CN102413747A

CN102413747A - Retrofit bathtub door

Info

Publication number: CN102413747A
Application number: CN201080017824XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·斯塔福德
Original assignee: Safeway Safety Step LLC
Current assignee: Safeway Safety Step LLC
Priority date: 2009-02-26
Filing date: 2010-02-26
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Also published as: MX2011008992A; WO2010099410A2; US20100212083A1; US20100236041A1; WO2010099410A3

Abstract

Provided is an installation process and product designed to retrofit an existing bathtub by cutting and removing a section of the existing sidewall of the bathtub and adding a generally U-shaped structure featuring an operational and watertight and sealable door. The surface of the U-shaped structure may also feature a skid resistant tread plate on its top surface to help prevent a user from slipping and/or falling. The door may also feature a handle for ease in opening and closing the door and a latch to secure the door in a closed position.

Description

The tub door of repacking

Priority

The name that the application requires on February 26th, 2009 to submit to is called the U.S. Provisional Patent Application series No.61/155 of " tub door of repacking ", 640 disclosed priority, and this temporary patent application integral body is incorporated this paper into through reference.

Technical field

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the tub door adapter, particularly, the present invention relates to allow to get into more easily bathtub and go out from bathtub and can continue to utilize bathtub to carry out the tub door adapter of shower or full bath simultaneously.

Background technology

Traditional bathtub can have the high sidewall that is called as the bathtub baffle plate, and this sidewall makes bathtub can hold the water of big volume.The people of many individuals, especially the elderly and arthritic, sick and wounded patient, impaired person and/or forfeiture ability to act possibly have trouble owing to need step into and step the high step of bathtub usually when getting into the bathtub zone.For such people, the sidewall of bathtub possibly be impassable obstacle.Even unsoundness assistant's help, many individuals still can not overstep the sidewall of bathtub safely and get into bathtub and carry out bathing and shower.Therefore, these people possibly carry out alternative bath method, the shower that for example sponges down etc. before carrying out bathing or shower fully.Yet many people possibly can not find the alternative bath method of this satisfaction.Possibly thought the very thing of privacy by most of people because clean someone effect of self, possibly be to diminish very much face and shame-making experience so need other people's help to use existing bathtub or participate in substituting bath method.In addition, other people's appearance can not allow at home independent yet.

Summary of the invention

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawing that is combined in the specification and forms a specification part shows several aspect of the present invention, and is used for explaining principle of the present invention with specification; Yet should be appreciated that the accurate layout of described embodiment shown in being not limited to.In the accompanying drawings, identical Reference numeral is represented components identical in several views.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is the rearview according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the side view according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is the vertical view according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 6 is the side view according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is the partial view in detail that bathtub shown in Figure 7 inserts door.

Fig. 9 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 10 is the vertical view according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 11 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 12 is the decomposition view that is used for the supporting construction of bathtub insert according to an embodiment.

Figure 13 is the side view of supporting construction that is used for the assembling of bathtub insert according to an embodiment.

Figure 14 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 15 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 16 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 17 is the axonometric drawing according to the bathtub insert of an embodiment.

Figure 18 is the alternate forms and the axonometric drawing that is configured to be attached to the handle assembly on the framework (not shown) that bathtub inserts door.

Figure 19 is the front view of the insertion door of Figure 18, and it shows along the periphery that inserts door and places magnet.

The specific embodiment

The form of bathtub insert as herein described comprises product and the method that is easier to get into bathtub.In one embodiment, insert can be placed in the notch portion of exposed wall of bathtub.When in the notch portion that correctly is positioned at tub walls, this insert can reduce tub walls effectively, so that permission enters into the inside of bathtub easily for inconvenient people on health before the wall height of typical bathtub.In another embodiment, can and remove the part of existing sidewall and increase and reequip existing bathtub through cutting with the roughly U-shaped structure that can operate, waterproof and sealable door is a characteristic.Door like this can allow to get into easily the inside of bathtub, can continue to utilize bathtub to carry out shower or full bath simultaneously.The characteristic that the surface of U-shaped structure, step saddle (step saddle) or framework insert can have is the antiskid plate on its top surface, to help prevent the user to slip and/or to fall down.

