Abstract:
A submersible bath lounger includes a base section having a soft padded area and a plurality of traction units configured to secure the lounger to a bottom portion of a bathtub. The submersible bath lounger also includes an adjustable back section having an integrated headrest and lower back support area and a hinge section disposed between the base and back sections in order to provide a means for adjusting the angle of the back section, and a frame assembly positioned within each of the base section and back section for providing rigidity to the lounger.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to bathtub seating devices, and more particularly to a cushioned bathtub lounge seat for use while bathing. 
         [0002]    It is well known that the interior of bathtubs are slippery and dangerous when filled with soap and water. Moreover, the interior shell of bathtubs are often constructed from hardened plastic, fiberglass or metal which can be extremely uncomfortable for a bather. As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,691,337; 4,037,591 and 5,829,070, the prior art is replete with accessories for bathtubs employed for a variety of different purposes. 
         [0003]    While these devices fulfill their respective objectives, these devices are often uncomfortable and difficult to store when not in use. 
         [0004]    In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide a submersible bath lounger capable of adjusting to the particular likes of a user, which is easy to store when not in use and provides a plurality of safe sitting positions for a user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed to a submersible bath lounger for enhancing a bath/soaking experience in a conventional bathtub. One embodiment of the present invention can include a base section having a soft padded area for a user to sit, and a plurality of traction units configured to hold the lounger in place. The submersible bath lounger can also include an adjustable back section having an integrated headrest and lower back support area. A hinge section can be disposed between the base and back sections in order to allow a user to adjust the angle of the back section, and a frame assembly can be positioned within each of the base section and back section for providing rigidity to the lounger. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of openings throughout each of the base section and the back section for allowing water to freely pass through the device. Additionally, the bath lounger can also include a plurality of channels positioned throughout at least one of the base section and the back section. Each channel can be connected to an external spa/jet apparatus for pumping air and water throughout the bath lounger. A rotatable hook can be positioned along the bottom edge of the lounger for allowing the device to be stored in a vertical direction when not in use. While in use, the hook can act to form an adjustable bolster for the legs of the user. 
         [0007]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include an entertainment unit having a plurality of speakers and a connection module for receiving an entertainment signal from an external device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tub lounger positioned within a conventional bathtub according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the tub lounger in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tub lounger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the tub lounger in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the tub lounger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tub lounger in accordance with another alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tub lounger that includes an entertainment unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of the entertainment unit of the tub lounger in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. As described throughout this specification, the term bathtub is intended to include a standard soaking tub, a garden tub, a roman tub, and virtually any type of tub, tank or vessel into which water can be held for the purpose of submerging a person in order to enhance and secure their bathing/soaking experience. 
         [0018]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of a bath lounger  10  that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, lounger  10  can include a base section  11 , a plurality of skid plates  12 , a back section  13  and two rotatable hinges  14 . 
         [0019]    Base section  11  can act as a seat for a user and will be placed along the bottom of a conventional bathtub  5 . Accordingly, base section  11  can preferably be constructed from an elongated piece of waterproof plastic foam molded into a shape having a flat bottom portion  11   a  and a curved upper portion  11   b . In one embodiment base section can include a raised portion  11   d  acting as a bolster for a users knees. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the base section  11  can further include a positioning frame  11   c  having a generally inverted “U” shape with endpoints  11   c   1  and  11   c   2  for connecting to the rotatable hinge  14  in a conventional manner. In one preferred embodiment, the positioning frame  11   c  can be suspended in the foam of the base section at an equal distance from the bottom and top surface so as to be invisible to a user, and so as to prevent the user from feeling the rigid frame when using the device. 
         [0021]    The skid plates  12  can act to keep the lounger  10  submerged and to prevent the device from shifting or sliding in the tub. Accordingly, each skid plate  12  can be secured to the bottom of the base section  11   a  and can include a pocket of weighted material  12   a  (such as led pellets, for example), having a weight sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the lounger. Moreover, the bottom portion of each skid plate can preferably be lined with conventional non-skid bathtub decals (not shown) having an extremely high coefficient of friction in order to ensure the lounger does not move or slide within the bathtub  5  when occupied by a user. 
