Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Particular construction or configuration details
Patent
1993-07-15
1994-08-02
Recla, Henry J.
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Particular construction or configuration details
4592, 4593, 4546, A47K 302, A47K 316
Patent
active
053333250
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed generally to a bathtub apron system and, in particular, to a modular bathtub apron which is pre-formed in a first shape to fit a first bathtub configuration, and which can then be conveniently cut to form a differently shaped apron adapted to fit a second bathtub configuration.
Bathtubs, including whirlpool tubs, sauna tubs and the like, come in various shapes and sizes. In addition, such tubs are variously configured to be installed in the corner of a room, against one wall, or free-standing and spaced from the wall. Conventional tubs are pre-formed or cast in the desired shape from various materials including enamel-coated cast iron or steel, plastics, or other materials which can provide a rigid tub structure.
Tubs come either pre-formed with a skirt or apron surrounding the tub to provide a finished appearance thereto, or are formed without such skirt or apron, which is added after the tub has been installed at the Job site. The present invention is directed to tubs which are originally manufactured without a skirt or apron in place, where the skirt or apron will be installed after installation of the tub in the desired location.
In such tubs manufactured without skirts or aprons, the prior art has required that each shaped tub be provided with its own specifically shaped apron to correspond to the shape of the particular tub with which it will be used. Thus, each time a new tub design was developed, a specially designed apron was also required to be designed for use therewith. For example, heretofore, a specially designed corner tub required its own shaped apron, and a conventional oval-shaped tub, either freestanding or against a wall, required a second, newly formed apron.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide a bathtub apron system whereby a single, pre-formed apron is adapted to fit at least two differently shaped bathtubs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, in accordance with the present invention, a bathtub apron system for use with either one of two differently shaped bathtubs, is provided. The bathtub apron system includes an apron having an essentially planar central section with first and second ends, and inwardly rounded sections extending respectively from the first and second ends of the central section. Outwardly rounded sections extend from the ends of the inwardly rounded sections to form the opposing outer edges of the apron. The outwardly rounded sections are removable at a predetermined position from the inwardly rounded sections to form a second shaped apron sized to fit a second shaped bathtub.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bathtub apron system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub apron system wherein a single pre-formed bathtub apron can be used to fit at least two differently shaped tubs.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub apron system which reduces the cost and amount of materials required during manufacture and installation of bathtubs.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bathtub apron system and bathtub constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of the bathtub and apron system depicted in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bathtub apron system of the present invention shown in use on a second shaped bathtub;
FI
REFERENCES:
patent: D333515 (1993-02-01), Levien
patent: 2122247 (1938-06-01), Coordes
patent: 2269748 (1942-01-01), Widman
patent: 2546478 (1951-03-01), Sims
patent: 4160295 (1979-07-01), Putyra
patent: 5230108 (1993-07-01), Perantoni et al.
Levien Robin H.
Schmidt Adam R.
American Standard Inc.
Knab Ann M.
Recla Henry J.
Robinson Elaine Brenner
Vidovich Gregory
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