With reference to figure 1, show an instance of bathtub insert 20.Bathtub insert 20 can comprise the U-shaped box framework usually, and this U-shaped box framework has the hinged door that is attached on the framework.For example, Fig. 1 shows bathtub insert 20, and this bathtub insert 20 comprises step saddle 22 or framework and door 24.Step saddle 22 can also comprise stepped plate 26 and end plate 28.For example, Fig. 1 shows step saddle 22 and comprises a pair of end plate 28.Stepped plate 26 can let the user ascend the stairs, to get into the inside or the outside of bathtub.End plate 28 can originate in the place, end of stepped plate 26, extends upward from stepped plate 26 and perpendicular to stepped plate 26, and roughly extends parallel to each other.End plate 28 can limit the end of bathtub insert 20, and covers the sidepiece of the U-shaped opening that cuts in the sidewall of bathtub.

In one form, bathtub insert 20 can be the repacking to existing bathtub, and wherein the size of bathtub insert 20 is constructed to cover all lines of cut that bathtub is removed part.The size of bathtub insert 20 can form and make the removal part of bathtub need not have the accurate dimension of being with close tolerance.Even otch does not for example have the definite size that installation is advised, bathtub insert 20 also can seal the notch portion of bathtub effectively.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that bathtub insert 20 can comprise any suitable material.For example, bathtub insert 20 can be by processing such as poly polymer.Bathtub insert 20 can utilize roational molding method or any other suitable manufacturing approach manufacturing to form.

With reference to figure 2, bathtub insert 20 can also comprise door 24.In one form, door 24 is fluid-tight and is configured to allow to get into easily the inboard of bathtub, when door 24 is in the close position, allows bathtub fully as bathtub simultaneously.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that door 24 can comprise any suitable material, for example, polymer, polyethylene, metal, stainless steel, pottery, composite and/or glass.Door 24 can comprise solid sheet or a plurality of sheet material.

The form that it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that door 24 can have any appropriate structures or structure.For example, door 24 can comprise single panel.In another example, door 24 can comprise a plurality of panels.The collapsible constructions, converge towards the center of bathtub insert 20 two that door 24 multiaspect plate form can comprise a plurality of one panels be the door of equidimension and the flexible panel and the analog of inwardly swing roughly.For example, bathtub insert 20 can be included in middle two door (not shown) that lock together.In another example; Bathtub insert 20 can comprise functionally similar two doors of door with the public Room; One of them can be closed and be fixed in the passage that forms on the step saddle 22; Second door can be closed and be fixed in another passage that forms on the step saddle 22, has breech lock, seal or magnet.

Door 24 can comprise associate member, for example breech lock, magnet, buckle, or be used to lock or fixed gate, a plurality of panels of door, the selected panel of door or other device of analog.Should be appreciated that breech lock, connector or the adhesive that to expect any suitable constructions.Associate member such as breech lock, magnet, buckle etc. can be made with door 24, system that feasible door and associate member can be considered to integrate or one.Perhaps, associate member can be attached on the door 24 after making door.For example, breech lock can be attached on the door 24 after making door.

In alternative form, door 24 can be fixed in the groove of bathtub insert inner rim, and wherein removable parts drop in groove or the passage with the sealing bathtub.

