allows the user to selectively adjust the length of the rod assemblies to attach the barrier to the bathtub. The end piece assemblies include non-skid panels that may be made from EVA. An optional upper extension may be removably attached to the rod assemblies, and may be adjustably positioned. An optional lower panel portion may extend downwardly from the rod assemblies, and may include suction members to attach the barrier to the bottom of the bathtub.

Yet another example is disclosed in a Korean Publication No. 20160049817, entitled “Bathtub for Baby and Infant” (“the '817 Publication”). The '817 Publication discloses a bathtub for a baby and an infant. The bathtub comprises a storage part for bathing a baby and an infant by storing water. The storage part is divided by a separable partition to be divided into at least two rooms. According to the bathtub for the baby and infant, since the separable partition is included, the storage part is able to be divided into two parts; thus, dividing into a bathroom and a rinse room, and a bath for the baby and the infant easily performed.

Although the above discussed disclosures are useful, they still have problems and present incomplete solutions. For instance, most of the existing bathtub barriers need separate space for storage after use. Further, the existing bathtub barriers do not sit firmly inside the bathtubs. As a result, water leaks out from one partition to another.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an improved bathtub comprising segment boards for separating the volume of the bathtub into two or more smaller parts/sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an of the present invention to provide a bathtub comprising segment boards and that avoids the drawbacks of known bathtub barriers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bathtub that allows partitioning a bigger tub body into smaller parts/sections and containing water within smaller parts/sections.

In order to overcome one or more objects, the present invention presents a bathtub comprising segment boards. The bathtub includes a base, and walls extending from the base. The walls include a plurality of pairs of segment board receiving sections. Each pair of segment board receiving sections position at opposite walls. The segment board receiving sections are positioned at ⅓rd, 1/2, or ⅔rd length of the walls. The bathtub includes a panel positioned adjacent to one side of the walls at its outer side. The panel includes board openings. The board openings are configured to receive the segment boards when not in use. The segment boards are removed and inserted in the segment board receiving sections for partitioning the bathtub such that the volume of the bathtub can be reduced to ½, ⅔ or ⅓ of its full volume.

In one aspect, the segment boards are stored in the board openings. The segment boards are provided with cam latches for locking the segment boards into the board openings when not in use.

In another aspect, each of the segment board receiving sections includes a lock receptacle. The lock receptacle includes a connecting member. Further, each of the segment board receiving sections includes a locking member having a connecting groove. The connecting groove connects to the connecting member to allow the locking member to position at the top of the segment board receiving section. Here, each segment boards includes cut-sections at the top corners. When the segment boards sit within the segment board receiving sections, the locking members sit over the cut-sections and retain the segment boards within the segment board receiving sections. Further, the tension created by the locking members exerts downward pressure on the segment board, creating and maintaining a watertight seal.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the bathtub allows to partition the bigger tub body into smaller areas/parts/sections and contain water within the area. This reduces the time taken to fill required water to a certain height for giving bath to babies. Further, the bathtub reduces the amount/volume of water the bathtub needs to be filled to a certain height.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the segment board receiving sections are positioned at various lengths of the tub body, which help to adjust the placement of the segment boards based on ½, ⅔ or ⅓ volume of the bathtub required. The segment boards are removed and placed at the panel without utilizing additional space for storage when not in use. The segment boards are easy to install and uninstall from the segment board receiving sections allowing the users to customize their bathing experience. Further, the segment boards help to use only a portion of the tub body making it easier to clean the bathtub after use.

The features and advantages of the invention here will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a bathtub implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a front view, respectively of the bathtub, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a segment board, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the segment board positioned inside a board opening, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the segment boards positioned inside a tub body of the bathtub, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the bathtub, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of a wall having a locking member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the locking member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a feature of the segment board positioned in the segment board receiving sections for locking using the locking member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the segment board in locked position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed bathtub. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed bathtub.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present invention provides a description of a bathtub integrated, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the bathtub. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Various features and embodiments of a bathtub comprising segment boards are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1-10.

FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a bathtub 12 implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Bathtub 12 installs in a bathroom 14 and positions underneath a tap 16. Bathtub 12 is used for holding water 19 and for giving bath to babies or adults 18, depending on the need.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D show a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a front view, respectively of bathtub 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Bathtub 12 includes a tub body or basin 20. In one example, tub body 20 is molded using a vacuum forming or thermoforming process. Optionally, tub body 20 is manufactured using known processes. Tub body 20 is made of ceramic, porcelain, acrylic or fiberglass, or any other suitable material. Tub body 20 includes walls 22 extending from a base 24. In one example, walls 22 extend perpendicularly from base 24. In another example, walls 22 extend at an angle or curvature from base 24. Base 24 and walls 24 form an opening 25 at the top for receiving water 19 and babies or adults 18. Further, walls 22 encompass a panel 26. As can be seen from at least FIG. 2C, panel 26 positions adjacent to one side of wall 22. Further, panel 26 positions at the outer side of wall 22. Panel 26 comes in a rectangular configuration extending the entire length of tub body 20. In one example, panel 26 comes only half the length of wall 22 on one side of tub body 20.

Walls 22 encompass segment board receiving sections 27. In one example, one or more segment board receiving sections 27 are provided at walls 22. Segment board receiving sections 27 come in a pair whereby each pair of segment board receiving sections 27 positions at opposite walls 22 of tub body 20, as shown in FIG. 2B. In one example, opposite pair of segment board receiving sections 27 positions at ⅓, ½, ⅔^rd length of walls 22. Each segment board receiving section 27 includes a first section 28. First section 28 has a straight configuration. Further, each segment board receiving section 27 includes a second section 29 extending from first section 28. Second section 29 has a curved section and intersects with base 24 of tub body 20.

Tub body 20 includes anti-slip members 30 positioned at base 24. Anti-slip members 30 include, but not limited to, non-slip coatings, adhesive treads, adhesive strips, bathtub appliques, textured surfaces, etc. In one example, anti-slip members 30 include flat sections 32 positioned therebetween. Flat sections 32 align with segment board receiving sections 27. In other words, flat sections 32 form part of base 24 and present gaps between segment board receiving sections 27. Here, anti-slip members 30 extend from the surface of base 24 and prevent babies 18 from slipping when they are inside tub body 20. Tub body 20 includes a drain outlet 34 at base 24 and an overflow drain 35 at one side of walls 22, as can be seen from FIG. 2A. Drain outlet 34 positions at the bottom of tub body 20 and connects to a drain pipe (not shown) to direct water 19 away from tub body 20 and into a plumbing system (not shown). Overflow drain 35 positions near the top of wall 22 and prevents water 19 from overflowing when water level gets too high.

Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the features of panel 26 are explained. Panel 26 includes one or more board openings or recesses 36. It should be understood that the number of (pair of) segment board receiving sections 27 are the same as the number of board openings 36. Board openings 36 are made by cutting a portion of panel 26. Each board opening 36 includes a first top portion 38 having a flat portion 40. Further, board opening 36 includes a first tapered portion 42. First tapered portion 42 extends downward from first top portion 38 and connects to a first bottom portion 46. First bottom portion 46 positions parallel to first top portion 38 and has a curved section 48 intersecting ends of first bottom portion 46 and first tapered portion 42.

Bathtub 12 includes one or more first segment boards 50. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of first segment board 50, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the number of first segment boards 50 are the same or less or more than the number of (pair of) segment board receiving sections 27 and the number of board openings 36. First segment boards 50 are made of ceramic, porcelain, acrylic or fiberglass, or any other suitable material. In one example, first segment boards 50 are made by rotational molding, blow-molding or fiberglass molding. Each first segment board 50 comes in a flat configuration with suitable thickness. First segment board 50 has a flat body 52 having a straight second top portion 54, and a second tapered portion 56 extending downward from second top portion 54 and connecting a second bottom portion 58. First segment board 50 includes rounded corners 60 at the bottom i.e., at the intersection of second tapered portion 56 and second bottom portion 58. First segment boards 50 include clips or cam latches 62 at corners of second top portion 54. In one example, cam latches 62 are made from injection molded or stainless steel parts. In one implementation, second top portion 54 has clip openings 63 for receiving cam latches 62. Cam latches 63 are used to lock in the position of first segment board 50 to board opening 36. Further, flat body 52 has a handle 64 for holding first segment board 50. Handle 64 is formed by providing a slot on flat body 52 of first segment board 50. In one example, the perimeter of first segment board 50 is provided with a seal (not shown) in order to allow first segment board 50 to firmly sit within board opening 36 and/or segment board receiving section 27.

