Abstract:
A cover for a conventional bathtub is disclosed. A removably mountable side flap protects the side of the conventional bathtub. A removably mountable top part protects the top of the conventional bathtub. A removably mountable internal part protects the internal part of the conventional bathtub, VELCRO® in use for removably mounting the side flap, if necessary, the top part, if necessary, the internal part if necessary, to the bathtub and to each other if necessary, so that whenever the bathtub is in the threat of danger the VELCRO® provide contact points for the side flap, the top part, and the internal part and are the vulnerable areas on the conventional bathtub.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a bathtub cover. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover for a bathtub that can be installed in sections and removed in sections so that only the areas needing protection would be covered. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Numerous innovations for bathtub liners have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bathtub cover that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for a bathtub that is made either of styrofoam or of rubber and which fits on and around the bathtub. 
     If the bathtub cover is made of disposable styrofoam it would be of one piece and be formed substantially like the shape of the bathtub needing protection. 
     If the bathtub cove is made of rubber it would be foldable so that it would be portable, compact and reusable. 
     The present invention has handles on both sides. VELCRO® strips and suction cups are used to hold the cover in place. Usually, because the bathtub is the first fixture to be placed in the bathroom, the chances for damage are greater. 
     The present invention can be used by both the general homeowner who makes minor repairs, and the general contractor who makes major repairs. 
     Also, the appropriate type of suction cups can be used to hold the cover in place at various points of the bathtub cover. 
     The present invention eliminates chips and scratches on the bathtubs that could occur from tools or materials falling into the bathtub; eliminates clogged drains caused by debris falling into the bathtub; eliminates paint stains, which quickens the contractor&#39;s time for clean-up; eliminates the expense of replacing a damaged bathtub; and eliminates repeatedly replacement of a bathtub ruined from debris, clogging, and paint stains, to name a few. 
     In keeping with these objects, and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a cover for a conventional bathtub that has at least a side, a top, and an internal part and comprised of a removably mountable side flap for protecting the side of the conventional bathtub, a removably mountable to part for protecting the top of the conventional bathtub, a removably mountable internal part for protecting the internal part of the conventional bathtub wherein means are provided for removably mounting the side flap, if necessary, the top part, if necessary, the internal part, if necessary, to the bathtub and to each other, if necessary. 
     When the bathtub cover is designed in accordance with the present invention, whenever the bathtub is in the threat of danger, means provide contact points for the side flap, the top part, and the internal part of the vulnerable areas on the conventional bathtub. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the side flap is rubber. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the top part is foldable rubber. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is that the internal part is foldable rubber. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is that the side flap is styrofoam. 
     Yet still another feature of the present invention is that the top part is styrofoam. 
     Still yet another feature of the present invention is that the internal part is styrofoam. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the removably mountable means include VELCRO® strips VELCRO® fasteners, and suction cups so that the necessary parts are removably mounted. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is that it further comprises a faucet flap for protecting the faucet arrangement from damage. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is that the faucet flap is rubber, but not limited to it, so that the faucet arrangement is protected by the faucet flap. 
     The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the side cover of the bathtub cover of the present invention, being used on a conventional bathtub; 
     FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1A--1A in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the side cover of the bath tub cover of the present invention, using a front flap to protect the water faucet; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the front flap, with pieces broken away, and in the mounted position; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a typical suction cup attached to the bathtub cover of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bathtub cover of the present invention being affixed to the bathtub top, by using a VELCRO® fastener: 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the bathtub cover of the present invention, showing a pair of handles, in phantom, for ease of transport; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a typical suction cup used in the bathtub cover of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bathtub cover of the present invention, showing the strap of the snap lock in the opened position; and 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bath tub cover of the present invention, showing a typical suction cup in the opened position. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING 
     10--bathtub cover of the present invention 