In alternative form, door, blocking member or tunicle (capsule) can drop in the opening of bathtub insert 20 and/or bathtub insert 20 tops, to seal the opening in the bathtub insert 20 effectively.Door, blocking member or covering can be solid materials, and this solid material is placed on the over top of bathtub insert 20 after the bather gets into bathtub, so that the sealing fully of bathtub to be provided.For example, in the roughly U-shaped opening that door 24 can flatly be placed in the step saddle 22.In this form, door or the blocking member space in can complete filling step saddle 22.This or blocking member can be fixed to the inboard of insert opening in any suitable manner, for example utilize magnet, seal or the two.In another form, tunicle or covering can cover whole bathtub insert 20.Tunicle or covering can be parts hinged or repacking, are placed on the over top of bathtub insert 20, completely or partially to stop up the space in the insert.Any suitable connector or seal can be positioned at bathtub insert 20 all or part of around, with convenient attached door, blocking member, tunicle, covering or analog.

In a kind of form (not shown), door 24 utilizes articulated elements to fix, on the roughly U-shaped opening that feasible door 24 flatly is assemblied in when being in the close position in the step saddle 22.In this embodiment, can open door 24 through pulling on door.In another embodiment, can open door 24 through fully remove door from bathtub insert 20.For example, bathtub insert 20 can not comprise articulated elements 30, and the inside and/or the outside of door 24 can comprise a plurality of magnets, and step saddle 22 can comprise magnet or shock plate or the groove or the passage of a plurality of correspondences.Like this, can be through pushing in place magnetized door and door close 24, with the roughly U-shaped opening in the sealed step saddle 22.Accordingly, can utilize enough power sliding door 24 to overcome magnetic force or seal is pulled out from groove and opened door 24.In another example, a side of door 24 can be a magnetic, and opposite side is not a magnetic.

With reference to figure 2, door 24 can be fixed to the U-shaped framework via articulated elements 30.For example, Fig. 2 shows door 24 is attached to a pair of articulated elements 30 on the step saddle 22.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that articulated elements 30 can be fixed on the step saddle 22 in any suitable manner.For example, articulated elements 30 can utilize screw or other securing member to be fastened in the step saddle 22.Like this, door 24 can be in and open or closing position.Door 24 during Fig. 1 shows and is shown in an open position.Articulated elements 30 can be fixed to door 24, be fixed to step saddle 22, is fixed to the top of step saddle and/or can has any other suitable placement or structure.

With reference to figure 3, the inner surface of door 24 can comprise magnet 40.For example, Fig. 3 shows pair of magnets 40.Magnet 40 can bond to be installed on the step saddle 22 or step saddle 22 in shock plate (not shown among Fig. 3).Magnet 40 can provide fluid-tight sealing for door 24 with respect to step saddle 22.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative magnet be or except magnet, door 24 can be fixed with any other suitable manner.For example, door 24 can utilize sealant, seal, adhesive, buffer or analog to fix.

A kind of form of the door 24 during Fig. 4 shows and is shown in an open position.In this embodiment, through door 24 being positioned in the recess 50 and door close 24.Recess 50 can be formed integrally as the part of step saddle 22, and the cavity that can provide size to form receiving gate 24, makes when door 24 is positioned in the

recess

50, and 24 flush with step saddle 22.With reference to figure 5, the inner surface of door 24 can also comprise the seal 52 that is configured in the passage, and when door 24 was in the close position, seal 52 can closely press the recess 50 of step saddle 22 so that fluid-tight sealing to be provided.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that seal 52 and corresponding passage can be positioned at any suitable position on the door 24.For example, shown in Fig. 6-8, seal 52 can roughly be positioned on the edge of door 24.In another example, seal 52 can be positioned on the door 24 corresponding with the position of the recess 50 of step saddle 22.In another example, seal 52 can be positioned at recess 50, with corresponding with the position of door 24.Seal can be placed on the surface of door 24, makes that seal is engaged with each other when door is in the close position, and perhaps in alternative form, seal can be setovered.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more seals 52 can comprise any suitable material.For example, seal 52 can be processed by hydrophobic polymer.Can expect the seal of any suitable quantity, for example can have to be installed on the door 24 and to be installed in the seal in the recess 50 that it closely presses each other when door is in the close position.Perhaps, seal can be adjacent one another are when door is in the close position, and makes them press surface alternately.In addition, seal 52 can be magnetized.For example, magnet can be incorporated in the core of seal 52 intracardiac.With reference to figure 9-10, seal 52 can be arranged in such position on the door 24, with the shape corresponding to the recess on the step saddle 22 50.Like this, when door 24 was in the close position, seal 52 can be compressed to form fluid-tight barrier.In another embodiment, seal 52 can be positioned on the step saddle 22.For example, seal 52 can be arranged in recess 50.Like this, when door 24 was in the close position, seal 52 can be compressed to form fluid-tight barrier.

