Patent Application
20240398172
The present invention relates generally to the field of bathtubs. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bathtub wall-extending device that can be attached around a bathtub wall to increase the weight of the wall in order to convert any bathtub into a deep soaking tub. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Submersion into a deep bathtub can be an immensely enjoyable and relaxing experience, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life. However, older homes, rental units, and similar spaces may have outdated bathrooms that require expensive renovations to install a correct-sized bathtub for deep soaking. Often, the existing bathtubs of said spaces are either too small, too shallow, or in a state of disrepair, making it impossible for occupants to fully enjoy relaxation in the bath. Moreover, the plumbing and structural requirements of older homes may not be compatible with modern bathtub designs, necessitating significant modifications. Without a desirable bathtub, people may be forced to settle for quick showers, missing out on the therapeutic benefits of a soaking bath. This not only affects their quality of life but also impacts their overall well-being, as they are unable to fully unwind and decompress at the end of the day.
Further exacerbating the issue, the cost of renovations can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those living in rental properties or on a fixed income. Many people simply cannot afford to undertake the necessary modifications to their living spaces. Additionally, the process of renovating a bathroom can be incredibly disruptive, rendering the space unusable for a significant period of time. This can be particularly inconvenient for those living in single-bathroom homes or apartments. Lastly, even if one can afford and endure the renovation process, there may be physical constraints, such as the size of the bathroom or the layout of the plumbing, that make it impossible to install a larger or deeper bathtub. All these factors combined make it incredibly challenging for many individuals to create a bathroom space that allows for deep soaking and relaxation.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to modify a bathtub. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub wherein the device removably attaches to a bathtub.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bathtub wall-extending device. The device is comprised of a body that is preferably ovular or rectangular in shape. The body is comprised of at least one fastener which allows the body to removably attach to a bathtub wall in a waterproof manner. As a result, the body raises the height of the bathtub wall to allow the bathtub to become a deep-soaking tub. The body may also be comprised of at least one gasket for additional waterproofing as well as a veneer or other simulated finish to match the existing bathtub wall exterior.
In this manner, the bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to modify a bathtub by extending the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, the device can removably attach to any bathtub. As a result, any bathtub can be easily converted into a deep soaking tub in a non-permanent manner.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bathtub wall-extending device. During use, the device can be removably attached to a bathtub wall in order to extend the wall taller. This allows any bathtub to be converted into a deep soaking tub. In addition, the device is fully removable and can be applied to any bathtub.
The body is preferably made from a waterproof material such as but not limited to plastic. The body may be any height greater than 1 inch in order to extend the height of the bathtub wall to effectively convert the wall and bathtub into a deep soaking tub once the device has been attached to the wall.
In one embodiment, the body is rigid. In another embodiment, the body may be collapsible such that it can be collapsed when not in use. In this embodiment, the body may be comprised of at least one vertical frame member and/or at least one horizontal frame member 140. The frame members provide structural support to the body when erected.
The bottom edge of the body (or in another embodiment, another area of the body) is comprised of at least one fastener. The fastener allows the bottom edge (or other area of the body) to attach to the top edge (or other portion) of a bathtub wall. The fastener is preferably a waterproof fastener such as a waterproof tape.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to the top edge of a bathtub wall via the fastener positioned on a bottom edge of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the exterior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the interior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
Accordingly, the bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to modify a bathtub by extending the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, the device can removably attach to any bathtub. As a result, any bathtub can be easily converted into a deep soaking tub in a non-permanent manner. In this manner, the bathtub wall-extending device overcomes the limitations of existing bathtubs known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to modify a bathtub. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub wherein the device removably attaches to a bathtub.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a bathtub wall-extending device that can be removably attached to a bathtub wall in order to extend the wall taller. This allows any bathtub to be converted into a deep soaking tub. In addition, the device is fully removable and can be applied to any bathtub.
The body is preferably made from a waterproof material such as but not limited to plastic. The body may be any height greater than 1 inch in order to extend the height of the bathtub wall to effectively convert the wall and bathtub into a deep soaking tub once the device has been attached to the wall.
In one embodiment, the body is rigid. In another embodiment, the body may be collapsible such that it can be collapsed when not in use. In this embodiment, the body may be comprised of at least one vertical frame member and/or at least one horizontal frame member 140. The frame members provide structural support to the body when erected.
The bottom edge of the body (or in another embodiment, another area of the body) is comprised of at least one fastener that allows the bottom edge (or other area of the body) to attach to the top edge (or other portion) of a bathtub wall. The fastener is preferably a waterproof fastener such as a waterproof tape.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to the top edge of a bathtub wall via the fastener positioned on a bottom edge of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the exterior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the interior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.
Accordingly, the bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to modify a bathtub by extending the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, the device can removably attach to any bathtub. As a result, any bathtub can be easily converted into a deep soaking tub in a non-permanent manner. In this manner, the bathtub wall-extending device overcomes the limitations of existing bathtubs known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The body 110 of the device 100 is preferably ovular or rectangular in shape. However, the body 110 may be shaped, sized, and dimensions to fit any style of bathtub known in the art. The body 110 is preferably made from a waterproof material such as but not limited to plastic. The body 110 may be any height greater than 1 inch. This allows the body 110 to extend the height of the bathtub wall 10 to effectively convert the wall 10 and the bathtub into a deep soaking tub once the device 100 has been attached to the wall 10.
In one embodiment, the body 110 is comprised of at least one indicia 114. The indicia 114 may be in the form of a pattern, a color, a simulated material finish, etc. In this manner, the body 110 may resemble the exterior finish of the existing bathtub wall 10. This provides a seamless transition in appearance from the wall 10 to the device 100. In another embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one veneer 116 that matches the bathtub wall 10 finish. Said veneer may include but is not limited to acrylic, porcelain, cast iron, fiberglass, etc.
In one embodiment, the body 110 is rigid. In another embodiment, the body 110 may be collapsible such that it can be collapsed when not in use. In this embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one vertical frame member 130 and/or at least one horizontal frame member 140. The frame members 130,140 provide structural support to the body 110 when erected. The frame members 130,140 may be positioned externally on the body 110 or internally (i.e., within) the body 110. The frame members 130,140 may be removable or non-removable from the body 110 in different embodiments.
The bottom edge 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of at least one fastener 122. The fastener 122 allows the bottom edge 120 to attach to the top edge 12 of a bathtub wall 10. The fastener 122 is preferably a waterproof fastener such as but not limited to a waterproof tape. In one embodiment, the fastener 122 may be alternatively positioned on the exterior surface 117 (as seen in
In one embodiment, the bottom edge 120 (or other area of the body 110) may be comprised of at least one gasket 124. The gasket 124 further waterproofs the connection between the bathtub wall 10 edge 12 and bottom edge 120 of the body 110. This prevents water leakage from between the bottom edge 120 and wall 10 when the bathtub is filled with water.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using 400 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bathtub wall-extending device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the bathtub wall-extending device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bathtub wall-extending device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bathtub wall-extending device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/505,184, which was filed on May 31, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63505184 | May 2023 | US |
