U.S. patent application number 11/145344 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for recreational bath chair.
Invention is credited to Emil Hribsek.
Application Number | 20060272085 11/145344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492636 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hribsek; Emil |
December 7, 2006 |
Recreational bath chair
Abstract
A bath chair designed for comfort has a backrest tensioned to
incline with resilience when leaned against. A seat is preferably
formed by a bench that places the seat height somewhat above the
upper side edges of the tub. Installation and removal are
facilitated by a two-piece design comprising a backrest that slides
into engagement with a bench. Optionally, the bench is hinged to a
wall adjacent the tub, whereby the bench can be pivoted up against
the wall for storage. Preferably, the backrest can be folded for
storage. A container can be used to store the backrest in a
tasteful manner. According to a further concept, two persons can
relax in one bathtub with one person sitting in a bath chair
adjacent one end while the other reclines at the opposite end.
Inventors: |
Hribsek; Emil; (Parma,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL V. KELLER, LLC
4585 LIBERTY RD.
SOUTH EUCLID
OH
44121
US
|
Family ID: |
37492636 |
Appl. No.: |
11/145344 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/579 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/579 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/022 20060101
A47K003/022; A47K 3/12 20060101 A47K003/12 |
Claims
1. A comfortable bath chair, comprising: a seat; and a back coupled
to or configured to couple with the seat; wherein the back is
tensioned or tensionable whereby the back is configured or
configurable to incline with resilience when leaned against; and
the chair is adapted for installation in a bathtub in a manner
whereby the chair does not slip within the bathtub.
2. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the back reclines while the
seat remains fixed relative to the bathtub.
3. The bath chair of claim 1, further comprising: a tensioning
mechanism that can be selectively coupled to the back to provide
tension to the back; wherein the back can be decoupled from the
tensioning mechanism, whereby the back can freely fold forward.
4. The bath chair of claim 3, wherein the tensioning mechanism is
attached to the seat.
5. The bath chair of claim 1, further comprising a selective
locking mechanism that can be used to selectively fix the angle of
incline of the back.
6. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the seat is part of a bench
member dimensioned to span a width of the bathtub.
7. The bath chair of claim 6, further comprising a seat cushion
attached or attachable to the bench member.
8. The bath chair of claim 6, wherein the bench member is adapted
to rest on the upper edges of the bathtub and press against the
inner sides of the bath tub for support after installation.
9. The bath chair of claim 6, wherein the back is part of a piece
that releasably couples the bench member.
10. The bath chair of claim 9, wherein the back piece and bench
member are mutually configured to slidingly engage in an
orientation corresponding to movement along the length of the tub
when the bench member is installed in the tub.
11. The bath chair of claim 10, wherein the sliding engagement can
be initiated from either side of the bench member, whereby the back
piece is reversible.
12. The bath chair of claim 6, wherein the bench member is
configured to hingingly attach to a wall to one side of the tub,
whereby the bench member can be hinged up and out of the way when
not in use.
13. The bath chair of claim 9, further comprising: a storage device
sized to hold at least the back and the back can be folded to fit
within the storage device; and wherein the storage device has
aesthetic features that make the device suitable, in the opinion of
an ordinary homemaker, for a permanent place in a bathroom in open
view.
14. A bath chair adapted to fit within a conventional bathtub
having a length, a width, and upper side edges, the bath chair
comprising: a bench member dimensioned to span the width of the
bathtub, the bench member being adapted to draw support from the
upper side edges of the bathtub; a back rest configured to slide
into engagement with the bench member through motion in a direction
along the length of the tub; wherein the back rest inclines to a
variable degree.
15. The bath chair of claim 14, wherein the bench member is adapted
to hingingly engage a wall adjacent the tub, whereby the bench
member can be hinged up and brought proximate the wall when the
back rest is not engaged with the bench member.
16. The bath chair of claim 14, further comprising a seat cushion
detachable from the bench member.
17. The bath chair of claim 14, wherein the back rest is tensioned
or tensionable, whereby the back is configured or configurable to
incline with resilience when leaned against.