With reference to Figure 11, show the another kind of form of bathtub insert 20.Only through instance, bathtub insert 20 can be according to the United States Patent(USP) No. 6,272 of Stafford, and the method described in 698 is installed, and this patent integral body is incorporated this paper into through reference.Although do not need, installation process can comprise template is applied on the bathtub and the existing sidewall of bathtub is cut roughly U-shaped part.With reference to figure 12-13, bathtub insert 20 can also comprise scalable housing 54 and support housing 56, and this will describe in this article in more detail.In case this part of bathtub is cut and removes, the size that comprises the supporting construction of two essentially rectangular housings just can form and be coupled to from the floor to the open channels that extend bathtub insert 20 bottoms.These housings can provide support for bathtub insert 20.In alternative form (not shown), support system may be embodied as and comprises a plurality of supporting members that extend to the bottom or the downside of stepped plate 26 from the floor.The supporting member of support system can be fixed on the floor or the bottom or the downside of stepped plate 26 in any suitable manner, for example utilizes sealant or utilizes securing member.Supporting member can be formed by timber, polymer, pottery, metal or any other suitable material structure.

In another alternative form (not shown), the support column that is used for bathtub insert 20 can be fixed on the bathtub and perhaps be directly installed on bathtub with other mode.For example, support column can be fixed to the sidewall of bathtub.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that such support column can be fixed on the bathtub in any suitable manner.For example, support column can be attached to or be screwed in the wall of bathtub.Support column can also be processed by any suitable material, for example the metallic support post.Support column can be extensible, just as collapsible, with the size of the cutting part that cooperates given bathtub and/or bathtub.In another alternative form (not shown), the support member that is used for bathtub insert 20 can be building up to the downside of stepped plate 26, makes support column and stepped plate 26 form as one.Such support column can extend to the floor from the downside of stepped plate 26 with telescopic construction for example.Support column can be adjusted to the width and/or the degree of depth that cooperates given bathtub.Support column can have preset hole, and the handle on the corresponding post is coupled in this hole so that supporting construction forms correct size.

For example, scalable housing 54 can be rectangular box-shaped structure and be fixed to bathroom floor or subfloor that this rectangular box-shaped structure extends through the elongate base portion opening that cuts the bathtub from the bottom or the downside of stepped plate 26, to be used to place bathtub insert 20.This scalable housing 54 combines to provide the intensity and the controllability of the raising that is provided by bathtub insert 20 with support housing 56.Housing can be configured to be resisted against on floor or the layering floor, rather than is resisted against on the edge of the opening that cuts in the bath side walls.In one embodiment, scalable housing 54 can be five rectangular box-shaped structure.Its top panel can cooperate or be attached to the bottom of stepped plate 26 with the bottom of stepped plate 26.In order to increase support, top panel can comprise combination or be molded into the cross rib in the panel.Any load or weight that these can help to distribute roughly the user by bathtub to cause.Scalable housing 54 can also have two side panels and two end plates, has unlimited bottom panel.When the scalable housing is used in combination with support housing, is used for the discharge port that air selects and is positioned at end plates.Scalable housing 54 can utilize on the sliding friction engage sleeves and sealing support housing 56, and can finally seal or fix in position to support housing 56.The air that possibly temporarily be trapped in the scalable housing 54 can be overflowed through discharging port.Perhaps, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that scalable housing 54 can be fixed to support housing 56 in any suitable manner.For example, scalable housing 54 can utilize sealant or securing member to be fixed to support housing 56, and this securing member is for example screw, bar, nuts and bolt, nail, bail, brad or analog.

