Water Level Control Device

A water level control device for efficiently regulating the depth of a liquid within a container having a drain plug, such as a bathtub. The water level control device generally includes a lower unit including a connector, an elongated assembly including a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end of the elongated assembly is fluidly connected to the lower unit, and an upper unit fluidly connected to the upper end of the elongated assembly. The upper unit includes an inlet for receiving water that is directed through the elongated assembly and the connector to regulate a water level in communication with the inlet. The connector is fluidly connected to a drain within a basin and the inlet is generally positioned below the overflow drain of the basin. The upper unit is also removably attached to the side wall of the basin and is adjustable in height along the side wall via adjusting the length of the elongated assembly.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/217,379 filed May 30, 2009. The 61/217,379 application is currently pending. The 61/217,379 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a drain attachment and more specifically it relates to a water level control device for efficiently regulating the depth of a liquid within a container having a drain plug, such as a bathtub.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Overflow devices have been in use for years. One common application of overflow devices is within bathtubs. The overflow device is generally fixedly located near the top edge of the bathtub to prevent the water within the bathtub from spilling over and to provide a proper water depth within the bathtub for an adult to take a bath. However, for children the standard height of the overflow device or drain could prove deadly when a parent, sibling, or child leaves the bath water running because the depth that the water is able to reach can be substantially deeper than the height of the child while sitting or laying down within the bathtub. Being able to efficiently regulate the water depth within the bathtub can in addition be of assistance to individuals that have difficulty bending down to access the drain plug. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved water level control device for efficiently regulating the depth of a liquid within a container having a drain plug, such as a bathtub.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficiently regulating the depth of a liquid within a container having a drain plug, such as a bathtub. The invention generally relates to a drain attachment which includes a lower unit including a connector, an elongated assembly including a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end of the elongated assembly is fluidly connected to the lower unit, and an upper unit fluidly connected to the upper end of the elongated assembly. The upper unit includes an inlet for receiving water that is directed through the elongated assembly and the connector to regulate a water level in communication with the inlet. The connector is fluidly connected to a drain within a basin and the inlet is generally positioned below the overflow drain of the basin. The upper unit is also removably attached to the side wall of the basin and is adjustable in height along the side wall via adjusting the length of the elongated assembly.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention installed within a bathtub.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side-sectional exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side-sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side-sectional view of the present invention with one of the tubular segments removed to lower the height of the inlet.

FIG. 8 is a side-sectional view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with an alternate embodiment of the upper unit where the inlet extends through the front, back, and sides of the upper unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a water level control device 10, which comprises a lower unit 20 including a connector 21, an elongated assembly 30 including a lower end 31 and an upper end 32, wherein the lower end 31 of the elongated assembly 30 is fluidly connected to the lower unit 20, and an upper unit 40 fluidly connected to the upper end 32 of the elongated assembly 30. The upper unit 40 includes an inlet 43 for receiving water 19 that is directed through the elongated assembly 30 and the connector 21 to regulate a water level in communication with the inlet 43. The connector 21 is fluidly connected to a drain 16 within a basin 11 and the inlet 43 is generally positioned below the overflow drain 17 of the basin 11. The upper unit 40 is also removably attached to the side wall 13 of the basin 11 and is adjustable in height along the side wall 13 via adjusting the length of the elongated assembly 30.

B. Basin

The water level control device 10 is generally used with a basin 11 to control the water level within the basin 11. Thus the water level control device 10 is generally positioned below the overflow drain 17 within the basin 11, wherein the device 10 functions in a similar manner as the overflow drain 17 by draining the water 19 as the water 19 reaches the device 10 to prevent the water 19 from rising above the device 10. It is appreciated however that the device 10 may be used at a similar height in cooperation with the overflow drain 17 or in place of the overflow drain 17. It is appreciated that basin 11 as defined herein may refer to a conventional bathtub, sink, or any container used to hold water 19 or other liquid wherein the water level is desired to be regulated. A bathtub will be described herein as the primary basin 11; however other types of basins may be appreciated and substituted readily for the bathtub.

