Patent Publication Number: US-11382463-B2

Title: Vertical bathtub closure systems and methods

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/155,486, filed Oct. 9, 2018, which is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/407,723, filed Jan. 17, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,111,560, issued Oct. 30, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,301, filed Jan. 19, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to bathtub closure systems, and in particular to bathtub closure systems having a plug. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is well recognized that many people, because of advancing age or infirmities, reach a stage in life where they cannot step over the usual sidewall of a bathtub for bathing or showering in the bathtub. It is possible to remove the bathtub and to install a shower system that does not require a user to step over the usual bathtub sidewall. However, a less costly solution to the problem of providing access to a shower can be found in cutting out a portion of the bathtub sidewall and providing a replacement insert that provides a much lower sidewall portion that the user can easily step through. With this arrangement the tub does not need to be removed such that the tub and the already available shower unit can be used and the entire area where the tub is located does not need to be remodeled and refinished. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a bathtub closure system shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a bathtub closure system shown in a partially open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a bathtub closure system shown in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     Example embodiments described herein can improve ease of access to and from a bathtub while retaining a bathtub&#39;s ability to retain a substantial volume of water. A bathtub system can include a step, which can provide a lower clearance than a surrounding bathtub wall for easy access. The step can facilitate ingress to and egress from a bathtub by eliminating a potentially hazardous high step that is associated with traditional bathtubs. Despite this provision for a lower clearance, embodiments of the bathtub system described herein can selectively accommodate a water level substantially commensurate with the surrounding bathtub wall. The bathtub system can include a barrier, which can establish a clearance substantially similar to that of the surrounding bathtub wall. The barrier can accommodate a higher water level than that allowable by the step and can otherwise facilitate water retention within the bathtub. The barrier can be removable in accordance with embodiments described herein such that easier ingress to and egress from the bathtub can be permitted, for example, before and after a bath or shower. The barrier can include, for example, a plug, which can easily be placed on the step, and/or a cover, which can easily be positioned adjacent to the step. In some embodiments, the bathtub can be retrofitted to include the step and an opening, such as a U-shaped opening, that corresponds to the barrier. In alternate embodiments a bathtub can be molded or otherwise manufactured with the step integral therewith such that the bathtub and the step are a single component. 
     Example embodiments described herein can allow a bathtub to be easily converted from an accessible shower to a usable tub and vice versa. It may be desirable to provide an access step with a door such that a bathtub remains usable in the normal fashion even with a step, but in some bathrooms available space may be at a premium. A door that opens internally into the tub may make it awkward for the bather or caregiver to facilitate ingress and ingress and a door opening outwardly may be impractical or awkward because of space considerations. It may be advantageous in some situations to provide a plug barrier that can substantially fill the cavity defined by a step, but when the plug barrier is removed it may present storage or access difficulties. For example, in some embodiments if a plug barrier is completely removed to facilitate ingress a care giver may need to place the plug in another location, help the bather access the tub, reacquire the plug, and then reengage the plug with the step. In an alternate usage situation, where a bathtub is going to be used largely with the step open, it may be difficult to find a location to store an associated plug or capsule for long periods of time. 
     Embodiments described herein include a step system with a hinged barrier plug that can be lifted vertically to transition the step from a “closed” position to an “open” position. Providing a barrier plug that can be lifted in such a fashion may facilitate an easy transition between the open and closed positions. Such a configuration may also solve issues regarding storage of the capsule in cramped environments. Such a step with a hinge closure can be configured to accommodate a variety of types of barriers, such as a cover, a closure, a plug, or the like. In some embodiments, the barrier can be hinged and integral with the step or, alternatively, the hinged barrier can be selectively removable from the step to allow for hinged access or complete removal as desired. In a closed position, the barrier can be secured to the step or bathtub by a friction fit, a retention mechanism, or one or a plurality of fasteners, such as a clamp, magnet, or a plurality of screws. In some embodiments, the barrier can include a seal, which can further facilitate water retention within the bathtub. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a modular step saddle can be configured to selectively accept a variety of components depending upon the specific needs of the user. For example, a step may include one or a plurality of attachment features such as a basic plug, an inwardly hinged door, and/or a “gull wing” hinged door to be used interchangeably. Such a modular step system can be sold as a kit or separate components or accessories can be purchased and/or used as needed. In this manner a single step saddle or bathtub can be designed to accept one or a plurality of different types of barriers or access features. This can allow the user to have maximum functionality as needs change, the property owner to easily adjust the configuration for a new user, and the manufacturer to save money by reducing the number of unit molds that need to be created and inventory that needs to be maintained. 
     The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel. 
     The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a bathtub closure system  10  is shown. The bathtub closure system  10  can be associated with a bathtub and can include a step  12  and a closure or plug  58 . In a closed position, the plug  58  can be positioned relative to the step  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The step  12  and the plug  58  can cooperate to retain water within the bathtub in the closed position. The plug  58  can be disengaged from the step  12  to allow improved access to and from the bathtub. It will be appreciated that any suitable size, shape, or configuration of plug  58  is contemplated. The step  12  can include an elongated platform  16 , a first side panel  18 , and a second side panel  20 , where the elongated platform  16  can extend between the first side panel  18  and the second side panel  20 . The step is shown as a separate component in  FIGS. 1-3 , but it will be appreciated that the step features can be integral or co-molded with a bathtub as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the plug  58  can include a first side  60 , a second side  61 , and a bottom portion  62 . The first side  60 , the second side  61 , and the bottom portion  62  can engage the first side panel  18 , the second side panel  20 , and the elongated platform  16 , respectively, such that the plug  58  fits securely within the substantially U-shaped aperture defined by the step  12 . The plug  58  can include one or a plurality of seals (not shown), which can be positioned on each of the first side  60 , the second side  61 , and/or the bottom portion  62  of the plug  58 . It will be appreciated that the bathtub, step, or the like, can define any size and shape of aperture into which one or more corresponding plugs or closures can be placed in accordance with embodiments described herein. Any suitable number and type of seals are also contemplated. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the plug  58  can include a lateral projection  90  that can selectively engage a cavity  92  defined by the step  12 . The step  12  can further define threaded apertures (not shown) within the cavity  92  that can engage a fastener  96 . The lateral projection  90  and cavity  92  can have corresponding semi-circular shapes, for example, but any suitable shape is contemplated. The lateral projection  90  can define a throughhole channel (not shown) that can accept the fastener  96  having a threaded post  98 . During use, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the plug  58  can be lowered into the U-shaped cavity defined by the step  12  such that the lateral projection  90  is seated in the cavity  92 . The fastener  96  can be used to couple the plug  58  to the step  12  by inserting the fastener  96  into the projection  90  and threadedly engaging the threaded post  98  with the threaded apertures of the cavity  92 . When actuated the fastener  96  can compress the plug  58  against the step  12  until a substantially watertight seal is created. The plug  58  can be used to seal the opening or aperture in the sidewall of the step or tub using top-down screws or fasteners, however, any attachment mechanism is contemplated. The plug can include one or a plurality of latches (not shown) that can engage one or a plurality of cavities in the step saddle when the plug is in a closed position. The plug can be removed, for example, by lifting up on the one or a plurality of latches such that the latch disengages the step saddle. The plug can include any suitable feature to facilitate transitioning the plug from an open to a closed position and vice versa. The plug can include one or a plurality of handles (not shown), mechanical assistance features, electrical assistance features, pneumatic assistance features, or the like. 
     When it becomes desirable to remove the plug  58  the fastener  96  can be unscrewed and the plug  58  can be raised and rotated about a hinge  35  that can couple the plug  58  to the step  12 . An inset handle (not shown) positioned on the plug  58  can facilitate movement of the plug  58  relative to the step  12  about the hinge  35 . The hinge  35  can be fixedly or removably coupled with the step  12 . In an alternate embodiment, a bathtub can be formed with a fixed or integral hinge such that the movable plug can be directly coupled to the bathtub such that no separate step saddle is required. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in the fully “open” position the plug  58  can be rotated about 180 degrees from the initial closed position. It will be appreciated that the plug  58  and hinge  35  can have any suitable relationship facilitating any suitable range of motion. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in the open position the plug  58  can rest upon an upper surface of the bathtub. Although the weight of the plug  58  may help maintain the plug  58  in the open position it is contemplated that the plug  58  can be secured to the bathtub such as with a fastener or the like. For example, the fastener  96  can be used to engage the plug with a second threaded aperture (not shown) in the surface of the bathtub to secure the plug in the open position. In one embodiment, the position of the plug  58  adjacent to the open aperture of the step  12  can be used advantageously. For example, the plug  58  in the open position can be used as a support or handrail to help guide a bather into the bathtub. In one embodiment, the plug  58  can have an additional handle (not shown) formed in the bottom portion  62  such that when the plug  58  is in the open position the handle is accessible to a user entering a bathtub. The height of the plug  58  in the open position may be such that a bather can easily grasp the plug  58  without having to reach down. In this manner the plug  58  can be effectively opened, even in a cramped environment with little storage space, to provide a bather with a safer method of ingress and egress from the bathtub. It will be appreciated that the plug  58  can include any suitable strengthening features such as ribs, bars, supports, handles, or the like to provide a secure handhold when in the open position. The inner surface of the plug  58  can include embedded cavities, hooks, receptacles, or the like such that when the plug  58  is in the open position it can be used to hold bathing products, accessories, or the like that can be accessed without the bather having to reach down to the top of the bathtub. 
     It will be appreciated that the step can be coupled with a traditional bathtub in any suitable fashion such as, for example, by cutting a cavity in an existing bathtub and positioning the step within the cutout as described in co-owned U.S. Pre-Grant Publication 2017/0007077 to Stafford, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will also be appreciated that bathtubs can be molded or otherwise formed with a cavity, such as a U-shaped cavity to facilitate ingress and egress, in any suitable fashion in accordance with embodiments described herein. It will be appreciated that references to a step can include an aftermarket step that is retrofit onto an existing bathtub or to features that are co-molded or are otherwise integral with a newly manufactured bathtub. 
     It will be appreciated that any suitable features or components can be incorporated into the steps, plugs, closures, bathtubs, or the like disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that any closure, such as a door having a width of less than one inch, is contemplated and can be used in accordance with embodiments described herein. In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to be defined by the claims appended hereto.