US20140165283A1

US20140165283A1 - Bathtub and Shower Liner

Info

Publication number: US20140165283A1
Application number: US14/025,018
Authority: US
Inventors: II Gregory Beard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-12
Publication date: 2014-06-19

Abstract

The invention features a liner having pockets which receive packets in the form of therapeutic treatment providing aroma therapy, bubble baths and/or fragrances. The liner provides a slip resistant and anti-bacterial top surface. The liner features an adhesive bottom surface which secures the liner to the surface of a shower or bathtub. The liner also features a cushion which aligns to the neck and back of the user. Handles on the liner aid in positioning and removing the liner on and off the surface of a shower or bathtub.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of, and is related to Applicant's provisional patent application, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/700,742 titled “BATHTUB AND SHOWER LINER,” filed Sep. 13, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a disposable liner having an antibacterial and slip resistant surface which releases bath mixtures and scents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although bathtubs and Jacuzzis are relaxing, they can cause health risks. Parasites, bacteria and disease can lurk in the water in tubs or Jacuzis, when the tubs are not properly treated and cleaned. Use of the tub or Jacuzzi may actually cause health benefits. For example, Jacuzzis lower blood pressure. Therefore, moderate use may actually be therapeutic for individuals with high blood pressure or hypertension. However, most tubs are not cleaned in a manner to ensure they are not contaminated causing illness to bathers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a liner which creates a clean and a relaxing environment by providing aroma therapy and easy application and easy removal.
An aspect of an embodiment of the invention provides a liner with an anti-bacteria and slip resistant coating having an adhesive base to attach to a base of a tub or shower floor.
A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features pockets which receive packets in the form of therapeutic treatment providing aroma therapy, bubble baths and/or fragrances.
A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features the liner having a built-in cushion that aligns with the back or neck of the user.
A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features handles that extend from the liner that aid in positioning the liner so that it covers the entire surface of a tub or shower floor.
A further aspect of an embodiment of the invention features a variety of patterns, colors, and styles on the liners allowing for branding and personalization.
Additional aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention which also releases bubbles and/or fragrances.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention which is used for therapeutic purposes.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention having stylish colors and patterns.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate plan views of liner colors and patterns according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a liner being positioned onto a bathtub surface according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with handles which help with positioning, applying and removing the liner.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention having been secured to a bathtub surface.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with a design, cushion and handles.

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with an alternate design and handles.

