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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/503,421, and which was filed on Aug. 11, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,181,739, and which claims further priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/258,320, which was filed on Apr. 20, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No.,Des. 550,374, Priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 is claimed. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods relating to spa stair assemblies having one or more detachable steps which may have different shapes to allow a step to be converted for use with differently shaped spas. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stair assemblies are convenient to use with many spas and hot tubs. The prior art stairs are placed against the outer wall of an elevated spa or hot tub to make it easier to step into and out of the spa or hot tub for improved or more convenient ingress and egress. Such stair assemblies or apparatuses may have one or more steps depending upon the height of the spa or hot tub and desired stair assembly height. 
     Although many spas and hot tubs have straight and planar outer sidewalls, others come with differing wall configurations. For example, cylindrically curved outer wall perimeters are also known. 
     Another problem sometimes encountered with spas or hot tubs is having a convenient place of storage for a variety of things. For example, all require chemicals and frequently there are thermometers and testing items for determining water conditions. Thus improved storage is a frequently desired with spas and hot tubs. 
     For convenience of discussion herein the term “spa” will be used as a common term encompassing both spas and hot tubs for interpreting the description and claims herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred versions of the inventions are explained, shown and characterized herein. This is often done with reference to accompanying drawings which are briefly listed below. The drawings also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current application. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred spa stair apparatus according to the inventions in a configuration wherein a straight edge of a top step is used to fit against or toward a spa having a straight or planar exterior side wall. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the top step reconfigured so that a curved edge is fit to a hot tub or spa having a curved exterior side wall. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  from a rearward view looking from below. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an inverted perspective view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an side view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of an end piece or support forming part of the base of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view in isolation of a step used in the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view in isolation showing the bottom side of the step of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the step of  FIG. 11  in isolation. 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the step of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the step of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged partial bottom view of the step of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged sectional view taken along section line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a storage drawer or bin in isolation which forms part of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the storage drawer of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is an elevational view of the storage drawer of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is an end view of a storage drawer of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     To aid in reading and using this document, included below is a listing of subsections of the detailed description: 
     Introductory Notes 
     Basic or General Configuration 
     Stair Assembly Base 
     Preferred Steps Generally 
     Step Shape Considerations 
     Step Connection to Base and Preferred Coupling Features 
     Storage Drawer or Bins 
     Preferred Symmetry of Parts 
     Additional Aspects of the Manner and Process of Making 
     Additional Aspects Concerning Manner and Process of Using 
     Alternative Designs 
     Some Additional Explanation of Benefits and Advantages 
     Interpretation Notes 
     Introductory Notes 
     The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as provided by dictionaries. Widely known are  Webster&#39;s Third New International Dictionary, The Oxford English Dictionary  ( Second Edition ), and  The New Century Dictionary , all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for use in helping to interpret terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to describe or more adequately describe various features and aspects shown, or shown and otherwise described herein, including more appropriate words or their usages having meanings applicable to such features and aspects. 
     This document is premised upon using one or more terms, phrases or combinations of words or phrases used with one or more embodiments may also apply and be used to describe and define other embodiments for similar or equivalent structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions shown and described. Wording and phraseology used in the claims and abstract is also descriptive of the inventions and the text of both is incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form of the claims as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith. 
     Basic or General Configuration 
     Two different configurations of a preferred embodiment are illustrated by apparatus  30  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. The  FIG. 1  apparatus  30  is shown with its top step  31  having its straight edge  37  facing toward the illustration of a straight-sided spa (shown in phantom) and its bottom step  32  having its straightedge  37  facing toward the spa. In  FIG. 2  apparatus  30  is shown with its top step  31  reversed and reconfigured with its curved side  39  facing a curved-sided spa (also shown in phantom lines). The lower step  32  has not been changed and is configured the same in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Alternatively, it could also be reconfigured. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the preferred embodiment of apparatus  30  is shown to be assembled from six parts  31 - 36 . As shown, the six parts  31 - 36  are advantageously made in pairs or sets to minimize the molds which are required. In the construction shown there are three pairs of molded parts  31  and  32 ,  33  and  34 , and  35  and  36 . These are described and shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5-21  and each pair is made similarly. Other constructions may also be acceptable. 
