U.S. patent application number 10/321417 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for bathing chair.
Invention is credited to Argento, Dyan, Baldasare, Jeff, Borra, Brian, Brennan, Sean, Chang, Cathy, Conner, Derek, Crowell, Jim, Faisant, Jon, Hartzberg, Barry, Hauge, Paul, Heins, Nathanael, Klaber, Ben, Kuenzig, Carrie, Listak, Jason, May, Alissa, Morgan, Chris, Richardson, Cam, Storer, Jeff, Trotter, Ben, Viccaro, Adam, Williams, Erin.
Application Number | 20030121095 10/321417 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26982953 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030121095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Argento, Dyan ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Bathing chair
Abstract
A bathing chair is provided that swivels on a fixed base and
includes a leg support assembly. The combination of the leg support
and the swiveling action of the chair allows a disabled or
handicapped bather to comfortably enter and/or exit a bathtub or a
shower stall without the aid of another person. The leg support
also allows the legs of the bather to clear obstacles, such as the
ledge of a bathtub or the lip of a shower stall, without the aid of
another person. The bathing chair also includes a single support
assembly that is capable of supporting the bathing chair and a
bather without the need for any additional support structures. The
need for only a single support assembly to adequately support the
chair provides a bathing chair that is sturdy, lightweight and
simple to install.
Inventors: |
Argento, Dyan; (Upper St.
Clair, PA) ; Baldasare, Jeff; (Upper St. Clair,
PA) ; Borra, Brian; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ;
Brennan, Sean; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Chang,
Cathy; (Pittsburgh, PA) ; Conner, Derek;
(Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Crowell, Jim; (Upper St.
Clair, PA) ; Faisant, Jon; (Upper St. Clair, PA)
; Hartzberg, Barry; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Hauge,
Paul; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Heins, Nathanael;
(Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Klaber, Ben; (Upper St.
Clair, PA) ; Kuenzig, Carrie; (Upper St. Clair,
PA) ; Listak, Jason; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ;
May, Alissa; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Morgan,
Chris; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Richardson, Cam;
(Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Storer, Jeff; (Upper St.
Clair, PA) ; Trotter, Ben; (Upper St. Clair, PA)
; Viccaro, Adam; (Upper St. Clair, PA) ; Williams,
Erin; (Upper St. Clair, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Timothy D. Broms
Pietragallo, Bosick & Gordon
One Oxford Centre, 38th Floor
301 Grant Street
Pittsburgh
PA
15219
US
|
Family ID: |
26982953 |
Appl. No.: |
10/321417 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60344189 |
Dec 28, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/560.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/1059 20130101;
A61G 7/1044 20130101; A61G 7/1003 20130101; A61G 7/1019 20130101;
A61G 7/1057 20130101; A61G 7/1096 20130101; A61G 7/1076
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/560.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area comprising: a
seat; and a seat support assembly extending from the seat and
adapted and configured for securing the bathing chair to a floor of
the bathing area.
2. A bathing chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat support
assembly comprises a single support member.
3. A bathing chair according to claim 1, wherein a first end of the
seat support assembly is attached to an underside of the seat.
4. A bathing chair according to claim 3, wherein the first end of
the seat support assembly is attached to substantially the middle
of the underside of the seat.
5. A bathing chair according to claim 4, wherein the seat support
assembly is a support tube having a thickness of at least 2 inches,
the support tube attached by a flange to substantially the middle
of the underside of the seat.
6. A bathing chair according to claim 5, wherein the support tube
is generally S-shaped.
7. A bathing chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat support
assembly extends from the seat and mounts to the floor of the
bathing area at an offset measured in a direction substantially
parallel to a docking ledge of the bathing area when the bathing
chair is in a bathing position.
8. A bathing chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat support
assembly extends from the seat and mounts to the floor of the
bathing area at an offset measured in a direction substantially
perpendicular to a docking ledge of the bathing area when the
bathing chair is in a docking position.
9. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a leg
support assembly moveably attached to the seat.
10. A bathing chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is
rotatable around a substantially vertical axis.
11. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a
swivel assembly for rotating the seat around a substantially
vertical axis.
12. A bathing chair according to claim 11, further comprising a
swivel assembly including a substantially horizontal base plate and
an upper plate pivotally mounted on the base plate at an angle of
up to 30 degrees in relation to the base plate.
13. A bathing chair according to claim 12, wherein the angle ranges
from about 2 degrees to about 15 degrees.
14. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one floor mount support for attaching the bathing chair to
the floor of the bathing area.
15. A bathing chair according to claim 14, further comprising a
plurality of floor mount supports for attaching the bathing chair
to the floor of the bathing area.
16. A bathing chair according to claim 14, wherein the floor mount
supports are offset from the seat support assembly in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a docking ledge of the bathing
area.
17. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one suction cup assembly for attaching the bathing chair to
the floor of the bathing area.
18. A bathing chair according to claim 17, further comprising a
plurality of suction cup assemblies for attaching the bathing chair
to the floor of the bathing area.
19. A bathing chair according to claim 17, wherein the suction cup
assemblies are offset from the seat support assembly in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a docking ledge of the bathing
area.
20. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a
backrest attached to the seat.
21. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a
seatbelt attached to the seat.
22. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a
product holder supported on the bathing chair.
23. A bathing chair according to claim 1, further comprising a
shower sprayer supported on the bathing chair.
24. A bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area comprising: a
seat; and means for securing the bathing chair to a floor of the
bathing area.
25. A bathing chair according to claim 24, wherein the means for
securing the bathing chair to the floor of the bathing area is a
seat support assembly extending from an underside of the seat to
the floor of the bathing area.
26. A bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area comprising: a
seat; and a leg support assembly moveably attached to the seat.
27. A bathing chair according to claim 26, wherein the leg support
assembly is pivotally attached to the seat.
28. A bathing chair according to claim 27, wherein the leg support
assembly pivots around a substantially horizontal axis.
29. A bathing chair according to claim 28, wherein the leg support
assembly pivots throughout an angle of rotation of at least 40
degrees.
30. A bathing chair according to claim 26, wherein the leg support
assembly is moveable from a first position to a second position
that is vertically higher than the first position.
31. A bathing chair according to claim 26, wherein the leg support
assembly is moveable to a raised position when the bathing chair is
in a docking position, and is moveable to a lowered position when
the bathing chair is in a bathing position.
32. A bathing chair according to claim 26, wherein the leg support
assembly includes one or more handles for raising and lowering the
leg support assembly.
33. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
seat support assembly having a first end attached to an underside
of the seat.
34. A bathing chair according to claim 26, wherein the seat is
rotatable around a substantially vertical axis.
35. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
swivel assembly for rotating the seat around a substantially
vertical axis.
36. A bathing chair according to claim 35, further comprising a
swivel assembly including a substantially horizontal base plate and
an upper plate pivotally mounted on the base plate at an angle of
up to 30 degrees in relation to the base plate.
37. A bathing chair according to claim 36, wherein the angle ranges
from about 2 degrees to about 15 degrees.
38. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising at
least one floor mount support for attaching the bathing chair to a
floor of the bathing area.
39. A bathing chair according to claim 38, further comprising a
plurality of floor mount supports for attaching the bathing chair
to the floor of the bathing area.
40. A bathing chair according to claim 38, wherein the floor mount
supports are offset from the seat support assembly in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a docking ledge of the bathing
area.
41. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising at
least one suction cup assembly for attaching the bathing chair to a
floor of the bathing area.
42. A bathing chair according to claim 41, further comprising a
plurality of suction cup assemblies for attaching the bathing chair
to the floor of the bathing area.
43. A bathing chair according to claim 41, wherein the suction cup
assemblies are offset from the seat support assembly in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a docking ledge of the bathing
area.
44. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
backrest attached to the seat.
45. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
seatbelt attached to the seat.
46. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
product holder supported on the bathing chair.
47. A bathing chair according to claim 26, further comprising a
shower sprayer supported on the bathing chair.
48. A bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area comprising: a
seat; and means for adjustably supporting the legs of a bather.
49. A bathing chair according to claim 48, wherein the means for
adjustably supporting the legs of the bather is a leg support
assembly moveably attached to the seat.
50. A bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area, the bathing area
including at least one ledge, comprising: a seat; and a leg support
assembly moveably attached to the seat.
51. A bathing chair according to claim 50, wherein the leg support
assembly is moveable to a substantially raised position above the
at least one ledge of the bathing area.
52. A bathing chair according to claim 50, wherein the bathing
chair is rotatable around a substantially vertical axis of
rotation.
