Bathtub Wall-Extending Device

Abstract

A bathtub wall-extending device is provided. The device is comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener which allows the body to removably attach to a bathtub wall in a waterproof manner. As a result, the body raises the height of the bathtub wall to allow the bathtub to become a deep-soaking tub. The body may also be comprised of at least one gasket for additional waterproofing as well as a veneer or other simulated finish to match the existing bathtub wall exterior.

Claims

1. A bathtub wall-extending device comprising: a body comprised of an opening and a bottom edge; and a waterproof fastener positioned on the bottom edge.

2. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a rigid body.

3. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of an indicia.

4. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 3, wherein the indicia is comprised of a pattern, a color, or a simulated finish.

5. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a veneer.

6. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 5, wherein the veneer is comprised of an acrylic veneer, a porcelain veneer, a cast iron veneer, or a fiberglass veneer.

7. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 1, wherein the waterproof fastener is comprised of a waterproof tape.

8. A bathtub wall-extending device comprising: a body comprised of an opening and a bottom edge; a waterproof fastener positioned on the body; and a frame member.

9. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the frame member is comprised of a vertical frame member.

10. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the frame member is comprised of a horizontal frame member.

11. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a collapsible body.

12. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a rigid body.

13. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of an indicia.

14. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 13, wherein the indicia is comprised of a pattern, a color, or a simulated finish.

15. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the body is comprised of a veneer.

16. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 15, wherein the veneer is comprised of an acrylic veneer, a porcelain veneer, a cast iron veneer, or a fiberglass veneer.

17. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8 further comprised of a gasket.

18. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the waterproof fastener is positioned on an exterior surface of the body.

19. The bathtub wall-extending device of claim 8, wherein the waterproof fastener is positioned on an interior surface of the body.

20. A method of using a bathtub wall-extending device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a bathtub wall-extending device comprised of a body and a fastener; attaching the body to a bathtub wall of a bathtub via the fastener; filling the bathtub with water; and entering the body and the bathtub and soaking in the bathtub.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention wherein a bottom edge of the body of the device is attached to a top edge of a bathtub wall via a fastener in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention wherein an exterior surface of the body attaches to an interior surface of a bathtub wall via a fastener in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to modify a bathtub. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathtub wall-extending device that can raise the walls of an existing bathtub wherein the device removably attaches to a bathtub.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a bathtub wall-extending device that can be removably attached to a bathtub wall in order to extend the wall taller. This allows any bathtub to be converted into a deep soaking tub. In addition, the device is fully removable and can be applied to any bathtub.

[0027] The body is preferably made from a waterproof material such as but not limited to plastic. The body may be any height greater than 1 inch in order to extend the height of the bathtub wall to effectively convert the wall and bathtub into a deep soaking tub once the device has been attached to the wall.

[0028] In one embodiment, the body is rigid. In another embodiment, the body may be collapsible such that it can be collapsed when not in use. In this embodiment, the body may be comprised of at least one vertical frame member and/or at least one horizontal frame member 140. The frame members provide structural support to the body when erected.

[0029] The bottom edge of the body (or in another embodiment, another area of the body) is comprised of at least one fastener that allows the bottom edge (or other area of the body) to attach to the top edge (or other portion) of a bathtub wall. The fastener is preferably a waterproof fastener such as a waterproof tape.

[0030] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to the top edge of a bathtub wall via the fastener positioned on a bottom edge of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.

[0031] The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the exterior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.

[0032] The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the body is attached to a bathtub wall via the fastener of the interior surface of the body. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall. Then, a user can enter the body and bathtub via an opening of the body in order to soak in the bathtub.

[0033] Accordingly, the bathtub wall-extending device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to modify a bathtub by extending the walls of an existing bathtub. In addition, the device can removably attach to any bathtub. As a result, any bathtub can be easily converted into a deep soaking tub in a non-permanent manner. In this manner, the bathtub wall-extending device overcomes the limitations of existing bathtubs known in the art.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a bathtub wall-extending device 100 of the present invention wherein a bottom edge 120 of the body 110 of the device 100 is attached to a top edge 12 of a bathtub wall 10 via a fastener 122 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. During use, the device 100 can be removably attached to the top edge 12 of a continuous bathtub wall 10 in order to extend the entire wall 10 taller. This allows any bathtub to be converted into a deep soaking tub. In addition, the device 100 is fully removable and can be applied to any bathtub.

