Abstract:
A sealing member is provided for a bathtub. A conventional plate is coupled to the wall of a bathtub and covers a drain opening formed therein. The plate is continuous except for an overflow opening which accommodates the free flow of water from the bathtub through the drain opening and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member sealingly engages the plate and the bathtub wall to prevent water from flowing through the overflow opening of the plate and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member includes an annular lip which fits snugly within the overflow opening of the plate. In an alternate embodiment, a bypass opening is formed in the sealing member at a height greater than that of the overflow opening of the plate. A channel formed within the sealing member extends between the bypass opening and the overflow drain. Water may then enter the sealing member at a height greater than the overflow opening and be channeled through the overflow drain and out of the bathtub.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention generally relates to bathtubs and, more particularly, relates to an apparatus for increasing the capacity of a bathtub. 
     2. Discussion 
     The inner volume of a bathtub is defined by a plurality of vertical walls. One of these walls includes an overflow drain opening formed therein. The overflow drain prevents the bathtub from overflowing by providing an outlet for water at a level near the top of the inner tub area. 
     It is known in the art to utilize a metal plate or escutcheon to conceal the overflow drain without completely sealing it. These plates or escutcheons typically are designed to cover overflow drains virtually in their entirety, but include an opening in a lower portion. The opening enables water to exit the bathtub and enter the overflow drain. 
     As is generally known, when a person enters a partially filled bathtub, water is displaced and the water level rises. On occasion, this displacement causes the water to rise to a level higher than the overflow drain. When this occurs, water channels through the plate opening and exits the tub through the overflow drain. The water level is thereby maintained at a maximum level which is even with the lowest portion of the overflow drain. For many people, this water level undesirably leaves portions of the body uncovered. 
     Existing devices have been designed for the purpose of increasing the capacity of water that a bathtub can hold without losing any water through the overflow drain. However, these devices have certain disadvantages. In some cases, bulky fixtures must be attached to the bathtub with mechanical fasteners. These devices typically require tools to be engaged and disengaged and include large protrusions which protrude into the bathing area. In other cases, devices seal against the wall of the bath tub and completely surround the plate or escutcheon which conceals the overflow drain. These designs are excessively large and unnecessarily protrude into the bathing area. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for increasing the capacity of water that a bathtub can hold without losing any water through the overflow drain that does not require tools for engagement or disengagement and only minimally protrudes into the bathing area of the bathtub. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above and other objects are provided by a sealing member for a bathtub. According to the invention, a conventional plate is coupled to the wall of a bathtub and covers a drain opening formed therein. The plate is continuous except for an overflow opening which accommodates the free flow of water from the bathtub through the drain opening and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member sealingly engages the plate and the bathtub wall to prevent water from flowing through the overflow opening of the plate and down the overflow drain of the bathtub. The sealing member includes an annular lip which fits snugly within the overflow opening of the plate. This advantageously allows for engagement and disengagement of the sealing member without the need for tools. In an alternate embodiment, a magnet is used to enhance the attachment of the bypass member to the plate. In another alternate embodiment, a bypass opening is formed in the sealing member at a height greater than that of the overflow opening of the plate. A channel formed within the sealing member extends between the bypass opening and the overflow drain. Water may then enter the sealing member at a height greater than the overflow opening and be channeled through the overflow drain and out of the bathtub. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order to appreciate the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in appended drawings. Understand that these drawings only depict preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an perspective view of a bathtub illustrating the bathtub assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the plate and sealing member of the bathtub assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the plate and sealing member of the bathtub assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the plate and a sealing member according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and a sealing member according to a second alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and a sealing member according to a third alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and a sealing member according to a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a plate and a sealing member according to a fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a plate and a sealing member according to a sixth alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of a plate and a sealing member according to a seventh alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed towards a bathtub assembly for increasing a capacity of the tub. The bathtub assembly includes a plate covering a drain opening in the tub except for an overflow opening in the lower portion thereof. A sealing member is sealingly engaged to the edges of the plate adjacent the overflow opening, the wall of the bathtub, and the major surface of the plate itself. When engaged to the plate, the sealing member prevents fluid from exiting the tub through the drain opening. Advantageously, the sealing member of the present invention can be quickly engaged and disengaged from the plate and only minimally protrudes into the bathing area of the tub. 
     Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bathtub  10  incorporating the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although bathtub  10  is illustrated, it is to be understood that this configuration is merely exemplary of the type of apparatus in which the present invention could be employed. Bathtub  10  includes an inner volume  12  defined by a base or floor  14  and a continues inner wall  16  which extends vertically relative to the base  14 . An overflow drain  18  is formed in the wall  16  and terminates at a height vertically spaced apart from the base  14 . The overflow drain  16  provides a passage for the escape of fluid from the bathtub  10  prior to it overflowing the wall  16 . A circular plate  20  is secured to the wall  16  adjacent the overflow drain  18  so as to conceal the same. A sealing member  22  sealingly engages the plate  20  and the wall  16 . As will become apparent from the description below, an important feature of the present invention is that sealing member  22  is designed to engage the plate  20  in a way sufficient to secure the sealing member  22  to plate  20  and to create a seal capable of preventing water from entering the overflow drain  18 . 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, more detailed views of the plate  20  and sealing member  22  are illustrated. Plate  20  includes a circular base portion  24  which is essentially planar or slightly convex and an annular skirt  26  axially projecting from a perimeter thereof. Annular skirt  26  includes a generally U-shaped recessed edge  28  which defines a boundary of an overflow opening  30 . As is known in the art, a pair of screw holes  32  in base  24  accommodate attachment screws (not shown) for securing the plate  20  to the bathtub  10  (see FIG. 1) and a toggle hole  34  accommodates a drain toggle (not shown) for opening and closing a main drain of the tub. When the drain toggle and attachment screws are in place, screw holes  32  and toggle hole  34  are sealed and prevent water from passing there through. 
     Sealing member  22  includes a semicircular body  36  which is essentially planar or slightly convex to compliment the shape of the base  24 . A radiused side wall  38  is integrally formed with the body  36  and axially projects therefrom. An arcuate lip  40  is integrally formed with the body  36  and axially projects therefrom in spaced relation to the side wall  38 . The particular configuration of the lip  40 , including the radius of curvature and axial dimension, is selected to complement the recessed edge  28  of the plate  20  so that a sealing engagement may be effected therebetween. 
     When sealing member  22  is engaged to plate  20 , sealing member body  36  frictionally engages plate base  24 , radiused side wall  38  engages plate annular skirt  26 , and arcuate lip  40  engages wall  12  of bathtub  10  (see FIG. 1) and recessed edge  28  adjacent plate overflow opening  30 . When sealing member  22  is in this engaged position, a complete seal is created between sealing member  22 , plate  20  and wall  12  such that water is prevented from flowing through overflow opening  30 . Thus, sealing member  22  is designed to engage wall  12  of bathtub  10  and recessed edge  28  adjacent overflow opening  30  in a way sufficient to secure sealing member  22  to plate  20  and to create a seal capable of preventing water from entering the opening in plate  20 . As will become apparent from the further description below, these design goals for sealing member  22  may be achieved by several different alternate preferred embodiments. 
     As best seen in FIG. 3, arcuate lip  40  and body  36  are spaced apart to define a channel  42  for accommodating recessed edge  28  of plate  20 . The lip  40  includes a planar surface  44  opposite the body  36  and a shoulder  46  opposite the side wall  38 . When recessed edge  28  engages lip  40  and body  36 , sealing bypass member  22  is secured to plate  20  and a complete seal is formed for preventing water from flowing behind plate  20 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional side view of a first alternate embodiment sealing member  22 A is illustrated with plate  20 . In this embodiment, the shoulder  46  is formed as an overhang to enhance the connection between recessed edge  28  and lip  40 . Further, lip wall  48  is planar so as to sealingly engage wall  12  of bathtub  10  (see FIG.  1 ). This prevents water from flowing behind plate  20 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional side view of plate  20  and a sealing member  22 B of a second alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Sealing member  22 B includes an arm  50  integrally formed with body  36  and radially projecting therefrom. Arm  50  forms an overhang which is forced toward wall  12  of bathtub  10  under the pressure of water. The edge  52  of arm  50  creates an additional seal which assists arcuate lip  40  in preventing water from flowing behind plate  20 . When wall  12  is engaged by lip  40  and edge  52 , a double seal arrangement is created. 