53. A bathing chair according to claim 52, wherein the leg support
assembly is moveable to a raised position when the bathing chair is
rotated to a docking position, and the leg support assembly is
moveable to a lowered position when the bathing chair is rotated to
a bathing position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/344,189 filed Dec. 28, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to bathing chairs, and more
particularly relates to an improved bathing chair for enabling an
individual to easily maneuver into and while in a bathtub, shower
or other bathing area.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Often times it can be difficult for an individual to enter
and/or exit a bathtub or a shower. It can also sometimes be
difficult for an individual to maneuver around once they are
positioned inside a bathtub or a shower. For example, an individual
suffering from arthritis or other joint problems may have
difficulty lifting his or her legs over the side of a bathtub or
shower stall while entering and exiting. The arthritis or joint
problems may also make it impossible for the individual to stand up
in a bathtub or shower, or to maneuver around in the bathtub or
shower so as to completely cover the entire body with water. An
individual with a handicap of the legs may also find it difficult,
if not impossible, to lift his or her legs over the side of a
bathtub or shower stall, and he or she may not have the capacity to
stand up in a bathtub or shower, or to maneuver around in a bathtub
or shower. The elderly and other persons who may be weak or frail
are another example group of individuals who may suffer from these
aforementioned problems.
[0004] Bathing chairs have been proposed which consist of chairs
mounted inside bathtubs or shower stalls with various mounting
mechanisms. These proposed bathing chairs have disadvantages. Up
until now, a bathing chair has not been designed that has a
mounting means that is sturdy, versatile, easily attached, and does
not require any supplemental support structures to adequately
support a bather. Additionally, a bathing chair with a leg lift for
allowing a bather to easily lift his or her legs in order to clear
the ledge of a bathtub or the lip of a shower stall has not been
disclosed. Finally, a bathing chair is needed which utilizes a
combined leg lift and swivel seat for allowing a bather to lift his
or her legs and move safely into the confines of a bathtub or
shower, without the aid or help of another individual.
[0005] The present invention has been developed in view of the
foregoing, and to address other deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a bathing
chair for bathing in a bathing area including a seat and a seat
support assembly extending from the seat and adapted and configured
for securing the bathing chair to a floor of the bathing area.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area including a seat and
means for securing the bathing chair to a floor of the bathing
area.
[0008] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a
bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area including a seat and a
leg support assembly moveably attached to the seat.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area including a seat and
means for adjustably supporting the legs of a bather.
[0010] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a
bathing chair for bathing in a bathing area, the bathing area
including at least one ledge, including a seat and a leg support
assembly moveably attached to the seat.
[0011] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
more apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a back isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a bathing chair in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a swivel assembly and two
suction cup assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a swivel assembly and two
suction cup assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a back isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a bathing chair in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a swivel assembly and two
suction cup assemblies in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a front view of a swivel assembly and two
suction cup assemblies in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a back isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a swivel assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 shows a front view of a swivel assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a front isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 shows a front isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 shows a front isometric view of a bathing chair in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a bathing chair 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The bathing
chair 10 may be used in a bathing area. As used herein, the term
"bathing area" means a shower stall, bathtub, jacuzzi, whirlpool,
or any other suitable structure or environment for allowing an
individual to bathe. In one embodiment, the bathing area may
include a floor 50 and at least one ledge. Such a ledge may vary in
height and width, and is commonly used to contain water and other
liquids in the confines of the bathing area, as is well known in
the art.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bathing chair 10 includes a
seat 12 and means for adjustably supporting a bather's legs, such
as a leg support assembly 14 movably attached to the seat 12.
However, it will be appreciated that other means for adjustably
supporting a bather's legs may be used in conjunction with the
invention, as claimed and disclosed herein. More specifically, the
leg support assembly 14 may include a frame 16, support straps 18
spanning laterally across the frame 16, and one or more handles 20
for raising and lowering the leg support assembly 14. The handles
20 may optionally include handle caps 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. The leg support straps 18 may be made of any suitable material,
such as but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, or fabric.
Alternatively, a solid piece of material may be attached to the
frame 16 for supporting the legs of a bather, such as a solid sheet
of vinyl, plastic, fabric, or netting. As most clearly shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the leg support assembly 14 may be pivotally
attached to the seat 12 with two pins 24 (only one of which is
shown). Alternatively, the leg support assembly 14 may be attached
to the seat 12 with any suitable fastening means that would allow
the leg support assembly 14 to move in relation to the seat 12.