In accordance with the present invention, first segment board 50 is configured to sit inside board opening 36. FIG. 4 shows the feature of first segment board 50 positioned inside board opening 36. In order to place first segment board 50 inside board opening 36, second bottom portion 58 of first segment board 50 is aligned with first bottom portion 46 of board opening 36. Subsequently, first segment board 50 is inserted in board opening 36 until second bottom portion 58 comes in contact with first bottom portion 46.

When needed i.e., when babies 18 need to be given a bath, one or more first segment boards 50 are removed from board openings 36 (as shown in FIG. 4) and placed within segment board receiving sections 27, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the feature of two first segment boards 50 positioned in segment board receiving sections 27 for partitioning tub body 20 at ½ and ⅓th length of walls 22. Two first segment boards 50 are placed to partition tub body 20 into two smaller openings 25, whereby two openings 25 at both ends can be used for giving bath to two babies 18 while leaving a gap open between two first segment boards 50. Optionally, one first segment board 50 is placed at ⅓^rd length of tub body 20 and tub body 20 can be used for giving bath to baby 18, as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

In the present invention, first segment board 50 inserts through segment board receiving sections 27 such that second bottom portion 58 with curved rounded corners 60 comes in contact with flat sections 32 and second section 29 to prevent water 19 from leaking out. This ensures less water 19 is required to fill up smaller tub body 20 that can be used for bathing baby 18. After use, first segment boards 50 are removed from segment board receiving sections 27 and placed side by side in board openings 36 in the front of tub body 20, as shown in FIG. 2A, for example. Further, cam latches 6 are used for locking first segment boards 50 into board openings 36 to store them securely.

Now referring to FIG. 6 through FIG. 10, bathtub 12 including a second segment board 90, and a locking member 70 at walls 22 is shown, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of bathtub 12 receiving second segment board 90. Locking member 70 is configured to sit within segment board receiving section 27. In the present invention, locking member 70 has a bottom part 72 and an upper part 76, as shown in FIG. 8. Bottom part 72 comes in a step-like structure and includes a connecting groove 74. Connecting groove 74 comes in a variety of shapes depending on the shape of a connecting member 81. Upper part 76 sits over bottom part 72 and conceals bottom part 72. In order to connect locking member 70 to wall 22, each of segment board receiving sections 27 is provided with a lock receptacle 80, as shown in FIG. 8. Lock receptacle 80 is formed at the top of segment board receiving section 27 such that locking member 70 is made to position at the top. As can be seen, lock receptacle 80 has a deeper cut-section than segment board receiving section 27 at the interior of wall 22. In one embodiment, the shape of receiving section 27 is formed with an angle, such as 5° off the vertical, to allow the divider to be easily inserted at a slight angle, then be re-oriented vertically to secure its position with a watertight seal under the locking mechanism. Lock receptacle 80 encompasses a connecting member 81. Connecting member 81 positions within lock receptacle 80 without interfacing i.e., offset to segment board receiving section 27.

In order to connect locking member 70 to wall 22, at first, connecting groove 74 of bottom part 72 is made to slide over connecting member 81. This ensures bottom part 72 sits over lock receptacle 80. Subsequently, upper part 76 is placed over bottom part 72 to conceal connecting groove 74 and/or connecting member 81, as shown in FIG. 7.

After connecting locking members 70 to walls 22 at opposite sides, second segment board 90 is placed to partition bathtub 12. FIG. 9 shows a feature of second segment board 90 placed in bathtub 12 for partitioning bathtub 12. Second segment board 90 has constructional features similar to first segment board 50. Here, second segment board 90 too presents a handle 92 for holding second segment board 90. A person skilled in the art understands that handle 92 helps to insert and remove second segment board 90 from board openings 36 and/or segment board receiving sections 27. Further, second segment board 90 encompasses cut-sections 94 at each top corner, as can be seen from FIG. 9. Cut-sections 94 are formed in step-like configuration. It is understood that cut-sections 94 are shaped to interface with the shape of bottom part 72 of locking member 70.

In use, second segment board 90 is placed within segment board receiving sections 27 for partitioning bathtub 12, as explained above. In this embodiment, cut- sections 94 interface and fit against locking members 70 at opposing walls 22. This ensures locking members 70 retain second segment board 90 in place, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. When the user wishes to remove second segment board 90, the user lifts locking members 70 at both side of walls 22 and removes second segment board 90 from segment board receiving sections 27 using handle 92.

