Abstract: One or more embodiments are disclosed for an infant bathing apparatus that fits in any sized bathtub for bathing a newborn, an infant, or a toddler and allows a parent to sit in the bathtub during bath time. The infant bathing apparatus comprises a frame, a sling, one or more straps, and a telescoping stand. The frame is rigid and buoyant to stay afloat on top of the water. The frame includes an opening for the sling to removably connect within the frame. The sling is configured to support the baby within the frame. The one or more straps connect to the frame and may have suction cups that secure the frame to the sides of the bathtub. The telescoping connects to the frame and rests on a bathtub floor. A parent may sit within the bathtub either with the stand attached to the frame or remove the stand from the frame.

Abstract: A bench assembly can be for use in a bathtub for showering. The bench assembly can comprise a frame that is configured to sit within a bathtub. A bench can be coupled to the frame. A pivotable platform assembly can comprise a platform support structure pivotably coupled to the frame and a platform coupled to the platform support structure. The pivotable platform assembly can be configured to bias against an upper rim of the bathtub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatable shower chair that couples to the side wall of a bathtub. The platform for the rotatable shower chair cannot be moved until the platform is uncoupled from the bathtub sidewall. The seat is rotatable, allowing an individual to control rotation by movement of individual's body. A grab rail is placed along one side of the seat platform to facilitate repositioning by the bather.

Abstract: A system for securement of a baby within a bathtub. The system includes a seat attached to a frame. The seat includes a backrest, a base, and a harness, such that the harness can removably secure the baby within the backrest and the base of the seat. The frame includes a unitary rod that extends through a perimeter of the seat, and a pair of adjustable hook members. Each adjustable hook member can be widened or narrowed to snugly fit to a sidewall of the bathtub and be secured thereto by friction fit. Upon securement of the adjustable hook members to the sidewall of the bathtub and placement of the baby within the seat, the baby is safely secured to an interior of the sidewall for bathing or recreation.

Abstract: A planar support platform for mounting a pet washtub on the upper rim of a conventional bathtub. The platform comprises a generally H-shaped frame with a central beam slide-adjustable on a pair of spaced cross-bars that span the width of the bathtub to rest on the bathtub upper rim. The cross-bars include downwardly-extending vertical clamping posts shorter than the height of the bathtub, and adjustably positioned on the cross-bars to engage the inner faces of the bathtub sidewalls with an outward locking force. Pet washtubs for use in combination with the platform are also disclosed, the washtub in one form having a bottom locking plate structure configured to mate with inner and outer mounting features on the platform cross-bars.

Abstract: A chair for individuals with mobility challenges and a method of using such a chair. The chair may be adjusted relative to a horizontal work surface disposed a distance above a floor by placing a base of the chair on the floor a first distance away from an edge of the work surface; rotating a seat of the chair relative to the base from a neutral position to a first angled position. The individual sits in the seat when in the first angled position and the seat is then rotated relative to the base and back to the neutral position. An actuator is then engaged to enable the seat to slide linearly relative to the base and toward the work surface. The seat is able to be rotated and moved linearly relative to the work surface adjusting the position of the base on the floor.

Abstract: A collapsible multiple purpose apparatus having a mounting framework defined by rear wall having a top edge, an opposing bottom edge, a first side edge and an opposing second side edge. The first and second side edges extend between the top edge and the bottom edge. The real wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. A first and second attachment member are located proximate the top edge and the first side edge and extend from the outer surface while being adapted to be secured over the back of a chair. A bottom support extends from the inner surface of the rear wall proximate the bottom edge and has a storage slot for receiving an item therein. A tray is pivotably securable to the bottom support for pivoting movement between a substantially perpendicular deployment relative to the inner surface of the mounting framework and a stored deployment adjacent to the inner surface.

Abstract: A bathing auxiliary chair suitable for bathtubs of different sizes generally includes a seating unit and a supporting unit. The seating unit, which allows a user to sit thereon while bathing, is supported by the supporting unit and can be moved between a first position and a second position. The seating unit is provided with a front guide shell and two rear guide shells. In use, when the seating unit is located at the first position or the second position, one of the rear guide shells can abut against a fastener located at a rear tube of the supporting unit, and the front guide shell can be coupled to a front tube of the supporting unit through a button of a snap mechanism, so that the seating unit can be fixed at the position reliably, and the bathing auxiliary chair can be used safely.