[0029] When the bathing chair 10 is used in a bathing area
including at least one ledge, the bathing chair may be placed in a
docking position, and/or a bathing position. As used herein, the
term "docking position" describes a bathing chair positioned in a
bathing area such that at least a portion of the leg support
assembly crosses over a docking ledge of the bathing area and
extends outside of the bathing area, for allowing a bather to
conveniently enter and exit the bathing chair. As used herein, the
term "docking ledge" defines a ledge of a bathing area that a
bather would use to enter and/or exit the bathing area when the
bathing chair is in the docking position. In a bathing area having
more than one ledge, it is to be understood that the bathing chair
may be oriented so that any one of the ledges may be used as the
docking ledge. Such a docking ledge 11 is shown in FIG. 1. As used
herein, the term "bathing position" describes a bathing chair
positioned in a bathing area such that the leg support assembly is
substantially within the confines of the bathing area, allowing the
bather to be fully and conveniently cleansed. FIG. 1 illustrates a
bathing chair 10 in the bathing position.
[0030] In one embodiment, when the bathing chair 10 is in a bathing
position, the leg support assembly 14 may adjustably pivot around a
horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular with a docking
ledge of the bathing area, such as the docking ledge 11. When the
bathing chair 10 is in a docking position, the leg support assembly
14 may adjustably pivot around a horizontal axis that is
substantially parallel with a docking ledge of the bathing area,
such as the docking ledge 11. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
3, the leg support assembly 14 may pivot throughout an angle of
rotation of at least about 40 degrees, preferably throughout an
angle of rotation of at least about 60 degrees. In a particular
embodiment, the leg support assembly 14 may pivot throughout an
angle of rotation of at least about 90 degrees. In another
embodiment, the leg support assembly 14 may be moveable from a
first position to a second position that is vertically higher than
the first position, as also shown in FIG. 3. By allowing the leg
support assembly 14 to be moveably and/or pivotally attached to the
seat 12 of the bathing chair 10, a bather may use the handles 20 to
raise the leg support assembly 14 and his or her legs above the
docking ledge 11 of a bathing area 10 when the bathing chair is in
the docking position, and to lower the leg support assembly 14 and
his or her legs into the bathing area for bathing when the chair is
in the bathing position. In this embodiment, a bather may enter
and/or exit the bathing area and clear the docking ledge of the
bathing area without the aid of another individual.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the leg support assembly 14 may
include a locking assembly 15 to secure the leg support assembly in
a substantially raised position. The locking assembly includes a
lock housing 17, a locking pin 19, and a lock release actuator,
such as a lever or button 21, for releasing the locking pin 19.
Optionally, a string or rope may be attached to the lock release
actuator 21 to aid in releasing the locking pin 19. The seat 12
includes a keeper 23 with a recess or a cavity for receiving the
locking pin 19 when the leg support assembly 14 is in a
substantially raised position.
[0032] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bathing chair 10
includes means for securing the bathing chair within the bathing
area, such as a seat support assembly 26 having a first end 28
extending from substantially the middle of the underside 30 of the
seat 12 to the floor 50 of the bathing area. However, it will be
appreciated that other means for securing the bathing chair within
the bathing area may be used in conjunction with the invention, as
claimed and disclosed herein. More specifically, the seat support
assembly 26 may be a single support member such as a substantially
thick support tube 27 attached to substantially the middle of an
underside 30 of the seat 12 with any suitable attachment means such
as welding or mechanical fasteners. The support tube 27 is
preferably thick enough to secure the bathing chair within the
bathing area, i.e., to provide a bathing chair that is strong and
sturdy and capable of adequately supporting a bather without the
need for any additional or supplemental support members or
structures. In one embodiment, the support tube 27 may have a
thickness of at least about 2 inches, preferably a thickness of at
least about 3 inches. In a particular embodiment, the support tube
27 may have a thickness of at least about 4 inches.
[0033] As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, in one embodiment the
support tube 27 may be formed as a generally S-shaped member, in
order to give the bathing chair more balance and stability. In this
embodiment, the S-shaped support tube 27 may be capable of
supporting a bather of up to approximately 300 pounds in the seat
12 without requiring any additional support structures. The support
tube 27 may be made out of a material such as PVC plastic, metal,
resin, or any other suitable synthetic or naturally occurring
material that would provide the needed support strength. In this
embodiment, when the bathing chair is in the bathing position, the
seat support assembly 26 may extend from the seat 12 and mount to
the floor 50 of the bathing area at an offset measured in a
direction substantially parallel to the docking ledge 11 of the
bathing area. When the bathing chair is in the docking position,
the seat support assembly 26 may extend from the seat 12 and mount
to the floor 50 of the bathing area at an offset measured in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the docking ledge 11 of
the bathing area.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the support tube 27 may be attached to
the middle of the underside 30 of the seat 12 by a flange 29. FIG.
