BATHTUB INSERT

Abstract

A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub includes a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat includes a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/828,504, entitled “Bathtub Insert”, filed Oct. 6, 2006 by Sidney M. Libit and Jeffrey M. Libit, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a bathtub insert, and in particular an insert that allows older and disabled persons to more easily enter and exit a bathtub and bathe.

Existing conventional bathtubs and showers are designed for an “average” person, but such tubs are difficult to use by persons with disabilities and the elderly. The vertical walls of conventional bathtubs must be stepped over to enter and exit the tub, which is difficult or impossible for some people. Some devices are available to assist disabled or elderly persons in entering, exiting and using showers, but many such devices do not allow a user to soak or use a bathtub, or to retrofit or be temporarily installed in an existing bathtub or shower unit.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a bathtub insert for use with a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat includes a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a bathtub insert for use with a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat, in which the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and a second orientation for use as a bathtub, in which the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user. The bathtub insert also includes a seat having a first portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a second portion extending from the support wall to the second portion, wherein the first and second portions connect to define the seat. A pair of handles extend between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the handles combine with the support wall of the body to support the body when in the second orientation. A door is formed in at least one of the end walls and side walls, the door for providing access to the interior area of the body when the body is positioned in the second orientation.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a bathtub insert according to one embodiment of the invention, the bathtub insert positioned in a first orientation to provide a seat.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the bathtub insert shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B positioned in a second orientation to provide a bathtub.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another embodiment of the invention, the insert positioned to provide a bathing area.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a bathtub insert according to another embodiment of the invention, the bathtub inserted positionable in a first orientation (FIG. 4A) to provide a seat and a second orientation (FIG. 4B) to provide a bathtub.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another embodiment of the invention, the insert positioned to provide a seat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the bathtub insert shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert coupled to an existing bathtub according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternate embodiments of a telescoping bathtub insert coupled to an existing bathtub.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bathtub insert according to another embodiment of the invention.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description of the embodiments provided as examples and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a bathtub insert configured for fitting within an existing bathtub and utilizing an existing shower head. The bathtub insert provides a deeper and more convenient bathing facility within the confines of a generally conventional installed bathtub or shower stall. The insert forms a deeper tub relative to the existing tub and the insert walls extend higher than those of the existing tub. The insert includes a seat formed therein and is sized to fit within the existing tub or shower stall. In one embodiment, the insert includes fixed walls and a sealing pivotal door. The door allows a disabled or elderly person to more easily enter and exit the bathtub by sliding onto the seat. In a further embodiment, the walls may be telescoping or include a pivotally connected upper section.

The water level is raised within the insert such that a person may sit on the seat and take a bath. The insert does not require any additional plumbing as the water supply may be provided by the existing shower head or bathtub faucet. In one embodiment, the insert includes a drain for draining water from the insert.

In one embodiment, the insert is positionable in two different orientations. In a first orientation, the insert defines a shower seat for a user. In a second orientation or inverted position, the insert defines an easily accessible bathing area for a user, including a seat and access door.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B illustrate a bathtub insert 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The bathtub insert 10 provides an easily accessible and deeper bathing area than conventional bathtubs. The bathtub insert 10 is configured for use with a conventional bathtub or shower stall. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathtub insert 10 may be positioned in a bathtub (not shown) in a first orientation for use as a shower seat (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and in a second orientation (FIGS. 2A and 2B) for use as a deeper bathtub.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bathtub insert 10 includes a first end wall 14, a second end wall 18, two side walls 22, 26 extending between the end walls 14, 18, and an upper wall 30. As will become clear in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the insert 10 does not include a lower wall. A seat 34 is defined between the first end wall 14 and the upper wall 30. The seat 34 includes a sit portion 34A extending generally inward from and substantially perpendicular to the first end wall 14, and a seatback portion 34B extending generally downward from and substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the sit portion 34A of the seat 34 is about 21 inches above a lower edge 14A of the first end wall 14 and recessed from the upper wall 30 about 15 inches. The seat 34 provides a sitting area for a user when the insert 10 is positioned in the first orientation, and allows a user to sit down while taking a shower. The sit portion 34A supports the user's posterior and the seatback portion 34B provides a backrest for the user.

The bathtub insert 10 includes a pair of generally L-shaped rails 38 positioned adjacent the seat 34. Each rail 38 includes a first end 38A mounted proximate the intersection of the upper wall 30 and the respective side wall 22, 26 and a second end 38B mounted proximate the intersection of the first end wall 14 and the respective side wall 22, 26. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second end wall 18 of the insert 10 includes a door 42 for providing access to a bathing area 46, as discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, by inverting the bathtub insert 10 (i.e., rotating the insert 10 approximately 180°) to the second orientation, the bathtub insert 10 provides the bathing area 46 for a user. In the second orientation, the upper wall 30 and the rails 38 of the insert 10 define a base surface that rests upon a bottom of the bathtub for supporting the insert 10. The walls 14-30 of the insert 10 define the bathing area 46 with an open end for gaining access to the bathing area 46 and supplying water to the bathing area 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the end walls 14, 18 and the side walls 22, 26 of the insert 10 extend higher than walls of the existing bathtub to define a deeper bathing area 46 than the existing bathtub.