         [0022]    As described herein, the weighted pockets can be positioned external to the base section  11  or can be formed within the base section so as to be invisible to a user, and the non-stick decals can be placed at virtually any position along the bottom portion thereof. Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that any number of other devices sufficient for performing the functionality of the weighted skid pads can be utilized without deviating from the scope and spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, in another embodiment, a plurality of suction cups (not shown) can be affixed to the bottom of the base section  11   a , and can act to secure the tub lounger  10  to the bottom of the bathtub in a secure manner. 
         [0023]    The back section  13  can act as a backrest for a user and will be positioned along the rear backrest of the bathtub  5 . 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the back section  13  can include portions having a thick convex area forming a headrest  13   a , a lower back support  13   b , and an optional tub support section  13   d . Moreover, it is preferred that the back section  13  be constructed from an elongated piece of waterproof plastic foam that is formed around a substantially rigid frame  13   c.    
         [0025]    The frame  13   c  can have a generally inverted “U” shape having endpoints  13   c   1  and  13   c   2  for connecting to the rotatable hinge  14  in a conventional manner, thus allowing a user to adjust the angle at which the back section is oriented. In one preferred embodiment, the frame  13   c  can be suspended in the foam of the back section at an equal distance from the bottom and top surface so as to be invisible to a user, and so as to prevent the user from feeling the rigid frame when using the device. 
         [0026]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the tub support section  13   d  can be positioned along the back side of the back section (opposite to where a user will sit) and can act to rest on the lip of the bathtub. Such a feature can provide additional protection against the device  10  moving or sliding in the tub when occupied by a user. 
         [0027]    As shown, both the base section  11  and the back section  13  can also include a plurality of openings  15  extending through the sections from front to back. Openings  15  can act to allow water to move freely through the lounger  10  in order to enhance the bath experience for the user. 
         [0028]    The rotatable hinges  14  can connect the back section  13  to the base section  11  via frames  11   c  and  13   c . To this end, frame terminators  11   c   1  and  11   c   2  can be connected to frame terminators  13   c   1  and  13   c   2 , respectively by a adjustable rotatable hinge  14  in a conventional manner, thus allowing a user to select the angle at which the back section can be maintained during a bath. As the hinge will be located between the bottom end of the back section, and the top end of the base section and exposed directly to water, it is preferred that each rotatable hinge  14  be constructed from (or coated in) a waterproof material such as plastic, for example, in order to allow the hinge to function underwater for the useful life of the product without rusting. As described herein, each rotatable hinge  14  can include virtually any type of known hinge and/or positioning gear capable of rotatably securing the base section  11  to the back section  13  in a conventional manner. One such example of a hinge is described in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2003/0011219, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0029]    Although illustrated above as including specific materials, one of skill in the art will recognize that both the base section  11  and the back section  13  can be constructed from virtually any type of soft, waterproof material such as neoprene and closed cell foam, among many others, for example. Moreover, in one preferred embodiment, each of the frames  11   c  and  13   c  can be constructed from thin aluminum rods incorporated into the construction of the base section  11  and back section  13 , respectively so as to be invisible to a user. 
         [0030]    Additionally, it is preferred that the frames  11   c  and  13   c  be positioned several inches away from the outer edge of the base and back sections, respectively, thus forming a gap  30  (See  FIG. 3  below). 