3 shows that the flange 29 may have a diameter greater than the
thickness of the support tube 27. In one embodiment, the flange 29
may have a diameter of at least about 4 inches, preferably a
diameter of at least about 5 inches. In a particular embodiment,
the flange 29 may have a diameter of at least about 6 inches. By
using such a flange 29 to attach the support tube 27 to the middle
of the underside 30 of the seat 12, the weight of a bather sitting
in the seat may be more evenly distributed, giving the bathing
chair 10 more strength and stability.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a second end 34 of the seat
support assembly 26 may be attached to a swivel assembly 36. The
swivel assembly 36 allows the bathing chair 10 to rotate around a
substantial vertical axis of rotation, so that a bather may easily
enter and exit the bathing chair, and may comfortably maneuver
around while bathing. In one embodiment, the chair may be rotated
from the docking position to the bathing position, and vice
versa.
[0036] The details of the swivel assembly 36 are shown most clearly
in FIGS. 4 and 5. The swivel assembly 36 includes a base plate 38,
an upper plate 40 and a spacer 42 disposed between the base plate
38 and the upper plate 40. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 5,
the spacer 42 may be angled upward, which in turn causes the upper
plate 40 to be positioned at an angle A in relation to the base
plate 38. Mounting the bathing chair 10 on such an angled swivel
assembly 36 may provide the bathing chair with optimum balance and
stability. In one embodiment, the angle A ranges from about 2
degrees to about 30 degrees, preferably from about 5 degrees to
about 15 degrees. In a particular embodiment, angle A may be chosen
to be about 8 degrees.
[0037] The base plate 38 of the swivel assembly 36 may include
reinforcing bars 44 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The base plate 38 of
the swivel assembly 36 also may include holes 46 and bolts 48 or
other suitable fasteners (only one of which is shown) for securing
the base plate 38 of the swivel assembly 36 to various mounting
means for mounting the bathing chair 10 to the floor 50 of a
bathing area. The upper plate 40 may rotate with respect to the
base plate 38 around a substantial vertical axis of rotation. In
one embodiment, the upper plate 40 may rotate approximately 360
degrees, which allows a bather to have the maximum amount of
maneuverability while in the bathing chair 10. The upper plate 40
may rotate with respect to the base plate 38 by any means well
known in the art, for example, by a ball bearing or roller bearing
race.
[0038] FIGS. 1-3 show that the swivel assembly 36 of the bathing
chair 10 may be secured to a floor 50 of a bathing area with one or
more floor mount supports, such as suction cup assemblies 52.
However, it is to be understood that other suitable floor mount
supports may be used and are within the scope of the present
invention, such as plates or bars that could be secured directly to
the floor 50 of the bathing area. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
suction cup assemblies 52 may be offset from the seat support
assembly 26 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
docking ledge 11 of the bathing area in order to give the bathing
chair 10 substantial lateral, i.e., side to side, support.
[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the details of the suction cup
assembly 52. The suction cup assembly 52 includes a suction cup 54
and a frame 56 secured to the suction cup 54 by any suitable
fastening means such as welding or mechanical fasteners. The
suction cup 54 may be any suitable type of suction cup known in the
art. Suction cup 54 may have an appropriate diameter to give the
bathing chair added support in all directions. In one embodiment,
the suction cup 54 may have a diameter of at least about 4 inches,
preferably a diameter of at least about 6 inches. In a particular
embodiment, the suction cup 54 may have a diameter of at least
about 8 inches. The frame 56 of the suction cup assembly 52 may be
secured to the base plate 38 of the swivel assembly 36 via the
holes 46 and the bolts 48 or other suitable fasteners (only one of
which is shown), as most clearly shown in FIG. 4. The frame 56 of
the suction cup 54 also may include a handle 58 to aid in placing
and removing the suction cup assembly 52. As shown most clearly in
FIG. 4, the suction cup assembly 52 also may include an evacuation
lever 60. When the evacuation lever 60 is pressed or pumped, the
suction cup 54 is evacuated, and becomes securely attached to the
support surface 50. The suction cup 54 may also be evacuated by any
other means known in the art, and these means are within the scope
of the present invention. In one embodiment, the suction cup 54 may
withstand a force of up to approximately 175 pounds while still
remaining securely attached to the support surface 50.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the bathing chair 10 may also include
a backrest 62. The backrest 62 may include a frame 64 and back
support straps 66 spanning laterally across the backrest frame 64.