     The three different pairs of parts are for convenience referred to as a step or steps  31 , a step support or step supports  34 , and a drawer, such as drawer  35 . Two of each of parts  31 ,  34  and  35  are used to assemble the preferred embodiment. Thus, the details shown in  FIGS. 5-21  are equally applicable to the other three parts  32 ,  33  and  36 , respectively. 
     The manufacturing cost saving, ease of shipping and ease of assembly are inherent advantages of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus shown and described. An alternative design may be found acceptable using a single base or support member (not shown). Alternatively, some of the stair assemblies according to the inventions described herein may have only a single step member in lieu of the plurality of steps shown. The assembly is referred to as a stair assembly whether single or multiple steps are used. 
     Also advantageously shown is a drawer, bin or other container for storing items. As shown, the drawer is shown suspended under the at least one step, and in the illustrated embodiment both steps. To compliment the shape of the overlying step the drawer or other container may be specially shaped in a manner so as to be covered by the step. In the illustrated version the container is shaped smaller but similar to the outside edges of the step. The illustrated drawer has a curved first edge and a straight second edge, the first and second edges being along opposing longitudinal or transverse edges of the at least one container. The drawer or other container can be supported in various ways. The preferred manner is by supporting it by suspension under the step. This suspension is preferably done using drawer supports that allow the drawer to be pulled toward either the first or second edges to allow operation when the step is in either of two positions. 
     It is also preferable that said first and second step supports and said at least one step are constructed and otherwise adapted to allow the at least one step to be attached or detached. This is advantageously done such that the at least one step may be engaged and attached to said step support to allow conversion from a first configuration wherein the curved edge surface is exposed for abutment to a curved spa wall, and a second configuration wherein the straight edge surface is exposed for abutment to a straight spa wall. This allows the convertible spa step apparatus to be used against either a curved or a straight spa wall, or other desired shapes. The steps have spa-ward edges for direction toward the spa, and outward edges facing outwardly toward a person approaching to go up the stair assembly. 
     Stair Assembly Base 
       FIGS. 5-10  show step support  34  in greater detail. As shown, the base is formed by two step supports  33  and  34 . In the preferred embodiment shown the step support  34  has two riser sections, an upper riser section  43  and a lower riser section  56 . The step support  34  has a foot region  45  which may provide an interior upright space  50 . This open or hollow construction of the foot and upright allows the step supports  33  and  34  to flex a limited amount and be stable on slightly irregular surfaces having non-planar irregularities, such as concrete slabs upon which many spas are placed. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates that the preferred embodiment has between the upper support region  43  and the lower support region  56 , a transition provided in the form of transition curve  54  between said upper and lower support regions. 
       FIG. 6  also shows the supporting endpieces or step supports have features which form a support portion of a preferred upper step support coupling  66 . As shown, the connection or coupling with the step includes a recess  68  and coupling rim  130 . There is also a lower step support coupling  67 . The upright or step support portions are advantageously provided with a recess  69  and a rim  131  on the supports or uprights. 
     Also preferably included in recesses  68  and  69  are drain holes  64  and  65  which allow water to drain through the step support  34  in the event water enters step support coupling regions  66  or  67 .  FIG. 5  shows the open or hollow construction of the step support  50  which allows the water to merely drain onto the supporting surface. The underside of the coupling regions on the uprights are labeled in  FIG. 5  as coupling interior spaces  78  and  79 . 
     Preferred Steps Generally 
     Preferred stair apparatuses according to this invention include one or more steps that are adapted for disconnection, reconfiguration and reconnection by hand. This allows the steps to be mounted in plural different configurations. As shown, the steps are adapted to be disconnected and removed so that they may be turned one-half turn or 180° and then be reinstalled by reconnecting the step to the base. This ability for the step connections to work at either end allows the step to be mounted in the two desired orientations. 
     The reversing capability that the preferred steps and preferred uprights are adapted to provide allow different shaped edges to be presented by the top step. The top step is also the proximal step because it is proximate, forward or adjacent to the spa when the stairs are positioned in an operative position as desired by the user. In the illustrated embodiment the proximal step is also the upper or top step  31 . 
     The proximal step is made with the opposing longitudinal edges shaped differently. This allows either longitudinal edge to become the adjacent edge which abuts, engages or is merely adjacent to the spa when properly installed. 
