Cover assembly attachable to a bathtub

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover assembly that is attachable to a bathtub to reduce water spilling to areas outside the bathtub. In one embodiment, the cover assembly comprises a protective section and a flexible extended segment. The protective section comprises at least a front structure configured to help provide protection to an individual from physical impacts against the bathtub. The flexible extended segment is disposed adjacent the protective section and comprises a first surface and a second surface. The flexible extended segment is disposable into and out of an expanded orientation and a constricted orientation. The protective section and the flexible extended segment are collectively disposable into and out of an operative orientation and an inoperative orientation. The operative orientation comprises the flexible extended segment being disposed in the constricted orientation and attached to at least a portion of an inner surface of the bathtub.

Claims

1. A cover assembly attachable to a bathtub, said cover assembly comprising: a protective section including at least a front structure with a substantially rounded configuration, a flexible extended segment adjacently disposed to said protective section, and including a first surface and a second surface, said protective section and said flexible extended segment collectively disposable into an operative orientation on the bathtub defined by: (a) said protective section extending away from an inner surface of the bathtub and into an interior portion of the bathtub, (b) said flexible extended segment disposed in a constricted orientation with (i) said first surface of said flexible extended segment at least partially exposed to the interior portion of the bathtub, including any water or other fluid contained therein, (ii) said second surface of said flexible extended segment attached to an inner perimeter of the bathtub, substantially along an upper portion thereof, and (iii) said first surface comprising a substantially concave configuration extending to said protective section and structured to direct moving water or other fluid away from the inner surface of the bathtub and the upper portion thereof.

2. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible extended segment is configured to at least partially reduce passage of liquid between said second surface and the inner surface of the bathtub, when in said constricted orientation.

3. The cover assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said flexible extended segment is disposed in pressure exerting relation to the inner surface of the bathtub, when in said constricted orientation.

4. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising an attachment assembly comprising at least one attachment structure configured to attach at least a portion of said flexible extended segment to at least a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub.

5. The cover assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one attachment structure is configured to attach at least a portion of said second surface of said flexible extended segment to at least a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub.

6. The cover assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said at least one attachment structure is configured to attach a majority of said second surface of said flexible extended segment to at least a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub.

7. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said operative orientation comprises said flexible extended segment and said protective section collectively defining a barrier; said barrier configured to at least partially reduce spillage outside of the bathtub.

8. The cover assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said protective section comprises an enclosure structure disposed between said flexible extended segment and said protective section.

9. The cover assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said enclosure structure comprises a proximal end and a distal end; said proximal end disposed substantially coincident with said front structure; said distal end disposed substantially coincident with said first surface.

10. The cover assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said proximal end of said enclosure structure is disposed lower than said distal end of said enclosure structure.

11. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible extended segment comprises an elastic material.

12. A cover assembly attachable to a bathtub and structured to provide protection to an individual inside of the bathtub, said cover assembly comprising: a protective section comprising a front structure and a top surface, a flexible extended segment adjacently disposed to said protective section, and including a first surface and a second surface, an attachment assembly disposed at least on said second surface and comprising at least one attachment structure configured to attach at least a portion of said flexible extended segment to at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the bathtub, at least said flexible extended segment disposable into a constricted orientation and having an inherent bias to return to an expanded orientation; said protective section and said flexible extended segment collectively disposable into an operative orientation wherein: (a) said flexible extended segment is disposed in said constricted orientation, (b) said second surface is attached to at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the bathtub via said attachment assembly, (c) said protective section comprising a rear structure is configured to substantially correspond to the shape of the inner perimeter of the bathtub; and (d) said inherent bias disposes said flexible extended segment in sufficient force exerting relation to the inner perimeter of the bathtub to impede liquid infiltration at an end portion of said flexible extended segment.

13. The cover assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said front structure of said protective section is structured to protect the individual from direct physical impact with the bathtub, when said protective section and said flexible extended segment are collectively disposed in said operative orientation.

14. The cover assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said front structure of said protective section comprises a substantially round configuration.