         [0031]    In operation, the lounger  10  can be placed inside a conventional bathtub in order to allow a user to bathe in a comfortable position and at a backrest angle of their choosing. To this end, one preferred embodiment of the lounger  10  can include a dimension suitable for easily fitting within the conventional 60″×30″ dimensions of a standard bathtub; however, the device can also be utilized in smaller tubs as described below. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the bath lounger  10  configured to be placed inside a small tub. As shown, the area  30  along the outer perimeter (each side) of the base section  11  and back section  13  can bend upward, thus reducing the overall width of the device. This is possible due to the location of the integrated frames  11   c  and  13   c  (see arrow A). Accordingly, the device  10  can be inserted into bathtubs having dimensions smaller than average. Moreover, when so positioned, the bent area  30  can actually act as an armrest for the user. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bath lounger  10 ′ that includes a mesh fabric back section  40  having an integrated headrest  13   a  and a hanging hook  45 . As illustrated, the mesh back section  40  can preferably include strips of woven nylon secured to the frame  13   c  in a conventional manner, thus providing a more natural “floating” experience to the user. The hook  45  can act to allow the device  10 ′ to be easily and conveniently stored in a vertical manner when the device is not in use. As described herein, the hook  45  can be constructed from two shafts  45   a  extending horizontally out from the lower end of the base section  11 . Each of these shafts can include a roughly 90 degree bend  45   b  before terminating at the brace rod  45   c  which is connected to each shaft  45   b  at a perpendicular angle. In one preferred embodiment, the hook  45  can be constructed from elongated pieces of hollow tubular plastic or aluminum secured together in a conventional manner. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the bath lounger  10  that further includes a hinge  50  for allowing the hook  45  to rotate beneath the base section  11   a  in order to create a bend/contour area  51  for the legs of a user (see arrow B). To this end, one end of the hinge  50  can be secured to the bottom end of the base section  11  and the other end can connect to the horizontal shafts  45   a  of the hook. As described herein, hinge  50  can include virtually any means for rotating the hook beneath the base section  11  such as, for example, a conventional knuckle hinge or a flush hinge. Additionally, it is preferred that the hinge  50  be constructed from hardened plastic or coated in a rubberized material so as to be suitable for use in the water without rusting. 
         [0035]    In another alternate embodiment (not illustrated) each of the hook elements  45   a  and  45   b  can be telescopic in nature in order to allow a user to adjust the location and extent of the bend/contour area  51 . Telescoping rods are extremely well known in the art and no further description will be provided. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the bath lounger  10  that further includes a series of channels  60  incorporated into the base section  11  and the back section  13 . Each of the channels  60  can include multiple holes  61  and each channel can be connected to a supply valve  62  having an adapter  63  for connecting to an external pump or spa jet apparatus. 
         [0037]    As shown, each of the holes  61  can penetrate the base section  11  and back section  13  so as to lead directly to the channel  60 . Portable spa jets, channels for delivering compressed air to a bath, and connection adapters are extremely well known in the art and include U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,073, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0038]    Lastly,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an embodiment of a bath lounger  10  that further includes an optional entertainment unit located within the headrest  13   a  of the back section  13 . As shown, entertainment unit  70  can include a pair of waterproof speakers  71 , a processor  73 , a memory  74 , a receiver  75  an input/output unit  76  and a physical audio jack  77  connected thereto. As described herein, the input/output unit can preferably include one or more push buttons  76  which can act to accept user inputs and provide instructions to the processor. In one preferred embodiment, each of the buttons can be connected to the processor  73  in order to activate different programmatic functions (such as changing input devices and/or changing the volume of the speakers, for example). 
         [0039]    In operation, the entertainment unit  70  can act to receive a signal from an external media device such as, an iPad, iPod, MP3 player or other media device and convert the received signal to an audio signal for play by the speakers  71 . 
         [0040]    The processor  73  can act to execute program code stored in a memory  74  in order to allow the device to perform the functionality described herein. Processors are extremely well known in the art, therefore no further description will be provided. 
         [0041]    Memory  74  can act to store operating instructions in the form of program code for the processor  73  to execute. Although illustrated as a single component, memory  74  can include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory and/or one or more bulk storage devices. As used herein, local memory can refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of program code, whereas a bulk storage device can be implemented as a persistent data storage device. Additionally, memory  74  can also include one or more cache memories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from bulk storage device during execution. Each of these devices are well known in the art. 
         [0042]    The receiver  75  can act to receive a wireless signal from any number of external devices, as described above. For example, the receiver can act to receive signals such as infrared (IR), Bluetooth, FM, AM and other known communication mediums. Once received, these signals can be sent to the speakers for broadcast to the user. 
         [0043]    As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0044]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0045]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.