The bathtub 11 may be comprised of various configurations, shapes, and sizes all which generally hold water 19 for an individual, adult or child, to sit or stand within to bathe themselves. The bathtub 11 may be comprised of various materials and colors. The bathtub 11 includes a cavity 12 which includes a plurality of walls 13 leading to an upper rim 14 that extends around an upper perimeter of the walls 13. The cavity 12 also includes a floor 15 forming the bottom of the inside of the cavity 12.

The bathtub 11 includes a floor drain 16 generally positioned at the front end of the floor 15. The floor drain 16 is for draining water 19 from within the bathtub 11. The bathtub 11 also generally includes an overflow drain 17 that extends through at least one of the walls 13 near the upper rim 14 for regulating the water level within the bathtub 11 by allowing the water 19 to drain from within the bathtub 11 through the overflow drain 17 once the water level reaches the height of the overflow drain 17. The overflow drain 17 also prevents the water 19 from spilling over the upper rim 14 and is generally situated near the upper rim 14 to allow for a maximum amount of water 19 to be filled within the bathtub 11. The overflow drain 17 is further generally fixed at a given location and is not adjustable.

C. Lower Unit

The device 10 includes a lower unit 20 for being secured over and fluidly connected to the floor drain 16 of the bathtub 11. The water 19 collected by the upper unit 40 travels to the lower unit 20 where the water 19 is subsequently fed into the floor drain 16. The lower unit 20 also prevents water 19 that is surrounding the lower unit 20 from entering the floor drain 16, wherein the lower unit 20 forms a watertight seal with the floor 15 of the bathtub 11 around the floor drain 16 or the floor drain 16 itself. The lower unit 20 may be comprised of various materials that may be safely submerged within the water 19 of a bathtub 11 and not release any contaminants. The lower unit 20 is also removably connected to the floor 15 or floor drain 16 of the bathtub 11. The lower unit 20 is preferably comprised of a non permeable structure.

A lower connector 21, which fluidly connects the first end 31 of the tubular assembly 30 to the drain 16 ensures that the water 19 traveling through the tubular assembly 30 subsequently travels through the lower unit 20 to within the floor drain 16. It is appreciated that the lower connector 21 generally include end openings and a channel extending throughout for water flow, wherein the connector 21 is comprised of a hollow or tubular structure. In the preferred embodiment the lower connector 21 removably connects to the elongated assembly 30 via a threadable connection. It is appreciated however that other types of connections may be appreciated.

The lower connector 21 extends substantially within the lower unit 20 to be substantially concealed when in use. In the preferred embodiment, the lower connector 21 is comprised of an elbow shaped structure (such as an L-shaped structure), which forms a right angle to alter the direction of water 19 flow from horizontal coming from the tubular assembly 30 to vertical leading to the floor drain 16. The connector 21 thus includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion as illustrated.

The lower connector 21 is integral or separately connected to the elongated assembly 30 and lower unit 20 in a fluid connection manner. The vertical portion of the lower connector 21 is thus generally positioned concentric with the floor drain 16. The lower connector 21 may adhere to the floor 15 of the bathtub 11 in various manners, such as but not limited to suction cup connection. The lower connector 21 may also directly fluidly connect to the floor drain 16, such as by a threadable connection, being inserted within, connecting to the upper part of the floor drain 16, or various other manners of direct fluid connection, such as clamping, adjusting, screwing, or otherwise affixing to the floor drain 16.

The lower unit 20 includes a cover portion 24 surrounding the upper part of the lower connector 21. The cover portion 24 forms the upper surface of the lower unit 20 and thus is preferably comprised of a structure and material that will not hurt the individual within the bathtub 11, contaminate the water 19, or harm the individual in any manner. In the preferred embodiment, the cover portion 24 is comprised of a trapezoid structure.