18. The bath chair of claim 14, wherein the bench member comprises
protrusions having an adjustable spacing between them, whereby the
protrusions can be positioned to press against the inner sides of
the tub to secure the bath chair.
19. The bath chair of claim 14, wherein the sliding engagement can
be initiated from either side of the bench member, whereby the back
rest is reversible.
20. The bath chair of claim 14, wherein the back rest comprises a
supporting member that slidingly engages the bench member and a
back hingingly connected to the supporting member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a chair designed for use in
a bathtub, especially a bathtub with a shower.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Numerous bath chairs have been designed to serve the needs
of the elderly or infirm. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,542
describes a bath chair adapted for installation in a bath tub. The
chair swivels and slides to the edge of the tub. After the user
sits in the chair, the user can swivel and slide the chair back to
the center of the tub while the users legs are lifted over the
side. Other offset swivel bath chairs include U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,750,563, 6,094,796, and 6,240,577 and U.S. Patent Pub. No.
2004/0121095. Some of these bath chairs have backrests that can be
inclined, although the emphasis in each case is on utility. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,065,251 describes a simple bath bench that hinges down.
The unit is described as functional, easy to clean, and useful for
individuals having limited mobility.
[0003] There are also devices designed to enhance the comfort of
healthy persons lounging in tubs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Des.
360,256 shows a bath recliner that appears to provide padding for a
user sitting near the bottom rear of a tub. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,337
also shows a device that adds comfort to a person lounging near the
back bottom of a tub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The problem solved by the inventor is to make showering a
more enjoyable and comfortably prolonged experience. The first step
in solving this problem was realizing that it would be desirable to
sit. While prior art bath chairs are provided for this purpose,
prior art chairs are generally designed for the elderly or
handicapped. They are primarily utilitarian and are not
particularly comfortable. Some luxury articles described as bath
chairs are also available, but these are generally for lounging
under water, as oppose to sitting.
[0005] One of the inventor's concepts is a bath chair comprising a
back and a seat. Preferably, the seat comprises a bench member
configured to rest on a tub's upper side edges, thereby
establishing a comfortable sitting height. The back is tensioned or
tensionable whereby the back is configured or configurable to
incline with resilience when leaned against. The springy resistance
of a tensioned back was found to add greatly to the comfort of a
bath chair.
[0006] Another problem solved by the inventor is convenient
installation and removal of the bath chair, which is of greater
concern for the recreational user. A first of the inventor's
concepts for solving this problem is a two-piece bath chair
comprising a cross member that spans the width of the tub and a
backrest portion that slides into engagement with the cross member.
The backrest member slides into engagement with the cross member in
a direction along the length of the tub. Preferably the backrest
member can be slid in from either side, making the back reversible.
When removed, preferably the backrest member can be folded for easy
storage. When attached, the backrest member can be articulated to
adjust the angle at which the back inclines. Preferably the back is
tensioned.
[0007] A second of the inventor's concepts for solving the storage
and removal problem is to attach the cross member to a wall
adjacent the tub in a manner that provides a hinging engagement,
whereby the cross member can be pivoted up and stored against the
wall. A third of the inventor's concepts for solving the storage
and removal problem is to provide a container for storing at least
the back member. The container is provided with aesthetic qualities
sufficient from the perspective of an ordinary homemaker to allow
the container a permanent station in a bathroom in open view.
[0008] A further concept of the inventor relates to a method by
which two adults can comfortably use a conventional bathtub at the
same time. According to this method, a bath chair is installed in
the tub adjacent one end, preferably an end having faucets, the
bath chair having a back facing that end. One person sits in that
chair while the other persons lounges at the opposite end of the
tub, typically with feet extending beneath the chair. By this
method, two people can comfortably relax in a bathtub for extended
periods of time.
