BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present invention relates to the field of safety devices, and more specifically, to safety devices for bathing small children or pets.
2. Background
Bathing of infants and small children has long been a stressful and inconvenient task for caregivers. Conditions that can be stressful to the caregiver while bathing small children often vary in accordance to the developmental stage of the child. Newborns are typically unable to lift their heads or control their movements to allow the caregiver any freedom around water. Newborns need to be propped as they bathe, ensuring their heads are above water at all times. As Newborns mature into infants, they begin to explore their surroundings. An infant in this developmental stage is restless if bathed without external stimuli. Many caregivers introduce external stimuli in the bathing experience through the introduction of toys. Many toy manufactures capitalize on the demand by manufacturing toys specifically designed for the bath. As the infants mature and become toddlers, their ability to explore their surroundings expands. Toddlers can sit, stand, move around and play during bath time. At this developmental stage they have poor motor control and have difficulties balancing on slippery surfaces of conventional bath tubs and showers. Injuries inflicted on toddlers as a result from slipping in the bathtub is common. Many types of bathing units attempt to control toddlers using a variety of shaped enclosures that physically constrain the child in a seated position within the bathtub. This often creates a more stressful bathing experience for both the child and the caregiver.
Various attempts have been made to alleviate the stress and inconvenience involved in bathing infants and small children. Devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 2012/0151668 (Ellison), U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,588 (Angelotti), or U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,917 (Bryant) provide such examples of infant bathing enclosures.
Ellison discloses a pen for washing a small child, which is intended for use in a shower or bathtub. The pen uses a complex system of joins tension cords to connect the outer walls of the pen thereby permitting collapsibility when not in use. This is a very intricate, complicated system which involves a plethora of moving parts and a fairly complex mechanism involving numerous tension cords. The pen becomes expensive to produce, hard to maintain, and expensive to replace. Additionally, the pen has no storage tray and is therefore bothersome to the caregiver when collapsed but not in use. The pen is unable to adapt to the infants as they develop, and as such, is limited in reducing the stressful environment surrounding the bathing experience for the infants and the caregivers.
Angelotti discloses a bathtub enclosure providing a large sitting area with soft surfaces. The enclosure mounts directly onto the bathtub walls. Two poles mount onto the bathtub which braces the bathtub enclosure. Soft material is passed through the poles and forms the outer walls and floor of the bathtub enclosure. The enclosure extends vertically no higher than the bathtub and as such permits the toddler to grab onto the ledge of the bathtub or the tiles in an attempt to explore the surrounding and in an attempt to regain balance while falling. This is extremely dangerous and can cause the toddler serious injuries. Additionally, due to the two pole system, the unsupported walls of the enclosure can sag allowing the toddler to fall between the enclosure and the bathtub.
Bryant discloses an infant tub with removable seat for allowing the caregiver to not have to hold onto the infant while bathing the infant. The infant tub is a stand-alone device and is not used within the bathtub. Although it does attempt to adapt to the developmental progression of the infant, it does use straps and enclosures to control the infant. Storage of the infant tub while not in use is problematic for the unit is not collapsible and as such will take up a lot of space.
As such, there is a need for a device that can overcome the drawbacks as described above. Indeed, there is a need for an infant bathtub safety system which provides safe atmosphere for the infant while bathing, involves very few parts, is used within a bathtub, and can adapt to the developmental stage of the infant. All the while providing a storage system which minimizes the space required to store the assembly between bathing sessions.
SUMMARY
In a first aspect, the bathtub safety system is comprised of a bathtub safety assembly comprising: a back wall having connecting means and the back wall providing a first perimeter; a pair of side walls having receiving means with each side walls connected to the back wall and the pair of side walls providing a second and third perimeter; a front wall having receiving means with the front wall connected to the pair of said walls and the front wall providing a fourth perimeter creating an enclosed space in combination with the first, second and third perimeter; and a stand for storing the bathtub safety assembly.
