I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
A tub protector system including a tub protector or tub protector kit, methods of making a tub protector, and methods of using a tub protector or tub protector kit for protecting a tub.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Tubs, including bathing tubs as well as other tubs, are susceptible to damage including scratches and puncture of the tub. Damage may occur from items being dropped onto the tub or scraped against the tub surface. There is a need in the field to protect tubs from punctures, scratches, or other damage, in order to extend the life of a tub.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A broad object of the invention can be to provide a tub protector system including a protective tub overlay including a protective tub overlay basket generally adapted to or configured to overlay a tub basin and extending to a protective overlay basket periphery generally disposed at a tub rim and a protective tub overlay border coupled to said protective overlay basket adapted to or configured to overlay at least a portion of the tub rim. In particular embodiments, the protective tub overlay border can be configured as an annular body having an inner annular edge defining an open area generally corresponding to an opening of a tub basin interior space and an outer annular edge, whereby said inner annular edge and the outer annular edge define a width of said protective tub overlay border configured or adapted to overlay the tub rim, an inner annular edge of the protective tub overlay border can, but need not necessarily, coupled to the protective overlay basket periphery. Embodiments can optionally include a protective overlay drape coupled to a portion of the outer annular edge of said protective tub overlay border, an impact absorbing base generally configured to overlay a basin bottom of the tub, an impact absorbing strip generally configured to cover a tub rim, a double-sided adhesive material disposed on the tub rim to secure a protective tub overlay border to the tub rim, a single-sided adhesive material adhered to said protective tub overlay border and said tub rim, to secure a protective tub overlay border to the tub rim. In particular embodiments, a protective overlay drape can be coupled to a portion of the protective tub overlay border.
Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a tub protector kit, comprising one or more of: an impact absorbing base adapted to or configured to overlay a tub basin bottom; an impact absorbing strip adapted to or configured to overlay a tub rim; a protective tub overlay including: a protective tub overlay basket adapted or configured to overlay a tub basin extending to a tub overlay basket periphery; and a protective tub overlay border coupled to the protective tub overlay basket, the protective tub overlay border adapted to or configured to overlay at least a portion of the tub rim; double-sided adhesive material adapted or configured to adhere a protective tub overlay border to the tub rim; and a single-sided adhesive material adapted or configured to adhere to a protective tub overlay border and to the tub rim to secure the protective tub overlay border to the tub rim; and packaging to hold the tub protector kit for storage and shipment.
Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method for manufacture of a tub protector system, comprising: configuring a tub overlay basket; and configuring a tub overlay border. The method of manufacture may further comprise connecting the tub overlay basket to the tub overlay border at a tub overlay basket periphery. The tub overlay border can be annular in form. The method can further comprise one or more of: configuring an impact absorbing base to overlay a basin bottom of the tub, configuring a tub drape to connect to the connecting the tub drape to one side of a tub overlay border periphery.
Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method for protecting a tub, comprising one or more of: obtaining a tub overlay basket; obtaining a tub overlay border; connecting the tub overlay basket to the tub overlay border at a tub overlay basket periphery; and adhering at least one of the tub overlay basket and the tub overlay border to the tub. The method can further comprise one or more of: laying an impact absorbing base in a bottom of said tub, adhering a tub rim impact absorbing strip to a tub rim, attaching a tub drape to a tub overlay border periphery, and adhering said tub drape to a tub skirt.
Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tub protection system installed on an alcove bathtub.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the tub protection system depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the tub protection system configured for installation on a free-standing bathtub.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective tub overlay border including an optional protective overlay drape in a flat sheet condition.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective tub overlay basket including an optional protective overlay drape in a flat sheet condition.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective tub overlay border and a protective tub overlay basket including an optional protective overlay drape in a flat sheet condition.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 including an optional protective overlay drape on extending from the protective tub overlay border on four sides.
