Patent Application
20240398173
The present invention relates generally to household items or personal care products, and, more particularly, to a bathing splash barrier for containing splashes and keeping water in a bathtub when bathing children and pets.
Bathing young children or pets in a bathtub or tub/shower combination can often be a messy and potentially hazardous task. Typically, the bathtub is open on one side, which is usually covered by a shower curtain. However, shower curtains are not always user-friendly and do not effectively contain splashes.
Current methods for containing splashes in the bathtub include shower curtains, plastic splash guards, and various do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques such as using towels or blankets. While these methods may offer some level of effectiveness, they also present their own set of challenges. For example, shower curtains can be difficult to use and maintain cleanliness. Plastic splash guards may be cumbersome and often do not fit properly, resulting in leaks and spills. DIY methods, on the other hand, are frequently unreliable and insufficient at effectively containing splashes.
Given the limitations of existing solutions, there is a clear need for a more effective method to contain water in the bathtub when bathing children or pets. An improved solution would not only prevent water damage to walls, baseboards, and floors but also minimize the risk of slips and falls on wet, slippery surfaces. Additionally, it would enhance the overall bathing experience by offering a more comfortable and convenient way to bathe children and pets.
The present invention proposes a promising solution to these issues by providing an effective and easy-to-use method for containing splashes and keeping water within the tub.
The bathing splash barrier of the present invention is also referred to as tub net, splash guard net, bathtub barrier, water containment net, bathing safety net, or bathtub splash shield, tub splash guard addresses the problem of containing splashes in the bathtub when bathing young children or pets. This invention seeks to provide an improved alternative to existing solutions such as shower curtains, plastic splash guards, and various DIY methods, which often have significant limitations. The retractable bathing splash barrier aims to prevent water damage, reduce the risk of slips and falls, and enhance the overall bathing experience through a more efficient and user-friendly design.
The retractable bathing splash barrier is useful for kids of all ages to enjoy bath time, especially when they get the opportunity to play in the bathtub and use the time to splash around in the water and/or to play with toys without worrying about the risk of slips and falls and damage to floors, walls, and baseboards.
The bathing splash barrier includes features that facilitate its use in most bathtubs and tub/shower combinations with walls on either side. It functions as a retractable, waterproof splash guard that can be secured to one wall with hooks and extended to the opposite wall as needed.
Installation of the bathing splash guard involves attaching hooks to both walls of the tub or shower using adhesive strips or suction cups, depending on the specific model. Once installed, the user can extend the retractable splash barrier and hook it onto the opposite wall, creating a barrier to contain splashes within the tub. The barrier is constructed from waterproof materials, ensuring its effectiveness in preventing water from escaping the tub and causing damage to floors, walls, and baseboards. When not in use, the barrier can be retracted for easy storage, maintaining the bathroom's aesthetic appeal.
The retractable feature of the bathing splash barrier allows it to be adjusted to fit various tub sizes and accommodate different bathing needs. This adaptability makes it a versatile solution for households with young children or pets. The Bathing Net's design focuses on ease of installation and use, effectively addressing the need for a reliable method to contain splashes during bathing.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, in light of the accompanying drawings.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use, and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments is intended for illustration purposes only and is, therefore, not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the invention.
As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may also include plural references. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, to improve the understanding of the present invention. There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted in one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components or set-ups, which constitutes a bathing splash barrier or bathing splash guard for containing splashes and keeping water in the bathtub when bathing children and pets. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “yet another embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, “another example”, “yet another example”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system and method have been described above it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing the invention, without departing from the breadth or scope. Further, for the purpose of this application, the terms “splash guard”, “guard”, “splash barrier”, “barrier”, and so on are all interchangeably used throughout the description to refer to a barrier or a water receiving structure created for keeping water in the bathtub and preventing water from splashing out of the bathtub when bathing children and pets.
The bathing splash barrier will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which should be regarded as merely illustrative without restricting the scope and ambit of the present invention.
A bathing tub, also known as a bathtub, is a large container designed for a person to sit or lie in while bathing. Bathtubs are typically made of materials such as porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, or cast iron, and may have various features such as built-in jets or grab bars. They can be freestanding or built-in and are usually installed in a bathroom for the purpose of bathing or soaking in water. Bathtubs come in different shapes and sizes and can be designed for single or multiple users.
The bathing area or shower area in a bathroom is the specific section or space within a bathroom designated for the purpose of bathing or showering. It typically includes a bathtub or shower stall, as well as any necessary fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and drainpipes. The bathing area may also include accessories such as towel racks or shelves for storing personal hygiene items. The size and layout of the bathing area can vary depending on the bathroom's size, design, and the homeowner's preferences.