     12--conventional bathtub with the bathtub cover 10 affixed thereto 
     14--floor supporting the conventional bathtub 12 
     16--enclosure incompassing the conventional bathtub 12 
     18--first wall of the enclosure 16 
     20--second wall of the enclosure 16 
     22--third wall of the enclosure 16 
     24--faucet arrangement of the conventional bathtub 12 
     26--hot water faucet of the faucet arrangement 24 
     28--cold water faucet of the faucet arrangement 24 
     30--spout of the faucet arrangement 24 
     32--side of the conventional bathtub 12 
     34--top of the conventional bathtub 12 
     36--internal part of the conventional bathtub 12 
     38--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20 
     40--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20 
     42--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the third wall 22 
     44--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the third wall 22 
     45--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20 
     46--VELCRO® fastener adjacent to the first wall 18 
     48--VELCRO® fastener intermediate VELCRO® fasteners 46 and 50 
     50--VELCRO® fastener adjacent to the third wall 22 
     52--VELCRO® strip on the end of the faucet arrangement 24 
     54--VELCRO® strip on the end of the faucet arrangement 24 
     56--side rubber flap of bathtub cover 10 
     58--internal bathtub liner 
     60--first part of the VELCRO® strip 
     10&#39;--bathtub cover of the first alternate embodiment of the present invention 
     12&#39;--conventional bathtub with the bathtub cover 10&#39; affixed thereto 
     14&#39;--floor supporting the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     16&#39;--enclosure incompassing the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     18&#39;--first wall of the enclosure 16&#39; 
     20&#39;--second wall of the enclosure 16&#39; 
     22&#39;--third wall of the enclosure 16&#39; 
     24&#39;--faucet arrangement of the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     26&#39;--hot water faucet of the faucet arrangement 24&#39; 
     28&#39;--cold water faucet of the faucet arrangement 24&#39; 
     29&#39;--VELCRO® strip 
     30&#39;--spout of the faucet arrangement 21&#39; 
     31&#39;--VELCRO® strip 
     32&#39;--side of the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     34&#39;--top of the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     36&#39;--internal part of the conventional bathtub 12&#39; 
     38&#39;--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20&#39; 
     40&#39;--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20&#39; 
     42&#39;--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the first wall 18&#39; 
     44&#39;--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the first wall 18&#39; 
     45&#39;--VELCRO® strip adjacent to the second wall 20&#39; 
     46&#39;--VELCRO® fastener adjacent to the first wall 18&#39; 
     48&#39;--VELCRO® fastener intermediate the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#39; and 50&#39; 
     50&#39;--fastener adjacent to the third wall 22&#39; 
     52&#39;--VELCRO® strip on the end of the faucet arrangement 24&#39; 
     54&#39;--VELCRO® strip on the end of the faucet arrangement 24&#39; 
     56&#39;--side rubber flap of the bathtub cover 10&#39; 
     58&#39;--internal bathtub liner 
     62&#39;--front flap 
     68&#39;--tiles 
     70&#39;--typical suction cup used throughout the present invention, where necessary 
     72&#39;--lip 
     10&#34;--bathtub cover of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention 
     12&#34;--conventional bathtub with the bathtub cover 10&#34; affixed thereto 
     32&#34;--side of the conventional bathtub 12&#34; 
     34&#34;--top of the conventional bathtub 12&#34; 
     36&#34;--internal part of the conventional bathtub 12&#34; 
     38&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     40&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     42&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     44&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     45&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     46&#34;--VELCRO® fastener 
     48&#34;--VELCRO® fastener intermediate the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#34; and 50&#34; 
     50&#34;--VELCRO® fastener 
     52&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     54&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     55&#34;--VELCRO® strip 
     56&#34;--side rubber flap of the bathtub cover 10&#34; 
     58&#34;--internal bathtub liner 
     65&#34;--handle 
     66&#34;--handle 
     70&#34;--typical suction cups used throughout the present invention, where necessary 
     74&#34;--strap 
     76&#34;--snap lock 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the bathtub cover of the present invention is shown generally at 10, protecting a conventional bathtub 12 which is affixed on a floor 14 within an enclosure 16. 
     The enclosure 16 includes a first wall 18, a second wall 20, and a third wall 22. 
     The conventional bathtub 12 includes a faucet arrangement 24 which is disposed in the first wall 18 of the enclosure 16. 
     The faucet arrangement 24 contains a hot water faucet 26, a cold water faucet 28, and a spout 30. 
     The conventional bathtub 12, is one piece of homogeneous material, such as, fiberglass, metal, or porcelain, etc., to name a few, but is not limited to them. 
     The conventional bathtub 12 further includes a side 32, a top 34, and an internal part 36. 
     The bathtub cover 10 is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12 by VELCRO® strips and VELCRO® fasteners. 
     The side rubber flap 56 is removably mounted to the side 32 of the conventional bathtub 12, by the use of the VELCRO® fasteners 46, 48, and 50, and thus, protecting the side 32 of the conventional bathtub 12. 