     Step Shape Considerations 
       FIG. 13  shows a preferred version of the outer perimeter shape of the steps  31  and  32 . Either the first longitudinal edge  37  or the second longitudinal edge  39  may be adjacent to the spa when the step is connected to the base. A preferred shape is with one edge straight and the other opposing edge curved. The straight edge is for flat side wall spas and the curved edge is for curved side wall spas. 
     The preferred convertible spa step apparatus comprises at least one step having a curved first edge and a straight second edge or other dissimilar shaped longitudinal or transverse edges. Transverse refers to being transverse to the line of approach. The first and second edges are along opposing transverse, longitudinal edges of the at least one step. 
     In addition to the straight and curved alternative adjacent edge shapes, it may alternatively be desired to use a variety of different edge shapes. For example polygonal, different curvatures, and other shapes are possible to meet the consumers desire or alternative spa shapes. 
     Step Connection to Base and Preferred Coupling Features 
       FIGS. 11 through 15  show step  31  in greater detail.  FIG. 16  shows an enlarged view of the step drawer hanger  52  and the step coupling region consisting of plane  94 , ring  95 , plane  96 , and ring  97 .  FIG. 17  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of step drawer hanger  52 , its support rib  89  and entry ramps  85  and  86 .  FIG. 11  shows step  31  from a top perspective view with the curved edge  39  away and the straight edge  37  forward, and the top surface  75  of step  31 .  FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the underside of step  31  with curved edge  39  forward and straight edge  37  away from the viewer. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  7  show a support or upright coupling region  66  which includes an asymmetrical oblong-shaped connection feature, coupling rim  130 . Both have a larger curved end near the drain hole  64  which narrows to a smaller curve at the opposite end. A portion of the step support wall extends above asymmetrical oblong-shaped panel  68  within the similarly shaped coupling rim  130 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 15  show the step coupling region has an inner panel  94 , inner ring  95 , receptacle panel  96  and outer connection ring  97 . The coupling rim  130  is coupled between inner and outer rings  95  and  97 . The step coupling region  94 - 97  is positioned over the step support coupling region and the coupling rim  130 , and the coupling rings  95  and  97  are pressed onto coupling rim  130  to detachably couple step  31  into place on step support  34 . It can also be viewed as inserting the rim  130  between rings  95  and  97 . The same method is used to detachably attach the other end of step  31  to step support  33 , and to detachably attach lower step  32  to step supports  33  and  34 . These attachments are frictional and are sized and shaped to engage in either configuration. The attachments, and detachments may be made by hand. 
       FIGS. 12 and 15  show the step coupling region has an inner panel  94 , inner ring  95 , receptacle panel  96  and outer connection ring  97 . The coupling rim  130  is coupled between inner and outer rings  95  and  97 . The step coupling region  94 - 97  is positioned over the step support coupling region and the coupling rim  130 , and the coupling rings  95  and  97  are pressed onto coupling rim  130  to detachably couple step  31  into place on step support  34 . It can also be viewed as inserting the rim  130  between rings  95  and  97 . The same method is used to detachably attach the other end of step  31  to step support  33 , and to detachably attach lower step  32  to step supports  33  and  34 . These attachments are frictional and are sized and shaped to engage in either configuration. 
     In the preferred embodiment the step support  34  has an upper riser or step support region  43  and a lower riser or step support region  56 . However, the step support may also have one step support or more than two step supports and associated risers. Only step support  34  would need to be changed to accommodate a different number of step supports. The same step  31  and the same step storage drawer  35  could be used with such a modified step support  34  having any number of step support regions at various elevations. 
       FIG. 12  shows the underside of step  31  includes two coupling regions consisting of plane or panel  90 , inner ring  91 , plane or panel  92 , and outer ring  93  toward one end of step  31 . The other end has plane or panel  94 , inner ring  95 , plane or panel  96  and outer ring  97  near the opposite end of step  31 . This symmetry of coupling rings  95  and  97  allows the step to be converted from its curved edge  39  outward or forward orientation (see  FIG. 1 ) to its curved edge  39  backward or spa-ward orientation (see  FIG. 2 ) and still couple to the step support  34  coupling region  66  and coupling rim  130  with the same coupling configuration of  94 ,  95 ,  96  and  97 . 
       FIGS. 12 ,  14  and  15  show that step  31  preferably has two storage drawers or other suitable bins. The drawers are preferably mounted using two step drawer hangers,  51  near one end and  52  near the opposite end. 
