Bathtub step stool and method of use

Abstract

A method of using a bathtub step stool to get into a bathtub comprises gripping at least one support of a bathtub step stool; stepping onto a step assembly of the bathtub step stool, towards an entry side of the bathtub; turning towards one of supports; while gripping one of the supports, stepping over the entry side of the bathtub and into the bathtub.

Claims

1. A method of using a bathtub step stool to get into a bathtub to take a bath or shower, comprising: providing a bathtub step stool for assisting a user into the bathtub including an entry side that defines a plane, comprising: a first support defining a first plane; a second support defining a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being parallel to each and perpendicular to the plane defined by the entry side of the bathtub; a step assembly supported between the first support and the second support, a mount assembly coupled to the first support and the second support, the mount assembly slidably and vertically adjustable relative to the first support and the second support to mount onto a side of the bathtub, the step assembly to enable the user to step thereon for assisting the user into the bathtub; mounting the mount assembly onto the side of the bathtub by sliding and lowering the mount assembly relative to the first support and the second support onto the side of the bathtub; gripping at least one of the first support and the second support; stepping onto the step assembly, towards the entry side of the bathtub; turning towards one of the first support and the second support while standing on the step assembly; while gripping one of the first support and the second support, stepping over the entry side of the bathtub and into the bathtub; while continuing to grip one of the first support and the second support, stepping again over the entry side of the bathtub and into the bathtub, wherein the mount assembly includes downwardly extending members that are laterally adjustable to accommodate different side widths, and further including clamping the bathtub step stool to the side of the bathtub and laterally adjusting the downwardly extending members of the mount assembly to accommodate a width of the side to stabilize the bathtub step stool with respect to the bathtub.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support include upside-down U-shaped guard rails.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the guardrails are adjustable in height.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step assembly is adjustable in height.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support define an unobstructed pathway for entry and exit with respect to the bathtub that is perpendicular with respect to the entry side of the bathtub, and the method includes passing between the first support and the second support to step onto the step assembly.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first support and the second support includes a padded grip and gripping at least one of the first support and the second support includes gripping the padded grip of at least one of the first support and the second support.

7. The method of claim 1, further including using the bathtub step stool to get out of a bathtub comprising while gripping one of the first support and the second support, stepping over the entry side of the bathtub, out of the bathtub and onto the step assembly; while continuing to grip one of the first support and the second support, stepping again over the entry side of the bathtub, out of the bathtub and onto the step assembly.

8. The method of claim 7, further including passing between the first support and the second support, off of the step assembly, to exit the bathtub step stool.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support each include a front leg and a rear leg that are disposed outside the bathtub, and the mount assembly is slidably and vertically adjustable relative to the rear leg of first support and the second support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bed step stool shown in position/use adjacent to a side of a user's bed;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed step stool of FIG. 1;

(3) FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F are front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom views of the bed step stool of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of using the bed step stool to get into the bed shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of using the bed step stool to get out of the bed shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bed step stool;

(7) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a bed step stool;

(8) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of a bed step stool;

(9) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a step stool that may be used with a bathtub;

(10) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D are perspective views of a further embodiment of a bed step stool shown attached to a bed, but with different embodiments of a bed attachment shown;

(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bathtub step stool shown attached to a bathtub;

(12) FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9;

(13) FIG. 11 is another rear perspective view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9;

(14) FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9;

(15) FIG. 13 is a left side elevational view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9;

(16) FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9; and

(17) FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the bathtub step stool of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

(18) Before describing a bathtub step stool, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3F, an embodiment of a bed step stool 100 for use by a user to assist the user to get into and out of a bed 110 will first be described. Although the bed step stool 100 is shown and described as an aid for assisting one to get into and out of a bed, the step stool 100 may be used to assist one onto and off of various types of elevated furniture. For example, but not by way of limitation, the step stool 100 may be used to assist one to get in and out of a vehicle (e.g., car, van) that may be too high for them (e.g., step stool 100 may be a different model/version having a lower cross bar in the back, but still maintain similar functionality to that shown and described herein). The step stool 100 may be used in the home to assist one onto and off of an elevated chair/stool (e.g., bar stool) taller than a kitchen chair.