Similar with scalable housing 54, support housing 56 can be a rectangular box-shaped structure.The characteristic of support housing 56 can be a pair of side panel, pair of end panel and bottom panel.Bottom panel can be configured for support housing 56 is attached to bathroom floor.Elastomeric sealant can be with required whole of support housing fix in position, but also can use metal fastenings, for example nail, bail, brad etc.Be used for through support housing 56 being embedded in the scalable housing 54 and the additional port of the effusion of air compressed can be arranged on end plates.

Housing

54 and 56 for example can be resisted against on the bathroom floor, and can not be resisted against on the edge of opening that cuts in the bath side walls.Like this, bathtub insert 20 can allow direct weight to be placed on the stepped plate 26, and reason is that they can be by two housings support.In case two

support housings

54 and 56 suitably cooperate to support U-shaped box like structure (the step saddle 22 of insert 20), housing just can be fixed to the floor.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that housing can be fixed to the floor in any suitable manner.For example, housing can utilize sealant or utilize securing member to fix.

During installation process, the cavity that forms through the sidepiece removal otch from bathtub can be by sealing to prevent to be leaked to the cavity between the tub walls.Can come seal chamber through a plurality of waterproof sheets or sheet are provided, this waterproof sheet or sheet form the part that is cut and removes that covers bathtub together.Waterproof sheet can have adhesive or other bonding agent in its surface, is attached on bathtub and/or the support housing to allow it.Such sheet material can be a waterproof membrane, is similar to the material that is generally used for rooftop applications.In alternative form, expandable foam or other suitable material can spray or be applied in the space in the sidewall on the every side that has been cut of top and bathtub of support housing, so that fluid-tight sealing to be provided.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that and to use any suitable waterproof material.For example, the material that is used to seal house foundation can be used for the bathtub cavity of seal exposed.In another form, a plurality of wooden sheets, foamed polystyrene or other suitable material can be cut into the sidewall that cooperates open channels and bathtub, and adhere to or be fastened to the sidepiece of bathtub and adhere to or be fastened to the top of support housing.

In case this part of bath side walls is removed, the size of bathtub insert 20 just can form on the cutting opening that is enclosed within bathtub.These installation steps can comprise the sidepiece and the bottom of cutting or cutting step saddle 22, on the part that forms otch that is enclosed within bathtub.Then, bathtub insert 20 can be attached on the top of bathtub and/or seal casinghousing.Bathtub insert 20 may be fitted in the cutting opening of bathtub, and not overlapping with the cutting part of bathtub.The edge of waterproof sealing agent or joint filling can be applied on the whole periphery of the outer surface of U-shaped box and can be applied on the bathtub, so that fluid-tight barrier to be provided.

Although can expect other method, the installation of bathtub insert 20 can roughly be done as follows: can be in the sidewall of any suitable bathtub cutting be roughly the opening of U-shaped.In maximum examples, in the bathtub built have and be enclosed in the surrounding wall or, have bottom periphery concordant with the floor on exposed side by three sidepieces that surrounding wall surrounds.Exposed side is selected as and is used to utilize bathtub insert 20 to transform, to get into more easily and to leave.Cut to this opening in the bathtub exposed side can be in sidewall definite length extended, and extend to top, the bottom preset distance of bathtub from the top of sidewall.These preset distances can roughly be the sizes of step saddle 22.Perhaps, these preset distances can be slightly smaller than the size of step saddle 22, to allow to fix and waterproof connection.