FIG. 10 is a first side elevation view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 11 is a second side elevation view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 12 is a first end elevation view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 13 is a second end elevation view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 14 is top plan view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 15 is bottom plan view of the embodiments of the protective tub overlay assembled from the protective tub overlay border and the protective tub overlay basket depicted in either FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 with optional protective overlay drapes depicted in broken line.
FIG. 16 illustrates a z-fold in a protective tub overlay border to reduce the width or the length of the protective tub overlay.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Now with general reference to FIGS. 1 through 15, which provide illustrative examples of a tub protector system (1) including a tub protector (2) and methods making and methods using the tub protector (2) useful for protecting a tub (3).
In particular embodiments, the tub protector (2) can be provided as a tub protector kit (4). The term “kit” means two or more items to be combined by the end user at the time of use.
The term “tub” (3) means an open-ended vessel having an annular sidewall extending from a vessel bottom to a vessel periphery, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples include bathtubs, alcove bathtubs, freestanding bathtubs, corner bathtubs, clawfoot bathtubs, walk-in bathtubs, bathtub shower surround combinations, bathtub shower wall combinations, jetted bathtubs, hot tubs, shower pans, and wash basins.
Now, with primary reference to the illustrative examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tub (3) can comprise an alcove bathtub (3′). However, this is not intended to limit embodiments of the invention to alcove bathtubs (3′) and embodiments of the invention can be useful to protect a numerous and wide variety of tubs (3). The alcove bathtub (3′) depicted in the example includes a tub basin (5) having a tub basin sidewall (6) upwardly extending from tub basin bottom (7) to a tub rim (8). The tub rim (8), in respect of alcove bathtubs (3′), can comprise of an annular flange (9) outwardly extending to annular flange edge (10). Three of the annular flange edges of an alcove bathtub (3′), the flange back edge (10a), the flange first end edge (10b) and the flange second end edge (10c), of the alcove bathtub (3′) can be enclosed by walls (not shown) the flange front edge (10d) can remain open to allow ingress and egress from the alcove bathtub (3′). In particular embodiments, a skirt (11) can downwardly descend from the flange front edge (10d) of the annular flange (9). The tub basin (5) of the alcove tub (3′) has a generally rectangular tub basin (5′) having opposite tub basin sides (5a, 5b) and opposite tub basin ends (5c, 5d). The tub basin (5 or 5′) defines a tub basin interior space (12).
Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, embodiments of the tub protector (2) or tub protector kit (4) can include one or more of: an impact absorbing base (13), an impact absorbing strip (14), and a protective tub overlay (15). In particular embodiments, the impact absorbing base (13) can, but need not necessarily, comprise a foam sheet (13′); however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments of the impact absorbing base (13) comprising other impact absorbing materials, as examples: fiber composites, corrugated cardboard, visoclastic polymers, rubber, neoprene and silicone, or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, the impact absorbing base (13) can have a base thickness (13a) disposed between a base first side (13b) opposite a base second side (13c) extending to a base periphery (13d). An impact absorbing base (13) suitable for use in particular embodiments of the invention can be a foam sheet (13′) having a thickness of about one-eighth inch to about three-eighths inch. The foam sheet (13′) typically comprises a closed cell foam comprised of one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyurethane. The impact absorbing base (13) can be configured to the tub basin bottom (7). In the illustrative example of FIG. 2, the alcove bathtub (3′) has a generally rectangular tub basin bottom (7), and correspondingly, the impact absorbing base (13) can comprise generally a rectangular foam sheet (13′). The dimensions of the impact absorbing base (13) may vary based on the tub (3) protected, but typically, for a conventional alcove tub (3′), as shown in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the impact absorbing base (13) can be about 48 inches (about 122 cm) in length by about 24 inches (about 61 cm) in width.
Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the impact absorbing strip (14) includes an impact absorbing strip first side (14a) opposite an impact absorbing strip second side (14b) extending to an impact absorbing strip periphery (14c); however, as with the impact absorbing base (13), the impact absorbing strip (14) can comprise a similar variety or combination of materials as the impact absorbing base (13). The impact absorbing strip (14) can be configured to cover the entirety or a part of the tub rim (8). In the illustrative example of FIG. 2, the impact absorbing strip (14) comprises a foam sheet strip (14′) having a configuration to cover the annular flange (9) of the alcove bathtub (3′) to protect the tub rim (8) from wear due to ingress and egress of the alcove tub (3′) or from falling objects. The particular embodiment being about 48 inches (about 122 cm) in length and about 12 inches (about 30 cm) in width. The impact absorbing strip (14) can conform by manual manipulation to cover the tub rim (8), as exemplified by the U-shaped configuration shown in the example of FIG. 2; however, as depicted in the illustrative example of FIG. 3, the impact absorbing strip (14) can be configured as one or more pieces of impact absorbing material configured to or adapted to protect the tub rim (8) of a free-standing tub (3′).
Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 2 through 14, the protective tub overlay (15) can comprise a flexible woven or unwoven thin sheet or film material generally configured to or adapted to cover the tub basin (5) and the tub rim (8). The woven or unwoven thin sheet or film material can comprise numerous and varied materials, including, but not necessarily limited to, unwoven or woven materials, such as: low, medium or high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride; cotton; canvas; carbon fiber; and combinations thereof. Embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15) can include, in whole or in part, a protective tub overlay basket (16) generally configured to be disposed in the tub basin (5) and extending to a protective overlay basket periphery (17) disposed at about the tub rim (8). Embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15) can include, in whole or in part, a protective tub overlay border (18) generally configured to be disposed on the tub rim (8). In particular embodiments, the protective tub overlay border (18) can be coupled to the protective overlay basket periphery (17). The protective tub overlay basket (16) can be disposed in the tub basin (5) with the protective tub overlay border (18) outwardly extending to overlay the tub rim (8). In particular embodiments, a protective overlay drape (19) can extend from the protective tub overlay border (18) to cover one or more tub sides (20). In the particular example of FIGS. 1 and 7, a protective overlay drape (19) can be configured to overlay the tub skirt (11).
Now, with primary reference to FIG. 4, the protective tub overlay border (18) can comprise an annular body (21) of flexible sheet material having an inner annular edge (21a) defining an open area (22) generally corresponding to the opening of the tub basin interior space (12) of the tub basin (5) and an outer annular edge (21b), whereby the inner annular edge (21a) and the outer annular edge (21b) define the width of the protective tub overlay border (18) configured or adapted to cover the tub rim (8). The width of the protective tub overlay border (18) can vary depending on the application. In particular embodiments, the width of one or more portions of the overlay border (18) can be increased to provide a protective overlay drape (19); although in particular embodiments, the protective overlay drape (19) may be provided as a discrete piece of flexible sheet material. As one illustrative example, the protective tub overlay border (18) depicted in FIG. 1 of the alcove bathtub (3′) includes an overlay border (18) on a first border side (18a) and the first and second border ends (18b,18c) of about the same width, while the second border side (18d) has a substantially greater width to provide the protective overlay drape (19) configured or adapted to cover the skirt (11).
Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the protective tub overlay basket (16) can comprise a basket bottom (16a) joined to opposite first and second basket sidewalls (16b, 16c) and opposite first and second basket end walls (16d, 16e) which can be joined to form the protective tub overlay basket (16). The opposite first and second basket sidewalls (16b, 16c) and opposite first and second basket end walls (16d, 16e) can be joined, as illustrative examples, by one or more of: heat sealing, laser welding, adhesive, double-sided adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and stitching, or combinations thereof, to dispose the basket sidewalls (16b, 16c) and basket end walls (16d, 16c) in interconnected relation extending to a protective tub overlay basket periphery (17) defining a protective tub overlay basket interior space (23). Now, with primary reference to FIG. 7, the protective tub overlay basket periphery (17) can be joined to the inner annular edge (21a) of the protective tub overlay border (18) to form particular embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15).