[0009] The primary purpose of this summary has been to present
certain of the inventor's concepts in a simplified form to
facilitate understanding of the more detailed description that
follows. This summary is not a comprehensive description of every
one of the inventor's concepts or every combination of the
inventor's concepts that can be considered "invention". Other
concepts of the inventor will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art from the following detailed description and
annexed drawings. The concepts disclosed herein may be generalized,
narrowed, and combined in various ways with the ultimate statement
of what the inventor claims as his invention being reserved for the
claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of a bath chair as
conceived by the inventor and installed with a first orientation in
a shower stall;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a back view of the bath chair of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bath chair of FIG. 1 showing
the movement of the backrest under tension;
[0013] FIG. 3a is a expanded view from FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view showing the tensioning mechanism of
the back member of the bath chair of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view showing a selective backrest angle
locking mechanism for the backrest member of the bath chair of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an oblique view of the back member of the bath
chair of FIG. 1
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the bath chair of FIG. 1 in a second
orientation suitable for showering.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates method by which the inventor conceive two
adults comfortably sharing a bathtub.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative bench design conceived by
the inventor for use with a back member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate an exemplary bath chair 10
incorporating several of the inventor's concepts. The bath chair 10
has a seat provided by a bench 11 and a seat cushion 13, and a
backrest 14 provided by a back member 12. The bath chair 10 is
designed for use in a standard tub, preferably within a shower
enclosure.
[0021] In the United States, a standard tub is 4 to 6 feet long
(outer dimension), with a five foot length being the most common.
Standard outside widths are 30 inches, 32 inches, and 36 inches.
The upper edges typically have a minimum width from about 3 to
about 6 inches. A portion of the upper edge on the wall side its
typically covered by wallboard 105 and/or tile. A portion of the
upper edge on the opposite side may be occupied by the rail for a
shower door 106. Inner dimension widths are typically from about 24
to about 30''.
[0022] The bath chair 10 is supported in a stable manner within the
tub 100, whereby the chair 10 does not slip . An exemplary support
mechanism used by the bath chair 10 is a bench 11 that rests on the
upper side edges 102 of the tub 100. Other examples of support
mechanisms include legs that rest on the bottom of the tub or on a
floor beside the tub, optionally with some legs in and some legs
out. Support can also be provided by legs or arms that engage the
inner sides of the tub. Supporting structures can be designed to
that frictionally engage plastic, fiberglass, and/or ceramic
surfaces. Suction cups can also provide engagement. Suction cups
can be small or large and can be provided singly or in clusters.
Fixtures that attach to adjacent walls can also be used, although
preferably the bath chair 10 can be installed without marring or
altering either the tub 100 or the tub surround.
[0023] The bench member 11 is designed to span the width of the tub
100 and rest on the upper side edges 102. The bench member 11 is
provided with blocks or braces 19 that slide within tracks on the
bench member 11, whereby the braces 19 can be moved to where they
press against the inner side edges 103 of the tub 100. Once slid
against the inner side edges 103, the braces 19 can be held in
place by screws 20. The bench member 11 is thereby secured against
the tub's inner sides 103 as well as being supported by the upper
edges 102 of the tub 100. The bench member 11 can be constructed
from any suitable material, including for example wood or
plastic.
[0024] The bath chair 10 preferably includes a backrest 14. The
backrest 14 provides back support and can have any shape or size
appropriate for a chair-back. Generally, it is sufficient if
backrest 14 rises to a typical user's mid-back, although higher
backs can be used. Preferably, the height of the backrest 14 is
adjustable by the user.
[0025] The backrest 14 is preferably reclining. Reclining refers to
the ability to tilt relative to the vertical. In general, a chair
can recline with the angle between the back and the seat either
fixed, whereby the seat moves with the back, or varying whereby the
backrest can move independently. For the bath chair 10, the angle
varies.
[0026] The bath chair 10 has a back member comprising two parts,
the backrest member 14 and a supporting member 15. The supporting
member 15 attaches to the bench 11. The backrest 14 pivots about
the shaft 18 attached to the supporting member 15. This pivoting
action allows the backrest 14 to recline. Any other suitable
mechanism can alternatively be used to allow the backrest 14 to
recline.
