US20150305572A1

US20150305572A1 - Protective device for bathtub and shower protrusions

Info

Publication number: US20150305572A1
Application number: US14/260,702
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Kapinos; Karen Loughman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-24
Filing date: 2014-04-24
Publication date: 2015-10-29

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for protecting against bodily harm caused by contacting a fixed protruding object in a shower or bathtub, for example. According to an example, the apparatus can include a cover unit configured to substantially cover the protrusion, the cover including a front and one or more sides. The apparatus can further include at least one affixing element configured to removably affix the cover unit to a surface from which the protruding object protrudes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This relates generally to safety devices providing protection from bodily injury caused by fixed objects located near surfaces, such as bathtubs and showers, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In areas such as shower stalls, bathtubs, or various other surfaces, fixed and often rigid objects, for holding materials or operating the flow of water, etc., may protrude from walls of such areas, for example. Such areas have a tendency to become slippery as they are exposed to moisture, and it is easy for one to lose his or her balance, which may result in inadvertently contacting or colliding with a fixed protruding object. Similarly, small children, for example, may be unstable and fall in such areas, which may cause a dangerous collision with the fixed protruding object. In conventional bathtubs or showers, for example, inadvertently contacting a fixed protrusion could result in significant bodily harm.
Moreover, in areas such as bathtubs and showers, certain protrusions may hold potentially hazardous materials or may operate the flow and temperature of water. Conventionally, a child, for example, could have easy access to such protrusions, which may result in contact with dangerous materials and/or potentially scalding water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to solving one or more of the problems presented in the prior art, as well as providing additional features that will become readily apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments described herein my directed to an apparatus for protecting against bodily harm caused by contacting a fixed protruding object, for example. According to an example, the apparatus can include a cover unit configured to substantially cover the protrusion, the cover including a front and one or more sides. The apparatus can further include at least one affixing element configured, if so desired, to removably affix the cover unit to a surface of the shower or bathtub.
As discussed herein, a hinge unit can be employed adjacent to at least one of the sides, such that the cover unit can swing open in order to allow access to the protrusion without completely detaching each of the at least one affixing element.
Further, a support unit can be included configured to further stabilize the cover unit from slipping or buckling if external pressure is applied to the cover unit while affixed to the surface of the shower or bathtub.
Various features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present disclosure, are described in further detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following Figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosure and should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective of an exemplary apparatus for covering a protrusion in a bathtub or shower, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective of an exemplary apparatus for covering a protrusion in a bathtub or shower, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for covering a protrusion in a bathtub or shower, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus configured to protect against bodily injury caused by falling, losing balance or otherwise striking protrusions in bathtub or shower areas, or any other surface on which one may slip, for example, and fall or wish to avoid contact with a protruding device, for example. Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to a protruding soap dish, faucet and/or faucet handles within bathtubs and showers; however, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the described features could be applied to various other objects which could cause injury around surfaces, such as a bathtub or shower, for example.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary side perspective of an apparatus for covering a protrusion in a bathtub or shower, for example, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, soap dish 130 is partially embedded within, or completely protruding from, a wall 170 of a bathtub or shower. Soap dish 130 is protruding, at least in part, from wall 170, as incorporated in many conventional bathtubs and shower stalls. In this manner, if one were to fall while standing on a wet surface, for example, adjacent to wall 170, it is possible that the protruding portion of soap dish 130 could cause bodily harm if one were to make contact with it while falling. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would realize that other types of inadvertent bumping or striking of an object (e.g., soap dish 130) can cause similar harm.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, protective cover unit 100 is configured to substantially cover, at least in part, the protruding portion of soap dish 130. Cover unit 100 can include at least one front portion 110 and/or one or more protective sides. According to an embodiment, all four sides and the front portion 110 can be employed together to substantially cover the protruding portion of soap dish 130 completely. In this manner, a child, for example, would be unable to access any materials that are on soap dish 130, such as unsafe soap, shampoo, etc.
The front portion 110 and/or any of the protective sides can be formed of an elastomeric material, for example, in order to provide a structurally strong cover unit 100, while being substantially softer than the protruding portion of soap dish 130 (e.g., porcelain or ceramic). In this manner, if one were to fall or otherwise inadvertently come into contact with cover unit 100, contacting cover unit 100 may result in significantly less injury (or no injury), as compared to contacting the protruding portion of soap dish 130, for example. One of ordinary skill in the art would realize that other materials could be used for portions of cover unit 100, including a foam-type substance, such as polyethylene or Styrofoam, for example. According to certain embodiments, waterproof materials may be preferable.
Cover unit 100 can be affixed to wall 170 via affixing element(s) 120. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Affixing elements 120 include four suction cup devices located a each corner of cover unit 100. The depicted embodiment is for exemplary purposes only, and one of ordinary skill in the art would realize that various other techniques/configurations could be employed in order to affix cover unit 100 to wall 170 in a manner such that soap dish 130 (or faucet handle(s) and/or knob (see FIG. 3)) is substantially covered. As an alternative, affixing elements 120 could be any adhesive, or any combination of various types of conventional affixing mechanisms to not permanently alter or disfigure the surface to which it is attaching, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to several embodiments, it can be preferable that affixing elements 120 are configured to be able to affix cover unit 100 to wall 170, even when exposed to moisture from a shower, bath, etc. In the example depicted, there is a space between cover unit 100 and wall 170 for illustrative purposes, in order to show hinging element 140 and affixing element 120; however, according to one possible configuration, cover unit can be flush against wall 170 in order to substantially provide a water-tight seal, so water cannot fill the inside of cover unit 100 and soap dish 130.