Now, with primary reference to FIG. 6, in particular embodiments, the protective tub overlay basket (16) and opposite protective tub overlay border back (24) and protective tub overlay border front (25), and in particular embodiments a protective overlay front drape (26) and/or a protective overlay back drape (27) can be made from one piece of flexible sheet material. A protective tub overlay border first side (28) and protective tub overlay border second side (29) can be made from separate discrete pieces of flexible sheet material joined or engaged to the protective tub overlay basket (16) to provide embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15) depicted in the illustrative example of FIG. 8.
Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 15, in view of the above illustrative methods of producing embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15), it can be understood that there are alternative materials and methods of making the protective tub overlay (15). The illustrative examples of FIGS. 1 through 15 are not intended to be limiting, but rather, are intended to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art sufficient disclosure to make numerous and varied embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15) which can be included in the tub protector system (1) or assembled from a tub protector kit (4).
Now, with primary reference to FIG. 16, the protective tub overlay (15) as to the protective overlay basket (16) or protective overlay boarder (17), or both, may be too long or too wide for fitment in a particular tub (3). Embodiments of the protective tub overlay (15) can be adjusted in length or width by medially disposing a fold (30) in the protective tub overlay (15) to decrease the length or the width of one or more portions of the protective tub overlay (15). As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 16, a z-fold (30′) can be disposed in the flexible sheet material. One or more adhesive materials (33) can be applied to the edges of the fold (30, 30′) to maintain the fold in the flexible sheet material, or as depicted a double-sided adhesive material (33′) can be disposed between surfaces of the fold (30, 30′) in the flexible sheet material.
Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments can further include a one-sided adhesive material (33) useful to secure the protective overlay boarder (18) to the annular flange (9) or tub rim (8). The one-sided adhesive material can be provided as a one-sided adhesive material roll from which segments can be excised, or can be provided in discrete segments of one-sided adhesive material as depicted in the illustrative examples.
Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 which illustrate a particular method of installing the tub protector (2) or assembling the tub protector (2) from a tub protector kit (4), to protect a tub (3). In particular embodiments, the method can include one or more of: cleaning and preparing the tub (3) prior to assembly of the tub protector (2) from the tub protector kit (4). Before installing the tub protector (2), the tub (3) should be free of any foreign matter (not shown) including any inorganic and/or organic constituents, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, as illustrative examples one or more of: solids, solid particulates, liquid, liquid droplets, abrasive particles, metals, glass, plastics, rubber, bones, and leather, rocks, sand, grit, dirt, adhesives, detergents, soap, shampoo, oil, lotions, water, food, grime, or similar constituents. The foreign matter (not shown) can be removed from the tub (3) by any means that results in a surface to which components of the tub protector (2) can be adhered. As an illustrative example, the foreign matter (not shown) can be removed by use of a vacuum cleaner to remove particulates and/or by application of a damp fabric or material to remove inorganic and/or organic constituents from the tub (3). In particular embodiments, the method can include placing an impact absorbing base (13) on the tub basin bottom (7). The impact absorbing base (13) can cover the entirety or substantially the entirety of the tub basin bottom (7). In certain instances where the impact absorbing base (13) has dimensions greater than the tub basin bottom (7), the impact absorbing base (13) can overlap a portion of the tub basin side(s) (5a, 5b) and/or tub basin end(s) (5c, 5d) or be folded upon itself, or the excess impact absorbing base (13) can be cut away. The installed impact absorbing base (13) can act to protect the tub basin bottom (7) from wear due to persons standing inside of the tub (3) and from objects that may be dropped onto the tub basin bottom (7). The impact absorbing base (13) can be removably secured to the tub basin bottom (7) by adhesive material (33) either integral or discrete from the impact absorbing base (13), by way of illustrative examples, double-sided adhesive material (33) disposed between the impact absorbing base (13) and the tub basin bottom (7), one-sided adhesive material (33) applied to the impact absorbing base (13) and extending over the impact absorbing base (13) to adhere in part to the tub basin bottom (7) or the tub basin sides (5a, 5b) or tub basin ends (5c, 5d), or extending across each corner of the impact absorbing base (13) to adhere to the tub basin bottom (7). In particular embodiments, the method can include covering the tub rim (8) in