PORTABLE FLOOR INSERT FOR A BATHTUB OR SHOWER

Abstract

There is disclosed a portable floor insert for a bathtub. In an embodiment, the portable floor insert provides a raised platform for a bather to stand on while using the shower or bathtub. The portable floor insert raises the bather above the water level. Furthermore, the portable floor insert platform is outfitted with a plurality of passageways that allow water, such as water flowing from a shower head, to pass through the platform and away from the bather. The passageways may also direct the water towards the drain of the bathtub or shower further reducing drowning risk. The portable floor insert comprises one or more horizontal members extending beyond the platform. The horizontal members are adjustable to engage the walls of a bathtub or shower to provide support for the platform. In some embodiments the horizontal members comprise telescopic rods that can be lengthened to the width of the bathtub or shower. The portable floor insert may also comprise vertical members extending downwardly from a bottom region of the platform. The vertical members can be adjusted to raise the platform above the water level.

Claims

1. A portable floor insert for a bathtub, the portable floor insert comprising: a platform having an outer periphery, a top surface within the outer periphery, and a bottom region extending downwardly away from the top surface, wherein the outer periphery of the platform is sized to fit within a bathtub; one or more horizontal engagement members secured to the bottom surface, having a first opposing end and a second end opposing end and adjustably configured to selectively extend beyond an outer limit of the outer periphery, and the one or more horizontal engagement members selectively extendable to a width to engage sidewalls of the bathtub; one or more vertical engagement members extending downwardly from the bottom region, the one or more vertical engagement members having a distal end configured to engage the bathtub; and one or more fluid transport passageways extending between the top surface and the bottom region, the one or more fluid transport passageways providing a pathway for shower water flow from the top surface, through the platform, and toward a drain of the bathtub.

2. The portable floor insert of claim 1, further comprising a first interlocking half having a first side edge and a second interlocking half having a second side edge forming the platform, wherein the first interlocking half and the second interlocking half connect.

3. The portable floor insert of claim 2, wherein the first interlocking half comprises slots along the first side edge and the second interlocking half comprises biscuits having a geometry along the second side edge, wherein the biscuits are sized to fit into the slots, thereby connecting the first interlocking half to the second interlocking half when the biscuits are fitted into the slots.

4. The portable floor insert of claim 3, wherein the biscuits are arranged in a pattern.

5. The portable floor insert of claim 3, wherein the geometry is selected from a group consisting of: triangular; polygonal; circular and ovular.

6. The portable floor insert of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a material having a coefficient of friction greater than 0.5.

7. The portable floor insert of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises a plurality of portions of different textures

8. The portable floor insert of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises one or more of wood, plastic, polymer, metal, ABS, PVC and CPVC.

9. The portable floor insert of claim 1, wherein the adjustable horizontal members are unithread rods.

10. The portable floor insert of claim 1, further comprising one or more gripping pieces fixed to the first end and the second end of the horizontal engagement members, wherein the gripping pieces lock on to the walls of the bathtub when the horizontal engagement members are extended to engage the walls of the bathtub.

11. The portable floor insert of claim 1, further comprising one or more gripping feet fixed to the distal end of the vertical engagement members, wherein the gripping feet lock on to the walls of the bathtub when the vertical engagement members engage the bathtub.

12. The portable floor insert of claim 10, wherein the one or more gripping end pieces comprises suction cups or elastomer.

13. The portable floor insert of claim 10 wherein the one or more gripping feet comprise suction cups or elastomer.

14. The portable floor insert of claim 1, further comprising an opening allowing water to flow from the top surface through the bottom region towards the drain of the bathtub, wherein the opening is oriented over the drain of the bathtub.

15. The portable floor insert of claim 1, further comprising a leveling mechanism arranged to allow the platform to be oriented perpendicular to a surface of the bathtub when the vertical engagement members engage the surface, thereby forming a level standing area.