FIG. 9 demonstrates a perspective view of a liner, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, having a design, cushion and handles being secured to a bathtub surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a liner according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with a design, cushion and handles secured to a tub surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The liner as envisioned in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may be preferably sized and shaped so that it can fit onto the top surface of a bathtub, Jacuzzi, shower, or the like. When secured to the top surface, the liners create a sterile environment. The liner can be disposed of after each use. Thus, the user does not have to worry about germs and bacteria in public tubs, for example. The liners are designed to fit over the entire surface of a bathtub or they can be sized to at least rest beneath the bottom of user's feet in the shower.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a plan view of liner 100, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Liner 100 features top surface 106 which may mirror the shape of the top surface of the bathtub. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 100 may be designed to release bubbles and/or fragrances. Liner 100 is shown with top surface 106 which receives the body of a user when the liner has been installed and in use. Liner 100 includes front and back surfaces 108 a and 108 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 106. These surfaces cover the front and back sections of the tub rising from the tub floor. Two side surfaces 110 a and 10 b extend from the side edges of top surface 106. Handles 102 and 104 extend from the front and back surfaces 108 a and 108 b. Handles 102 and 104 may be used to aid in positioning the liner to cover the entire surface of the tub or shower floor.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a plan view of liner 200 configured to be used for therapeutic purposes, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Liner 200 is shown with top surface 206 which receives the body of a user when the liner has been installed and in use. Liner 200 includes front and back surfaces 208 a and 208 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 206. These surfaces cover the front and back sections of the tub rising from the tub floor. Two side surfaces 210 a and 210 b extend from the side edges of top surface 206. Handles 202 and 204 extend from the front and back surfaces 208 a and 208 b. Similar to the handles of liner 100, handles 202 and 204 may be used to aid in positioning the liner to cover the entire surface of the tub or shower floor. The handles are unitary with the liner and in the same plane. Liner 200 additionally includes an enclosure 212 which, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, encloses a hermetically sealed activities compartment 250 which may use media to enable game playing and doodling with a user's fingertips. Examples of media used may include dyes, gels or the like. In one aspect, the activities compartment may be adapted to enable the resetting of games or erasure by rubbing through said media. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the entire surface of top layer 206 may enclose a similar activities compartment for the same activities. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, enclosure 212 may enclose a cushion or padding to provide the user with comfort when the user is lying in the tub.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, a plan view of a liner 300 having stylish colors and patterns according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to liner 100 described above, liner 300 also features top surface 306 which may mirror the shape of the top surface of the bathtub. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 300 may be designed to release bubbles and/or fragrances.
Similar to liner 100 above, liner 300 may also include top surface 306, front and back surfaces 308 a and 308 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 306, two side surfaces 310 a and 310 b extending from the side edges of top surface 306 and handles 302 and 304 extending from the front and back surfaces 308 a and 308 b. Liner 300 additionally includes design pattern 312 a used to decorate liner 300. FIGS. 3B-3D show additional exemplary stylish colors and patterns 312 b through 312 d that could also be used on top surface 306 of liner 300.
Alternately, liner 300 may be cut into any shape or design and personalized with a unique pattern. For example, a company's logo may be shown on the liner. Or, colors, shapes and illustrations may be on the liner as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D.
Liner 300 may be, in one aspect, be clear but it can be any color such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo or violet. The design patterns 312 b through 312 d can be positioned on liner 300 so they are easily visible on the liner. The designs can complement the liner or contrast against the color of the liner so that the designs are spotlighted or highlighted. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, design patterns 312 b through 312 d can be glow in the dark, providing a subtle glow when exposed to light. Liner 300 or design patterns 312 b through 312 d can also be glow in the dark to create a unique appearance. Alternatively, liner 300 and design patterns 312 b through 312 d may be glow in the dark.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of liner 400 being positioned onto a bathtub surface, S according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The liners may be made from organic materials and biodegradable. It may be bendable and flexible for easy application and transporting, yet sturdy enough to withstand being applied to the surface without tearing or being destroyed. A transparent durable plastic material may be used. As shown, liner 400 may have a shape that is identical to the bathtub surface, S. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 400 may feature additional material extending from all edges of the liner upwards to cover the entire inside surfaces of the bathtub or Jacuzzi.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a plan view of a liner 500 according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is shown with handles 502 and 504 which help with positioning, applying and removing the liner. Liner 500 as with liner 100 described above, may also include top surface 506, front and back surfaces 508 a and 508 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 506, two side surfaces 510 a and 510 b extending from the side edges of top surface 506 and handles 502 and 504 which extend from the front and back surfaces 508 a and 508 b. Handles 502 and 504 are parts of liner 500 which allows the user to easily grasp the liner when removing it from the surface of the tub or shower.