     It becomes necessary to also protect the top part 34 of the conventional bathtub 12, and the internal part 36 of the conventional bathtub 12. A top piece 58 of the bathtub cover 10 is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12 by the use of the VELCRO® strips 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 52, and 54, disposed on the top 34 of the conventional bathtub 12. 
     The bathtub cover 10, having the mating VELCRO® strips (not shown) to the VELCRO® strips, 38 40, 42, 44, 45, 52, and 54 mounted on the top 34 of the conventional bathtub 12, protects the top 34 and the internal part 36 of the conventional bathtub 12, against damage. 
     The side rubber flap 56 protects the side 32 of the conventional bathtub 12, against damage, while the bathtub cover 10 protects the top 34 and the internal part 36 of the conventional bathtub 12, against damage. 
     The cross-sectional view, taken along line 1A--1A in FIG. 1, depicts in detail, the side 32 of the conventional bathtub 12, using the bathtub cover 10 of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1A. 
     The internal bathtub liner 58 rests in the internal part 36 of the conventional bathtub 12, to prevent damage, while its ends protect the top 34 of the conventional bathtub 12, against damage. As can be seen, in FIG. 1, the VELCRO® strips 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 52, and 54 are disposed on the top 34 of the conventional bathtub 12, while the VELCRO® fasteners 46, 48, and 50 have their first portion 60, mounted on to the internal bathtub liner 58. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3, and 4, the first alternate embodiment of the bathtub cover of the present invention is shown generally at 10&#39;, protecting a conventional bathtub 12&#39; which is affixed on a floor 14&#39; within an enclosure 16&#39;. 
     The enclosure 16&#39; includes a first wall 18&#39;, a second wall 20&#39;, and a third wall 22&#39;. 
     The conventional bathtub 12&#39; includes a faucet arrangement 24&#39; which is disposed in the third wall 22&#39; of the enclosure 16&#39;. 
     The faucet arrangement 24&#39; contains a hot water faucet 26&#39;, a cold water faucet 28&#39;, and a spout 30&#39;. 
     The conventional bathtub 12&#39;, is one piece of homogeneous material, such as, fiberglass, metal, or porcelain, etc., to name a few, but is not limited to them. 
     The conventional bathtub 12&#39; further includes a side 32&#39;, a top 34&#39;, and an internal part 36&#39;. 
     The bathtub cover 10&#39; is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12&#39; by the use of VELCRO® strips and VELCRO® fasteners, and suction cups 70&#39;. 
     The side rubber flap 56&#39; is removably mounted to the side 32&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, by the use of the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#39;, 48&#39;, and 50&#39;, and the suction cups 70&#39;, and thus, protecting the side 32&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;. 
     It becomes necessary to also protect the top part 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, and the internal part 36&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;. A top piece 58&#39; of the bathtub cover 10&#39; is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12&#39; by the use of the VELCRO® strips 38&#39;, 40&#39;, 42&#39;, 44&#39;, 45&#39;, 52&#39;, and 54&#39; disposed on the top 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;. 
     The bathtub cover 10&#39;, having the mating VELCRO® strips (not shown) to the VELCRO® strips, 38&#39;, 40&#39;, 42&#39;, 44&#39;, 45&#39;, 52&#39;, and 54&#39; mounted on the top 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, protects the top 34&#39; and the internal part 36&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, against damage. 
     The side rubber flap 56&#39; protects the side 32&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, against damage, while the bathtub cover 10&#39; protects the top 34&#39; and the internal part 36&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, against damage. 
     The internal bathtub liner 58&#39; rests in the internal part 36&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, to prevent damage, while its ends protect the top 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, against damage. 
     As can be seen, in FIG. 1B, the VELCRO® strips 38&#39;, 40&#39;, 42&#39;, 44&#39;, 45&#39;, 52&#39;, and 54&#39; are disposed on the top 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;, while the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#39;, 48&#39;, and 50&#39; have their first portions, mounted on. 
     The faucet arrangement 24&#39; shown in FIG. 1B, is covered by a removably mounted front flap 62&#39;. The front flap 62&#39; includes two VELCRO® fasteners 52&#39; and 54&#39;, and two suction cups 70&#39; that hold the front flap 62&#39; against the tiles 68&#39; of the third wall 22&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;. 
     The details of the faucet arrangement 24&#39; can best be seen in FIG. 2. The front flap 62&#39; is removably affixed by suction cups 70&#39; to the tiles 68&#39; of the third wall 22&#39; and by VELCRO® fasteners 52&#39; and 54&#39; to the top 34&#39; part of the conventional bathtub 12&#39;. 