The back support straps 66 may be made of any suitable material,
such as but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, or fabric.
Alternatively, a solid piece of material may be attached to the
frame 64 for supporting the back of a bather, such as a solid sheet
of vinyl, plastic, fabric, or netting. As shown most clearly in
FIG. 3, the backrest 62 may be attached to the underside 30 of the
seat 12 with any appropriate securing means, such as welding or
mechanical fasteners.
[0041] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a bathing chair 68 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. The bathing chair
may be used in a bathing area having a floor 86 and a docking ledge
69. The bathing chair 68 includes a seat 70 with a backrest 72 and
a leg support assembly 74 both attached to the seat 70. In this
embodiment, the leg support assembly 74 is similar in structure and
operation to the leg support assembly 14 previously described
herein. The leg support assembly 74 may optionally include a
locking assembly 75 to secure the leg support assembly in a
substantially raised position. The bathing chair 68 further
includes a seat support assembly 76, similar in structure and
operation to the seat support assembly 26 previously described
herein, having a first end 78 attached to an underside 80 of the
seat 70. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a second end 82 of the seat
support assembly 76 may be attached to a swivel assembly 84. The
swivel assembly 84 of the bathing chair 68 may be secured to the
floor 86 of the bathing area with one or more floor mount supports,
such as suction cup assemblies 88, which are similar in structure
and operation to the suction cup assemblies 52 previously described
herein. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the swivel assembly
84 does not include an angled upper plate in this embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the details of the swivel assembly
84. The swivel assembly 84 includes a base plate 90, an upper plate
92 and a spacer 94 disposed between the base plate 90 and the upper
plate 92. The base plate 90 of the swivel assembly 84 may also
include holes 96 and bolts 98 or other suitable fasteners (only one
of which is shown) for securing the base plate 90 of the swivel
assembly 84 to various mounting means for mounting the bathing
chair 68 on a support surface 86, such as one or more suction cup
assemblies 88. The upper plate 92 may rotate with respect to the
base plate 90 around a substantial vertical axis of rotation. In
one embodiment, the upper plate 92 may rotate approximately 360
degrees, which allows a bather to have the maximum amount of
maneuverability while in the bathing chair 68. The upper plate 92
may rotate with respect to the base plate 90 by any means well
known in the art, for example, by a ball bearing or roller bearing
race.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a bathing chair 100 in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention. The bathing chair may
be used in a bathing area having a floor 118 and a docking ledge
101. The bathing chair 100 includes a seat 102 with a backrest 104
and a leg support assembly 106 both attached to the seat 102. In
this embodiment, the leg support assembly 106 is similar in
structure and operation to the leg support assembly 14 previously
described herein. The leg support assembly 106 may optionally
include a locking assembly 107 to secure the leg support assembly
in a substantially raised position. The bathing chair 100 further
includes a seat support assembly 108, similar in structure and
operation to the seat support assembly 26 previously described
herein, having a first end 110 attached to an under side 112 of the
seat 102. As shown in FIG. 10, a second end 114 of the seat support
assembly 108 is attached to a swivel assembly 116. In this
embodiment, the swivel assembly 116 may be directly secured to the
floor 118 of the bathing area with any suitable securing means.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the details of the swivel
assembly 116. The swivel assembly 116 includes a base plate 120, an
upper plate 122 and a spacer 124 disposed between the base plate
120 and the upper plate 122. As most clearly shown in FIG. 12, the
spacer 124 may be angled upward, which in turn causes the upper
plate 122 to be positioned at an angle B in relation to the base
plate 120. Mounting the bathing chair 100 on such an angled swivel
assembly 116 provides the bathing chair with optimum balance and
stability. In one embodiment, the angle B may range from about 2
degrees to about 30 degrees, preferably from about 5 degrees to
about 15 degrees. In a particular embodiment, angle B may be chosen
to be about 8 degrees. However, it is to be understood that the
spacer 124 of the swivel assembly 116 is not required to be angled,
and a spacer that is not angled, such as the non-angled spacer 94
shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, may be used and is within the scope of the
present invention.