In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the handles may not be secured to the tub and be free of adhesive but instead extend freely so that the users can grasp them and peel the liners off of the tub or shower surface from either the front or back of the liner. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, handles 502 and 504 may extend from the side surfaces of top surface 506.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a plan view of a liner 600 according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention having been secured to a bathtub surface, S is shown. Liner 600 as with liner 100 described above, may also include top surface 606, front and back surfaces 608 a and 608 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 606, two side surfaces 610 a and 610 b extending from the side edges of top surface 606 and handles 602 and 604 extending from the front and back surfaces 608 a and 608 b.
In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 600 may also have a bottom surface (not shown) below top surface 606. The bottom surface may, in one aspect, have an adhesive cover covering a layer of adhesive for affixing or securing liner 600 to the surface of tub, S. The cover conceals the adhesive until the liner is ready to be applied to the surface. When removed, the adhesive side of the liner is placed into a clean and dry bathtub and air bubbles are removed from the liner. When the edges are secured onto the tub surface, the water is set to its preferred temperature and put inside of the bathtub. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 600 may further include a temperature control element which may function to determine and ensure that the water in the tub is at the right temperature. This may include a thermometer and signaling device 650 for indicating the temperature while also signaling whether the water temperature is above or below a predetermined temperature or not. The signaling device may change colors to identify the water is too cold or too hot.
In another aspect, bottom surface of liner 600 may have additional means of affixing or securing liner 600 to surface, S of the tub. Top surface 606 of liner 600 may also be slip resistant. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, bottom surface of liner 600 may include a layer of anti-bacteria coating disposed beneath the adhesive layer. This is to ensure that the bacterial levels in liner 600 are non-existent or low.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a plan view of a liner 700 with a design, cushion and handles according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Liner 700 as with liner 100 described above, may also include top surface 706, front and back surfaces 708 a and 708 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 706, two side surfaces 710 a and 710 b extending from the side edges of top surface 706 and handles 702 and 704 extending from the front and back surfaces 708 a and 708 b. Additionally, liner 700 may feature perforations 714 on the front drain area (for frontal drainage tubs) or bottom drains. Perforations 714 outline the drain of the tub or shower. After its use, the perforations can be fully opened so that the water in the tub can be drained.
Liner 700 may, in another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, feature one or more pockets 712 disposed on top surface 706. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, pockets 712 may have an opening and a first and second side and bottom connected to top surface 706 of liner 700. Pockets 712 may also be large enough to receive packets in the form of therapeutic treatment providing salts or similar products for aroma therapy. Pockets 712 may also be large enough for other beauty aid packets which may include soaps, bubble bath crystals and/or fragrances or any type of mixture for relaxation or cleaning of the body. The packets can dissolve when mixed with water or the packets can release its contents when force or pressure is applied to pocket 712 with the packet inside or when force or pressure is applied to the packet. The packets can be a gel pack that is filled, requiring no peeling or unwrapping of the outer layer. No measuring of soap or bath liquids is required, as each packet is prefilled with the appropriate amount of filling. The packets 750 dissolve in pockets 712, and because they are self-contained, they do not leave behind a mess.
Pockets 712 may be positioned along the design on the liner 700. The packets can be multiple colors so that when they are placed inside of the pocket, the colors of the packets add color to the designs on the liner. For example, if the design on the liner is a rose, red packets can be placed inside of the pockets and the rose will appear in a red color because of the red coloring on the red packets. Reflective stickers 751 can be applied to the packets or the outside top of the pockets for enhanced nighttime reflective brightness.
In an alternate aspect of an embodiment, pockets 712 may also feature a seal with plastic strip that can be squeezed between two other, parallel plastic strips on the surface of the liner. When sealed, the packets remain in place. Pockets 712 may feature one or more apertures so that when the packets are ruptured, the contents of the pockets will disperse through the apertures.
Back surface 708 b may feature an opening that forms a back pocket 718 which, in turn, may receive a foam or gel head rest. Back pocket 718 may be aligned to the shoulder, neck and head of a user and, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be sealed in the manner discussed above for pockets 712 which house the packets. In another aspect, the head rest can be made onto the material and removable or back surface 718 may be configured to have an attachment mechanism positioned on back surface 718 to attach and secure an external headrest which can be removed. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, back surface 718 may be adapted to have a massager removably or permanently positioned therein to massage the neck or back of a user.