Abstract: Described is a prefabricated bathtub or shower pan with curved outer edges and an elevated threshold that act as returning points for water. More specifically, the bathtub or shower pan are formed to include a drain area surrounded by interior sides and a threshold dam. A side ledge is formed atop each of the interior sides, each side ledge having a top edge. Surrounding walls rise from the top edge of each side ledge. Further, the threshold dam has an angled top surface with a lower edge. Notably, the lower edge of the angled top surface is higher than the top edge of each of the side ledges to prevent any water from running from the side ledges onto the threshold dam. The bathtub or shower pan also include curved outer edges that transition from a side wall and onto the threshold dam to return water to the drain area.

Abstract: A shower bench seat configured for use in a shower area is provided. The shower bench seat including an inboard assembly configured for placement within the shower area and an outboard assembly configured for placement adjacent the shower area. An intermediate assembly is configured to connect the inboard assembly to the outboard assembly. The intermediate assembly is further configured to retain a shower curtain within the shower area thereby facilitating use of the shower bench seat by a user in a seated position and simultaneously facilitating retention of water within the shower area.

Abstract: This invention relates to home furnishings and accessories that utilize corner space of a shower stall as a support platform. The support platform may include a top support surface with two sides positioned to contact two perpendicular walls of the corner. A support frame may connect to the top support surface such that the bottom of the support frame and the top support surface are offset from one another. This offset configuration of the support platform may prevent the support frame from interfering with anything in the area directly below the top support surface.

Abstract: A sliding chair for assisting entering and exiting a bathtub provides assistance for handicapped or otherwise physically incapable persons in using a bathtub for bathing. A bathing chair is moved by a displacement mechanism from outside the bathtub to various positions within the bathtub. A chair support board supports the bathing chair in some positions, and slides along chair support rails into the bathtub.

Abstract: A shower and bathtub seat is disclosed. The shower and bathtub seat may include a hair bowl that has a second planar portion provided with a centered indentation to accommodate a user's neck on a top edge of the second planar portion. The shower and bathtub seat may also include a pair of securing harnesses that include a hook disposed on an end of each of the pair of securing harnesses that are coupled to a corresponding loop disposed on a second front side of the planar base.

Abstract: This application includes embodiments of apparatuses (e.g., bath benches) for improving accessibility to a bathtub. Some embodiments include a bath bench with a primary deck and a folding lateral transfer extension (secondary deck). The secondary deck may be coupled to the primary deck by a dual-axis hinge.

Abstract: A cushion or bathtub mat includes a pair of contiguous layers each with a repeating pattern of upstanding straight walls forming upstanding cells with upstanding openings between the walls. The repeating patterns of the pair of layers are laterally offset with respect to one another to form a dual layer offset honeycomb. The walls are flexible to buckle into the openings of the cells under a compressive force, and resilient to return to an original upstanding orientation, while having at least a strength to be self-supporting.

Abstract: The self-supporting poolside child seat places a partially submerged child seat in a pool, and secures said child seat against a side of an above-ground swimming pool. The self-supporting poolside child seat includes straps that secure the child to the child seat as a safety precaution when in use in the water of said pool. A canopy extends from behind said child seat to provide shade to the child seated therein. Armrests extend from the child seat, and provide a means by which a tray may attach to the child seat for use as a surface to place food or toys thereon. Adjustable supports extend to the rear of the child seat and work in concert with diagonal supports to secure the child seat to the side of the above-ground swimming pool.

Abstract: A bathing insert for use with a bathing space, the bathing insert comprising a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat including a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

Abstract: A birthing stool is disclosed comprising a series of closed walls constructed from a non porous rigid material, molded into compound curves. The stool facilitates a range of physiologically effective positioning for labor and delivery and can be used submerged underwater during waterbirth. The stool ergonomically supports the body while also achieving structural integrity through a simple organic form that can be produced inexpensively using minimal material. All elements of the stool, including a seat portion that accommodates a laboring woman and her birthing partner, as well as handles and grips for carrying are integrated into a single part design, facilitating effective cleansing and disinfection of the apparatus. The invention includes the method of production of the stool, and describes method of using device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.

Abstract: A hot tub including a straddle chair that allows a user to comfortably sit within the hot tub in a variety of positions while receiving a water massage to various parts of the user's body. The tub includes a floor, an interior, a sidewall projecting upward relative to the floor, an upper rim around the upper perimeter of the tub, a plurality of seats along the sidewall of the tub, the straddle chair, and a hydrotherapy system for applying a water massage to users sitting in the straddle chair and the plurality of seats. The straddle chair has a back support and a straddle seat. The back support protrudes outward from the sidewall to create space between the straddle seat and the sidewall and between the straddle seat and the other seats in the tub, which allows the user to sit in the straddle chair in a wide range of positions and receive a water massage without contacting other seats or users in the tub.