16. The portable floor insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more passageways are arranged to allow water to flow through faster than an average bathtub drain.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0014] FIGURES A1-A3 illustrate exemplary schematic views of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGURE B1 illustrates an exemplary top perspective view of a grate portion of a portable floor insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGURES C1-C2 illustrates other exemplary schematic views of a grate and a plug of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGURES D1-D3 are exemplary photographic views of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in which gripping pieces are shown in FIGURE D1.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an horizontal engagement member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an orthogonal view of a portable floor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portable floor insert with two interlocking halves and a biscuit/slot system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The two interlocking halves are disconnected.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portable floor insert with two interlocking halves and a biscuit/slot system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The two interlocking halves are connected.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portable floor insert with a non-slip surface applied to the top surface of the platform according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the portable floor insert placed in a bathtub. The portable floor insert has an opening oriented approximately over the drain of the bathtub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments are described more fully below in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments the platform 100 has a top surface 104, a bottom region 106, a width 105 running the from top surface 104 to the bottom surface 106 and an outer periphery. The platform 100 may comprise wood, ABS, PVC, CPVC, metal, plastic or polymer. The platform may have one or more horizontal engagement members 102 attached to the bottom region 106. Preferably the platform 100 is sized to fit within the interior of a typical bathtub or shower. This allows for the portable floor insert to be used in a variety of bathtubs and showers. The horizontal engagement members may comprise telescopic rods. The horizontal engagement members may have one or more opposing ends 110. In some embodiments there may be gripping pieces 116, such as suction cups, rubber or elastomeric caps on the one or more opposing ends. The platform may comprise a plurality of fluid transport passageways 114. The one or more fluid transport passageways are arranged to allow water to flow from the top surface 104 to the bottom surface and through the width of the platform 105.

[0028] The platform 100 may exist in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of the platform may be suitable to hold heavier weights such as the weight of a wheelchair, obese individuals or several individuals at once e.g. in a communal shower. The thickness of the platform may be reduced to promote portability of the insert.

[0029] Preferably, the fluid transport passageways 114 are arranged to allow water to flow through the platform faster than the average shower drain allows water to drain from a tub or shower. This is to lessen the likelihood of drowning if a bather falls in the shower or bath if the platform is arranged to be positioned above the water level in the shower or tub.

[0030] In some embodiments the fluid transport passageways may be holes. The holes may comprise of circular geometry. The holes may also comprise incisions of other geometries that may form a pattern. These patterns may provide an aesthetically appealing surface. They may also increase the coefficient of friction enough to make the top surface 104 non-slip. This will reduce the likelihood of a bather falling in the shower or tub when a bather stands on the platform.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal engagement members 102 are preferably adjustable to extend to a length that spans the width of a shower or bathtub. The horizontal engagement members 102 each have one or more opposing ends 110 engage that engage with the side or walls of the tub or shower. In some embodiments the horizontal engagement members 102 may be telescopic rods. The one or more opposing ends 110 may be outfitted with one or more gripping pieces 116. The one or more gripping pieces may be suction cups or elastomeric caps. Preferably each opposing end 110 is outfitted with one or more gripping pieces 116. In other embodiments the one or more gripping pieces 116 may comprise other types of apparatuses with a coefficient of friction high enough to lock onto the shower wall or sides of a tub. When the one or more gripping pieces 116 lock onto the sides of the tub or walls of the shower light force is required to disengage the horizontal engagement members from the walls of the tub or shower. In other embodiments the rods lock onto the sides of the bathtub or shower by a crank mechanism causing the adjustable horizontal member to provide enough tension against the walls of the bath to make the horizontal engagement members 102 require light force to be disengaged from the wall when the crank mechanism is applied. These cranks apply a force to the walls of the bathtub or shower with the force of a typical window locking mechanism.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of a portable floor insert. The insert comprises a platform 100 having a top surface 104 and a bottom region 106. Horizontal engagement members 102 are fixed to the bottom region 106 of the insert. The horizontal engagement members are outfitted with gripping pieces 116 which increase friction between the horizontal engagement members 102 and the walls of the tub or shower. A plurality of fluid transport passageways 114 run from the top surface 104 through the bottom region 106.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the portable floor mechanism comprises vertical engagement members. The vertical engagement members extend downwardly from the bottom region 106. The vertical engagement members have two distal ends 401 that may be outfitted with one or more gripping feet 400. The one or more gripping feet may comprise suction cups or elastomeric caps. The may also lock onto the wall by force from one or more vertical crank mechanisms.

[0034] The vertical engagement members are preferably adjustable to sit above the typical water level, at least 10 millimeters, in a shower or tub with a drain with a typical flow rate while the shower is running. A typical flow rate May 2.5 gallons per minute. The adjustability also allows for the height of the platform to be adjusted to accommodate different size bathtubs. The adjustability of the vertical engagement members also allows for the height to be adjusted so that a shorter user can rest above water while soaking in a bathtub.

[0035] Preferably the vertical engagement members 402 are outfitted with one or more level mechanisms. The level mechanisms are arranged to allow the one or more vertical engagement members to be set to a height so that the top surface is oriented parallel to a surface of the shower or tub, such as the floor. This allows the user to stand on the platform 100 without the fear of falling caused by an incline. In some embodiments the level mechanism may take the form of compression load cells or other sensors fixed on the distal end of the one or more vertical engagement members. The load cells may be connected to control circuitry which causes the height of the vertical engagement members to adjust when there is a difference in sensor readings across multiple vertical engagement members. The level mechanism may also take the form of springs that are arranged to allow the platform to be adjusted to a parallel position relative to the bottom of the bathers feet when the bather stands on the platform 100.