In a second aspect, a kit for a bathtub safety system is comprised of: a bathtub safety assembly further comprised of a back wall, a pair of side walls and a front wall; and a stand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It will now be convenient to describe the invention with particular reference to figures showing one or more embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the drawings relate to one or more embodiments of the present invention and are not to be taken as limiting the invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly in an open position for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly in a closed position for a bathtub safety system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a back wall of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a side wall of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front wall of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a front wall connected to the side wall of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a side wall connected to a back wall in an open position of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a side wall connected to the back wall in a closed position of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front wall hinged onto the back wall in a closed position of a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an open bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system positioned within a bathtub, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is cross sectional view of the bathtub holding an open bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an open bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system containing a secured open bath mat, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an open bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system containing a closed bath mat, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly tray for a bathtub safety system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a kneeling board set within the bathtub safety assembly tray for a bathtub safety system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bathtub hanging tray for a bathtub safety system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15A is a frontal view of a closed bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15B is a profile cross-sectional view of a closed bathtub safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view a closed bathtub safety system with a water tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an infant hammock accessory attached onto a bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a rigid infant hammock accessory attached onto an open bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a newborn bathing accessory fitted onto the open bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18B is a perspective view of a newborn bathing accessory fitted across an open bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a play accessories fitted on an open bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19B is a perspective view of an advanced play accessory fitted on an open bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bathtub clamp accessory fitted on a bathtub safety assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the infant bathtub safety system in use in a bathtub according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a lower perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a back wall for a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a back wall for a bathtub safety assembly for a bathtub safety system in a disassembled configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23C is a perspective view of a bathtub safety system in a disassembled configuration for insertion into a retail box according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is an upper perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a lower perspective view of a bathtub safety assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a base portion with securing means of a bathtub safety assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred and other embodiments of the invention are shown. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention claimed in this document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used herein. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may be used to indicated that two or more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other intervening elements between them) physical or electrical contact with each other, or that the two or more elements co-operate or interact with each other (e.g. as in a cause and effect relationship). Further, while the term “infant” is utilized, a worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that infant can be interchanged with “pet” or “child” or other similar terms without departing from the scope of the invention.
With reference to FIG. 1 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown in detail. The bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown in an open configuration and is primarily comprised of a back wall 10, a front wall 15, and side walls 20. The walls are constructed from a rigid plastic resin making the assembly sturdy, light, durable and easy to clean. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various components that can be used to construct the walls, including but not limited to: plastic; wood; rubber; and, fabric mesh supported with ridged tubing. The back wall, side walls and front wall of can also be hollow allowing for the introduction of water within these walls to increase the stability of the bathtub safety assembly.
In an open position, the respective walls interact with the outer edges forming a hollow frame. The frame structure must maintain a certain level of rigidity at the connection points to ensure that the bathtub safety assembly 5 does not collapse from pressures exerted upon it while in use. The pressures exerted on the bathtub safety assembly 5 varies from caregivers leaning on and over hollow frame while cleaning an infant or a pet, to the pressures exerted by the infant while playing within the hollow frame. The footprint of the open bathtub safety assembly 5 allows the assembly to be used in most bathtubs. In addition, the footprint of the bathtub safety assembly 5 allows for example infants of varying developmental stages sufficient space to foster play while permitting the care giver to bathe the infant. The surface texture of the walls is consistent with permitting infants to prop themselves up without fear of slipping or falling when losing balance. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various methods of introducing texture into walls, from use of abrasive materials within the plastic resin to molding textured patterns onto the walls.
Adaptability of the bathtub safety assembly 5 is a key feature of the present invention. Adaptability is made possible through the use of accessories (not shown). Accessories allow the caregiver to adjust the bathtub safety assembly 5 in accordance to the developmental stage of the infant. The adaptability of the bathtub safety assembly 5 will be described in greater detail in subsequent sections.
With reference to FIG. 2 and according to one embodiment of the present invention the bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown in a closed configuration. In the closed position, the bathtub safety assembly 5 is folded, thereby drastically decreasing the space required to store the assembly within the bathtub safety system of the present invention. The side walls 20 fold inward and are parallel with the back wall 10. The length of the side walls 20 are less than half the length of the back wall 10. When folded, the side walls 20 lay flush against the back wall 10. The front wall 15 latches and is hinged onto the back wall 10 and secures the side walls 20 within the folded bathtub safety assembly 5 through the use of the receiving means on the front and side walls.