     Turning now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional side view of a plate  20  and a sealing member  22 C of a third alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Sealing member  22 C includes first and second sealing fingers  54  and  56  projecting from the arm  50 . First and second sealing fingers  54  and  56  engage wall  12  of bathtub  10  to enhance the seal to prevent water from flowing behind plate  20 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional side view of a plate  20  and a sealing member  22 D of a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. First lip wall  48  of arcuate lip  40 , which is essentially parallel to the body  36 , and second lip wall  60 , which is essentially perpendicular to the first lip wall  48 , include a plurality of projections  62  orthogonally extending therefrom in the form of teeth. It will be appreciated that these teeth preferably include a cross-sectional shape which is triangular in nature. The projections preferably are elongated and shaped to complement the curve of the lip  40 . The teeth on first lip wall  48  engage wall  12  and create a series of seals which prevent water from flowing behind plate  20 . The teeth on second lip wall  60  engage recessed edge  28  to frictionally secure sealing member  22 D to plate  20 . In addition, arcuate lip  40  engages plate  20  and assists in the creation of a seal. 
     Turning now to FIG.8, a cross-sectional side view of a plate  20  and a sealing member  22 E according to a fifth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. First lip wall  48  of arcuate lip  40  and second lip wall  60  are oriented as with the previous embodiment. First lip wall  48  includes a plurality of projections  64  extending therefrom in the form of nodes. It will be appreciated that these nodes preferably include a cross-sectional shape which is semicircular in nature. The projections are preferably elongated and shaped to compliment the curve of the lip  40 . The nodes on first lip wall  48  engage wall  12  to create a series of seals which prevent water from flowing behind plate  20 . Second lip wall  60  terminates in a tooth  66  for engaging recessed edge  28  and securing sealing member  22 E to plate  20 . In addition, arcuate lip  40  engages plate  20  and assists in the creation of a seal. In addition, the body  36  of the sealing member  22 E includes a laterally projecting lip  49 . The lip  49  engages the base  24  so as to ensure a complete seal therebetween. 
     Turning now to FIG. 9, a bottom view of plate  20  and a sealing member  22 F according to a sixth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Sealing member  22 F includes a rear wall  70  which engages the back side of plate  20 . Rear wall  70  of sealing member  22 F has a first sealing member  72  axially projecting therefrom opposite the plate  20 . The sealing member  22 F also includes an arcuate second sealing member  74  axially projecting therefrom and extending from the first sealing member  72 . The second sealing member  74  is preferably shaped to compliment the curve of the lip  40 . A first recessed portion  76  is defined between the first and second sealing members  72  and  74  while a second recessed portion  78  is defined between the second sealing member  74  and lip  40 . 
     First sealing member  72  of sealing member  22 F spans the diameter of the plate  20  and engages wall  12  and plate  20  to create a first seal for preventing water from flowing behind plate  20 . First recessed portion  76  of sealing member  22 F engages plate  20  to connect sealing member  22 F to plate  20 . Second sealing member  74  extends semicircularly from one end of first sealing member  72  to a second, spaced-apart end of first sealing member  72 . Second sealing member  74  engages wall  12  and plate  20  to create a second seal for preventing water from flowing behind plate  20 . Lip  40  engages recessed edge  28  and wall  12  to create a third seal for preventing water from flowing behind plate  20 . Lip  40  is bifurcated at its ends into a pair of spaced apart fingers or split flanges 80  which engage both sides of annular skirt  26  to secure sealing member  22 F to plate  20 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 10, a plan view of plate  20  and a sealing member  22 G according to a seventh alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Sealing member  22 G is generally L-shaped and includes a base portion  82  and an extension member  84  generally perpendicular thereto. A bypass opening  86  is located at the top of extension member  84  and opens into a channel  88  formed within the sealing member  22 G. Channel  88  leads to overflow opening  30  in plate  20 . When the water in tub  10  reaches a level above bypass opening  86 , water enters the opening, travels down channel  88 , enters overflow opening  30 , and exits down the drain and out of the bathtub. The benefit of this embodiment is that the water level is allowed to rise over the level of overflow opening  30  before water begins draining out the overflow drain. However, the tub is still drained before it overflows. This allows the water level to rise above the overflow opening without completely losing the benefit of the drain overflow protection device. Advantageously, the height of the extension member  84  may be selected to effectuate different drain levels. 
     Also, the sealing member  22 G includes an aperture  90  formed therein communicating with the channel  88 . The aperture  90  is sealed with a removable plug  92 . If desired, the plug  92  may be removed to allow draining through the sealing member  22 G via the aperture  90 . A temperature gauge  94  may also be incorporated into the sealing member  22 G if desired. 
     Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.