Abstract: A baby bathing apparatus comprising an easily stored, relatively planar expanse of material configurable into a relatively concave configuration for deployment at least partially within a basin, and a method of forming the same. A material and configuration of a deployed bathing apparatus comfortably and securely retain a baby during bathing. One or more fastening means can be employed to securely yet detachably retain the expanse in a deployed configuration, while also allowing the bathing apparatus to resume a non-deployed, relatively planar configuration.

Abstract: A baby bathing apparatus comprising an easily stored, relatively planar expanse of material configurable into a relatively concave configuration for deployment at least partially within a basin, and a method of forming the same. A material and configuration of a deployed bathing apparatus comfortably and securely retain a baby during bathing. One or more fastening means can be employed to securely yet detachably retain the expanse in a deployed configuration, while also allowing the bathing apparatus to resume a non-deployed, relatively planar configuration.

Abstract: A bathtub seat system a bathtub that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall includes a pair of lateral walls attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the bathtub. A block is removably positioned in the bathtub and has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral surface extending between the top and bottom sides. The peripheral surface includes a front side, a back side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. A width of the block from the first lateral side to the second lateral side increases from the bottom side to the top side. The block extends between and frictionally engages the lateral walls. The block provides a seating space for a person using the bathtub.

Abstract: A transfer bench and methods for using same to facilitate movement of a person into and out of an enclosure are disclosed. The transfer bench comprises a first seating section that at least partially lies in a horizontal plane. A second seating section rotatably coupled to the first seating section is configured to rotate between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. Each seating section can be supported by one or more legs. The transfer bench can be positioned in the enclosure. A user sits on the second seating section, moves to the first seating section, and can rotate the second seating section to a vertical position such that the transfer bench is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure may be a wet/dry environment and can be enclosed by means such as a shower curtain, door, or other enclosure means.

Abstract: A bathtub transfer bench includes a clamp member having a first arm for engaging an inner wall of a bathtub and a second arm for engaging an outer wall of the bathtub. A support member includes a substantially horizontal bench member and a pair of downwardly extending legs for supporting the bench member adjacent to the outer wall of the bathtub. A coupling mechanism releasably couples the support member to the clamp member.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub having a flip-up seat portion over a rearward foot well recess provides a bather with improved access to an interior bathing cavity of the bathtub by giving the bather when the bather is within the bathtub more usable floor space in the bathtub in which to stand while closing or opening a hinged door in a side wall of the bathtub. The invention further aids a bather in standing up from a sitting position in the bathtub in that the bather can place a foot or feet more directly below the bather in a rearward foot well recess under the flip-up seat portion preferably located near or at knee height and then can lift up the flip-up seat portion while the bather is rising from a sitting to a standing position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a swiveling seat for a bathtub or bathtub/shower combination. The rotating seat has a support structure that locates the seat securely above, and on the sidewall, of a bathtub. The seat comprises an upwardly facing planar surface that rotates 360 degrees around a vertical axis and has a downwardly extending support structure for engaging the sidewall of a bathtub. Before bathing a person may sit on the seat with their legs positioned outside the bathtub, lift their legs, and then swivel the seat about 180 degrees so that the legs may be lowered inside the bathtub. After bathing a person then lifts his feet, swivels back around the 180 degrees, and places his feet on the floor outside the bathtub.

Abstract: A bath collapsible seat for persons requires bathing in sitting position and for persons, which takes a regular shower or bath comprises: a wall mounting unit rigidly attached to a bathroom wall, a seat assembly pivotally attached to said wall mounting unit to provide moveable between vertical and horizontal positions, where said seat assembly in vertical position not prevented the bather to take regular shower or bath, a water supply means, and means for bathing accessories.

Abstract: A bathtub cushion for configured to be disposed within a bathtub at least partially filled with a liquid for providing comfort and support to a user superposed thereon. The bathtub cushion includes a plurality of integrated sections with at least one of the sections being non-buoyant to substantially inhibit the section from floating. The sections further include three layers with one layer being comprised of a non-buoyant gel. The bathtub cushion further includes a plurality of suction cups for releasably securing the bathtub cushion within a bathtub. Additionally provided is a lumbar support pad for supporting the lumbar region of a user superposed on the bathtub cushion.

