Bathtub systems and methods

Abstract

Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position. The bathtub closure system can include a support portion, where the support portion can be co-molded with the step and have a substantially U-shaped configuration extending in a generally downward direction from the step to support the step during use.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A bathtub closure system comprising:
 (a) a step, the step comprising;
 (i) a first side panel, 
 (ii) a second side panel, and 
 (iii) an elongated platform defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub; 
   (b) a closure, wherein the closure is coupled with the step and cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position; and   (c) a support portion, the support portion being co-molded with the step and having a substantially U-shaped configuration to support the step during use, wherein the support portion extends in a generally downward direction from about three inches to about six inches from the bottom of the step.   
     
     
         2 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, and the elongated platform is substantially U-shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 1 , wherein the support portion comprises a first leg and a second leg. 
     
     
         4 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 3 , wherein the first leg and the second leg are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         5 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 3 , wherein the first leg and the second leg have substantially the same geometry. 
     
     
         6 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 1 , wherein the step and the support portion are substantially hollow. 
     
     
         7 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 1 , wherein the support portion comprises at least one support member have a frustoconical configuration and a top surface. 
     
     
         8 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 7 , wherein the top surface of the support member is adjacent a bottom surface of the elongated platform. 
     
     
         9 . The bathtub closure system of  claim 7 , wherein the top surface of the support member is coupled with a bottom surface of the elongated platform. 
     
     
         10 . A bathtub system comprising:
 (a) a step saddle, the step saddle comprising;
 (i) a first side panel, 
 (ii) a second side panel, and 
 (iii) an elongated platform defining a substantially U-shaped cavity, wherein the substantially U-shaped cavity is configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub; 
   (b) a support portion, the support portion comprising;
 (i) a body having a first leg and a second leg projecting in a substantially downward direction from the step saddle such that the support portion is configured to support the step saddle during use; and 
 (ii) a plurality of support members, wherein each of the plurality of support members has a substantially frustoconical shape and a top surface. 
   
     
     
         11 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , wherein the step saddle and the support portion are substantially hollow. 
     
     
         12 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , wherein the top surface of the plurality of support members are adjacent a bottom surface of the elongated platform. 
     
     
         13 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , wherein the top surface of the plurality of support members are coupled with a bottom surface of the elongated platform. 
     
     
         14 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , wherein the support portion is co-molded with the step saddle. 
     
     
         15 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , wherein the support portion is selectively coupled with the step saddle. 
     
     
         16 . The bathtub system of  claim 10 , further comprising a closure coupled with the step saddle. 
     
     
         17 . A bathtub closure system comprising:
 (a) a step, the step being substantially hollow, the step comprising;
 (i) a first side panel, 
 (ii) a second side panel, and 
 (iii) an elongated platform defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub; 
   (b) a hinged door, wherein the hinged door is coupled with the step and cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the hinged door is in a closed position; and   (c) a support portion, the support portion being co-molded with the step and having a substantially U-shaped configuration, the support portion comprising;
 (i) a first leg extending in a generally downward direction; 
 (ii) a second leg extending in a generally downward direction; and 
 (iii) a plurality of support members, each of the plurality of support members having a substantially frustoconical configuration and a top surface, wherein the plurality of support members, the first leg, and the second leg define a support portion cavity. 
   
     
     
         18 . The bathtub closure of  claim 17 , wherein the support portion is co-molded with the step. 
     
     
         19 . The bathtub closure of  claim 17 , wherein the top surface of the plurality of support members is adjacent a bottom surface of the elongated platform. 
     
     
         20 . The bathtub closure of  claim 17 , wherein the top surface of the plurality of support members is coupled with the bottom surface of the elongated platform.