     Step drawer hanger  51  advantageously has first drawer entry  58  near the first edge and a second drawer entry  87  on the opposite, second edge. The rib supporting the step drawer hanger  51  is shown as  88 . Near the opposite end is shown step drawer hanger  52  which has an entry ramp or feature  85  on one end and an entry ramp or feature  86  on the opposite end. The rib  89  supports step drawer hanger  52 . The drawer support entries  58 ,  87 ,  85  and  86  make it easier to install the support edges  62  and  63  of drawer  35  onto step drawer supports  51  and  52 . 
     The step drawer support hangers  51  and  52  advantageously have reinforced sections which are shown in  FIG. 15  as  103  and  104  for step drawer support hanger  51  and for step drawer support hanger  52  as  98  and  99 . Step drawer reinforcements  98  and  99  are also shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     The underside of the step  31  has a comprehensive pattern of support ribs which together are marked as  100 . The ribs include longitudinal ribs  105 , front-to-back ribs  106  and angled or x-shaped ribs  101  and  102 . 
     The enlarged cross section of  FIG. 17  shows the cross-sectional view along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15  with a part of a drawer positioned for installation.  FIG. 17  shows the rib member  89  which supports step drawer hanger  52 . The figure also shows a cutaway of the central or longitudinal rib reinforcement sections  105  and the mold ejection zones  118  and  119 . 
       FIG. 16  is an enlarged bottom view of the step  31 , including step drawer hanger  52 .  FIG. 16  shows step drawer hanger  52  is reinforced by reinforcements  99  and  98  as well as by ribs  105 . 
     Storage Drawer or Bins 
       FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment spa stair apparatus  30 . Drawer  35  is shown hung from step  31  and drawer  36  is shown hung from step  32 .  FIGS. 12 and 15  show the drawer hangers  51  and  52  molded as part of the bottom of the steps. Other hanger or drawer support configurations and constructions may be suitable. 
     Drawer  35  is shown hung by its top drawer first support edge  62  and top drawer second support edge  63 . This arrangement holds the drawers under and near the bottom of their respective steps when the drawer is inserted into a stowed or closed position. This configuration reduces the likelihood of water from the spa or from rain entering the drawers. This stowed position close under step  31  helps make the drawers stay dry, such as for storing towels used after exiting the spa. There are numerous other uses for the drawers or other bins, such as for storing spa cleaning equipment, chemicals and other items. 
     Drawer hangers  51  and  52  allow drawer  35  to be slid into open positions or removed. The preferred construction also is designed to allow the drawers to be slid open from either way. This is desirable because the step can be converted or reversed and the preferred construction is desired for opening or removal of the drawer in either configuration. 
     To facilitate installation and operation of drawer  35 , it has handhold  48  molded into the straight edge  70  at straight face  125 , and handhold  42  molded into curved edge  129  at curved face  124 . Other handle, hanger and attachment means are possible for drawers  35  and  36 . 
       FIGS. 18-21  show drawer  35  in detail. Drawer  35  has two support edges  62  and  63  which are used to hang step drawer  35  from step support hangers  51  and  52 . Drawer  35  has straight edge  70  and straight face  125 , and curved edge  129  and curved face  124 . The straight and curved edges advantageously correspond to straight edge  37  and curved edge  39  of step  31  or are otherwise complementary in size and shape. 
     To assist opening drawer  35  from either end, drawer  35  has a straight edge handhold  48  and a curved edge handhold  42 . Handholds  48  and  42  are advantageously molded into faces  125  and  124 , respectively. The upper region of the handholds  48  and  42  are recessed so there is an overlapping lip region for grasping. 
     Having the storage space slidably attached to the underside of the spa step has advantages. The weight of the storage container helps to further prevent the spa step from inappropriately disengaging from the step support. Also, since the step need not be removed to access the storage space, there is less risk for an improperly seated step. 
     An additional advantage of the inventions as shown is that the step storage drawer is held nearly flush under a step. This helps to prevent exposure to water from rain, snow, and common use around a spa filled with water. Thus, the storage drawer may be useful to store towels or other items that require or are best kept in dry storage. 
     Preferred Symmetry of Parts 
     The exploded view of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  shows the symmetry of the respective parts  31 - 36 . There are two identical steps  31  and  32 , two identical step supports  33  and  34 , and two identical step drawers  35  and  36 . Step  31  and step  32  are reversible, as are step drawer  35  and step drawer  36 . The steps  31  and  32  are capable of being oriented with the curved side or the straight side back, as explained above. 