Abstract: A seat assembly for sliding along opposing rims of a bathtub is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat member, a friction element affixed to the seat member so as to extend under the seat member, and a flexible slider affixed to the seat member so as to also extend under the seat member. The slider and friction element are positioned and configured so that in a first state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims without additional weight on the seat member, the slider holds the friction element up off a rim while facilitating sliding of the seat member along a rim. In a second state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims with a human weighing over 50 pounds sitting on the seat member, the friction element can contact the rim and thereby impede sliding of the seat member along a rim.

Abstract: A rotatable and positionable bathing seat includes a rotating device and a positioning device between a cushion and a base. The rotating device includes an upper turntable connected to the bottom of the cushion, a lower turntable connected to the base, and balls between the upper and lower turntables. The lower turntable includes positioning holes. The positioning device includes a fixing plate connected to the bottom of the cushion, a press plate pivotally connected to the fixing plate, a pivoting portion disposed at the middle of the press plate and an end of the pivoting portion forming a force applying portion, and an elastic element installed between the force applying portion and the fixing plate, and another end of the pivoting portion passed into or separated from a positioning pin in the positioning hole, such that the bathing seat can rotate and position the cushion at the base.

Abstract: A seat assembly for sliding along opposing rims of a bathtub is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat member, a friction element affixed to the seat member so as to extend under the seat member, and a flexible slider affixed to the seat member so as to also extend under the seat member. The slider and friction element are positioned and configured so that in a first state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims without additional weight on the seat member, the slider holds the friction element up off a rim while facilitating sliding of the seat member along a rim. In a second state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims with a human weighing over 50 pounds sitting on the seat member, the friction element can contact the rim and thereby impede sliding of the seat member along a rim.

Abstract: A bathtub cushion has a mat sized and shaped to fit on a bottom of a bathtub. A cushion is coupled to and constrained by the mat. The cushion further comprises a plurality of separate and distinct cushions. The mat circumscribes the plurality of separate and distinct cushions. At least one attachment device is coupled to the mat to retain the mat on the bottom of the bathtub. The mat and the cushion include at least one aperture extending therethrough.

Abstract: A bathtub seat structure is disclosed, having an continuous, compliant and highly frictional bottom surface, and a zero buoyancy to maximize resistance to lateral slippage when in contact with the bottom of a bathtub also having, a long and narrow rest for a users seat that also has steep open ended ends, steep sides and highly frictional surfaces. The seat is also self supporting and of hollow construction that allows air to freely escape when submerged to stop the seat from floating and also allows water to freely escape when the water level is reduced for cleanliness reasons.

Abstract: A simply assembled bath chair includes a seat, a backrest, two backrest support racks, and four chair legs. The seat has a bottom surface provided with two tube frames inserted by the chair legs, and four fixing bases inserted by the backrest support racks of the backrest. The connecting ends of the tube frames and the chair legs are correspondingly formed with a conical portion. Each of the connecting ends of the tube frames is sleeved with a first screwing member, while each of the connecting ends of the chair legs is sleeved with a second screwing member correspondingly screwed to the first screwing member. After the connecting ends of the tube frames and the chair legs are connected to each other, the second screwing member of the chair legs is screwed to the first screwing member of the tube frames, so that the chair legs are moved upward by the second screwing member.

Abstract: A bathtub insert that is used in combination with a standard bathtub (76) wherein, a top contour design (60) in an elongated shape, conforms to the curvature of the human body form. Includes and formed part of design (60) and a pair of arm rests (42) (44) and a hand rest (46) which is integrally part of upper back support rest (26), lower back support rest (28), seat support rest (30); and pair of leg supports (32) (34) (36) (38), and a foot rest (40) that is an extension of rest (30), which includes a pedestal support (51A/51B). Part of and in adherence to design (60) is a bottom contour design (62) that provides support to design (60) which conforms to the shape of a bathtub surface (72) in an angled curvature shape. Further providing and in coordination with design (62) is an entrance and exit area a in/out platform (52).

Abstract: A bathing insert for use with a bathing space, the bathing insert comprising a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat including a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