[0035] The body 110 of the device 100 is preferably ovular or rectangular in shape. However, the body 110 may be shaped, sized, and dimensions to fit any style of bathtub known in the art. The body 110 is preferably made from a waterproof material such as but not limited to plastic. The body 110 may be any height greater than 1 inch. This allows the body 110 to extend the height of the bathtub wall 10 to effectively convert the wall 10 and the bathtub into a deep soaking tub once the device 100 has been attached to the wall 10.

[0036] In one embodiment, the body 110 is comprised of at least one indicia 114. The indicia 114 may be in the form of a pattern, a color, a simulated material finish, etc. In this manner, the body 110 may resemble the exterior finish of the existing bathtub wall 10. This provides a seamless transition in appearance from the wall 10 to the device 100. In another embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one veneer 116 that matches the bathtub wall 10 finish. Said veneer may include but is not limited to acrylic, porcelain, cast iron, fiberglass, etc.

[0037] In one embodiment, the body 110 is rigid. In another embodiment, the body 110 may be collapsible such that it can be collapsed when not in use. In this embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one vertical frame member 130 and/or at least one horizontal frame member 140. The frame members 130,140 provide structural support to the body 110 when erected. The frame members 130,140 may be positioned externally on the body 110 or internally (i.e., within) the body 110. The frame members 130,140 may be removable or non-removable from the body 110 in different embodiments.

[0038] The bottom edge 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of at least one fastener 122. The fastener 122 allows the bottom edge 120 to attach to the top edge 12 of a bathtub wall 10. The fastener 122 is preferably a waterproof fastener such as but not limited to a waterproof tape. In one embodiment, the fastener 122 may be alternatively positioned on the exterior surface 117 (as seen in FIG. 2) or interior surface 118 of the body 110 (i.e., in an embodiment wherein the body 110 surrounds an entire bathtub and the fastener 122 contacts the exterior surface of the bathtub wall 10) in order to allow the body 110 to be attached in various other manners to the bathtub wall 10.

[0039] In one embodiment, the bottom edge 120 (or other area of the body 110) may be comprised of at least one gasket 124. The gasket 124 further waterproofs the connection between the bathtub wall 10 edge 12 and bottom edge 120 of the body 110. This prevents water leakage from between the bottom edge 120 and wall 10 when the bathtub is filled with water.

[0040] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of at least one fastener 122 [Step 202]. Then, the body 110 is attached to the top edge 12 of a bathtub wall 10 via the fastener 122 positioned on a bottom edge 120 of the body 110 [Step 204]. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body 110 acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall 10 [Step 206]. Then, a user can enter the body 110 and bathtub via an opening 112 of the body 110 in order to soak in the bathtub [Step 208].

[0041] The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of at least one fastener 122 [Step 302]. Then, the body 110 is attached to a bathtub wall 10 via the fastener 122 of the exterior surface 117 of the body 110 [Step 304]. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body 110 acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall 10 [Step 306]. Then, a user can enter the body 110 and bathtub via an opening 112 of the body 110 in order to soak in the bathtub [Step 308].

[0042] The present invention is also comprised of a third method of using 400 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of at least one fastener 122 [Step 402]. Then, the body 110 is attached to a bathtub wall 10 via the fastener 122 of the interior surface 118 of the body 110 [Step 404]. Next, the bathtub can be filled with water, wherein the body 110 acts to raise the sides of the existing bathtub wall 10 [Step 406]. Then, a user can enter the body 110 and the bathtub via an opening 112 of the body 110 in order to soak in the bathtub [Step 408].

[0043] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein bathtub wall-extending device and device are interchangeable and refer to the bathtub wall-extending device 100 of the present invention.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bathtub wall-extending device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bathtub wall-extending device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bathtub wall-extending device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0045] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.