With reference to FIG. 3 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a back wall 10 of a safety bathtub assembly is shown in detail. The face of the back wall 10 contains numerous apertures 35. The apertures 35 can be used by an infant as handgrips as the infant explores the surroundings for example. In addition, the apertures 35 are used in attachment of accessories (not shown), and will be further described below. Multiple protruding arms 25 adorn the outer edge of the back wall 10. Each protruding arm 25 extrudes from the surface of the back wall 10. Cavities 27 adorn the outer edge of the back wall 10. As illustrated, the periphery of the back wall 10 contains six protruding arms 25 and four cavities 27 between the protruding arms 25. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the number of protruding arms 25 and cavities 27 is dependent on the height of the back wall 10 and side locking mechanism associated with side wall attachment (not shown). Hooks 30 extend out from the two lower sets of the protruding arms 25. In another embodiment the back wall 10 can contain corresponding backward facing protruding arms 25 and associated hooks 30. The connecting means on back panel 10 are shown as protruding arms and cavities. Other types of connecting means could be used as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art such as a recess, tongue and groove and hinge for example.
With reference to FIG. 4 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a side wall 20 from a safety bathtub assembly is shown in detail. The rear portion of the side wall 20 contains arm extensions 45 for connecting with a back panel (not shown). The side wall 20 contains numerous apertures 35. The apertures can be used by an infant as handgrips and for attachment of toys and accessories (not shown). A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the number and size of the hooks 40 can vary depending on the proposed use. Hooks 40 extend out from the front face of the side wall 20. The receiving means on side wall 20 are shown as hooks. Other types of receiving means could be used as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.
With reference to FIG. 5 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a front wall 15 for a safety bathtub assembly is shown in detail. Multiple downward facing hooks 50 adorn the outer edge of the front wall 15. As illustrated, the periphery of the front wall 15 contains two downward facing hooks 50. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the number of protruding arms is dependent on the height of the front wall 15, and the number of corresponding connecting points (not shown). The receiving means on front wall 15 are shown as hooks 50. Other types of receiving means could be used as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.
With reference to FIG. 6 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a front wall 15 connected to a side wall 20 for a bathtub safety assembly is shown in greater detail. The connection between the front wall 15 and the side wall 20 occurs only in the open configuration. The hooks 40 interlock onto the downward facing hooks 50. The number of hooks on the side wall 20 corresponds to the number of hooks present on the front wall 15. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the number of hooks required to latch the front wall 15 to the side wall 20 can vary, but needs to be greater than or equal to 1. The connecting process between the hooks 40 and downward facing hooks 50 is repeated at the opposite side with the other side wall (not shown).
With reference to FIG. 7 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a side wall 20 set onto a back wall 10 in an open position for a bathtub safety assembly is shown. The arm extensions 45 of the side wall 20 are set within the cavities 27 of the back wall 10. Once set, the side wall 20 is perpendicular to the back wall 10. The arm extensions 45 are fastened in place by the tight fit between the protruding arms 25. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various connecting means to hold the arm extensions 45 between protruding arms 25. The connecting means can include clipping, male and female mating plugs, and use of a pole that acts as a fastener and a pivoting organ. The hooks 30 of the back wall 10 are fitted between the arm extensions 45 of the side wall 20.
With reference to FIG. 8 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a side wall 20 set onto a back wall 10 in a closed position for a bathtub safety assembly is shown. In closed position, the side wall 20 is placed against the back wall 10. The arm extensions 45 of the side wall 20 are set between the protruding arms 25 of the back wall 10. In another embodiment the back wall 10 can contain corresponding backward facing protruding arms 25 and associated hooks 30 (not shown). The backward orientation allows side walls 20 to attach to rear surface of the back wall 10 thereby exposing all inner surfaces of the open configuration when in closed configuration.