15. The cover as recited in claim 12 wherein said operative orientation further comprises said top surface of said protective section being substantially coplanar with a top surface of the bathtub.

16. The cover assembly of claim 12, wherein said protective section and said flexible extended segment abut only the inner perimeter of the bathtub.

17. The cover assembly of claim 12, wherein said flexible extended segment is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of foam, silicone, rubber, an elastomer, and combinations thereof.

18. A cover assembly attachable to a bathtub, said cover assembly comprising: a protective section including at least a front structure with a substantially rounded configuration, a flexible extended segment adjacently disposed to said protective section, and including a first surface and a second surface, an attachment assembly disposed at least on said second surface and comprising at least one attachment structure configured to attach at least a portion of said flexible extended segment to at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the bathtub, at least said flexible extended segment disposable into a constricted orientation and having an inherent bias to return to an expanded orientation, said protective section and said flexible extended segment collectively disposable into an operative orientation on the bathtub defined by: (a) said protective section structured and disposed to be substantially coplanar with a top surface of the bathtub and extending away from an inner surface of the bathtub and towards an interior portion of the bathtub; and (b) said flexible extended segment disposed in said constricted orientation with: (i) said first surface of said flexible extended segment at least partially exposed to an interior portion of the bathtub, including any water or other fluid contained therein; (ii) said second surface of said flexible extended segment attached to the inner perimeter of the bathtub, via said attachment assembly, substantially along an upper portion thereof; (iii) said protective section comprising a rear structure configured to substantially correspond to the shape of the inner perimeter of the bathtub; (iv) said first surface comprising a substantially concave configuration extending to said protective section and structured to convey moving water or other fluid away from the inner surface of the bathtub and an upper portion thereof; (v) said inherent bias disposing said flexible extended segment in sufficient force exerting relation to the inner perimeter of the bathtub to impede liquid infiltration at an end portion of said flexible extended segment; and (vi) said flexible extended segment comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of foam, silicone, rubber, an elastomer, and combinations thereof.

19. The cover assembly as recited in claim 18, further comprising an enclosure structure disposed adjacent to said flexible extended segment, said enclosure structure having a substantially inclined configuration further capable of directing a moving body of liquid away from the inner surface of the bathtub and upper portion thereof, and towards the interior portion of the bathtub.

20. The cover assembly of claim 18, wherein said protective section and said flexible extended segment only abut the inner perimeter of the bathtub.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention, illustrating an embodiment that comprises two attachment structures.

(3) FIG. 2 is also a transverse sectional view of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention, but illustrating an embodiment that comprises one attachment structure.

(4) FIG. 3 is also a transverse sectional view of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention but illustrating an embodiment wherein the attachment structure comprises a plurality of suction cups.

(5) FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention and illustrating an embodiment having a protective section and a flexible extended segment and disposed in the operative orientation.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section or part of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover assembly in accordance with the present invention, illustrated in an operative orientation.

(8) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN ONE OR MORE EMBODIMENTS

(9) As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention is directed towards a cover assembly 10 intended for use on or within a bathtub 100. As is perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, the cover assembly 10 may be provided as an elongated component for attachment to the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100, along an inwardly facing wall of the bathtub at an upper end zone thereof, as shown. With specific reference to FIG. 4, as used herein, the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100 comprises at least a portion of the front or inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100 and/or at least a portion close to or associated with top surface 104 of the bathtub 100. It is also possible that the perimeter of the bathtub 100 comprise a continuous surface, such as a curved or otherwise rounded surface, but without a clearly defined top wall surface as at 104. The length of the cover assembly 10 may vary according to the size of the bathtub 100, specific dimensional constraints, or personal preference. In one embodiment, the cover assembly 10 may be attached along a portion of the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100. In another embodiment, such as is shown in FIG. 6, the cover assembly 10 is attached substantially along the entirety of the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100. In an alternative embodiment, the cover assembly 10 may be provided as a plurality of elongated components that may be attached to the bathtub 100 in successive, adjacent relation to one another.