More specifically, template can be used for describing to be removed to be used to insert and place the bath side walls profile partly of bathtub insert 20.By means of template, can be on the sidewall of bathtub delineate, and can utilize the indicated suitable tools cutting of the composition of bathtub and remove the part that limits.Then, can form pattern in the incision tract of bathtub.Pattern contour can be passed to the lip (not shown) on the bathtub insert 20, and with the notch portion of reflection bathtub, and insert 20 can be cut to cooperate.

Then, bathtub insert 20 and all parts thereof can be positioned in the otch of bathtub and in the space of otch, aim at.Then, insert 20 can be removed to allow support housing 56 to be fixed on floor or the layering floor.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that support housing 56 can be fixed on the floor in any suitable manner.For example, support housing 56 can utilize sealant or metal fastenings to be fixed on the floor.

Bathtub insert 20 can be repositioned on the otch opening, and the downside of stepped plate 26 is resisted against on the edge in otch space.Scalable housing 54 can utilize suitable sealant to bond on the support housing 56.The whole periphery of step saddle 22 can utilize waterproof joint filling or sealant to be connected to bathtub, to accomplish the placement of bathtub insert 20.The suitable time period that allows to be used for sealant and/or joint filling carry out crosslinked with solidify after, bathtub insert 20 can be prepared to use.

With reference to Figure 14, show another instance of bathtub insert 20.Shown in figure 14, bathtub insert 20 can comprise handle 60.Handle 60 can be easy to open and/or door close 24, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that can be attached in any suitable manner the door 24.For example, shown in figure 14, handle 60 can form the part of support 62, and support 62 utilizes securing member 64 to be fixed on the door 24.Securing member 64 can be for example screw or bolt.Perhaps, handle 60 can form the part of door 24, makes handle 60 and door 24 can be considered to an integral piece.Shock plate 66 can also be positioned on the surface of step saddle 22.For example, Figure 14 shows two shock plates 66.Such shock plate 66 can be used for being bonded with magnet 40, and magnet 40 is fixed on the inner surface of door 24.Like this, magnet 40 can help door 24 is fixed in the closing position with shock plate 66.In alternative form, shock plate 66 can be hidden on the dorsal part of step saddle 22.Can expect the handle of any suitable quantity and structure, for example, a plurality of supports can be arranged to door 24 is sealed in the position that might leak.Handle and/or support can be configured to lock a door and open the door along vertical moving, and perhaps can be configured to flatly lock a door and open the door.

With reference to Figure 15, show the another kind of form of step saddle 22.In this form, to compare with the step saddle 22 shown in Figure 11 with Fig. 1-4, step saddle 22 has unlimited cavity 70.Such cavity 70 can extend below stepped plate 26.Such cavity 70 can be arranged for the more Fast Installation of bathtub insert 20, and reason is that insert 20 can be cut into required size more easily.Step saddle 20 can be solid, have unlimited cavity, or any other appropriate structures.

Figure 16 shows another instance of bathtub insert 20.In this instance, pedal 80 can be applied on the top surface of stepped plate 26 or form the part of the top surface of stepped plate 26.Pedal 80 can be used for for the surface of stepped plate 26 traction and/or friction being provided.Like this, pedal 80 can help to prevent that the user from slipping and/or fall down during bathtub setting foot on step saddle 22 and turnover.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that pedal 80 can comprise any suitable material.For example, pedal 80 can by fabric, absorber material, have aesthetic feeling material, can remove material, material or analog with great friction coefficient process.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that pedal 80 can be applied to a part that perhaps is made for stepped plate 26 on the stepped plate 26 in any suitable manner.For example, pedal 80 can be molded in the bathtub insert 20, perhaps can be after forming stepped plate 26 as fitment material bonding or nail on stepped plate 26.Pedal 80 can for good and all be fixed on the stepped plate 26, and perhaps it can be removable.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the last processing on the pedal 80 can be any suitable last processing.For example, pedal 80 can have etched surfaces.