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more hinging units 140 can be coupled to affixing element 120 and cover unit 100 in a manner such that cover unit 100 can be rotated in a direction shown by reference numeral 145. According o this example, one could detach affixing elements 120 from below soap dish 130 and rotate the cover unit upward in to access soap dish 130, without the need to completely detach all affixing elements 120. It should be clear that the upward rotation is depicted as one example, and a hinging unit 140 could be placed at various locations on cover unit 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 1, cover unit 100 can be fitted with a support unit 150 attached within cover unit 100, for example. Support unit 150 can be positioned such that it rests against the inside of soap dish 130 in order to provide additional support for cover unit 100 in case one slips and falls or otherwise inadvertently contacts cover unit 100. Support unit 150 can be made of plastic or various other materials strong enough to maintain the position of cover unit 100, even when bumped, leaned on, or pushed down, for example. Support unit 150 may also include a hinge element coupling support unit 150 to cover 100 inside the front portion 110 (or any side), such that support unit 150 can be maneuvered to an appropriate angle α where one end of support unit 150 is securely contacting the inside of soap dish 130 so as to sustain some downward pressure on cover unit 100. Angle α could be various angles, but is likely less than 90 degrees to provide sufficient pressure against the inside of soap dish 130, to counteract downward pressure being applied to cover unit 100. The end of support unit 150 could include a rubber portion, or other non-slipping material, to keep support unit 150 in place. According to another embodiment, support unit 150 can be completely removable from cover unit 100.
According to an embodiment, front portion 110 of cover unit 100 can include an attachment unit 160, which can be configured to attach, either permanently or in a removable fashion, a mirror, picture and/or toy, etc. (not depicted), in order o provide entertainment for a bathing child, for example. Attachment unit 160 may include Velcro, for example, or any other adhesive (preferably waterproof) such that a mirror, picture, toy, etc. can be attached thereto.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary front perspective of cover unit 100, with a configuration substantially similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 1. As noted above, the example of FIG. 1 includes four suction cups as affixing elements 120, located at each corner of cover unit 100. In this exemplary embodiment, hinging units 140 are located at each of the top corners, coupled to cover unit 100 and affixing elements 120. With this configuration, cover unit could swing (rotate) upward in order to access the soap dish 130 (not depicted) underneath. In this manner, one could gain access to soap dish 130 without completely removing cover unit 100, but instead merely disengaging the bottom affixing elements 120, if they are used.
The exemplary proportions of various elements of FIG. 2, including the sizes/locations of attachment unit 160 and affixing elements 120, is for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit the disclosure in any way. It would be obvious that various combinations of elements depicted, in various positions and proportions, could be similarly implemented.
Although the foregoing exemplary embodiments have been directed to providing protection from a protruding portion of a soap dish 130, various other protrusions may be covered with cover unit 100 using a similar concept. For example, FIG. 3 shows yet another front perspective of an exemplary cover unit 100; however, in the depicted embodiment, cover unit 100 is being used to substantially cover bath/shower faucet handle(s) 300 and/or faucet 310. Here, cover unit 100 is providing substantially similar protection from bodily harm caused by contacting a protruding object, as discussed above in detail.
In FIG. 3, three faucet handles 300 and a faucet 310 are shown for illustrative purposes; however, any other protruding fixed object could be similarly covered using cover unit 100 (e.g., lever(s), nob(s), etc.). Various sizes of front portion 110 and any of the sides of cover unit 100 may be employed depending on the size of the fixed protruding object to be covered thereby. In the case of a cover unit 100 employed to cover a faucet and handle(s), as shown in FIG. 3, it may be preferable to only attach affixing elements 120 to one side of the cover unit 100 (e.g., only the top, as shown). In this manner, one could gain easy access to the handles 300 and faucet 310 by rotating the cover unit 100 upwards in order to adjust the water temperature and flow, as needed, without needing to disengage any affixing elements 120. According to this example, it may be further beneficial to not have a bottom side of cover unit 100, so that water could flow from faucet 310 while cover unit 100 is affixed to a wall and rotated downward (e.g., in a closed position).
As a result of the foregoing configurations, an apparatus may be provided, which includes cover unit 100 capable of protecting against bodily injury caused by colliding with or otherwise contacting protrusions in bathtub or shower areas, or any other surface on which one may slip and fall or otherwise inadvertently come into contact with such protrusions. The apparatus may further protect a child, for example, from accessing and contacting any potentially hazardous materials that may be positioned on a covered protrusion (e.g., a soap dish), or from being able to access potentially scalding hot water, for example.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. They instead can be applied alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known”, and terms of similar meaning, should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period, or to an item available as of a given time. But instead these terms should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available, known now, or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to”, or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.
Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined. The inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for protecting against bodily harm caused by contacting a fixed protruding object, comprising:

a cover unit configured to substantially cover the protrusion, the cover including a front and one or more sides; and

at least one affixing element configured to removably affix the cover unit to a surface from which the fixed protruding object protrudes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protruding object is a soap dish.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protruding object includes at least one of a faucet handle and a faucet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at east one affixing element includes at least one suction cup.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at east one affixing element includes an adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front and the one or more sides of the cover unit is made of an elastomeric material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one affixing element is configured to affix the cover unit to the surface when exposed to moisture.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hinge unit adjacent to at least one of the sides, such that the cover unit can swing open in order to allow access to the protruding object without completely detaching each of the at least one affixing element.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front includes an attachment unit configured to removably attach at least one of a mirror, a picture and a toy.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a support unit configured to further stabilize the cover unit from slipping or buckling if external pressure is applied to the cover unit while affixed to the surface from which the protruding object protrudes.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front and the one or more sides of the cover unit is made of a water-resistant material.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front and the one or more sides of the cover unit is made of a foam-type material.