Steps for a spa
AssigneeBullfrog International, LC
InventorsMichael Andersen, Mark McLane
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates generally to steps for a spa or another water containing vessel. In various aspects, steps for a spa may include a lower hollow frame, a first platform disposed over the lower hollow frame, and an upper hollow frame disposed over a back portion of the first platform. The steps may also include a second platform disposed over the upper hollow frame. Each of the lower hollow frame and the upper hollow frame may be formed of a plurality of structural panels and a plurality of decorative panels. The plurality of decorative panels may match any decorative paneling of the spa, next to which the steps are arranged.
Claims21
A set of steps for a spa, the steps comprising:
- a pair of side panels, each side panel comprising:
- a vertical portion defining or including a first plurality of mortices, and
- a horizontal portion integral with the vertical portion and defining or including a second plurality of mortices;
- a lower front panel configured to engage with a front edge of the horizontal portion;
- an upper front panel configured to engage with a front edge of the vertical portion;
- at least one back panel configured to engage with a back edge of the vertical portion;
- a lower step platform connectable to the horizontal portion and the lower front panel;
- and
- an upper step platform connectable to the vertical portion and the upper front panel.
A set of steps for a spa comprising:
- a lower step comprising a step platform and a front panel;
- an upper step comprising a step platform and a front panel;
- a first side panel connectable to a first side of the lower step and a first side of the upper step, the first side panel connectable without visible fasteners;
- a second side panel connectable to a second side of the lower step and a second side the upper step, the second side of the lower step and the upper step opposite the first side of the lower step and the upper step, the second side panel connectable without visible fasteners;
- and
- a back panel connectable to a back edge of the step platform of the upper step,
- wherein the step platform of the lower step is interchangeable with the step platform of the upper step.
A method of forming steps for a spa, the method comprising:
- blow-molding a first side panel, the first side panel defining a first plurality of mortices;
- blow-molding a second side panel, the second side panel defining a second plurality of mortices;
- blow-molding at least one front panel, the at least one front panel having a first tenon extending from a first end and a second tenon extending from a second end opposite the first end,
- wherein a decorative panel matching other decorative paneling of the spa is attachable to the at least one front panel without visible fasteners;
- slidably connecting the at least one front panel with the first side panel;
- slidably connecting the at least one front panel with the second side panel;
- and
- attaching at least one step platform to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the at least one front panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.