Bathtub accessory device and method

Abstract

Provided is bathtub accessory product and installation method. The bathtub accessory product is designed to be secured to a bathtub wall and have a universal end that permits the attachment of any number of bath accessories such as a grab bar or swivel seat. The bathtub accessory may be installed within the inner cavity of a bathtub to ensure a secure fit while also allowing ideal placement of a bath accessory for use by a bather.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for coupling accessories to a bathtub comprising:
 (a) a connector, the connector having a base, wherein the base is configured to engage an outer surface of a sidewall of a bathtub;   (b) a flange, wherein the flange projects laterally outward from the connector;   (c) a coupling, the coupling being associated with a bathtub accessory, wherein the coupling is selectively engaged with the connector such that the bathtub accessory is configured to be selectively engaged with the bathtub;   (d) a support member, wherein the support member is configured to engage an inner surface of the sidewall of the bathtub such that the support member is spaced apart from the connector by the sidewall of the bathtub; and   (e) a fastener, wherein the fastener couples the flange of the connector with the support member such that the sidewall of the bathtub is configured to be secured therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connector selectively engages the coupling with a threaded fitting. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connector forms a substantially watertight seal with the sidewall of the bathtub. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory is selected form the group consisting of a grab bar, a seat, a caddy, a side caddy, a tray, a swivel, a transfer seat, a bench, a grab pillar, a post, a safety call system, a hook, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flange defines at least one hole to accept the fastener such that the fastener can pass through the hole to secure the connector to the support member. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the flange defines a plurality of holes associated with a plurality of fasteners. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is a wooden support block. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support member and the connector are integral. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is a post extending to a floor of the bathtub. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a female portion that selectively engages a male portion on the coupling. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the female portion is at least partially recessed within the sidewall of the bathtub. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory is selected from the group consisting of a grab bar, a seat, a caddy, a side caddy, a tray, a swivel, a transfer seat, a bench, a grab pillar, a post, a safety call system, a hook, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling is integral with the accessory. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for coupling accessories to a bathtub comprising:
 (a) a base;   (b) a connector means associated with the base;   (c) a support means, wherein the support means stabilizes the base relative to the sidewall of a bathtub;   (d) a coupling means, wherein the coupling means engages the connector means; and   (e) a fastener means, the fastener means selectively coupling the base and support means.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the support means is coupled to the floor of the bathtub. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the coupling means is associated with an accessory. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the accessory is selected from the group consisting of a grab bar, a seat, a caddy, a side caddy, a tray, a swivel, a transfer seat, a bench, a grab pillar, a post, a safety call system, a hook, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for coupling accessories to a bathtub comprising:
 (a) a connector, the connector having a base, wherein the base is configured to engage an outer surface of a sidewall of a bathtub;   (b) a flange, the flange projecting radially outward from the connector, wherein the flange defines a plurality of holes;   (c) a coupling, the coupling being selectively engaged with the connector;   (d) an accessory integral with the coupling, wherein the accessory is selected from the group consisting of a grab bar, a seat, a caddy, a side caddy, a tray, a swivel, a transfer seat, a bench, a grab pillar, a post, a safety call system, a hook, and combinations thereof;   (e) a support member, wherein the support member is configured to engage an inner surface of the sidewall of the bathtub such that the support member is spaced apart from the connector by the sidewall of the bathtub; and   (f) a plurality of fasteners, wherein each of the plurality of fasteners is configured to pass through the plurality of holes defined by the flange and to engage the support member such that the support member is coupled with the base of the connector to form a watertight seal with the bathtub.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the connector comprises a male portion that selectively engages a female portion on the coupling. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the connector comprises a female portion that selectively engages a male portion on the coupling.