whole or in part with an impact absorbing strip (14). In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1 and 2, an alcove bathtub (3′) can have a tub rim (8) comprising an annular flange (9) extending to an annular flange edge (10). Upon installation, an alcove bathtub (3′) can be enclosed on three sides by walls (not shown). The fourth side remains open for ingress and egress from the tub (3) and can include a front skirt (11) extending downward from the flange front edge (10d). The impact absorbing strip (14) can be disposed to protect the tub rim (8) from wear due to ingress and egress or from objects dropped onto the tub (3). Now, with primary reference to FIG. 3, in the instance of a free-standing bathtub (3′), the method can include covering the entirety or substantially the entirety of the tub rim (8) with the impact absorbing strip (14). The impact absorbing strip (14) can be removeable secured to the tub rim (8) by adhesive material (33), by way of illustrative examples, double-sided adhesive material (33) disposed between the impact absorbing strip (14) and the tub rim (8), one-sided adhesive material (33) applied to the impact absorbing strip (14) and extending over the impact absorbing strip (14) to adhere in part to the tub rim (8), or extending across each corner of the impact absorbing strip (14) to adhere to the tub rim (8). In particular embodiments, the method can include adhering a double-sided adhesive material (33′) circumferentially on the annular flange (9) of the tub (3). The double-sided adhesive material (33′) can be a plurality of double-sided adhesive materials (33′), segments or dots disposed circumferentially in spaced apart relation on the annular flange (9) or as one piece of double-sided adhesive material (33′), such as a strip or tape applied as a continuous or substantially continuous material to the tub flange (9). As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 2, a plurality of double-sided adhesive dots (33′) can be secured on the annular flange (9) of the tub (3) a distance inward from the annular flange edge (10). In the instance depicted, one at each of the annular flange (10) four corners and one or more secured to the annular flange (10) medially between a pair of corners about three inches inward of the annular flange edge (10). The method can include unpackaging a protective tub overlay (15) and covering the tub (3) with the protective tub overlay (15). As shown in the illustrative example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the protective tub overlay (15) can be generally conformed to the configuration of the tub (3) with a protective tub overlay basket (16) generally disposed within the tub basin interior space (12) defined by the tub basin (5). A protective tub overlay border (18) attached to the protective overlay basket periphery (17) can be generally disposed over the annular flange (9) of the tub (3). In particular embodiments, protective overlay drape(s) (19) can be generally disposed over the corresponding tub skirt(s) (11) of the tub (3). In particular embodiments, the method can include medially folding the protective tub overlay (15) to decrease the protective overlay length or decrease the protective overlay width. As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 16, the medial fold (30) can comprise a z-fold (30′) in the protective tub overlay border (18). The z-folds (30′) can be fixed in spatial relation by one-sided or double-sided adhesive material(s) (33, 33′). The protective tub overlay basket (16) can be similarly z-folded and secured with one-sided or double-sided adhesive material(s) (33, 33′). With the protective tub overlay (15) generally conformed to the structure of the tub (3), the method can include affixing the protective overlay border (18) to the double-sided adhesive material (33, 33′) secured to the annular flange (9) of the tub (3). Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the method can further include adhering the protective overlay border (18) to the annular flange (9) of the tub (3). In particular embodiments, the method including applying a one-sided adhesive material (33) to overlap the protective overlay border (18) and adhere the remaining width of the one-sided adhesive (33) to the annular flange (9) of the tub (3). In the illustrative example, a first segment of single-sided adhesive material (35) secures the protective overlay border (18) to an annular flange first side (36) and a second and third segment of single-sided adhesive material (37, 38) secures protective overlay border (18) to the opposite annular flange second and third sides (39, 40).
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a tub protection system and methods for making and using such tub protection system including the best mode.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather illustrative of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “protector” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “protecting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “protecting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “protector” and even a “means for protecting.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.
Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the tub protectors herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.
The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.
Patent Application
20240298848