     Conversion of Steps 
       FIG. 4  shows apparatus  30  in exploded perspective view. To assemble apparatus  30 , upright support  34  is connected to step  31  by coupling region  66  and coupling rim  130  of step support  34  to engage with coupling rings  95  and  97  of step  31 . This is accomplished by orienting support coupling region  66  and coupling rim  130  under step coupling rings  95  and  97  and pressing the coupling rim  130  in between coupling rings  95  and  97 . The larger curved end of the coupling rim engages the outer ring  97  and the smaller curve engages the inner ring  95 . This captures the rim and prevents lateral movement. This coupling or connecting is effected by orienting step  31  of the step relative to the upright over step support  33  and its step support coupling region  69 . Then the coupling rings are pressed onto the coupling rim  130  of the step coupling features. 
     These same steps are repeated for assembling step  32  to step support regions  66  and  67 . Once the step and step supports are assembled, then step drawer  35  is hung onto drawer hangers  51  and  52  on support edges  62  and  63 . The same procedure is followed for step  32  and drawer  36 . 
     The assembly method is the same for an apparatus having more than two step support regions. The same assembly procedure is simply repeated as many times as there are steps, step supports, and step drawers. 
     Converting apparatus  30  for use with a different shaped spa is accomplished by uncoupling top step  31  by pulling them apart. Once apart, step  31  is turned so the shaped edge is adjacent to the spa exterior wall against which it best matches. Step  31  is then recoupled to step supports  34  and  33  as indicated above but in opposite orientation. 
     The apparatus is capable of being transformed or converted because the step  31  may be easily removed from and reattached to the step supports  33  and  34  in either direction. Once removed, step  31  may be rotated to position the curved edge  39  and the straight edge  37  in their desired positions. In one configuration both the top step  31  and the bottom step  32  may be removed and reattached to the step supports  33  and  34  on their respective high and low step support regions  43 ,  55 ,  44  and  56 . This allows the step to be configured in any of four configurations. 
     Additional Aspects of the Manner and Process of Making 
     The preferred apparatus uses polypropylene for all of the injection molded parts which make up the assembly. Other materials may work suitably. Future developed materials may also be suitable to practice the inventions. 
     Additional Aspects Concerning Manner and Process of Using 
     The apparatus is used by converting the proximal or top step so that the transverse or longitudinal side having the desired shape to complement the spa is positioned along the edge which will be adjacent to the spa. The shape need not exactly fit to provide enhanced usefulness. 
     If the stair assembly is to be used with a different spa having a different side wall shape, then the conversion involves disconnecting the connection or connections of the top step and turning it 180 degrees or to another desired orientation depending on the particular construction used. The connection or connections are then reconnected by positioning and initially engaging the mating parts and then pressing them together. The connections as shown are designed to maintain a fictionally tight connection in either position. 
     Alternative Designs 
     This detailed description has described the preferred embodiment of the invention. Numerous other embodiments are possible, including having step shapes that are other than a straight edge and a curved edge. The step support could have one or more step support riser areas and the apparatus can be used with or without step drawers, and the step drawers may be supported upon the assembly in alternative manners. 
     Some Additional Explanation of Benefits and Advantages 
     The inventions have the advantages of simplicity of assembly and cost savings by using only three different parts. This reduces mold costs. Due to the symmetry of these parts, two of each of the three parts are all that is needed to assemble the preferred apparatus shown. The same step support part or upright can be used for either end of the apparatus. The same step may be used at each step support elevation, and the same step storage container may be used with each step. 
     Among the objectives of the invention are to provide a portable spa stair assembly with more conveniently accessible storage space, the flexibility to be useable with a greater number of spa shapes or configurations. It also uses only a few parts which are assembled by the user by pressing them together, thus allowing lower manufacturing, packaging and shipping cost. 
     Interpretation Notes 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Summary:
A spa or hot tub stair assembly or apparatus having at least one step which is convertible by repositioning to provide different shaped sides. The different shaped sides can be used to better fit the outer shape of the associated spa. The individual step or steps are removable and have connection features which detachably connect with connection features upon one or more pieces forming a base. The base may be provided in the form of a pair of upright supports upon which one or more steps are supported. The assembly may advantageously be provided with one or more storage drawers or other bins which are preferably slidable for easy access.