The lower unit 20 also includes a base 25 surrounding the lower part of the lower connector 21. The base 25 forms the lower surface of the lower unit 20 and thus is preferably comprised of a structure and material that will not hurt the individual within the bathtub 11, contaminate the water 19, or harm the individual in any manner. The base 25 includes a central opening for the lower connector 21 to extend there through to fluidly connect with the floor drain 16. The base 25 may further function in suction cup manner to adhere the lower unit 20 to the floor 15 of the bathtub 11. It is appreciated that the base 25 may removably or fixedly attach to the floor 15 in various alternate manners. The base 25 ensures that no water 19 enters the floor drain 14 from underneath the lower unit 20. It is appreciated that the lower unit 20 including the cover 24 and the base 25 may be comprised of a hollow or solid structure.

D. Elongated Assembly

The device 10 includes an elongated assembly 30 to connect the lower unit 20 to the upper unit 40. The elongated assembly is comprised of a tubular configuration so that water 19 can easily travel through the elongated assembly 30. The elongated assembly 30 is also preferably comprised of a non permeable structure. The elongated assembly 30 generally includes at least one tubular segment 36. It is appreciated however that the elongated assembly 30 may include multiple tubular segments 36, 37, each of which are removably connectable to with respect to each other to lengthen or shorten the overall length of the elongated assembly 30 so that the height of the upper unit 40 and thus inlet 43 can be adjusted along the side wall 13 of the bathtub 12. By removing a segment 36, 37, the elongated assembly 30 is able to remain in a taut configuration and thus not have much or any slack portions to become entangled with the individual or child bathing within the bathtub 11.

The elongated assembly 30 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32 opposite the first end 31. The first end 31 attaches to the lower unit 20 and more particularly the lower connector 21, and the second end 32 attaches to the upper unit 40 and more particularly the shell 41 or an upper connector 45 of the upper unit 40 in a threadable or otherwise removable manner. It is appreciated that since the tubular segments 36, 37 of the elongated assembly 30 may be removed, either the first tubular segment 36 may form the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the elongated assembly 30, or the second tubular segment 37 may form the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the elongated assembly 30 or various combinations thereof.

When both the tubular segments 36, 37 are connected and in use, the first tubular segment 36 defines the first end 31 and the second tubular segment 37 defines the second end 32, wherein the water 19 flows from the inlet 43 of the upper unit 40, through the second tubular segment 37, then through the first tubular segment 36, then through the lower connector 21 of the lower unit 20 into the floor drain 16 of the bathtub. The elongated assembly 30 also preferably defines a horizontal portion 33 traveling along the floor 15 of the bathtub 11 and a vertical portion 34 traveling along the side wall 13 of the bathtub 11. However it is appreciated that the elongated assembly 30 may simply vertically extend upwards from the floor drain 16.

When forming the right angle between the horizontal portion 33 and the vertical portion 34 of the elongated assembly 30, the elongated assembly 30 preferably does so in a manner that does not produce any kinks or blockages for the water 19 traveling through. Various connectors or coupler 39 may also be used at the right angle portion of the elongated assembly 30 to ensure that the elongated assembly 30 does not kink. The elongated assembly 30 is preferably comprised of a flex tubing configuration and able to bend and hold a shape without becoming kinked or restricting water flow. The tubular segments 36, 37 may further directly connect to each other in an inline manner or be connected through a hollow coupler 39. Various connecting structures may be utilized to connect the tubular segments 36, 37 such as threadable.

Other configurations, such as corrugated tubing may be appreciated and allow for an adjustability of the length of elongated assembly 30 via expanding or contracting. In this configuration, the elongated assembly 30 may be comprised of a single tubular segment that is able to adjust in length without the need to remove and add additional tubular segments. In further alternate configurations, the elongated assembly 30 and segments 36, 37 may be comprised of a rigid structure.