(10) The cover assembly 10 of the present invention is intended to avoid or at least partially reduce the spillage of water, soapy water or other liquids from the inside of the bathtub to areas outside the bathtub 100. The cover assembly 10 is also intended to help physically protect an individual located inside of the bathtub 100 from direct physical impact with a portion the bathtub 100, including the top surface 104 of the bathtub 100, and/or the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100. As used herein, the term individual refers to any person that may be located inside of a bathtub 100, including sitting, standing, or otherwise, for the purposes of showering or taking a bath, or for any other purpose that requires the person to be physically located inside of the bathtub 100. As used herein, the individual may be a person of different ages and sizes, including, but not limited to, adults, the elderly, infants, toddlers, babies, and teenagers. The individual may also include a person with a physical handicap or disability, as well as an otherwise healthy person.

(11) Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the cover assembly 10 comprises in at least one embodiment both a protective section 30 and a flexible extended segment 20. In one or more embodiments, the protective section 30 and the flexible extended segment 20 are integrally formed so as to define the cover assembly 10 as having a unitary construction. The flexible extended segment 20 is structured and disposed to attach the cover assembly 10 to the bathtub 100. The flexible extended segment 20 may additionally be structured and disposed to provide at least some support for the protective section 30, for reasons described below and, in at least one embodiment, may be disposed generally below and in supporting relation to the protective section 30. As is shown in FIG. 4, the flexible extended segment 20 comprises a first surface 22 that will generally face interior portions of the bathtub 100 as may be filled with water and occupied by a child or other person. As is also shown in FIG. 4, the flexible extended segment 20 also comprises a second surface 24 that will generally face and abut the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100, along and inner perimeter of the bathtub 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the first surface 22 and second surface 24 are oppositely disposed to each other and help to define the flexible extended segment 20 and lower body of the cover assembly.

(12) As is perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the flexible extended segment 20 is preferably attached to the inner perimeter of a bathtub 100 by, at and/or along the second surface 24. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the flexible extended segment 20 is attached to the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100 wall 102 along all or substantially the full vertical length of the second surface 24, indicated by arrowed line V, including along an upper portion V thereof. In other embodiments, however, the attachment of the assembly 10 may be by or along only a portion of second surface 24 to the bathtub wall 102. In at least another embodiment, the flexible extended segment 20 may be attached to the bathtub 100 substantially or entirely along the horizontal length of second surface 24, as indicated by arrowed line H in FIG. 6, corresponding to the inner perimeter of bathtub wall 102. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the flexible extended segment 20 is shown as being attached to the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100, which includes a portion of the inner surface 102 of wall of the bathtub 100 and a portion of the top surface 104 of the bathtub 100.

(13) The cover assembly 10 of the present invention is preferably also intended to protect an individual from physical injury when inside of a bathtub 100. Thus, the protective section 30 of the cover assembly 10 is preferably also configured to help protect the individual from a direct physical impact with the bathtub 100 and to help avoid physical injury that might otherwise arise therefrom. As such, it is within the scope of the present invention for at least a portion of the cover assembly 10 to comprise a material that is structured to reduce the risk of physical injury to an individual taking a bath in the bathtub 100, such as from a fall entering or exiting the bathtub 100, standing up, playing in the bathtub 100, etc. Accordingly, the protective section 30 is preferably formed from a material that provides some support and to generally serve as a shock absorber, such as a dense foam material which ideally includes either a waterproof coating or one or more outer layers of waterproof material attached thereto. The material used to form the protective section 30 should be capable of absorbing physical energy, and which may also reduce trauma to the individual after a physical impact. The material used to form the protective section 30 may comprise a flexible material capable of absorbing the energy associated with a direct physical impact and may include foam, rubber, an elastomeric material or other suitable material. As noted above, the cover assembly 10 may comprise a unitary construction wherein both the protective section and the flexible extended segment 20 are integrally formed. As such, the flexible extended segment 20 may comprise a similar material as the protective section 30, but such is not always required.