(19) The bed step stool 100 includes a long(er)/tall(er) guardrail/first support 120 parallel with and spaced with respect to a short(er) guardrail/second support 130. The tall guardrail 120 is closer to a head 132 of the bed and the short guardrail 130 closer to a foot 134 of the bed 110. The tall guardrail 120 is taller than a height of the bed 110 at which the user is supported when resting and the short guardrail 130 is closer in height to the height of the bed 110. The tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130 define respective parallel planes that are perpendicular with a plane define by a side 136 of the bed 110.

(20) A lateral crossbar assembly 140 connects (via fasteners 150) a back leg 160 of the tall guardrail 120 to a back leg 170 of the short guardrail 130.

(21) Step crossbar assemblies 190, 200 connect (via fasteners 210) the back legs 160, 170 to front legs 250, 260 of the tall guardrail 120 and short guardrail 130, respectively.

(22) A step assembly 270 has a generous width and depth to enable a user (e.g., senior) to securely step onto the step assembly 270. The step assembly 270 may include a slip protection tape or another slip prevention material on an upper surface. The step assembly 270 is supported between the tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130 by the step crossbar assemblies 190, 200.

(23) The longitudinal direction of the lateral crossbar assembly 140 and the step assembly 270 are parallel with the plane define by a side 136 of the bed 110 and perpendicular with respect to planes defined by the tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130. When the bed step stool 100 is in position, with the crossbar assembly 140 adjacent to or abutting the side 136 of the bed 110, the bed step stool 100 and the bed 110 form a T-shaped configuration.

(24) The tall guardrail 120 and short guardrail 130 include elevation tubes/legs 280 telescopingly received in upper tubes 320, 33, 340, 350 for adjusting the height of the entire bed step stool 100 and the height of the step assembly 270 via rotatable adjustment collars 360 and bolt holes/bolts.

(25) The step height is what goes up or down based off the bolt hole you choose (the height) that works for you. The tall and short rail's height relationship doesn't change after it is put together, only the step height and the unit as a whole then keeps the same relationship of distance.

(26) Lower ends of the elevation tubes 280 include rubber tips 400.

(27) An upper portion 440 of the tall guardrail 120 includes an upside-down U-shaped tall grab bar 450.

(28) An upper portion 460 of the short guardrail 130 includes an angled/inclined bar 470.

(29) The lateral crossbar assembly 140 carries a motion-detecting lighting assembly 480 for illuminating via one or more lights (e.g., LEDs) the step assembly 270 upon detected motion (e.g., movement of the user's legs) of the user by a motion sensor.

(30) In an alternative embodiment, the bed step stool 100 includes a configuration for use with the opposite side of the bed 110. In this alternative embodiment, instead of the tall guardrail 120 on the left side and the short guardrail 130 on the right side of the step assembly 270, the tall guardrail 120 is on the right side and the short guardrail 130 on the left side of the step assembly 270. The upper portions 440, 460 of the tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130 (or, alternatively, the tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130) are reversible to enable the bed step stool 100 to accommodate both sides of the bed 110.

(31) Although the bed step stool 100 shown may accommodate a wide variety of different-sized users, in an alternative embodiment, the bed step stool 100 includes one or more configurations to accommodate different types/sized users.

(32) With reference additionally to FIG. 4A, an exemplary method 500 of using the bed step stool 100 to get into the bed 110 will be described. At step 510, the user approaches the bed step stool 100 and turns sideways towards the bed 110 and the tall grab bar 450 (i.e., user facing towards tall grab bar 450 and the head 132 of the bed 110). As the user approaches the bed step stool 100, the motion-detecting lighting assembly 460 illuminates the step assembly 270 upon detected movement of the user's legs. At step 520, with hands on the tall grab bar 450, the user steps onto the step assembly 270 and turns backside to the bed 110. At step 530, with hands on the tall grab bar 450, the user sits down on the edge of the bed 110. At step 540, the user lays down to a resting position and lifts one's legs over the angled/inclined bar 470 of the short guardrail 130.