The bathing splash barrier also referred to as a tub net, splash guard net, bathtub barrier, water containment net, bathing safety net, bathtub splash shield, splashguard are all terms used to describe a device designed to contain splashes in the bathtub or bathing area when bathing children or pets. These terms are often used interchangeably but generally refer to a waterproof, retractable splash barrier or a water receiving structure created for keeping water in the bathtub and preventing water from splashing out of the bathtub when bathing children and pets. The retractable bathing splash barrier can be attached to the walls of a bathtub or tub/shower combo. The device is typically made from materials such as plastic or silicone and can be easily retracted when not in use. The bathing splash barrier can help prevent water damage to walls, baseboards, and floors, reduce the risk of slips and falls, and make the bathing experience more enjoyable for both children and adults.
The bathing splash barrier 100a is comprised of several components that work together to provide an effective solution for containing splashes in the bathtub and preventing water from splashing out of the bathtub when bathing children and pets. The main component is a tube 102 with two ends (a first end and a second end), which provides structural support for the bathing splash barrier 100a. The tube 102 may be cylindrical in shape or any other shape like square shape and so on. The tube 102 may be hollow inside or maybe solid. The two ends of the tube 102 are inserted into two hooks 104a, 104b, which hold the tube 102 securely in place and provide additional support. The retractable splashing barrier 100a also includes a spool 106, which is used to hold a splash barrier 108 that is used to contain water splashes in the bathtub. The barrier or guard 108 may be made of transparent material or non-transparent material. The splash barrier/guard 108 is rolled around the spool 106 for easy storage and retrieval. The tube 110 serves as a handle for the splash barrier 108. Similar to the tube 102, the tube 110 may be cylindrical in shape or may be of any other shape such as square. The tube 110 may be a hollow tube or a solid-filled tube.
In an embodiment, both the tubes 102, 110 may be identical. In another embodiment, tubes 102, 110 may be non-identical. One end of the barrier/guard 108 is attached to the handle 110, and the user can use the handle 110 to pull/retrieve the barrier/guard 108 out from the spool 106 for use in the bathtub or retract the barrier/guard 108 back into the spool 106 for storage. The transparent splash barrier/guard 108 allows the user to see through it, which can help monitor the children or pets in the bathtub. The bathing splash barrier 100a provides a simple and effective way to contain splashes in the bathtub. Its easy-to-use design and transparent barrier/guard make it a useful tool for parents and pet owners alike. The hooks 104, the spool 106, and the handle 110 components ensure that the retractable splash barrier 100a is secure and easy to store when not in use.
In the bathing splash barrier 100a design, both side attachments, referring to the hooks 105a, 105b, utilize adhesive strips or sticky pads (not seen) for attachment to the walls next to the bathtub 112. These adhesive strips are designed to provide a strong and secure hold on the smooth surfaces of the bathtub walls or bathroom walls. On the other hand, the only part of the bathing splash barrier 100a that uses suction cups is the strip 124 (
The end hooks 118 with sticky pads are designed to be attached to the opposite wall of the bathtub. These hooks 118 have a unique design that allows the user to easily hook the handle 110 of the bathing splash barrier 100a onto them. The hooks 118 have a horizontal bar 118c that extends out from the wall, with a vertical opening 118d at the end. To attach the bathing splash barrier to the end hooks 118, the user pulls out the barrier 108 from the spool using the handle 110 and moves it across the bathtub 112 to the opposite wall. The user then lines up the handle 110 with the vertical opening 118d of the end hook 118 and slides it down into place. The hooks 118 securely hold the handle 110 in place, creating a barrier that prevents water from splashing out of the bathtub. The end hooks 118 are designed with sticky pads or adhesive stripes or suction cups that adhere to the wall of the bathtub (on the opposite wall of the wall where the spool or bathing splash barrier 100a is installed). The sticky pads provide a secure and reliable attachment point for the hooks 118, ensuring that they remain in place during use. The hooks 118 are also designed to be easily removed without damaging the surface of the bathroom walls, making it convenient for users to attach and detach the bathing splash barrier as needed. The design of the end hooks 118 with sticky pads provides a simple and effective way to attach the bathing splash barrier to the opposite wall of the bathtub. The unique design of the hooks 118 allows for easy attachment of the handle 110, while the sticky pads provide a secure attachment point that can be easily removed without damaging the bathroom walls. Although the embodiment presented herein discloses use of end hooks 118 for mounting the handle 110 on the opposite wall in order to extend the retractable barrier 108, it should be understood that instead of end hooks 118 with sticky pads disclosed herein any other kind of hooks, or any other kind of mechanisms (for an example, but not limited to suction cups, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive stripes may be used) may be utilized to hold the handle 110 onto the opposite wall and keep the barrier 108 in extended position. In an embodiment, it may be possible to embed magnets onto the handle 110 and a complimenting magnet or magnetic means may be used to attach the handle to the opposite wall. Likewise, straps/loops may be used to tic down the handle to the opposite wall using known mechanical techniques. Further, in an embodiment, the handle 110 may have multiple suction cups configured thereon that would help the handle adhere to the opposite wall to keep the barrier 108 in an extended position.