What except magnet 40, perhaps replace magnet 40 is that bathtub insert 20 can comprise that breech lock is fixedly to close door.With reference to Figure 17, show an instance of breech lock 90.For example, breech lock 90 can be formed by the same support 62 that possibly be formed with handle 60 above that.Perhaps, breech lock 90 can be fully and handle 60 separate.Shown in figure 17, when door 24 was in the close position, breech lock 90 can be fixed through retainer 92.For example, Figure 17 shows the breech lock of being fixed by two retainers 92 90.Retainer 92 can comprise the device that is used for fixing breech lock 90.For example, Figure 17 shows retainer 92, and it comprises flange or the lip 94 that is used for fixing breech lock 90.It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that retainer 92 can be fixed to step saddle 22 in any suitable manner.For example, shown in figure 17, retainer 92 can be screwed in the step saddle 22.Perhaps, retainer 92 can be formed by step saddle 22, makes retainer 92 and step saddle 22 can be considered to parts.In addition, support 62 can be fixed on the door 24 versatilely, makes the user can promote handle 60 (if perhaps there is not handle 60, then being support 62 self) from retainer 92 latch 90 door 24 is moved to open position.On the contrary, the user is push handle 60 (if perhaps there is not handle 60, then being support 62 self) downwards, so that breech lock 90 is fixed in the retainer 92, thereby closure and fixed gate 24.In another example, the user can be placed in the retainer 92 breech lock 90 with fixing closed door 24.Support 62 can be fixed to versatilely the door 24 on, with through support 62 is screwed into or otherwise is fixed to the door 24 on and this otch 96 that moves through support 62 of latch enable 90.

With reference to Figure 18, show another instance of tub door 100, it can be associated with any suitable frame (not shown).Shown in figure 18, tub door 100 can be associated with handle 102.Handle 102 can be easy to open and/or door close 100, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that can be attached in any suitable manner the door 100.For example, shown in figure 18, handle 102 can pivot around framework connector 104, and framework connector 104 is attached to handle 102 on the framework.Handle 102 can be pivoted into and make its engages receptacle 106, and breech lock 106 is fixed on the framework.With reference to Figure 18, handle 102 is depicted as and is in " closure " position, and wherein handle engages with breech lock 102, with against frame fixation door 100, thereby prevents that door 100 from opening.

In one form, handle 100 also comprises one or more magnets 108, these one or more magnets 108 be embedded into the framework (not shown) in or the respective magnet that otherwise is associated with framework be associated.When being in " closing position ", the magnet 108 in the handle 100 is configured to and corresponding framework magnet alignment, so that handle 100 is fixed in " closing position ".In one form, in order to open door, handle 100 must pivot and leave frictional fit breech lock 106, and must overcome the connection of magnet 108.Should be appreciated that and can expect any suitable magnet 108 layouts, wherein the second framing magnet (not shown) can be associated with fixed handle 100 with framework when being in " open position ".Like this, handle 100 is configured to door 100 is firmly kept against framework in case stopping leak reveals, and wherein magnet 108 prevents that handle 100 from opening unintentionally.

With reference to Figure 19, door 100 comprises a plurality of magnets 110, and these a plurality of magnets 110 are around the periphery of door 100, door 100 is fixed to framework or step saddle (not shown).Door magnet 110 is associated with respective magnet in being embedded in framework, makes when door 100 is in " closing position " magnet connector prevention 100 opens unintentionally.Door magnet 110 can be embedded in the door, is attached on the outer surface of door, perhaps otherwise is configured to provide fixing attached between door 100 and the framework.Should be appreciated that door 100, handle 102 and breech lock 106 can be used for any suitable frame, for example the framework of those described in this paper.

The form that occurs in the disclosure all is an instance.Those skilled in the art can make under the situation of spirit that does not break away from the tub door adapter and scope and revising and modification.Thereby scope of the present invention should be confirmed by accompanying claims and legal equivalents thereof, rather than confirmed by given instance.