[0027] Optionally, the bath chair 10 can be provided with a
mechanism that allows the angle of incline to be temporarily
locked, whereby the angle of inclination of the backrest 14 can be
either variable or fixed relative to its support. Any suitable
apparatus can be used to provide such variable locking. As shown in
FIG. 5, the bath chair 10 has a gear 26 and spring-loaded pin 25.
The gear 26 is attached to the backrest portion 14 while the
spring-loaded pin 25 is attached to the supporting member 15. When
the pin 25 is withdrawn and turned, the pin 25 is locked into a
withdrawn position and the backrest portion 31 can move relative to
the supporting member 32. The pin 25 can then be twisted until a
block 27 on the pin 25 aligns with a slot 28 in the housing of the
supporting member 15. With the block 27 and the slot 28 aligned,
the pin 25 moves under the action of the spring 30 to engage the
gear 26, fixing the position of the backrest 14 relative to the
supporting member 15.
[0028] One of the inventor's concepts is to provide a tensioned
backrest. Tensioning refers to the backrest's resiliency. A
tensioned backrest reclines further with increasing backward
pressure and returns toward the vertical as the pressure is
relieved. Any suitable mechanism can be used to provide the
tension. The tension can be provided hydraulically, or with one or
more springs. The force of the springs can be transmitted to the
backrest with any combination of gears, cams, rods, and levers.
Springs can be arranged to provide tension by either resisting
compression or resisting extension. The tensioning mechanism can be
mounted in any suitable fashion. For the bath chair 10, the
tensioning mechanism 21 is preferably mounted to the supporting
member 15, although optionally it could be mounted to the bench
member 11.
[0029] Preferably, the amount of tension can be varied to account
for the user's preferences or weight. Tension can be varied by any
suitable mechanism, including for example adjusting a bias force on
the springs, adjusting the length of the linkage between the
springs and the back, adjusting the leverage or a gear ratio
between the springs and back, adjusting the winding on a spring,
engaging or disengaging one or more springs or replacing a spring
with a different one.
[0030] The tensioning mechanism 21 engages the backrest 14 to
provide tension thereto. Optionally, the backrest 14 can be
selectively disengaged from the tensioning mechanism 21. Being able
to engage and disengage the tensioning mechanism 21 facilitates
folding of the backrest 14 for convenient storage. Any suitable
mechanism can be used to engage and disengage the tensioning
mechanism 21. Examples of suitable mechanisms, include pins, clips
screws, and other interlocking structures.
[0031] The bath chair 10 has a spring loaded catch 23 attached to
the backrest 14. The catch 22 is designed to engage a rod 23
attached to the tensioning mechanism 21. When the catch 22 is
engaged to the rod 23, tension is transmitted to the backrest 14.
The catch 22 can be disengaged by pulling on handle 24. When the
catch 22 is disengaged, the backrest 14 can be freely folded
forward.
[0032] In general, a backrest can be permanently attached to a
bench or seat, however, one of the inventor's concepts involves
providing a backrest as part of a separate component that slidingly
engages a bench or seat member. The preferred direction of
engagement is back-to-front (or visa-a-versa) with respect to the
chair or tub. This two piece design can facilitate installation,
storage, and reversing the orientation of the backrest relative to
the seat, bench, or tub.
[0033] A sliding engagement generally involves one or more rails on
one part and one or more corresponding tracks on the other part.
The back member 14 has rails 17 designed to engage tracks 16 on the
bench 11. A spring loaded button (not shown) or other suitable
releasable connection can be used to fix the relative positions of
the cooperating members once they have been slid together.
[0034] The bench 11 is preferably from about 12 to about 18'' deep.
In one embodiment, two benches can be placed side-by-side to
provide a deeper bench. A deeper bench may be useful for sitting
cross-legged. Generally, the entire upper edges 102 of the tub 100
are not available and the length of the bench 11 is preferably
selected accordingly. The bench 11 is preferably from about 2 to
about 4'' greater than the inner width of the tub 100. The great
majority of tubs can be fit by providing benches in two widths,
e.g., 26'' and 30''.