Abstract: A padded shower seat for use when showering, the shower seat comprising a seat element having one or more openings therein, and a padded element engaged with the seat element, the padded element including one or more integrally formed projections push-fit received in a respective said opening and at least one reinforcing element associated with at least one said projection for preventing or inhibiting unintentional disengagement of the padded element from the seat element, or damage to the padded element, during lateral urging of the padded element parallel to the seat element. A water-resistant padded element and a reinforcing element are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing at least one of an infant and toddler within at least one of a bathtub and a shower. Such apparatus includes a waterproof base member. A securing means is operably connected to a first predetermined location on such base member for securing such base member to at least one of such bathtub and a shower. A seat is coupled to such base member at a second predetermined location thereon. An adjustment mechanism is operably connected to such base member at a third predetermined location thereon for securing such infant within the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat for use around the bathtub area. Specifically, the seat is formed so that it can fit around a side wall of a bathtub. Because there are many standard sizes of bathtubs, some embodiments of the invention include an adjustment mechanism so that the seat can be adjusted to securely attach to the side wall of most sizes of bathtubs. Other embodiments of the invention provide for a seat that can be used within the bathtub itself. Further embodiments are implemented that can sit securely on a bathtub on which a door rail is also attached.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a seat mounted on wheels for rolling along wheel tracks of parallel longitudinal members of a frame having end members connecting the longitudinal members. The frame may be placed on an upper surface of a bath enclosure such as a bathtub or shower unit and turnbuckles in the longitudinal members may be used to friction fit the longitudinal members to vertical surfaces at the end of the bathtub or shower unit. Moreover, the seat may have a bottom portion hingedly attached to a seat back portion so that the seat can be stowed at one end of the bath enclosure by folding the bottom portion towards the back portion.

Abstract: Furniture capable of being assembled in one way to produce a step stool and in another way to produce a kneeler. The furniture includes a base unit and a lid releasably secured to the base unit to produce the step stool or to produce the kneeler. The furniture includes an armrest and a connecting member. The kneeler is configured for use alongside a bathtub.

Abstract: A waterproof portable bathing chair and footrest for use by a mobility-impaired person while taking a bath. The bathing chair is used to balance and support the user, and prevent the user from slipping while getting into and out of a bathtub, and also to cushion the user while relaxing in the bath. The bathing chair includes a cushioning seat, an upper body cushioning device attached to the seat and a headrest attached to the upper body cushioning device for comfortably supporting the neck and back of the user while bathing. A pair of armrests are coupled to the seat and fastened around a pair of handrails on the tub, for securing the user between the armrests on the seat cushion. The handrails, along with the footrest, provide the user with balance and safety while getting into and out of the bathtub.

Abstract: An infant tub with removable seat for allowing the user to not have to hold onto the infant while bathing the infant. The infant tub with removable seat includes a bathtub member having side, foot, back, and bottom walls, and also having an open top, and also having an elongate support member being disposed at the open top and interconnecting the side walls for supporting play things thereupon; and also includes a cushioned seat member being removably fastened against the back wall in the bathtub member; and further includes a securement member for fastening about a child being seated in the cushioned seat member in the bathtub member.

Abstract: A cushion device for use when at least partially submerged in the water of a bath, a hot tub or the like, comprising a flexible hollow, enclosed shell having upper and lower ends, and being capable of containing liquid without substantial leakage, and having a plurality of ports that can allow gas or liquid to enter into or to escape from the shell, the ports being provided with closure means which can substantially prevent entry and escape of gas or liquid from the shell. The shell is capable of maintaining a substantial volume by virtue of a spacing device or its own inherent firmness, rigidy or stiffness, when the shell is open to ambient water or air pressure, and further comprises a weight tending to hold the lower end of said device in a position below said upper end when the device is submerged or partially submerged. The device is designed to fill automatically with water while a bathtub is being filled.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position to facilitate ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, each with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed. All the embodiments can use a closed self-pressurized system. A retrofit embodiment force compensation system provides both access to the bath adjacent the bath lifting system and safety while providing a hinge for alternative connections.

Abstract: A cushioned support apparatus (10) for use in combination with a conventional bathtub/spa (100) wherein the support apparatus (10) includes a pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) formed integrally with a main upper body support unit (11) having an upper backrest portion (25) wherein, the upperback rest portion (26) is also provided with an elongated non-skid friction skirt member (40); and, wherein, the pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) are further provided with a plurality of contoured recesses (33) (34) dimensioned to receive and support bath accessories (200) and (201).

Abstract: A new and improved bathing chair and method of using the bathing chair for positionment within a bathtub is described. The bathing chair having a generally U-shaped framework comprising a seat; a support rod; a pair of U-shaped frame members; a pair of caps; a pair of bottom support members; a pair of top support members; a base member; a yoke member; and a collar. The support rod has a generally S-shaped configuration, in which the top end of the support rod is pivotally attached to the seat. Each of the U-shaped frame members has an upside down J-shaped configuration at the proximate end and an upside down L-shaped configuration at the distal end. The pair of caps are attached to the distal ends of the pair of U-shaped frame members. The pair of bottom support members are connected the bottom portions of each U-shaped frame members together. The pair of top support members are connected to the top portions of each U-shaped frame members together.