With reference to FIG. 9 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a front wall 15 connected onto a back wall 10 in a closed position for a bathtub safety assembly is shown. In a closed position, the front wall 20 is interlocked onto the back wall 10. The downward facing hooks 50 of the front wall 15 interlock with the hooks 30 of the back wall. In another embodiment the back wall 10 can contain corresponding backward facing protruding arms 25 and associated hooks 30 (not shown). The backward orientation allows front wall 15 to attach to rear surface of the back wall 10 thereby exposing all inner surfaces of the open configuration when in a closed configuration.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and according to one embodiment of the present invention an open bathtub safety assembly 5 is positioned within a bathtub 2. The open bathtub assembly 5 is set within the cavity of bathtub 2. The bathtub safety assembly 5 confines an infant or a pet for example within an enclosed space through the first, second, third and fourth perimeter. The back wall 10 and the side walls 20 extend past the top ledge of bathtub 2. The height of the walls prevents an infant, for example, from propping themselves by using the bathtub ledge or tile wall. As such an infant is not exposed to the slippery walls of the bathtub 2. The infant is able to explore and play within the enclosed space of the open infant bathtub safety assembly 5. The decreased height of the front wall 15 permits the caregiver ease of access to the enclosed space. With specific reference to FIG. 11 a cross-sectional view of the bathtub 2 housing an open bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown. The bathtub safety assembly 5 fits within the cavity of the bathtub 2 and makes contact with the bathtub floor. The bathtub safety assembly 5 can be secured onto the bathtub surface by suction cups 55. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various means of securing the infant bathtub safety assembly 5 within the bathtub cavity.
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B and according to one embodiment of the present invention an open bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown containing an optional floor mat 60 attachment. The floor mat 60 prevents accidental falls by an infant or pet caused by slipping on the smooth surface of the bathtub (not shown). The floor mat 60 is constructed from a non-slippery flexible rubber compound. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various abrasive flexible materials that can be used to construct mat 60. Additionally, the matt 60 can be constructed from rigid resin plastic and attached to the walls of a bathtub safety assembly 5. In use, as seen in FIG. 12A, the floor mat 60 attached to the bottom of the back and front ends of the open bathtub safety assembly 5. The floor mat 60 is attached to the back end by clasping (not shown) to the back wall 10. The attachment mechanism can be comprised of a Velcro strip, male and female mating plugs, and looping onto hooks. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various attachment means that can be employed to attach the floor mat 60 to the back wall 10. The floor mat 60 is attached the front end of the bathtub safety assembly 5 by looping onto the side walls 20. Mat slits 70 loop onto the lower hooks 40 of the side wall 20. With specific reference to FIG. 12B the closed position of the floor mat 60 is shown. When not in use, the floor mat 60 is attached to the front face of the back wall 10. The mat 60 is secured onto the front face 10 by looping the slits 70 onto knobs 65. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various attachment mechanisms that can be employed to attach the floor mat 60 onto the face of the back wall 10. In addition, a mat 60 can be placed on the bathtub floor independently of the bathtub safety assembly 5.
With reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B and according to one embodiment of the present invention a stand 75 for use with the bathtub safety assembly in a bathtub safety system is shown. The stand 75 is comprised of a hollow shell and a removable tray 80. The stand 75 is positioned outside the bathtub 2. With specific reference to FIG. 13B a knee attachment 85 is shown situated within the stand 75. The bathing of an infant or a pet (not shown) requires the caregiver 3 to kneel beside the bathtub 2. Kneeling on a flat surface is uncomfortable, and can be painful if done for extended periods. The knee attachment 85, when situated within the stand 75 provides a comfortable alternative for the caregiver to kneel on. The shape of the knee attachment 85 effectively disperses the pressure from the knee to the lower thigh and upper chin thereby alleviating the pressure placed directly on the knee. In addition, the caregiver's experience bathing an infant can be enhanced with the addition of a non-slip padded elbow rest.
With reference to FIG. 14 and according to another embodiment of the present invention a stand 75 for use in a bathtub safety system is shown. Under this embodiment, the stand 75 is coupled onto the bathtub 2. The bathtub clasp 84 is mounted onto the bathtub 2 top ledge. The clasp 84 connects to the arm extension 85 and latches the stand 75 onto the bathtub 2.
With reference to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 16 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, a bathtub safety system 5 is shown. The bathtub safety system is primarily comprised of the bathtub safety assembly 5 and stand 75. With specific reference to FIG. 15B, a cross-sectional view of the stand 75 is shown housing the closed bathtub safety assembly 5. The inner cavity of the stand 75 coincides with the footprint of a closed bathtub safety assembly 5. The fit between a closed bathtub safety assembly 5 and the stand 75 restricts leaning at the upper end thereby allowing the unit to remain vertical without the aid of walls or other structures. The removable tray 80 is positioned below the inner cavity of the stand and does not come into contact with the closed bathtub safety assembly 5. With specific reference to FIG. 16, the tray 80 is shown being pulled out from the stand 75. After each use, the closed bathtub safety assembly 5 is positioned onto the stand. The bathtub safety assembly 5 will retain some surface water 105 from previous bathing. The water 105 will run down the closed bathtub safety assembly 5 and collect within the stand 75. The water 105 will pool within the removable tray 80. The caregiver (not shown) can slide the removable tray 80 out from the stand 75 and dispose of the excess pooled water 105.
