Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – With user access means in side of the tub
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-24
2001-04-10
Fetsuga, Robert M. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
With user access means in side of the tub
C004S584000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212704
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALlY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to walkthrough inserts for bathtubs and is particularly related to inserts placed in sidewalls of cut-away portions of existing bathtubs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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, to accomplish bathing or showering in the tub. It is, of course, 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 is often 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 to enter the bathtub. With this arrangement the tub does not need to be removed, so the tub and the already available shower unit discharging into the tub can be used and the entire area where the tub is located does not need to be remodeled and refinished.
One form of insert used to finish the wall of a bathtub after a portion of the usual bathtub wall has been cut out is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,846, issued May 16, 2000. The insert disclosed in this patent is made of plastic materials that can be rotationally or blow molded and is suitable for a great many uses. However, plastic materials suitable for rotational or blow molding have a very fine surface porosity, and with time, dirt will collect in the pores of inserts made using these processes. Even when thoroughly cleaned the insert will take on a spotted, stained appearance. This may not be a problem if the insert is made of suitable colors or combinations of colors, but may be objectionable if the insert is made in white or some other light colors.
Principal objects of the present invention are to provide an improved walkthrough insert for bathtubs, having a non-porous exterior surface and shaped to be easily installed to a bathtub having a portion of the bathtub sidewall removed.
Other objects are to provide an improved walkthrough insert for bathtubs that is economically produced and that can be installed by persons having only limited training in the installation process used.
Still another object is to provide an insert that can be secured in place while maintaining the strength and integrity of the bathtub in which the insert is installed.
Principal features of the invention include an acrylic insert with a non-porous outer surface, a step through portion with raised opposite walls and a skirt extending downwardly from the step through portion and from an upper terminus of ends of each of the raised opposite walls. During installation of the insert the skirt is cut away, as necessary to insure simultaneous contact of a bottom edge of the skirt with the bathtub bottom and the floor surface outside the bathtub. The portion of the skirt connected to the raised opposite walls is further trimmed to insure bonding contact of the raised opposite walls with cut surfaces of a cut out portion of the bathtub wall and with reinforcement members positioned within the walls of the bathtub surrounding the cut out portion of the bathtub wall. The remaining portion of the skirt engages and is bonded to the inner and outer surfaces of the bathtub wall in which the insert is positioned.
Additional objects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from the following detailed description and drawings, disclosing what is presently contemplated as being the best mode of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5628851 (1997-05-01), Lawler
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