(14) Additionally, the protective section 30 may include a configuration that at least partially reduces the risk of physical injury to the individual. For example, as is shown at least in FIGS. 1-5, the protective section 30 may also comprise a front structure 32 having a substantially rounded or bulbous configuration and which is sized, structured and disposed to reduce the likelihood of cuts, bruises, and other types of injuries.

(15) Additional structural features of the present invention include the protective section 30 and the flexible extended segment 20 being collectively disposable into at least an operative orientation, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, and in some cases also in an inoperative orientation, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. As is perhaps most clearly shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the operative orientation comprises the cover assembly 10 being attached to the bathtub 100 by attachment of the flexible extended segment 20 to the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100. Accordingly, In the operative orientation the cover assembly 10 is attached to the bathtub 100 and further disposed in alignment with or closely adjacent to an upper end of the bathtub wall 102, so as to reduce the likelihood of spillage of liquid outside of the bathtub 100. Thus, and as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, when the protective section 30 and the flexible extended segment 20 are disposed in the operative orientation, both should collectively define a barrier that will at least partially reduce spillage of liquid outside of the bathtub 100. In the more preferred embodiments, however, the operative orientation will include the cover assembly 10 being attached to the bathtub 100 in a way that helps to protect the individual from direct physical impact with the bathtub 100. The collective disposition of the protective section 30 and the flexible extended segment 20 in the operative orientation should also provide for an adequate area of protection for the individual.

(16) As an example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the top surface 37 of the protective section 30 is disposed at a substantially perpendicular alignment to a vertical axis. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the vertical axis is substantially coincident with the length of the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100 as shown by directional arrow V. Further, the top surface 37 of the protective section 30 may be disposed substantially coplanar to a top surface of the body of liquid 200 that may be inside of the bathtub 100. Although the foregoing features with respect to the alignment of the cover assembly 10 are advantageous, they are only presented for illustrative purposes, and are not exhaustive of other possible alignments. It is within the scope of the present invention to include different angles of inclination of the cover assembly 10, with respect to the bathtub 100 and/or the body of liquid 200, as may also be effective in reducing spillage of liquid and/or in protecting the individual.

(17) With reference again to FIG. 4, the operative orientation further comprises the flexible extended segment 20 being disposed in a constricted orientation. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, when the flexible extended segment 20 and the protective section 30 are collectively disposed in the inoperative orientation, the flexible extended segment 20, and consequently the cover assembly 10, are not attached to the bathtub 100. Further, when the protective section 30 and the flexible extended segment 20 are collectively disposed in the inoperative orientation, it is within the scope of the present invention that the flexible extended segment 20 will be disposed in an expanded orientation.

(18) The flexible extended segment 20 of the cover assembly 10 according to the present invention comprises various properties that enable it to naturally assume the expanded orientation. The flexible extended segment 20 should comprise a sufficient inherent bias that permits it to return to its natural position. Accordingly, the flexible extended segment 20 may comprise a material and a geometrical configuration that allow the flexible extended segment 20 to bend when it is disposed in the constricted orientation, such as when it is attached to the bathtub 100. Given the inherent bias of the flexible extended segment, it is within the scope of the present invention that the flexible extended segment 20 have a tendency to return to its original position after it is no longer disposed in the constricted orientation. Thus, the material and the geometrical configuration of the flexible extended segment 20 should also allow it to return to its natural position in the expanded orientation, when it is not attached to the bathtub 100. This tendency of the flexible extended segment 20 to return to its natural position, such as when it is disposed in the constricted orientation, should generally exert pressure against bathtub 100. It is within the scope of the present invention that the flexible extended segment 20 be able to exert sufficient pressure against the bathtub to at least partially reduce the amount of liquid that may travel between the cover assembly 10 and the bathtub 100. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to reduce liquid infiltration, it is advantageous that the flexible extended segment 20 exert pressure against the bathtub 100 around an end portion 26 thereof, as this is an area that is susceptible to infiltration. Thus, in at least one embodiment according of the present invention, the flexible extended segment 20 should exert pressure around the end portion 26, and against the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100.