Claims

1. method of improving existing bathtub said method comprising the steps of:

The exterior side wall of passing said bathtub through cutting forms opening, and said opening extends the predetermined length of said sidewall, and extends to the preset distance on the bottom of said bathtub from the top of said sidewall, and said opening is U-shaped roughly; And

Insert is positioned in the said opening, and said insert comprises:

A, the step saddle of U-shaped roughly, the step saddle of said roughly U-shaped has microscler stepped plate, to cover the bottom margin of said opening;

The end plate of b, a pair of almost parallel, the end plate of said a pair of almost parallel extends from the end of said stepped plate, to cover the sidepiece of said opening;

The housing of c, a pair of essentially rectangular, the housing of said a pair of essentially rectangular is attached to the bottom of said stepped plate, and extends into and directly lean against on the bathroom floor, supports said insert thus; And

D, door, said door is fixed to said step saddle, and has closing position and open position.

2. bathtub insert, it comprises:

The framework of a, repacking, the framework of said repacking are configured to cover the opening in the sidewall of bathtub;

B, door, said door is configured for and is attached to said framework, and wherein said door can move to closing position from open position;

C, handle, said handle is attached to said framework, and can be with respect to said frame movement, and wherein said handle is configured to said door is fixed in the said closing position.

3. bathtub insert according to claim 2, wherein, the framework of said repacking has the roughly structure of U-shaped.

4. bathtub insert according to claim 2 also comprises breech lock, and wherein said breech lock connects with said framework, and is configured to said handle is remained in the said closing position.

5. bathtub insert according to claim 2; Also comprise at least one handle magnet and at least one first framework magnet, wherein said at least one handle magnet and said at least one first framework magnet are configured to when said handle is in said closing position, engage with fixing said handle.

6. bathtub insert according to claim 5, wherein, said at least one handle magnet is embedded in the said handle.

7. bathtub insert according to claim 2 also comprises seal, and wherein said seal is positioned on the said framework, and is configured to anti-heads when said door is in said closing position.

8. bathtub insert according to claim 7 also comprises the passage in the said framework, and wherein said seal is positioned in the said passage.

9. bathtub insert according to claim 2; Comprise that also at least one magnet and at least one framework magnet, wherein said at least one magnet and said at least one second framework magnet are configured to when said door is in said closing position, engage with against said of said frame fixation.

10. bathtub insert according to claim 9, wherein, said at least one magnet is embedded in the said door.

11. bathtub insert according to claim 9; Also comprise at least one handle magnet and at least one first framework magnet, wherein said at least one handle magnet and said at least one framework magnet are configured to when said handle is in said closing position, engage with fixing said handle.

12. a bath side walls insert, it comprises:

A, the step saddle of U-shaped roughly, the step saddle of said roughly U-shaped has microscler stepped plate, to cover the bottom margin of opening;

13. bath side walls insert according to claim 12 also comprises handle, wherein said handle is configured to said door is fixed to said step saddle.

14. bath side walls insert according to claim 13; Also comprise at least one handle magnet and at least one first step saddle magnet, wherein said at least one handle magnet is constructed to when said door is in said closing position, engage said at least one first step saddle magnet.

15. bath side walls insert according to claim 14; Also comprise at least one magnet and at least one second step saddle magnet, wherein said at least one magnet is constructed to when said door is in said closing position, engage said at least one second step saddle magnet.

16. bath side walls insert according to claim 15 also comprises seal, wherein said seal is positioned between said door and the said step saddle in case heads when said door is in said closing position.

17. bath side walls insert according to claim 16, wherein, said at least one handle magnet is embedded in the said handle.

18. bath side walls insert according to claim 17, wherein, said at least one magnet is embedded in the said door.

19. bath side walls insert according to claim 18, wherein, said at least one magnet comprises along a plurality of magnets of the periphery of said door.

20. bath side walls insert according to claim 18, wherein, said at least one handle magnet comprises a plurality of magnets of arranging along the length of said handle.