The tubular segments 36, 37 may be comprised of similar lengths or different lengths. In one embodiment, a first tubular segment 36 is comprised of a first length and a second tubular segment 37 is comprised of a second length, wherein the first length and the second length are different. When desiring to alter the length of the elongated assembly 30 to adjust the height of the upper unit 40 along the wall 13 of the bathtub 11, one of the tubular segments 36, 37 is removed and then the other end of the remaining tubular segment 36, 37 is attached to the respective upper unit 40 or lower unit 20. For example, if the upper unit 40 was desired to be lower or closer to the floor 15, such as when bathing a small child and only wanting a low level of water 19 within the bathtub 11, the second tubular segment 37 is removed, and the first tubular segment 36 is directly connected to the lower unit 20 on one end and the upper unit 40 on the other end.

Likewise, if the upper unit 40 was desired to be higher or further from the floor 15, such as when bathing a larger child or adult and wanting a higher level of water 19 within the bathtub 11, the second tubular segment 37 is reattached so the first tubular segment 36 is directly connected to the lower unit 20 and the second tubular segment 37 is directly connected to the upper unit 40. It is appreciated that various other embodiments may also be used, such as only using the second tubular segment 37 for an intermediate length of the tubular segments 36, 37 and height of the upper unit 40, or the use of more than two tubular segments 36, 37 for additional adjustability.

The tubular segments 36, 37 may be comprised of various materials, all of which may be submerged in water 19 and not release any contaminants within the water 19 or allow water 19 to enter within or exit from the sides of the tubular segments 36, 37, such as being a non permeable structure. It is appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the lower end 31 of the elongated assembly 30 may be integral with the lower connector 21 and lower unit 20.

E. Upper Unit

The upper unit 40 extends from the upper end 32 of the elongated assembly 30, whether that be the first tubular segment 36 or the second tubular segment 37. The upper unit 40 receives the water 19 that is at a height equal to or over the inlet 43 and directs the water 19 within the tubular segments 36, 37 to be directed within the lower unit 20 and into the floor drain 16. Further, the shell 41 of the upper unit 40 is attached to the upper end of the tubular segments 36, 37 through a lower opening 44 within the shell 41, whereby water 19 flowing through the inlet 43 of the upper unit 40 flows within the shell 41 and down the tubular segments 36, 37 via the lower opening 44. A connector 45 may extend from the lower opening 44 integral or separately connected to the shell 41 for interconnection of the elongated assembly 30.

The shell 41 may be comprised of various configurations, such as a hollow square-box shape, various other shapes, and may be comprised of various materials, preferably a non permeable material. The shell 41 may also be comprised of various alternate structures, such as invertebrates, plants, or the like to improve the aesthetic appearance of the shell 41. The shell 41 includes a cavity 42 fluidly connecting the inlet 43 to the lower opening 44 so that the water 19 entering the shell 41 through the inlet 43 travels smoothly to and through the lower opening 44.

The inlet 43 preferably extends through a side of the shell 41. This is advantageous of extending the inlet 43 through the top of the shell 41, wherein a child could easily place something over the inlet 43 thus plugging the inlet 43. The inlet 43 may be comprised of various sizes and configurations. The inlet 43 further preferably extends through a front of the shell 41 opposite the connected to bathtub 11 wall 13. A screen, filter 46, or other device may also be in fluid communication with the inlet 43 to capture dead skin and other molecules and contaminants within the water 19. The lower opening 44 preferably extends through a lower end of the shell 41 to connect with the end of the elongated assembly 30. Various couplers, connectors, or other attachment mechanisms may be used to attach the elongated assembly 30 to the shell 41.

A grate 50 may also extend across the inlet 43 to prevent foreign objects from entering the inlet 43 and upper unit 40. The grate 50 may be comprised of various configurations, such as horizontal slats, vertical slats, or a combination of both. The grate 50 and filter 46 may be used in combination or separate from each other.