(33) With reference additionally to FIG. 4B, an exemplary method 600 of using the bed step stool 100 to get out of the bed 110 will be described. At step 610, a user reaches one's closest arm over to the tall grab bar 450. At step 620, the user uses the tall grab bar 450 to lift one's shoulders off of the bed 110 while swinging legs over the angled/inclined bar 470 of the short guardrail 130, and places one's feet on the step assembly 270. As the user swings one's legs over the angled/inclined bar 470 and one's feet approach the step assembly 270, the motion-detecting lighting assembly 460 illuminates the step assembly 270 upon detected movement of the user's legs. At step 630, the user takes 15-30 seconds while sitting up to gain composure. At step 640, when the user is ready, the user uses one hand on the tall grab bar 450 (or two hands, one on tall grab bar 450, one on angled/inclined bar 470 of the short guardrail 130) and stands up. At step 650, while keeping one hand on the tall grab bar 450, the user slowly steps off the step assembly 270, onto the floor.

(34) Advantages of the bed step stool 100 and above described methods include one or more of the following: the perpendicular orientation of the tall guardrail 120 and the short guardrail 130 with respect to of the bed step stool 100 provides a pathway to entry/exit with respect to the bed 110 whereby the user goes between the guardrails 120, 130 to step on the step assembly 270, the bed step stool 100 allows individuals to safely enter/exit their bed 110 from the side 136 of the bed 110, the bed step stool 100 provides guardrails 120, 130 for support and protection at a perpendicular angle to the longitudinal direction of the bed 110 (or plane define by the side 136 of the bed 110), allowing the user to safely remain secure in the bed 110, the elevation tubes/legs 280 telescopingly received in upper tubes 320, 33, 340, 350 allow the user to adjust the height of the bed step stool 100 so that the bed step stool 100 can be used with a variety of bed heights and/or user heights, the bed step stool 100 allows users to enter the bed 110 at the final point of resting and eliminates the need to move the bed 110 up or down into position, the step assembly 270 of the bed step stool 100 includes a wide platform to improve safety and ease of use, the bed step stool 100 may be used in any setting, including a nursing home, a hospital, or a patient's home; the bed step stool 100 may be used with different types of beds/furniture; because the bed step stool 100 rests on legs rather than between the mattress and the box spring, there is no limit to the type of furniture/beds that the bed step stool 100 can be used in connection with, the bed step stool 100 is portable (the bed step stool 100 in the embodiment shown and described is designed not to attach to the bed, allowing one to easily store the bed step stool 100 by sliding it into a corner or closet when not in use); the bed step stool 100 helps reduce a senior's risk of falling because as they use the product their actual fear of falling is reduced; and/or the bed step stool 100 provides the user with a sense of safety (using the step 270 and grab bar(s) 450, 470 make the user more confident in one's movements; when the user feels safer, the user reduces the risk of falling by reducing one's fear of falling).

(35) With FIG. 5, another embodiment of a bed step stool 700 that may include one or more of the below-described features will be described, with like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with an a suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 incorporated herein. Straps 710 made of hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) or another soft material connect the lateral crossbar assembly 140a to a bed frame to improve stability of the bed step stool 700. Height adjustment mechanisms 720 are disposed at four corners (e.g., at bottom of guard rails 120a, 130a and top of legs 160a, 170a, 250a, 260a) above step assembly 730 to allow both the tall guard rail rai 120a and/or the short guard rail 130a to adjust in height in a manner different than that previously described. Step assembly 730 flips/rotates up and allows the user to have the step in a low/deployed mode/position to step on to assist in getting into and/or out of bed or retracted/high/flipped/rotated mode that allows the user to walk or step more into the middle of the bed step stool 700 without stepping up at all. Lockable wheels 740 connected to the bottom of each of the four legs 160a, 170a, 250a, 260a. The wheels 740 may be inserted in the bottom of each of the four legs 160a, 170a, 250a, 260a in lieu of height adjustment legs inserted in the bottom of each of the four legs 160a, 170a, 250a, 260a. Short guard rail 130a raises in height to at least the same height as the tall guard rail 120a. The tall guard rail 120a includes a padded grip 760.