[0045] The base plate 120 of the swivel assembly 116 also includes
holes 126 and bolts 128 or other suitable fasteners (only one of
which is shown) for securing the base plate 120 of the swivel
assembly 116 directly to a floor 118 of a bathing area. The upper
plate 122 may rotate with respect to the base plate 120 around a
substantial vertical axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the upper
plate 122 may rotate approximately 360 degrees, which allows a
bather to have the maximum amount of maneuverability while in the
bathing chair 100. The upper plate 122 may rotate with respect to
the base plate 120 by any means well known in the art, for example,
by a ball bearing or roller bearing race.
[0046] The bathing chair 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 operates as follows.
When a bather wishes to enter a bathtub or a shower, the bather
grasps the bathing chair 10 and rotates the chair on the swivel
assembly 36 until the chair is in the docking position, making it
convenient for the bather to sit in the chair. At this point the
leg support assembly 14 may be in a substantially lowered position
as shown with broken lines in FIG. 3. Once the bather is securely
positioned in the bathing chair, the bather may then pull on the
handles 20 of the leg support assembly 14 and raise his or her legs
until the locking assembly 15 locks into place and the leg support
assembly 14 is in a substantially raised position above the docking
ledge 11 of the bathing area. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the leg
support assembly 14 may be continuously pivoted and adjusted from a
position that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the
seat 12 to a position that is substantially parallel to the plane
of the seat 12.
[0047] The leg support assembly 14 operates through the use of a
lever principle, which is well known in the art. Because the length
of the leg support assembly handles 20 is much shorter in
proportion to the length of the leg support assembly frame 16, the
bather may easily lift his or her own legs by exerting only a small
fraction of the full force required to lift the legs. As a result,
the bather may move the leg support assembly from a substantially
lowered position to a substantially raised position, and
vice-versa, while only having to move his or her legs a short
distance.
[0048] Once the leg support assembly 14 is locked into a
substantially raised position, the bather's legs will be high
enough so that they may clear any obstacles, such as the docking
ledge of a bathtub or a shower stall. With the aid of a handle,
knob, or other gripping means (not shown) attached to a convenient
location, such as the wall of a bathtub or a shower stall, the
bather may then grasp the gripping means and rotate the bathing
chair 10 into the bathing position. The combination operation of
the leg support assembly 14 and the swivel assembly 36 allows a
bather to enter and/or exit a bathing area and to clear any
obstacles in the way without the aid of an additional person. Once
situated within the bathing area in the bathing position, the
bather may then release the locking assembly 15 on the leg support
assembly 14, causing the leg support assembly to assume a
substantially lowered position, thereby allowing a bather to lower
his or her legs comfortably into the bathing area.
[0049] These steps may be reversed to allow the bather to exit the
bathtub or shower stall. It will be appreciated that the bathing
chair 68 shown in FIG. 6 and the bathing chair 100 shown in FIG. 10
both may operate in substantially the same manner as described
above.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 10, the seat 12, 70, and/or
102 may include a plurality of small apertures 130 for allowing
excess liquids to drain from the seat of the bathing chair. As also
shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 10, the seat 12, 70, and/or 102 may
include seat handles 132 for allowing a bather to grab and hold
onto the seat. The seat 12, 70, and/or 102 of the bathing chair 10,
68 or 100 may also include a textured seating surface 134 as shown
in FIG. 2.
[0051] In one embodiment, a bathing chair 136 may include a
seatbelt 138 for restraining the bather in the bathing chair 136,
as shown in FIG. 13.
[0052] In another embodiment, a bathing chair 140 may include a
shower sprayer 142 as shown in FIG. 14 for allowing the bather to
be more thoroughly and conveniently cleansed.
[0053] In another embodiment, a bathing chair 144 may include a
product holder 146 for holding various products, for example,
shampoo and/or soap. This is illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0054] Although the invention has been primarily described as being
used in a bathtub or a shower, it is to be understood that the
present invention can be used in other locations where a
handicapped or disabled person may require assistance to maneuver
around, and such uses are within the scope of the present
invention. Example locations may be, but are not limited to, a car
or a van.
[0055] Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been
described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to
those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of
the present invention may be made without departing from the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *