US 11,896,173 B2
Bathtub systems and methods
Christopher Brian Stafford, Liberty Township, OH (US); Lance Middleton, Soddy Daisy, TN (US); and Houston E. Lay, Batavia, OH (US)
Assigned to Safeway Safety Step, LLC, West Chester, OH (US)
Filed by Safeway Safety Step, LLC, West Chester, OH (US)
Filed on Oct. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/960,428.
Application 17/960,428 is a continuation of application No. 17/466,487, filed on Sep. 3, 2021, granted, now 11,540,672.
Application 17/466,487 is a continuation of application No. 16/365,216, filed on Mar. 26, 2019, abandoned.
Application 16/365,216 is a continuation of application No. 15/804,936, filed on Nov. 6, 2017, abandoned.
Application 15/804,936 is a continuation of application No. 14/815,549, filed on Jul. 31, 2015, abandoned.
Application 14/815,549 is a continuation in part of application No. 14/698,668, filed on Apr. 28, 2015, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/031,622, filed on Jul. 31, 2014.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/012,879, filed on Jun. 16, 2014.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/007,098, filed on Jun. 3, 2014.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/006,510, filed on Jun. 2, 2014.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/985,098, filed on Apr. 28, 2014.
Prior Publication US 2023/0023727 A1, Jan. 26, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A47K 3/00 (2006.01)
CPC A47K 3/006 (2013.01) 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A retrofit bathtub closure system comprising:
(a) a step operably configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub, the step comprising;
(i) a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform, wherein the first side panel has a first top surface, the second side panel has a second top surface; and
(ii) a first attachment recess defined by the step, the first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface or extending downward from the second top surface; and
(b) a plug, the plug comprising;
(i) a body having a first side, a second side, and a bottom portion; and
(ii) a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step;
wherein the plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess, and wherein a fastener, securable within a top surface of the first attachment member, secures the first attachment member to the first attachment means.