(36) With reference to FIG. 6A, a further embodiment of a bed step stool 769 will be described. The bed step stool 769 may include one or more of the below-described features, with like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-5 are shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with a b suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5 incorporated herein. The tall guard rail 120b and/or the short guard rail 130b includes square corners 770, 772, 774, 776. Short guard rail 130b raises in height to at least the same height as the tall guard rail 120b. A bed rail attachment 790 rotatably attached to the tall guard rail 120b and/or the leg 160b serves as a bed rail to keep a user from falling/getting out of bed when the user is lying down, but swings open to allow the user to get in and out of bed easily. Although not shown, a latch or hook may be used to the bed rail attachment in the bed rail position/mode and/or the open position mode. A motor 800 operably coupled to the step assembly 270b (e.g., via a rotatable screw mechanism) raises and lowers the step assembly 270b vertically up and down for users (e.g., elders) who can't raise their leg to step onto the step assembly 270b when the step assembly 270b is raised.

(37) With reference to FIG. 6B, a still further embodiment of a bed step stool 819 will be described. Like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-6A are shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with a c suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6A incorporated herein. The guard rail 120c and/or the guard rail 130c have the same, tall height, include includes square corners 770c, 772c, 774c, 776c, and include the bed rail attachment 790c.

(38) With reference to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a step stool 829 that may be used with a bathtub will be described. Like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-6B are shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with a d suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6B incorporated herein. Attachments 830 (e.g., L-shaped member that raises, lowers, rotates) that go on the back of the bath step stool 829 (e.g., attached to the tall guard rail 120d, short guard rail 130d, leg 160d, leg 170d, and/or the lateral crossbar assembly 140d) go over the edge/side of a bathtub to sit next to the bathtub and essentially attach to the bathtub. This allows a user to set the product next to the bathtub and be stable so the individual has a step, a rail, to help people the user into and out of the bathtub. Straps 840 attach to the legs 160d, 170d and to bed frame attach to the bed that can help keep the step stool 829 more stable. Straps 840 made of hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) or another soft material connect the legs 160d, leg 170d to a bed frame to improve stability of the step stool 700.

(39) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D are perspective views of a further embodiment of bed step stools 849, 859, 869, 879, where like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-7 are shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with an e suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-7 incorporated herein shown attached to a bed 110e, but with different embodiments of a bed attachment 850, 860, 870, 880 shown.

(40) In FIG. 8A, the bed attachment(s) 850 include strap(s) that attach to the lateral crossbar assembly 140e (and/or the legs 160e, leg 170e) and run across the bed 110e between a box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854 and can attach to the bed frame. For example, but not by way of limitation, the bed attachment 850 may include nylon strap(s) with distal ends terminating in hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro).

(41) In FIG. 8B, the bed attachment(s) 860 are made of a solid and/or rigid material (e.g., metal, aluminum, plastics) that attach to the lateral crossbar assembly 140e (and/or the legs 160e, leg 170e) and run across the bed 110e between a box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854 to help stabilize the bed step stool 859 when being used.

(42) In FIG. 8C, the bed attachment 870 is made of a solid and/or rigid material (e.g., metal, aluminum, plastics) that attach to the lateral crossbar assembly 140e (and/or the legs 160e, leg 170e) and run across the bed 110e between a box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854 to help stabilize the bed step stool 869 when being used. The bed attachment 870 and/or the bed attachment 870 in connection with the lateral crossbar assembly 140e forms a rectangular closed-loop member that runs across the bed 110e between the box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854.

(43) In FIG. 8D, the bed attachment 880 is made of a solid and/or rigid material (e.g., metal, aluminum, plastics) that attach to the lateral crossbar assembly 140e (and/or the legs 160e, leg 170e) and run across the bed 110e between a box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854 to help stabilize the bed step stool 879 when being used. The bed attachment 880 and/or the bed attachment 880 in connection with the lateral crossbar assembly 140e forms a closed-loop member that spans most of the dimension of the mattress 854, running across the bed 110e between the box spring (or other mattress support) 852 and mattress 854.

