Tub Barrier

Abstract

A method and system for reducing space in a standardized tub thereby reducing the amount of water needed to provide sufficient depth to give a bath to a child, small adult, or an animal.

1 . A barrier for a tub comprising:
 a seal having a lower cross portion, side portions, and an intersection portion located between said cross portion and each side portion and wherein said seal includes at least one integral cavity extending through one of said side portions, one of said intersection portions and at least partially into said lower cross portion; and   a center portion having an outer extent and wherein said outer extent is bounded on at least three sides by said seal.   
     
     
         2 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said cavity extends without interruption through said lower cross portion, each of said intersection portions and each of said side portions. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said center portion includes an upper edge coupled to an upper support capable of extending beyond said side portions. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier of  claim 4  wherein said upper support includes at least one of suction cups and bumpers capable of engaging the walls of the tub. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said cross portion and said side portions are displaced from one another, along the longitudinal extent of the tub. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said seal includes a spout opening allowing said cavity to be filed with water. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier of  claim 6  wherein said spout opening is sealable. 
     
     
         8 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said center portion includes an upper edge  76  having an upper rib including a rib cavity and wherein said rib cavity is configured to float in water. 
     
     
         9 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said seal includes a flat baffle extending therefrom and wherein said flat baffle is configured to engage the tub. 
     
     
         10 . The barrier of  claim 9  wherein said seal includes at least three flat baffles, at least one extending from each of the cross portion and the sides. 
     
     
         11 . The barrier of  claim 9  wherein said flat baffle includes suction cups. 
     
     
         12 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said center portion and said seal are integrally formed from a single sheet of material. 
     
     
         13 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said center portion and said seal are integrally formed from two sheets of material pressed together. 
     
     
         14 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said center portion includes overflow outlets. 
     
     
         15 . The barrier of  claim 14  further including at least one spout opening on said side portions and wherein said spout opening is spaced a distance from said cross portion and wherein said overflow outlets are located within said distance on said center portion, between said spout openings and said cross portion. 
     
     
         16 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said seal includes a slot for receiving said center portion. 
     
     
         17 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein said seal includes an attachment rib and wherein said center portion is coupled to said attachment rib.