The bathing splash barrier 100a is a solution to one of the common problems faced by parents and pet owners when bathing their children or pets in a bathtub. The proposed retractable bathing splash barrier 100a keeps water splashes contained within the bathtub, preventing mess and water damage to bathroom surfaces, while allowing kids and pets to enjoy their bath time and water play activities. This innovative product is made of clear, flexible, and waterproof material that enables parents to see and reach their children during bath time while ensuring water stays within the bathtub. It has a suction cup barrier strip 124 along the bottom that creates a reservoir to keep water in the bathtub and prevents water from going under the barrier 108. The bathing splash barrier 100a features an easy-grip handle, which allows parents to hook and unhook the guard with a single hand, making it easy to get kids in and out of the tub. Additionally, the material stays looking and smelling great if left extended to dry after baths, and the splash barrier stores seamlessly in the spool or can be removed when not in use. This product is easy to install and can be attached to any standard shower/tub insert or bathtub with walls or bathroom walls using sticky pads or similar attachments. The proposed invention can be a great choice for kids as soon as they are old enough to sit up on their own in the tub, making it a great solution for multiple kids tubbing at the same time when messy splashing is more likely. The bathing splash barrier 100a also works great for dog baths or other pet baths, making it a versatile product that can be used by anyone in the family. The bathing splash barrier 100a is an innovative and effective solution that enhances the bath time experience for both parents and kids by containing water within the bathtub, preventing mess, and reducing the risk of water damage to bathroom surfaces. Its clear, waterproof, and flexible material, easy-grip handle, suction cup barrier strip, and easy storage features make it an essential tool for any family with a bathtub.
The bathing splash barrier 100a consists of several components, including the splash barrier/barrier, spool, sticky hooks, sticky pads, suction cup strips, tubes, and so on. The barrier is made of PVC Mesh, which is a flexible and transparent material that allows users to see their children or pets during bath time. The bathing splash barrier 100a has an Aluminum Alloy Rod and Aluminum Alloy spool that provide structural support and durability. The metal handle or metal-coated handle is used to pull the barrier out of the spool and attach it to the hooks on the opposite wall of the bathtub. The sticky hooks, and sticky pads are made of ABS and organic material, respectively, and are used to attach the main unit to the wall of the bathtub. The suction cup strip is made of PVC and runs along the edge of the tub to prevent water from running under the barrier and out of the tub. All these materials are carefully selected to ensure the proposed invention's effectiveness, safety, and longevity; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the proposed bathing splash barrier 100a and associated components may be made using any other suitable material
The bathing splash barrier 100a represents a significant advance in bath time solutions, offering several features that make it a highly effective and user-friendly product. One of the most significant advances is the clear, waterproof material used to make the barrier. Unlike traditional bathtime solutions such as shower curtains, the bathing splash barrier 100a allows parents to see their children clearly while washing them, ensuring their safety and comfort during bath time. This is especially useful in emergencies when a parent needs to reach their child quickly. Another key advance is the suction cup barrier strip along the bottom of the barrier, which creates a reservoir to keep water in the tub and prevents water from going under the barrier. This feature reduces the risk of water damage to bathroom surfaces, such as floors, baseboards, and walls, and provides a cleaner and safer environment for kids to play and splash in. The bathing splash barrier 100a also features an easy-grip handle, which allows parents to hook and unhook the guard with a single hand, making it easy to get kids in and out of the tub. This is especially useful for parents with multiple children or for those who have difficulty using both hands due to disabilities or other physical limitations. Additionally, the bathing splash barrier 100a is easy to install and can be attached to any standard shower/tub insert or bathtub with walls using included sticky pads. This feature makes it highly versatile and easy to use for families with different types of bathrooms and bathtubs. The bathing splash barrier 100a represents an advance in bath time solutions by offering a user-friendly, versatile, and highly effective product that makes bath time safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for both parents and children.
Although the described embodiments above and the drawings show the bathing splash barrier 100a installed on the walls 120a, and 120b of the bathtub 112 to a certain height, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is possible to customize the bathing splash barrier 100a to any height, even to a shorter height for bathing small children or pets or even it is possible to customize the bathing splash barrier 100a to a longer height similar to traditional shower curtains (so that bathing splash barrier 100a can serve the purpose of shower curtains). In an example, after the barrier/guard is fully extended, the length may be about 180 cm whereas the height may be about 63 cm. Likewise, the suction cup barrier strip 124 can be of any length and one can cut out the needed length. In an example, the length of the suction cup barrier strip 124 is about 183 cm. Thus, although the present invention has been described with respect to various schematic representations (
The present application hereby claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entirety of the disclosures of the provisional application No. 63/470,288 entitled “RETRACTABLE BATHING NET: A WATERPROOF SPLASH GUARD FOR BATHTUBS AND TUB/SHOWER COMBOS” filed on Jun. 1, 2023.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63470288 | Jun 2023 | US |