The presently disclosed bathtub provides several advantages over the prior art. The bathtub allows to partition the bigger tub body into smaller areas and contain water within the area. This reduces the time taken to fill required water for giving bath to babies. Further, the presently disclosed bathtub reduces the amount/volume of water the bathtub needs to be filled to a certain height. The bathtub includes the segment board receiving sections positioned at various lengths of the tub body, which helps to adjust the placement of the segment boards. The segment boards are removed and placed at the panel without utilizing additional space for storage when not in use. The segment boards are easy to install and uninstall from segment board receiving sections allowing the users to customize their bathing experience. Further, the segment boards help to use only a portion of the tub body making it easier to clean the bathtub after use.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the bathtub can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed bathtub.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A bathtub, comprising: a tub body comprising a base, and walls extending from said base;segment board receiving sections formed at said opposing walls;a panel positioned adjacent to and at an outer side of a wall of said walls;a plurality of board openings formed at said panel; anda plurality of segment boards,wherein said plurality of segment boards is configured to be selectively positioned between said plurality of board openings and said segment board receiving sections.

2. The bathtub of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises cut-sections at top corners.

3. The bathtub of claim 2, wherein each of said segment board receiving sections comprises locking members at the top for connecting said cut-sections to retain said plurality of segment boards in said segment board receiving sections.

4. The bathtub of claim 3, wherein each of said segment board receiving sections comprises a lock receptacle for connecting a locking member of said locking members.

5. The bathtub of claim 4, wherein said lock receptacle comprises a connecting member.

6. The bathtub of claim 5, wherein said locking member comprises a connecting groove, and wherein said connecting groove connects to said connecting member of said lock receptacle.

7. The bathtub of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises cam latches at the top for locking said plurality of segment boards to said plurality of board openings.

8. The bathtub of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises a handle for facilitating insertion and removal from said plurality of board openings and said segment board receiving sections.

9. A bathtub, comprising: a tub body comprising a base, and walls extending from said base;pairs of segment board receiving sections positioned at one of one-third, one-half, and two-thirds length of opposing walls;a panel connected adjacent to and at an outer side of a wall of said walls;a plurality of board openings formed at said panel; anda plurality of segment boards,wherein said plurality of segment boards position in said plurality of board openings when not in use, andwherein one or more of said plurality of segment boards is placed in said pairs of segment board receiving sections interfacing said base and said walls to provide a watertight fit and to partition said tub body.

10. The bathtub of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises cut-sections at top corners.

11. The bathtub of claim 10, wherein each of said segment board receiving sections comprises locking members at the top for connecting said cut-sections to retain said plurality of segment boards in said segment board receiving sections.

12. The bathtub of claim 11, wherein each of said segment board receiving sections comprises a lock receptacle for connecting a locking member of said locking members.

13. The bathtub of claim 12, wherein said lock receptacle comprises a connecting member.

14. The bathtub of claim 13, wherein said locking member comprises a connecting groove, wherein said connecting groove connects to said connecting member of said lock receptacle.

15. The bathtub of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises cam latches at the top for locking said plurality of segment boards to said plurality of board openings.

16. The bathtub of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of segment boards comprises a handle for facilitating insertion and removal from said plurality of board openings and said segment board receiving sections.

17. A method of providing a bathtub, said method comprising the steps of: providing a tub body comprising a base, and walls extending from said base;providing segment board receiving sections formed at said opposing walls;providing a panel positioned adjacent to and at an outer side of a wall of said walls;providing a plurality of board openings formed in said panel; andproviding a plurality of segment boards; andselectively positioning said plurality of segment boards in said plurality of board openings and said segment board receiving sections.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing cut-sections at top corners of each of said plurality of segment boards;providing locking members at the top of each of said segment board receiving sections; andconnecting said cut-sections to said locking members for retaining said plurality of segment boards in said segment board receiving sections.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing cam latches at the top of each of said plurality of segment boards for locking said plurality of segment boards to said plurality of board openings.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a handle at each of said plurality of segment boards for facilitating insertion and removal from said plurality of board openings and said segment board receiving sections.