As previously discussed, the pockets can be positioned in a manner as to show a design or a company's logo. Liner 700 may also include liner design 716 as shown. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, lights or lighting components may be aligned in pockets 712 to accent and highlight each pocket so that the design has a glowing and lighted effect and is easily visible. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 700 may feature a first layer having a design with pockets, a second layer (not shown) disposed below the first layer, where the second layer includes the lighting components and electrical circuitry for the pockets and a power source which may be battery or an adapter for AC power and a third layer (not shown) disposed beneath the second layer where the third layer covers and insulates the lighting components and electrical circuitry. The third layer may also include a bottom surface having an adhesive cover, which is removed when the liner is ready to be applied to a surface and which covers a layer of adhesive used to secure liner 700 to the surface of the bathtub.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a plan view of a liner 800 according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with an alternate design and handles is shown. FIG. 8 illustrates a liner 800 having a similar layout as with liner 700 except liner 800 does not have any designs or a back pocket as does liner 700.
Liner 800 as with liner 700 described above, may also include top surface 806, front and back surfaces 808 a and 808 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 806, two side surfaces 810 a and 810 b extending from the side edges of top surface 806 and handles 802 and 804 extending from the front and back surfaces 808 a and 808 b. Additionally, liner 800 may feature perforations 814 on the front drain area (for frontal drainage tubs) or bottom drains. Perforations 814 outline the drain of the tub or shower. After its use, the perforations can be fully opened so that the water in the tub can be drained. Liner 800 may, in another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, feature one or more pockets 812 disposed on top surface 806. Pockets 812, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, may extend in an U-shaped layout along the front and side edge of the liner 800. As previously discussed, the pockets can be positioned in a manner as to show a design or a company's logo.
In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, lights or lighting components may be aligned in pockets 812 to accent and highlight each pocket so that the design has a glowing and lighted effect and is easily visible. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, liner 800 may feature a first layer having a design with pockets, a second layer (not shown) disposed below the first layer, where the second layer includes the lighting components and electrical circuitry for the pockets and a power source which may be battery or an adapter for AC power and a third layer (not shown) disposed beneath the second layer where the third layer covers and insulates the lighting components and electrical circuitry. The third layer may also include a bottom surface having an adhesive cover, which is removed when the liner is ready to be applied to a surface and which covers a layer of adhesive used to secure liner 800 to the surface of the bathtub.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of a liner 900, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, having a design, cushion and handles being secured to a bathtub surface, S is shown. Liner 900 is similar to liner 700 as it also features top surface 906, front and back surfaces 908 a and 908 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 906, two side surfaces 910 a and 910 b extending from the side edges of top surface 906 and handles 902 and 904 extending from the front and back surfaces 908 a and 908 b. Additionally, liner 900 may feature perforations 914 on the front drain area (for frontal drainage tubs) or bottom drains. Perforations 914 outline the drain of the tub or shower. After its use, the perforations can be fully opened so that the water in the tub can be drained.
Additionally, back surface 908 b of liner 900 may include may feature an opening that forms a back pocket 918 which, in turn, may receive a foam or gel head rest. Back pocket 918 may be aligned to the shoulder, neck and head of a user and, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be sealed in the manner discussed above for pockets 912 which house the packets. In another aspect, the head rest can be made onto the material and removable or back surface 918 may be configured to have an attachment mechanism positioned on back surface 918 to attach and secure an external headrest which can be removed.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a liner 1000 according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention with a design, cushion and handles is shown having been secured to a tub surface, S.
Similar to liner 800 described above, liner 1000 may also include top surface 1006, front and back surfaces 1010 a and 1010 b which extend from the front and back edges of top surface 1006, two side surfaces 1010 a and 1010 b extending from the side edges of top surface 1006 and handles 1002 and 1004 extending from the front and back surfaces 1010 a and 1010 b. As shown, a user, once done, may remove liner 1000 by simply lifting either of or both of handles 1002 and 1004 (as they are not secured to the tub surface, S).
Liner 1000 may also feature perforations 1014 on the front drain area (for frontal drainage tubs) or bottom drains. Perforations 1014 outline the drain of the tub or shower. After its use, the perforations can be fully opened so that the water in the tub can be drained. Liner 1000 may, in another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, feature one or more pockets 1012 disposed on top surface 1006. Pockets 1012, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, may extend in an U-shaped layout along the front and side edge of the liner 1000. As previously discussed, the pockets can be positioned in a manner as to show a design or a company's logo.
Additionally, back surface 1008 b of liner 1000 may include may feature an opening that forms a back pocket 1018 which, in turn, may receive a foam or gel head rest. Back pocket 1018 may be aligned to the shoulder, neck and head of a user and, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be sealed in the manner discussed above for pockets 1012 which house the packets. In another aspect, the head rest can be made onto the material and removable or back surface 1018 may be configured to have an attachment mechanism positioned on back surface 1018 to attach and secure an external headrest which can be removed.
Although this present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific forms and embodiments, it will be evident that a great number of variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically disclosed and certain features of the present invention may be used independently of other features—all without departing from the present invention as defined in the appended claims

