Patents Assigned to Safeway Safety Step, LLC
  • Patent number: 11896173
    Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Houston E. Lay
  • Patent number: 11540672
    Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SAFEWAY SAFETY STEP, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Houston E. Lay
  • Patent number: 11445863
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub that can include a U-shaped step saddle associated with a door assembly. The door assembly can include a hinge coupled with the U-shaped step saddle such that the door assembly can be transitioned between an open position and a closed position. The door assembly can include a catch and a latch to secure the door in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino, Bruce R. Slattery
  • Patent number: 11382463
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Floyd McKee, Christopher Brian Stafford
  • Patent number: 10750910
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a hinged closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Floyd McKee, Christopher Brian Stafford
  • Patent number: 10111560
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a hinged closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Floyd McKee, Christopher Brian Stafford
  • Patent number: 9833110
    Abstract: A bathtub insert can include a frame, a door movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position, an elongate latch coupled with the door, a catch coupled with the frame, and a support structure, the support structure being coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino
  • Patent number: 9578993
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including cutting an opening in a sidewall of a bathtub and providing an overlay to cover the bathtub. The overlay can include an assistance feature such a tread, door, or capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino, Bruce R. Slattery
  • Patent number: 9375115
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including providing a first opening in a sidewall of a bathtub, the sidewall including a top wall, an inner wall, and a outer wall, where the first opening extends along a length of the sidewall and has a depth extending generally downward from the top wall of the sidewall. The method further includes providing an overlay, the overlay including a body configured to receive at least a portion of the bathtub, wherein the body defines a channel and a second opening and positioning the overlay such that the overlay substantially covers the top wall of the sidewall and the sidewall is positioned within the channel defined by the body of the overlay, where the first opening is aligned with the second opening. The overlay can include at least one assistance feature. The assistance feature may include, for example, a seat, a grab bar, or a handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino, Bruce R. Slattery
  • Patent number: 9131809
    Abstract: A bathtub insert is configured for retrofit installation into a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a frame and a door. The frame includes a step-plate and a pair of end pillars. The door is movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino
  • Patent number: 8904614
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Stafford
  • Publication number: 20120192350
    Abstract: A bathtub insert is configured for retrofit installation into a bathtub. The bathtub insert includes a frame and a door. The frame includes a step-plate and a pair of end pillars. The door is movably coupled with the frame and movable with respect to the frame between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Michael Anthony Serraino
  • Patent number: 8230568
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Stafford
  • Patent number: D790047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Bruce Randell Slattery, Lance Middleton, John Thomas Richter
  • Patent number: D797266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Bruce Randell Slattery, Lance Middleton, John Thomas Richter