The door 42 formed in the second end wall 18 of the insert 10 provides access to and from the bathing area 46 of the insert 10. The door 42 allows a user to easily slide or step into the bathing area 46 from the bathtub, shower stall, or bathroom. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 42 has a height of about 21 inches and is spaced from the upper wall 30 (i.e., begins above the upper wall in FIGS. 2A and 2B) by about 15 inches. Preferably, the door 42 is sealed such that water within the bathing area 46 (see FIG. 2B) does not leak from the insert 10.

In one embodiment, the door includes a dagger board inserted into a groove slot formed in the second end wall surrounding the door opening. In another embodiment, the door includes a hinged door that folds by a hinge and opens outwardly with respect to the bathing area. The hinge may be molded in plastic as a live hinge or metal and attached to the door and insert in a conventional manner. Both doors include grommet material to secure a seal to the inner or outer periphery of the door opening. In still another embodiment, the door includes a hinged door coupled to an interior surface of the insert (i.e., the second end wall). The door is larger than a width or a length of the door opening and is creased in the middle, similar to a folding door. The door includes a seal (e.g., formed from rubber or plastic) positioned about the inner or outer periphery of the door opening.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the sit portion 34A and the seatback portion 34B of the seat 34 (when the bathtub insert 10 is in the first orientation) define a second seat 50 when the insert 10 is in the second orientation. The sit portion 50A of the second seat 50 may be used as a seat to support a posterior of the user while bathing or a step, while the seatback portion 34B extends generally parallel and adjacent to the user's legs while the user is seated. In the illustrated embodiment, the second seat 50 is raised about 15 inches from the upper wall 30 of the insert 10. The upper wall 30 of the insert 10 includes a closeable drain 54 for allowing water to drain from the bathing area 46.

In one embodiment, the bathtub insert 10 is fabricated from aluminum. In another embodiment, the insert 10 is fabricated from a plastic material using an injection molding process, a roto-molding process, or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates an invertable bathtub insert 110 according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 3, the insert 10 is shown in the second orientation for positioning within a conventional bathtub and providing the bathing area 46 for a user. In this illustrated embodiment, a door 114 is coupled to one of the side walls 22, 26 of the insert 110 to provide access to the bathing area 46. The door 114 is coupled to the side wall by hinges 118 such that the door 114 pivots inwardly toward the bathing area 46 when opened.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an invertable bathtub insert 210 according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified by the same reference numerals. FIG. 4A shows the insert 210 in the first orientation for use as a shower seat and FIG. 4B shows the insert 210 in the second orientation for use as a bathtub. In this illustrated embodiment, a door 214 is coupled to one of the side walls 22, 26 of the insert 210 to provide access to the bathing area 46. The door 214 is coupled to the side wall by hinges 218 such that the door 214 pivots inwardly toward the bathing area 46 (second orientation) when opened.

FIG. 5 illustrates an invertable bathtub insert 310 according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 10 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, whereby like elements will be identified by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, the insert 310 is shown in the first orientation for positioning within a conventional bathtub and providing the sitting area for a user. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the door 42 is coupled to the second end wall 18 of the insert 310 for providing access to the bathing area (not shown) when the insert 310 is positioned in the second orientation.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a bathtub insert 410 according to another embodiment of the invention. The insert 410 is a telescoping bathtub configured for use with a conventional bathtub or shower stall. The insert 410 is shown in a telescoped position in FIGS. 6 and 7. A conventional bathtub has a depth of about 12 inches; however, in the illustrated embodiment the telescoping insert 410 provides a bathing area 414 having a depth of about 36 inches.

The bathtub insert 410 includes three generally rectangular portions that are slidably coupled together in a telescoping relationship. A lower portion 418 provides a base for the insert 410 and is positioned within, on, or around the existing bathtub (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 418 includes a seat 422 for a user to sit on or step on during use. A central portion 426 is slidably coupled to an exterior surface 418A of the lower portion 418 and an upper portion 430 is slidably coupled to an exterior surface 426A of the upper portion 430. In one embodiment, seals are positioned between the coupled portions 418, 426, 430 to prevent water leakage. When the insert 410 is in a compacted position, the lower portion 418 is retained within the central portion 426, which is retained within the upper portion 430.

To move the insert 410 to the telescoped position for use, the upper portion 430 is lifted generally upward to pull the upper portion 430 and the central portion 426 away from the lower portion 418 and create the deeper bathing area 414. The three portions 418, 426, 430 thereby define the bathing area 414 for a user. Locking means (not shown) may be used to hold the insert 410 in the telescoped position. Water is supplied to the bathing area 414 from a shower head or bathtub faucet. In one embodiment, the lower portion 418 may include a closed bottom for holding water within the bathing area 414 and a closable drain for draining water from the bathing area 418. In a further embodiment, the lower portion 418 includes an open bottom.