An attachment device 48 extends from the rear of the shell 41 to secure the upper unit 40 to the wall 13 of the bathtub 11. The attachment device 48 preferably removably secures the upper unit 40 to the bathtub 11, and in the preferred embodiment, is comprised of a suction cup structure. The attachment device 48 may further be permanently secured, or removably secured to the shell 41 of the upper unit 40.

In an alternate embodiment, the inlet 43 and grate 50 extend across the front side, the rear side, and around the perimeter of the shell 41 as shown in FIG. 9. This further helps to ensure that at least a portion of the inlet 43 is open to allow water 19 to flow therethrough. It is appreciated that the entire shell 41 of the upper unit 40 may be comprised of a grating structure so as to ensure maximum water flow therethrough. Alternately, if the grating structure 50 is not used, multiple inlets 43 may still extend through the shell 41 on multiple sides, including the front, back, top, bottom, so as to allow maximum water flow therethrough.

In addition, the upper unit 40 or entire device 10 could be comprised of heat sensitive material, such as heat sensitive plastic or heat sensitive stickers (of various shapes) upon the device 10, to change color if the contacting source (e.g. water 19) is above a predetermined temperature. The heat sensitive plastic material would change color if the contacting water 19 was above or below a certain temperature. A parent, guardian, or monitoring individual could then easily determine whether the water temperature was too hot or cold. Such types of heat sensitive plastics are common in the prior art.

F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the drain plug is first removed from or opened with respect to the floor drain 16 so that water 19 is able to flow within the floor drain 16. The lower unit 20 is secured to the floor 15 of the bathtub 11 over the floor drain 16 to create a water tight seal around the floor drain 16. The elongated assembly 30 is then adjusted to the proper length to accommodate for the desired height of the upper unit 40 along the wall 13 of the bathtub 11 and thus water depth.

The tubular segments 36, 37 of the elongated assembly 30 may be adjusted in length by removing the first tubular segment 36 or the second tubular segment 37, or by simply adjusting the length of the elongated assembly 30 in other manners. The elongated assembly 30 is then preferably arranged in a manner to run horizontally along the floor 15 to the wall 13 and then form a right angle to run vertically along the wall 13. The upper unit 40 is then adhered to the wall 13 of the bathtub 11 via the attachment device 48.

As the water 19 is filled within the bathtub 11, the lower unit 20 prevents water 19 from being drained through the floor drain 16 thus acting in a plug manner. When the level of the water 19 reaches the inlet 43, the water 19 automatically flows within the inlet 43, wherein the water 19 is then directed within the floor drain 16 via traveling through the upper unit 40, then elongated assembly 30 and then lower unit 20. The inlet 43 continues to drain water 19 from the tub through the floor drain 16 as long as the water level is level with the inlet 43 or above the inlet 43.

The size of the inlet 43 is preferably large enough to drain water 19 from the bathtub 11 as fast as the bathtub 11 is being filled with the water 19. In the case of bathing a child, the parent thus has to worry less about the water 19 getting too deep within the bathtub 11, wherein the water 19 will automatically drain once the water level reaches the inlet 43 and not rise to a level above the inlet 43. The height of the upper unit 40 may be adjusted at any time if the water level is desired to be higher or lower.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. A water level control system for regulating the level of water within a basin, comprising:

a basin including a cavity for filling with water and wherein said basin includes a drain for draining said water from said cavity;
a lower connector fluidly connected to said drain;
at least one tubular segment including a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is fluidly connected to said lower connector;
wherein said at least one tubular segment is positioned within said cavity; and
an inlet fluidly connected to said second end of said at least one tubular segment, wherein said inlet is positioned above said lower connector;
wherein said inlet is positioned within said cavity to receive said water within said cavity once a water level reaches said inlet and direct said water through said at least one tubular segment and said lower connector into said drain of said basin to regulate a water level within said cavity.

2. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said lower connector is comprised of an elbow connector.

3. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one tubular segment is comprised of a flexible tubing structure.

4. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one tubular segment includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion fluidly connected to said horizontal portion.

5. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one tubular segment is adjustable in length.

6. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one tubular segment includes a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment, wherein said second tubular segment is fluidly connected to said first tubular segment.

7. The water level control system of claim 6, wherein said first tubular segment is removably connected to said second tubular segment.

8. The water level control system of claim 7, wherein a first length of said first tubular segment is different than a second length of said second tubular segment.

9. The water level control system of claim 1, including an upper unit fluidly connected to said second end of said at least one tubular segment, wherein said inlet extends through said upper unit.

10. The water level control system of claim 9, wherein said inlet extends through a front side of said upper unit.

11. The water level control system of claim 1, wherein said upper unit includes an attachment device extending therefrom to attach said upper unit to a wall of said cavity.

12. The water level control system of claim 11, wherein said attachment device is comprised of a suction cup structure.

13. The water level control system of claim 1, including a lower unit extending from said lower connector, wherein said lower unit is concentric with said floor drain.

14. The water level control system of claim 1, including a water filter in communication with said inlet.

15. A water level control device, comprising:

a lower unit fluidly connected to a drain;
an elongated assembly including a lower end and an upper end, wherein said elongated assembly is adjustable in length;
wherein said elongated assembly includes a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment, wherein said first tubular segment is removably connected to said second tubular segment and wherein said first tubular segment is comprised of a different length than said second tubular segment;
wherein said lower end of said elongated assembly is fluidly connected to said lower unit; and
an upper unit fluidly connected to said upper end of said elongated assembly;
wherein said upper unit is positioned above said lower unit;
wherein said upper unit includes an inlet for receiving water to be directed through said elongated assembly and said lower unit to regulate a water level in communication with said inlet.

16. The water level control device of claim 15, wherein said first tubular segment and said second tubular segment assembly are comprised of flexible tubing.

17. The water level control device of claim 15, including an attachment device extending from said upper unit.

18. The water level control device of claim 17, wherein said attachment device is comprised of a suction cup.

19. The water level control device of claim 15, wherein said inlet extends through a front side of said upper unit.

20. A water level control system for regulating the level of water within a bathtub, comprising:

a bathtub including a cavity for filling with water, wherein said cavity includes a floor and a plurality of walls surrounding said floor;
wherein said bathtub includes a floor drain extending through said floor for draining said water from said cavity;
a lower unit including a lower connector;
wherein said lower connector is fluidly connected to said floor drain;
an elongated assembly including a lower end and an upper end, wherein said elongated assembly includes a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment;
wherein said first tubular segment is removably connected to said second tubular segment;
wherein said first tubular segment is comprised of a first length and wherein said second tubular segment is comprised of a second length;
wherein said first length is different than said second length;
wherein said first tubular segment and said second tubular segment are comprised of a non permeable structure;
wherein said first tubular segment and said second tubular segment are comprised of a flexible tubing structure;
wherein said lower end of said elongated assembly is fluidly connected to said lower unit;
an upper unit including an upper connector, wherein said upper connector is fluidly connected to said upper end of said elongated assembly;
wherein said upper unit includes a heat sensitive material to change color if a contacting source is above a predetermined temperature;
wherein said upper unit is positioned above said lower unit;
wherein said upper unit includes an inlet for receiving water to direct said water through said second tubular segment, said first tubular segment, said lower connector and said floor drain to regulate a water level in communication with said inlet;
wherein said inlet extends through a front side and a rear side of said upper unit;
a grate extending across said inlet; and
an attachment device extending from said upper unit for being removably secured to at least one of said plurality of walls of said bathtub;
wherein said attachment device is comprised of a suction cup.
Patent History
Publication number: 20100299829
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 24, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 2, 2010
Inventor: James Trujillo (Plumas Lake, CA)
Application Number: 12/565,879
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Valve (4/682)
International Classification: E03C 1/232 (20060101);