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  Bathtub shape arrangementUSPTO Application #: 20060230522Title: Bathtub shape arrangement Abstract: A bathtub assembly includes a tub portion having a bowl with a backrest, a right footrest, a left footrest and a right and left armrest which respectfully extends from each footrest to the backrest. The backrest is generally concave in shape and flows from a bowl bottom. Opposite the backrest is a wall which flows into the bowl bottom. The right footrest and the left footrest are convex in shape and flank the wall. The right and left armrests are generally convex in shape along the length of the bowl sidewall. (end of abstract)
Agent: Carlson, Gaskey & Olds, P.C. - Birmingham, MI, US Inventors: David J. Wilson, Evan Carpenter Crawford, Jeffrey A. DeBoer USPTO Applicaton #: 20060230522 - Class: 004575100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Tubs, Convenience Accessories, Support For User, Static, Body Type, Head Or Back The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060230522. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub, and more particularly to bathtub shape configuration which provides back, arm and foot supports. [0002] Oversized luxury showers and tubs are becoming increasing desirable in new construction and bathroom renovations. Tub and shower surrounds are positioned within a recess built around a bathtub or shower. Conventional modular tub/shower units often include a tub portion and two or more wall portions. The whole structure is inserted into the wall recess to form a waterproof surround. [0003] Disadvantageously, the bathtubs of molded surrounds are typically of a relatively basic conventional construction which may not provide desired relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub. Furthermore, women must often contend with difficulties while shaving their legs. The contortions required to shave legs may prove difficult and minimize the comfort and enjoyment of bathing. [0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a molded bathtub with relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] A bathtub assembly includes a tub portion which includes a bowl having a backrest, a right footrest, a left footrest and a right and left armrest which respectively extend from each footrest to the backrest. The backrest is generally convex in shape and flows from a bowl bottom. Opposite the backrest is a wall which flows into the bowl bottom. The right footrest and the left footrest are convex in shape and flank the wall. The right and left armrest are generally convex in shape along the length of the bowl sidewall and are located adjacent the backrest to provide a convenient arm support when a bather is reclining upon the backrest. [0006] The present invention therefore provides a molded bathtub with relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: [0008] FIG. 1 is a general exploded view of a molded tub surround assembly; [0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a molded tub surround assembly; [0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of a molded tub surround assembly with a footrest, backrest and armrest according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a general exploded view of a molded tub surround assembly 20 which is formed of a multitude of pieces manufactured from a molded plastic material. A tub portion 22 receives wall portions 24a, 24b and 26 to form the combined tub and surround 20. It should be understood that any number of wall portions will benefit from the present invention. Preferably, the wall portions 24a, 24b are side wall portions which are mounted to a back wall portion 26 with a hinge 25 or the like. The hinge 25 is preferably a flexible material to provide a living hinge which permits the wall portions 24a, 24b and 26 to be folded for transportation and unfolded for installation. [0012] The tub portion 22 defines a horizontal deck area 28 and a substantially vertical flange 29 extending therefore. The flange may also be known as a nailing flange. The flange 29 preferably extends along three sides of the tub portion 22 and behind the wall portions 24a, 24b and 26 when in an assembled condition (FIGS. 2 and 3). [0013] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tub portion 22 includes a bowl 30 having a backrest 32, a right footrest 34a, a left footrest 34b and a right and left armrest 36a, 36b which respectfully extends from each footrest 34a, 34b to the backrest 32. The backrest 32, the first footrest 34a, the second footrest 34b and the armrests 36a, 36b are preferably molded directly into the bowl 32. [0014] The backrest 32 is preferably generally concave in shape and flows from a bowl bottom 38. The term "flows" as utilized herein relates to one shape which is smoothly connected to another shape and preferably, blends the shapes together at an interface therebetween. The backrest 32 extends from the bowl 30 to form a cushion-like shape within the bowl 30. That is, a backrest side 33 extends from a back wall 35 of the bowl 30. It should be understood that various shape and configurations of the backrest 32 may be used with the present invention to provide a comfortable support for a bather when lounging within the tub. [0015] Referring to FIG. 3, opposite the backrest 32 is a wall 42 which flows into the bowl bottom 38. Preferably, the wall 42 is generally concave in shape and is located adjacent a drain 44 and a faucet 46 (illustrated schematically). The right footrest 34a and the left footrest 34b are convex and shape and flank the wall 42. It should be understood that various shapes are usable with the present invention. [0016] Preferably, the wall 42 is recessed relative the right footrest 34a and the left footrest 34b. In other words, the right footrest 34a and the left footrest 34b extend further into the bowl 30 than the wall 42. The right footrest 34a, and the left footrest 34b facilitate leg shaving while the wall 42 permits a bather to stretch out when lounging within the tub. [0017] The right and left armrest 36a, 36b flow from each footrest 34a, 34b to the backrest 32. That is, the right footrest 34a and the left footrest 34b transitions into the right and left armrest 36a, 36b respectively. The right and left armrest 36a, 36b extend generally transverse to the right and left footrest 34a, 34b. That is, the right footrest 34a and the left footrest 34b are arranged generally vertical and transverse to the relatively the horizontal bowl bottom 38 and the right and left armrest 36a, 36b. The right and left armrest 36a, 36b extend generally horizontal and parallel to the bowl bottom 38. [0018] The right and left armrest 36a, 36b are located within a sidewall 48 of the bowl 30. The right and left armrest 36a, 36b are generally concave in shape and extend along the length of the sidewall 48. The right and left armrest 36a, 36b are located adjacent the backrest 32 and preferably extend at least partially behind the backrest 32 (FIG. 4) to provide a convenient arm support when a bather is reclining upon the backrest 32. That is, the right and left armrest 36a, 36b extend past the backrest 32 and flows into the back wall 35 of the bowl 30. [0019] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Bathtub shape arrangement Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Bathtub shape arrangement patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Bathtub shape arrangement or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Wall mounting for a shower head Next Patent Application: Shoulder support for shower accessories Industry Class: Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Bathtub shape arrangement patent info. 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