FIG. 8 illustrates a telescoping bathtub insert 510 according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 410 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, whereby like elements will be identified by the same reference numerals. FIG. 8 shows how the insert 510 is coupled to an existing bathtub 512. The lower portion 418 of the insert 510 slides over and around an exterior surface 512A of the existing bathtub 512. One or more peripheral seals 514 prevent water from leaking from the bathtub through the insert 510.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a telescoping bathtub insert 610 according to another embodiment of the bathtub insert 410 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, whereby like elements will be identified by the same reference numerals. FIG. 9A shows an alternate embodiment for mounting the insert 610 to an existing bathtub (not shown). The lower portion 418 of the insert 610 rests upon an upper edge of the existing bathtub. The insert 610 includes pivotable legs 614 coupled to an exterior surface 418A of the lower portion 418. In one embodiment, the pivotable legs 614 are positioned proximate a lower edge 418B of the lower portion 418. In a lowered position, shown by dashed lines in FIG. 9A, the legs 418 rest upon a floor 620 of the bathtub and support the insert 610 on the bathtub. One or more peripheral seals prevent water from leaking from the bathtub through the insert 610.

In another embodiment of the bathtub insert 610, pivotable legs 618 are positioned proximate an upper edge 418C of the lower portion 418, such that when in the lowered position, the legs 618 rest upon the upper edge of the bathtub to support the insert.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bathtub insert 710 according to another embodiment of the invention. The insert 710 has a clamshell-type design and is configured for use with a conventional bathtub or shower stall. The insert 710 includes a lower portion 714 having a seat 718 and a pivotable upper portion 722 (shown in an open position in FIG. 10). The upper portion 722 and the lower portion 714 are hinged together along a rear edge 726 of the insert 710. During use, the lower portion 714 is received by the existing bathtub (not shown) and a user enters the insert 710 while the upper portion 722 is in the open position. The upper portion 722 is then moved to a closed position in which a lower edge 722A of the upper portion 722 rests upon or overlaps an upper edge 714A of the lower portion 714. The upper portion 722 includes an open top to allow a user to sit within the insert 710. In the closed position, the insert portions 714, 722 define a bathing area 726 having a depth greater than a depth of the existing bathtub.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub, the bathtub insert comprising:

a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body;

a seat including a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat;

wherein the body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub, and

further wherein when the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and

further wherein when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

2. The bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein when the body is in the first orientation the sit portion and the seatback portion define the seat for the user.

3. The bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein when the body is in the second orientation the sit portion defines the seat for the user within the interior area.

4. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a pair of handles extending between the sit portion and the seatback portion.

5. The bathtub insert of claim 4 wherein each handle is substantially L-shaped, and includes a first end coupled to the sit portion adjacent the first end wall and a second end coupled to the seatback portion adjacent the support wall.

6. The bathtub insert of claim 4 wherein a portion of each handle is generally aligned with the support wall such that when the body is in the second orientation, the body is supported by the support wall and the handles.

7. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a drain plug positioned in the support wall of the body.

8. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a door positioned in the second end wall of the body, the door for providing access to the interior area of the body when the body is positioned in the second orientation.

9. The bathtub insert of claim 8 wherein the door is pivotally coupled to the second end wall.

10. The bathtub insert of claim 8 wherein the door is slidably coupled to the second end wall.

11. The bathtub insert of claim 1, and further comprising a door positioned in one of the first and second side walls of the body, the door for providing access to the interior area of the body when the body is positioned in the second orientation.

12. A bathtub insert for use with a bathtub, the bathtub insert comprising:

a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls, wherein the walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body, and

further wherein the body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat, in which the open edge is positionable on a support surface of the bathtub, and a second orientation for use as a bathtub, in which the support wall is positionable on the support surface of the bathtub such that the interior area is accessible by a user;

a seat including a first portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a second portion extending from the support wall to the first portion, wherein the first and second portions connect to define the seat; and

a pair of handles extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the handles combine with the support wall of the body to support the body when in the second orientation;

a door formed in at least one of the end walls and side walls, the door for providing access to the interior area of the body when the body is positioned in the second orientation.

13. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein when the body is in the first orientation the first portion and the second portion define the seat for the user.

14. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein when the body is in the second orientation the first portion defines the seat for the user within the interior area.

15. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein each handle is substantially L-shaped, and includes a first end coupled to the first portion adjacent the first end wall and a second end coupled to the second portion adjacent the support wall.

16. The bathtub insert of claim 12, and further comprising a drain plug positioned in the support wall of the body.

17. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is positioned in the second end wall of the body.

18. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is positioned in one of the first and second side walls of the body.

19. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is pivotally coupled to the respective wall.

20. The bathtub insert of claim 12 wherein the door is slidably coupled to the respective wall.