# US 11,896,173 B2 · Bathtub systems and methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,896,173 B2 - Document ID: US11896173B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/960,428 - Filed: 2022-10-05 - Published: 2023-01-26 - Granted: 2024-02-13 - Earliest claimed: 2014-04-28 - Assignees: Safeway Safety Step, LLC - Applicants: Safeway Safety Step, LLC - Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford; Lance Middleton; Houston E. Lay - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11896173B2 ## CPC - A47K 3/006: {Doors to get in and out of baths more easily} - A47K 3/001: {Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation} - A47K 3/02: Baths (combined with showers A47K3/20) - A47K 3/122: {Seats (specially adapted for showers A47K3/282)} - G01S 7/4818: {using optical fibres} - G02B 6/12002: {Three-dimensional structures} - G01S 17/06: Systems determining position data of a target - G01S 17/88: Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications - G02B 2006/12104: {Mirror; Reflectors or the like} - A47K: SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES - G01S: RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS ## Abstract A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. 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 the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity. ## Claims ### Claim 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, further comprising a second attachment recess defined by the step, wherein the first attachment recess extends downward from the first top surface and the second attachment recess extends downward from the second top surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 2, further comprising a second attachment member corresponding to the second attachment recess. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 3, wherein the first attachment recess and the second attachment recess are substantially semi-circular in shape, and the first attachment member and the second attachment member have a corresponding semi-circular shape. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 3, further comprising a second fastener, securable within a top surface of the second attachment member, operably configured to secure the second attachment member in the second attachment recess. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 5, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are threaded fasteners that urge the plug in a generally downward direction against the step when tightened, the first fastener extending through the first attachment member, and the second fastener extending through the second attachment member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 6, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener have a substantially vertical orientation. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, wherein the actuation of the fastener compresses the plug against the step to form a substantially watertight seal. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, wherein the plug is positioned substantially entirely within boundaries defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, and the elongated platform. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, wherein the plug further comprises an inset handle for placement of the plug relative to the step. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, wherein a height of a top surface of the first attachment member from the bottom portion of the plug is less than a height of a top surface of the plug from the bottom portion of the plug. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 1, wherein the plug further comprises one or more seals, wherein the one or more seals are spaced apart from the first attachment member. ### Claim 13 A retrofit bathtub closure system comprising: (a) a step saddle operably configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub, the step saddle comprising; (i) a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform; (ii) a first cavity defined by the first side panel; and (iii) a second cavity defined by the second side panel; (b) a plug comprising; (i) a body having a first side, a second side, and a bottom portion; (ii) a first lateral projection, extending from the first side of the plug, corresponding to the first cavity; and (iii) a second lateral projection, extending from the second side of the plug, corresponding to the second cavity; (c) a first fastener, securable within a top surface of the first lateral projection, operably configured to secure the first lateral projection to the first cavity; and (d) a second fastener, securable within a top surface of the second lateral projection, operably configured to secure the second lateral projection to the second cavity; wherein the plug cooperates with the step saddle to form a substantially watertight seal when the first lateral projection is seated in the first cavity, and the second lateral projection is seated in the second cavity. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 13, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are threaded fasteners having a substantially vertical orientation, the first fastener extending through the first lateral projection, and the second fastener extending through the second lateral projection. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 13, wherein the plug is positioned substantially entirely within boundaries defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, and the elongated platform defined by the step saddle. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 13, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity have a substantially semicircular configuration. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 13, wherein the first projection and the second projection have a substantially semicircular configuration. ### Claim 18 A retrofit bathtub closure system comprising: (a) a step means operably configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub, the step means being associated with a bathtub, the step means defining an attachment recess means, and the attachment recess means extending downward from a top surface of the step means; and (b) a plug means, the plug means operably configured to engage the step means, the plug means having an attachment member means corresponding to the attachment recess means, wherein the attachment member engages the attachment recess means to couple the step means with the plug means to create a substantially watertight seal in the bathtub; and wherein a fastener, securable within a top surface of the attachment member, secures the attachment member to the attachment recess. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The retrofit bathtub closure system of claim 18, wherein the plug further comprises an inset handle for placement of the plug relative to the step.