Adaptability the infant bathtub safety assembly 5 is an essential aspect of the present invention. Adaptability is possible through the use of accessories. Accessories enhance the bathing experience for both the infant and the caregiver. Accessories can adorn the walls of the infant bathtub safety assembly 5, or can be mounted directly onto the system. Accessorizing occurs through the use of apertures 35 that adorn the side 20 and back 10 walls. The accessories can be mounted, connected or secured onto the walls with pivoting organs and keyhole slots. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various attachment methods that can be employed to secure the accessories onto the infant bathtub safety assembly 5. The interchangeability and continual accessorizing of the infant bathtub safety assembly 5 allows the caregiver to adapt the infant bathtub safety assembly 5 to grow with the child's developmental level. Accessorizing can include: fun activity attachments; toys; complete wall units; shelving; water cascades; and newborn hammocks and bathing devices. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various products that can be employed to accessories the open infant bathtub safety assembly 5. In another embodiment the back wall 10 contains corresponding backward facing protruding arms 25 and associated hooks 30 (not shown) allowing the assembly to be folded in the closed configuration with the corresponding accessories adorned on the surfaces of each wall. Below a few accessories are described in greater detail.
With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B and according to one embodiment of the present invention an open bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown accessorized with a hammock 90. The hammock 90 attaches to the walls of the bathtub safety assembly 5 by connecting onto the apertures 35. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various connecting mechanism which can be used to affix the hammock 90 onto the walls of a bathtub safety assembly 5. With specific reference to FIG. 17A a tension system is used to accessories the bathtub safety assembly 5 when installing a hammock 90. The tension system can be used in conjunction with any accessory. Flat plates 92 are pushed through the apertures 35 and turned to rest against the outer surface of the side walls 20. Once turned, the flat plates 92 are unable to pass through the aperture 35. The flat plates 92 are held against the surface of the side wall 20 by the tension created in the rope connecting the flat plates 92 on opposite side walls 20, thereby prohibiting movement and accidental slippage through the aperture 35. Tension mechanism can be applied to numerous other accessories by using corded flat plates 92 that mount the accessory on different walls, or on same wall. With specific reference to FIG. 17B a hook-in system is used to accessories a bathtub safety assembly 5 when installing a rigid hammock 90. Hooks 94 mount onto apertures 35 as the weight of the rigid hammock 90 pushes the hooks down. The hook-in system can be applied to numerous other accessories by using hooks 94 that mount the accessory on different walls, or the same wall.
With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B and according to one embodiment of the present invention an open bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown with newborn bathing device 100. The newborn bathing device 100 is mounted onto the walls of the open bathtub safety assembly 5. The newborn bathing device 100 can be designed to mount on a number of locations on the open bathtub safety assembly 5. With specific reference to FIG. 18A the newborn bathing device 100 is mounted on the corner of the open bathtub safety assembly 5. Under this embodiment, the front wall 15 and side wall 20 are utilized by the newborn bathing device 100. With specific reference to FIG. 18B the newborn bathing device 100 is centrally mounted. Under this embodiment, the front wall 15 and the back wall 10 are utilized by the newborn bathing device 100.
With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B and according to one embodiment of the present invention the open bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown with play accessories 105. Play accessories 105 can be connected on the back wall 10 or mounted on the front wall 15. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various locations and positions that a play accessory can be connected on the open bathtub safety assembly 5. The play accessories can involve other aspects of the bathing process to further enhance the experience for the infant. With specific reference to FIG. 19B the accessory utilizes the water flowing out of the tap 115 to further enhance the bathing experience for both the infant. Water flowing from the tap 115 passes through the accessory 110 causing the wheel to spin and thereby giving the infant a mechanical toy.