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bath tub liner, comprising:

a slip resistant top layer having at least one pocket, wherein said at least one pocket is adapted to receive a therapeutic or beauty aid packet;

a front edge of said top layer having a front surface which extends to cover the front area of said tub;

a back edge of said top layer having a back surface which extends to cover the back area of said tub;

two side surfaces extending from the side edges of said top layer;

a handle extending from each of said front surface and back surface of said top layer;

a bottom layer disposed beneath said top layer, wherein said bottom layer is adapted to cover the tub surface.

2. The bath tub liner according to claim 1 wherein said at least one pocket comprise of

a seal for securing said packets within said at least one pocket; and

at least one aperture for dispersion of said packet's contents when said packets are ruptured.

3. The bath tub liner according to claim 1, further comprising reflective stickers installed on said at least one pocket.

4. The bath tub liner according to claim 1 wherein said bottom layer further comprises:

a layer with anti-bacterial coating;

a layer of adhesive, disposed beneath said anti-bacterial coating layer; and

an adhesive cover, said adhesive cover covering said layer of adhesive.

5. The bath tub liner according to claim 1 wherein said back surface comprises of

a back pocket configured to receive a head rest; and

a seal for securing said head rest within said back pocket.

6. The bath tub liner according to claim 1 wherein said back surface is adapted to receive a removable head rest.

7. The bath tub liner according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control element to ensure that the water in the tub is at the right temperature.

8. The bath tub according to claim 1, further comprising a massager for massaging the neck or back of a user.

9. The bath tub liner according to claim 1, further comprising a hermetically sealed activities compartment within said top layer wherein said activities compartment uses media to enable game playing and doodling with a user's fingertips.

10. The bath tub liner according to claim 9 wherein said activities compartment is adapted to enable the resetting of games or erasure by rubbing through said media.

11. A bath tub liner, comprising:

a first layer having at least one pocket, wherein said at least one pocket is adapted to receive a therapeutic or beauty aid packet;

a front edge of said first layer having a front surface which extends to cover the font area of said tub;

a back edge of said first layer having a back surface which extends to cover the back area of said tub;

a second layer disposed below said first layer, wherein said second layer comprises of lighting components and electrical circuitry for said at least one pocket and a power source; and

a third layer disposed beneath the second layer wherein said third layer covers and insulates the lighting components and electrical circuitry, and wherein said third layer comprises of a bottom surface having an adhesive cover, said adhesive cover covering a layer of adhesive.

12. The bath tub liner according to claim 11 wherein said at least one pocket comprise of

a seal for securing said packets within said at least one pocket; and

13. The bath tub liner according to claim 11 wherein said back surface comprises of a back pocket configured to receive a head rest.

14. The bath tub liner according to claim 11, further comprising a temperature control element to ensure that the water in the tub is at the right temperature.

15. The bath tub according to claim 11, further comprising a massager for massaging the neck or back of a user.

16. The bath tub liner according to claim 11, further comprising a hermetically sealed activities compartment within said top layer wherein said activities compartment uses media to enable game playing and doodling with a user's fingertips.

17. The bath tub liner according to claim 17 wherein said activities compartment is adapted to enable the resetting of games or erasure by rubbing through said media.