     A typical suction cup 70&#39; is shown, in FIG. 3, attached to the bathtub cover 10&#39;. 
     A typical VELCRO® loop strip is affixed to the bathtub cover 10&#39;. A typical VELCRO® hook strip is affixed to the top 34&#39; of the bathtub 12. The typical VELCRO® loop and hook strips become typical VELCRO® fasteners, respectively. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, an &#34;L&#34;-shaped lip 72&#39; helps hold the top part 34&#39; of the conventional bathtub 12&#39; to the second wall 16&#39;. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the second alternate embodiment of the bathtub cover of the present invention is shown generally at 10&#34;, protecting a conventional bathtub 12&#34;. 
     The conventional bathtub 12&#34;, is one piece of homogeneous material, such as, fiberglass, metal, or porcelain, etc., to name a few, but is not limited to them. 
     The conventional bathtub 12&#34; further includes a side 32&#34;, a top 34&#34;, and an internal part 36&#34;. 
     The bathtub cover 10&#34; is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12&#34; by the use of VELCRO® strips, VELCRO® fasteners, and suction cups 70&#34;. 
     The side rubber flap 56&#34; is removably mounted to the side 32&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, by the use of the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#34;, 48&#34;, and 50&#34;, and the suction cups 70&#34;. Thus, protecting the side 32&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;. 
     It becomes necessary to also protect the top part 34&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, and the internal part 36&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;. A top piece 58&#34; of the bathtub cover 10&#34; is affixed to the conventional bathtub 12&#34; by the use of the VELCRO® strips 38&#34;, 40&#34;, 42&#34;, 44&#34;, 45&#34;, 52&#34;, 54&#34;, and 55&#34; disposed on the top 34&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;. 
     The bathtub cover 10&#34;, having the mating VELCRO® strips (not shown) to the VELCRO® strips, 38&#34;, 40&#34;, 42&#34;, 44&#34;, 45&#34;, 52&#34;, 54&#34;, and 55&#34; mounted on the top 34&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, protects the top 34&#34; and the internal part 36&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, against damage. 
     The side rubber flap 56&#34; protects the side 32&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, against damage, while the bathtub cover 10&#34; protects the top 34&#34; and the internal part 36&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, against damage. 
     The internal bathtub liner 58&#34; is attached to the internal part 36&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, to prevent damage, by the use of suction cups 70&#34; while its ends protect the top 34&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, against damage. As can be seen, in FIG. 5, the VELCRO® strips 38&#34;, 40&#34;, 45&#34;, 52&#34;, and 54&#34; are disposed on the top 34&#34; of the conventional bathtub 12&#34;, while the VELCRO® fasteners 46&#34;, 48&#34;, and 50&#34; have their first portions, mounted on the internal bathtub cover. 
     A typical VELCRO® loop strip is affixed to the bathtub cover 10&#34;. A typical VELCRO® hook strip is affixed to the top 34&#34; of the bathtub 12&#34;. The typical VELCRO® loop and hook strips become typical VELCRO® fasteners, respectively. 
     The second alternate embodiment of the bathtub cover 10&#34;, includes VELCRO® strips 38&#34;, 40&#34;, 42&#34;, 44&#34;, 45&#34;, 52&#34;, and 54&#34; and VELCRO® fasteners 46&#34;, 48&#34;, and 50&#34;. This embodiment utilizes VELCRO® strips and fasteners and suction cups 70&#34; for assembly. The front flap is removed and replaced by handles 65&#34; and 66&#34;. 
     A typical suction cup 70&#34; is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10 affixed to the bathtub cover 56&#34;. 
     To further ensure that the folded bathtub cover 10&#34; stays together, a strap 74&#34; with a snap lock 76&#34; is further applied, as shown in FIG. 9. 
     In all three embodiments 10, 10&#39;, and 10&#34;, of the bathtub cover of the present invention, side flaps 56, 56&#39; and 56&#34;, are each removably mounted to the conventional bathtubs 12, 12&#39;, and 12&#34;, respectively, so that the side flaps 56, 56&#39;, and 56&#34; can be positioned on the conventional bathtubs 12, 12&#39;, and 12&#34;, respectively, regardless if the conventional bathtubs 12, 12&#39;, and 12&#34; are right handed or left handed. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a bathtub cover, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 
     What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.