[0036] In an embodiment, the platform 100 comprises a first interlocking half 600 and a second interlocking half 602. The first interlocking half 600 comprises a first side edge 604. As shown in FIG. 5 the first and second interlocking halves may comprise a locking system. The locking system may comprise biscuits and slots or rods and slots. A plurality of slots 601 are positioned along the first side edge. The slots 601 are arranged to align with a plurality of biscuits 603 positioned along a second side edge 605 of the second interlocking half 602. The biscuits 603 and slots 601 are arranged to lock together, thereby forming a stable, cohesive platform suitable for receiving a bather. This locking system may be arranged to allow a user to adjust the dimensions of the platform 100 to accommodate different sized tubs and showers. The locking system also may allow the dimensions of the platform 100 to be adjusted to position the insert at different locations along the length of a bathtub.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows the first interlocking half 600 and second interlocking half 602 interlocked together via the locking system. This forms a cohesive platform for supporting a bather. The first interlocking half 600 and second interlocking half 602 in combination with the adjustable horizontal engagement members 102 and vertical engagement members 402 allow for quick installation and quick removal. This arrangement also increases portability of the insert as it can be broken down into two smaller halves that can be transported separately.

[0038] In some embodiments the biscuits are arranged in a pattern. The biscuits may have a geometry that may be triangular, ovular, circular, polygonal or some other geometry. This allows the biscuits and slots to be arranged in an aesthetically appealing pattern.

[0039] In other embodiments, the platform 100 may comprise a non-slip material having a coefficient of friction high enough to prevent slipping. The coefficient of friction may be between 0.3 and 1. The non-slip material may comprise rubber, elastomer, plastic or another polymer and may take the form of sheets covering part or all of the area of the top surface 104. FIG. 7 shows a non-slip material 800 applied to the top surface 104 of the platform 100.

[0040] In other embodiments the platform 100 may comprise a plurality of other materials for such as gel pads, foam, rubber or silicone or other materials. These materials may provide a massaging effect to the user when they come into contact with the platform or otherwise enhance user comfort.

[0041] In an embodiment there is an opening 900 in the platform oriented to allow access to the tub or shower drain 902. The opening 900 may be covered by a door or other cover. The opening 900 allows access to the tub or shower drain for maintenance, repair, and cleaning. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a portable floor insert with a drain opening 900 placed in a bathtub 904. In the preferred embodiment the opening 900 is oriented approximately over the drain of the tub 902.

[0042] A method of using the insert is discussed next. In one implementation the insert is used as a bathtub safety device. The bather adjusts the vertical engagement members 402 to the desired height. The bather then places the insert into the bathtub. The bather then adjusts the horizontal engagement members 102 to lock onto the walls of the bathtub. The bather, who may be incapable of standing in the tub or holding their head above the water level, then climbs into the bathtub and sits on the top surface 104 of the platform 100. The platform 100 supports the buttocks and legs of the bather as they recline against the back wall of the bathtub. The passageways 114 prevent water from collecting above the platform 100. The bather is, therefore, at reduced risk of drowning than they would be had they sat on the floor of the tub.

[0043] Next a method of making the insert is discussed. The platform 100 is extruded from a single piece of plastic. The extruder is designed to cut passageways 114 into the platform 100. The platform 100 is then cut to form the first interlocking half 600 and second interlocking half 602. The horizontal engagement members 102 and vertical engagement members 402 may be welded, screwed or otherwise mechanically fastened to the platform 100. Alternatively, the members may be fitted into the body of the platform 100 though holes sized to fit the members and may be optionally secured with screws or other method of fastening. Similarly, the vertical engagement members 402 are connected to the bottom region 106 using screws or other fasteners. In this implementation, the horizontal engagement members 102 and vertical engagement members 402 include telescopic rods. The biscuits 603 and rods 601 are formed on the top surface of the platform by heating up the platform 100 so as to soften it and pressing the top surface 104 with a press having the desired geometry of the biscuits 603 and or slots 601. A non-slip silicone material is cut to the dimensions of the platform 100 and applied to the top surface 104 using an adhesive.

[0044] Although the above embodiments have been described in language that is specific to certain structures, elements, compositions, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the technology defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, elements, compositions and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed technology. Since many embodiments of the technology can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.