With reference to FIG. 20 and according to one embodiment of the present invention an open configuration, the bathtub safety assembly 5 is shown connected to the bathtub clamp 120. The bathtub clamp 120 is connected onto the walls of the open bathtub safety assembly 5 and can be designed to affix to a number of locations on the open bathtub safety assembly 5, including but not limited to the front wall 15, and the side walls 20. The bathtub clamp 120 attaches to the walls of the bathtub safety assembly 5 by either connecting onto holes (not shown) specifically designed for the bathtub clamp 120 or onto apertures 35. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various connecting mechanism which can be used to affix the bathtub clamp 120 onto the walls of the bathtub safety assembly 5. The bathtub clamp 120 prevents the open bathtub safety assembly 5 from sliding or flipping over as the toddler explores or plays within the bathtub safety assembly. When connected to the open bathtub safety assembly 5, the bathtub clamp 120 fastens securely onto the bathtub wall (not shown). The bathtub clamps 120 can be secured onto the bathtub surface by suction cups 55. A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various means of securing the bathtub safety assembly 5 within the bathtub cavity.
With reference to FIG. 21 and according to one embodiment of the present invention a bathtub safety system is shown. The bathtub safety system is comprised of a bathtub safety assembly 5 and a stand 75. The bathtub assembly 5 has a back wall providing a first perimeter 1001, a pair of side walls providing a second and third perimeter, 1002 and 1003 and a front wall providing a fourth perimeter 1004, together forming an enclosed space in combination with the first, second and third perimeter. The stand 75 is positioned outside of the tub 2, while the open bathtub safety assembly 5 is located within the cavity of the bathtub 2. Stand 75 is used to store the bathtub assembly.
With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 and according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the infant bathtub safety assembly 205 is shown primarily comprised of back wall 210, front wall 215, base portion 223 and side walls 220. As was the case in the first embodiment, side walls 220 are press fit into the back wall 210 by means of arm extensions (not shown) on side walls 220 fitting into protruding arms (not shown) of said back wall 210, while the front wall 215 is operatively engaged with a base portion 223 by means of a hinge 224, said base portion 223 also being press fit to engage the back wall 210 by means of an extension 226. In this second embodiment, the front wall 215 can connect to the side walls 220 by means of downward facing hooks 250 engaging hooks 240 of the side walls 220. Unlike in the first embodiment, the front wall 215 and side walls 220 in the second embodiment of the infant bathtub safety assembly 205 are only comprised of two downward facing hooks 250 and hooks 240, respectively, rather than four or more defining other receiving means for the front wall and side walls.
With reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B and according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the back wall 210 is shown comprised of an upper and lower portion 211, 212 in an assembled and disassembled and disconnected configuration, respectively. A recess 225 is present in the back wall providing connecting means for connecting side walls (not shown) onto the back wall 210. The upper and lower portions 211, 212 can be fastened one to the other by means of clip openings 213, located on each side thereof which interconnects said upper and lower portions 211, 212. The purpose of disconnecting upper and lower portions 211, 212 of the back wall 210 is to allow for an optimal configuration for retail sales on retail shelves. The disassembly of the bathtub safety assembly provides a more compact boxing configuration with a stand and an optional base.
With reference to FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C and according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the back wall 210 is shown disconnected into upper and lower portions 211, 212 and other parts such as side walls 220 and front wall 215 are also shown in a disassembled position for packaging in a box.
With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 and according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a pet bathtub safety assembly 305 is shown generally comprised of back wall 310, front wall 315, base portion 323 and side walls 320. Again, side walls 320 are press fit into the back wall 310 by means of arm extensions (not shown) on side walls 320 fitting into protruding arms (not shown) of said back wall 310 while the front wall 315 is operatively engaged with a base portion 323 by means of hinges 324, said base portion 323 also press fit into the back wall 310 by means of an extension 326. The connecting means including downward facing hooks 350 of the front wall 315 and hooks 340 of the side walls 320 are still present. The only functional difference between the second and third embodiments is the use of one versus two hinges, and the fact that the third embodiment is meant to be utilized for pets rather than infants.
With reference to FIG. 26, a base portion 323 is shown with securing means allowing for a leach assembly 400 to be secured into the securing means. The securing means shown in FIG. 26 is comprised of apertures 380 and 390 allowing leach assembly 400 to be secured into apertures 380 and 390. The securing means in base portion 323 can be comprised of press fit apertures, hooks within an aperture, suction cups and other means as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.
One or more of the components and functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-26 may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component or embodied in several components without departing from the invention. Additional elements or components may also be added without departing from the invention.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications are possible. Those skilled, in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Patent Application
20140352053