(19) Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, in order to help the cover assembly 10 define a barrier that further aids in preventing spills of liquid 200 inside of the bathtub 100 onto outside areas, the protective section 30 may further comprise an enclosure structure 34. In at least one embodiment, the enclosure structure 34 is disposed adjacent to the flexible extended segment 20, and preferably, is disposed between the first surface 22 of the flexible extended segment 20 and the front structure 32 of the protective section 30. Further, when the flexible extended segment 20 is disposed in the constricted orientation, the first surface 22 of the flexible extended segment 20 may comprise a substantially concave configuration. A substantially concave configuration of the flexible extended segment 20 is advantageous to convey moving liquid towards the enclosure structure 34. Accordingly, and as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the enclosure structure 34 generally comprises a substantially inclined configuration capable of directing a moving body of liquid back to the inside of the bathtub 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a cover assembly 10 may be provided with an enclosure structure 34 comprising a substantially linear configuration. Alternatively, the enclosure structure 34 may comprise a substantially rounded configuration so that it blends with the shape of the front structure 32.

(20) Even further features of the present invention comprise providing a cover assembly 10 with an attachment assembly 40 having at least one attachment structure 42. The attachment structure(s) 42 may attach at least a portion of the flexible extended segment 20 to the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100. For example, in the illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, an attachment assembly 40 is shown comprising two attachment structures 42, each one disposed on a portion of the second surface of the flexible extended segment 20. In the illustrative embodiment as represented in FIG. 2, an attachment assembly 40 is shown comprising one attachment structure 42 that is disposed substantially around the entirety of the second surface 24 of the flexible extended segment 20. The attachment structure(s) 42 may comprise an adhesive material or composition. The attachment structure(s) 42 may also comprise a different structure that attaches the flexible extended segment to the bathtub 100. Examples of the attachment structure(s) 42 include, but are not necessarily limited to, double sided tape, Velcro, suction cups, straps, fasteners, or other similar connectors and/or components capable of attaching the cover assembly 10 to the bathtub 100. For example, the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, shows three attachment structures 42 disposed on the second surface 24 of the flexible extended segment 20. The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 also shows three attachment structures 42 in the form of suction cups. In at least one embodiment, the attachment structure(s) 42 may comprise a waterproof material and/or adhesive. In at least another embodiment, the attachment structure(s) 42 provide sufficient retention to the cover assembly 10 so that it may remain in place, even after an individual directly impacts it.

(21) The attachment structure(s) 42 may be disposed on the first surface 22 of the flexible extended segment 20. In one embodiment, an attachment structure(s) 42 may be disposed on the first surface of the flexible extended segment 20 around the end portion 26. In another embodiment, the attachment structure(s) 42 may be disposed on the second surface 24 of the flexible extended segment 20. In at least one embodiment, an attachment structure(s) 42 may be disposed on the second surface 24, attaching the flexible extended segment 20 to the inner perimeter of the bathtub 100, including the inner surface 102 and/or the top surface 104.

(22) With reference again to FIGS. 1-5, additional features of the present invention comprise a protective section 30 having a rear structure 38 with a shape that corresponds to the shape of the bathtub 100. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the protective section 30 may comprise a rear structure, indicated as 38. As is perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the rear structure 38 may comprise a shape that substantially matches the shape of the bathtub 100. As is shown in FIG. 4, the shape of the rear structure 38 may be substantially concave so as to correspond to any rounded edges of the bathtub 100, such as a transition section between the top surface 104 of the bathtub 100 and the inner surface 102 of the bathtub 100. As may be appreciated in FIG. 4, the shape of the rear structure 38 should reduce any gaps or opening that may otherwise exist between the cover assembly 10 and the bathtub 100. In at least one embodiment, the protective section 30 comprises a top surface 37, which may be substantially aligned with the top surface 104 of the bathtub. In at least one embodiment, at least part of the rear structure 38 may be attached to the bathtub by an attachment structure(s) 42.

(23) These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

(24) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

(25) Now that the invention has been described,