(44) In further embodiments, one or more of the step stools shown and/or described herein is a smaller version of that shown (e.g., not as wide and/or as deep as that/those shown so as to fit in smaller room).

(45) With reference to FIGS. 9-15, a further embodiment of a bathtub step stool 900 that may be used with a bathtub 910 will be described. Like elements to those shown and/or described with respect to FIGS. 1-8D are shown and/or described with like reference numbers, but with an f suffix, and with the subject matter described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9D incorporated herein. Attachments 920 (e.g., L-shaped members that raise, lower) that go on the back of the bath step stool 900 (e.g., attached to the leg 160f of the first support/guard rail 120f and is attached to the leg 170f of the second support/guard rail 130f) terminate at mount assembly 930, which mounts onto/over a side/wall 940 of the bathtub 910 as shown in FIG. 9. The mount assembly 930 includes an elongated flat bracket 950 with a pair of downwardly facing U-shaped brackets/clamps 960. The U-shaped brackets/clamps 960 include lateral members 970 and downwardly extending members 980. C-shaped members 990 are disposed along an underside 1000 of the lateral members 970. The C-shaped members 990 allows the -shaped brackets/clamps 960 to be adjusted to fit the side/wall 940 of the bathtub 910 (in some parts of the bathtub 910 the side/wall 940 of the bathtub 910 is thin and other parts it's wider). A bolt may go through mount assembly 930 into C-shaped member 990 990 and this locks the adjustment setting in place so it's snug against side/wall 940. The clamps 960 may be padded and may adjust to different tub wall widths. A lateral crossbar assembly 140f is attached to the leg 160f of the guard rail 120f and is attached to the leg 170f of the guard rail 130f. The lateral crossbar assembly 140f includes a plate 1010. Step assembly 270f may be vertically adjustable with respect to guard rails 120f, 130f. The guard rails 120f, 130f are of the same height and may have rubberized non slip foot/rubber tip 1012 at bottom of guard rails 120f, 130f and/or rubber sleeves at top of guard rails 120f, 130f for secure gripping of guard rails 120f, 130f by the user when transferring to and from the bathtub or shower.

(46) In use, the bathtub step stool 900 is positioned next to the bathtub entry side/wall 940 and attached/clamped to the bathtub entry side/wall 940 via the U-shaped brackets 960, which slide onto and over the bathtub entry side/wall 940 (and may adjust to different tub wall widths), to secure the bathtub step stool 900 in position. This allows a user to set the bathtub step stool 900 next to the bathtub 910 and be stable so the individual has a step and rails to help the user into and out of the bathtub 910.

(47) To use the bathtub step stool 900 to enter the bathtub 910, a user grips at least one of the first support 120f and the second support 130f; steps onto the step assembly 270f, towards the entry side 940 of the bathtub 910 (passing between the first support 120f and the second support 130f); turns towards one of the first support 120f and the second support 130f while standing on the step assembly 270f; while gripping one of the first support 120f and the second support 130f, steps over the entry side 940 of the bathtub 910 and into the bathtub 910; while continuing to grip one of the first support 120f and the second support 130f, steps again over the entry side of the bathtub and into the bathtub 910. After the user enters the bathtub 910, the user lets go of the support 120f, 130f and the user starts operation of the water controls to start bath/shower. To use the bathtub step stool 900 to exit/get out of the bathtub 910, a user reaches out and grabs at least one of the supports 120f, 130f while standing in the bathtub 910. The user continues to grip one of the supports 120f, 130f and steps one foot laterally out of the bathtub and over the entry side 940, onto the step assembly 270f of the bathtub step stool 900. While continuing to grip one of the supports 120f, 130f, the user steps the other foot laterally out of the bathtub and over the entry side 940, onto the step assembly 270f of the bathtub step stool 900. The user then passes between the first support and the second support to step off of the step assembly 270f and exit the bathtub step stool 900.

(48) The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

(49) Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as mean including, without limitation or the like; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.