[0035] As shown in the example, the bath chair 10 preferably
comprises a cushion 13. The cushion 13 preferably includes a
waterproof cover. The thickness is typically from about 1/2'' to
about 6'' thick. The cushion 13 can contain springs and/or a
springy filler material. Examples of springy filler materials
include polymer foams, feathers, and cotton.
[0036] The cushion 13 can be held in place in any suitable fashion.
Optionally, the cushion 13 simply rests on the bench 11. The bench
11 can be provided with an indentation or ridges within which the
cushion 13 seats. Optionally, the cushion 13 and the bench 11 have
interlocking members, such as pins and holes, to prevent
sliding.
[0037] Preferably, the cushion 13 can easily be removed from or
replaced on the bench 11. Removal is convenient for washing and
storage. Removal facilitates storing a bench 11 against a wall when
the bench is hingingly attached to a wall, as described below. With
the cushion removed, the bench 11 can be used for purposes other
than sitting. For example, the bench 11 may be useful for watering
plants or allowing large objects to drip dry.
[0038] The bath chair 10 can have other features to promote comfort
and/or convenience. Example of optional features include: arm
rests, which can be designed to fold out of the way when not in
use; a tray or cup holder, positioned for example to one side of
the bench; and a seat belt, which can adapt the chair to use with
small children or persons of diminished capacity.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a bench 50 that is hingingly attached to
a wall 105. The hinge mechanism comprises a track 51 secured to the
wall 105, and an engaging member 54, which is part of the bench 50.
Preferably, the engaging member 54 can slide back and forth along
the track 51, whereby the bench 50 can be repositioned along the
length of the tub 100. The main portion of the bench 50 is
connected to the engaging member 54 by one or more rods 55. The
track 51 preferably has one or more slots 53 that accommodate the
rod or rods 55 when the bench 50 is hinged toward the wall 105 from
one or more starting positions. A hook 51, clip, or other structure
can be set to the wall 105 to lock the bench 50 in an upright and
out-of-the-way position when not in use
[0040] Another concept of the inventor is to provide a storage
container for the chair back and optionally other chair parts.
Examples of suitable storage containers include a bag that attaches
to a wall hook or towel bar; a rack that attaches to a wall, a wall
hook, or a towel bar, and a box. In each case, consideration is
preferably given to aesthetic as well as functional considerations.
Functional considerations can include one or more of preventing
dripping, allowing drying, and space-saving. Aesthetic
considerations include neatness as well as external decorative
features, such as colors, patterns, designs and textures.
Preferably, the aesthetic of any given design make the container
suitable in the view of an ordinary homemaker for a permanent
station in the open in a bathroom. Such suitability refers to the
quality of being decorative, whereby nearly everything sold in a
typical home furnishings store would be considered decorative,
although not necessarily belonging with a particular decor. On the
other hand, an item having a sloppy, dirty, disorderly, or
institutional appearance would not be considered decorative.
[0041] The storage container is designed to house at least the
chair back. The back member 12 is designed to fold to facilitate
compact storage in such a container. The storage container may also
be designed to house the cushion 13 and/or the bench 11 where these
are separate from the chair back. According to one concept of the
inventor, however, the bench remains in a tub-enclosure, with the
bench stored against a wall.
[0042] Most typically, the bath chair 10 is used by healthy
persons. For many people, time in the shower or tub is an enjoyable
part of every day. For those tired of standing, a bath chair can be
useful just for relaxing while taking a shower. FIG. 7 illustrates
the bath chair 10 in a position conducive to showering. Some
people, particularly during the winter, enjoy the warmth and
humidity that is easily created in a bathroom. For these people, a
bath chair facilitates an extended stay in the bathroom and is an
alternative to soaking.
[0043] The bath chair 10 is particularly useful for those
practicing reflexology, or otherwise giving particular attention to
the feet. Oils can be applied without concern over spilling and
with little risk of slipping. Likewise, toenails can be trimmed or
painted, and legs can be shaved. Feet can be soaked or a user can
simply relax and read in a steam-room atmosphere.
[0044] A further use of a bath chair is to facilitate the sharing
of a tub by two adults. FIG. 8 illustrates a method in which the
bath chair 10 facilitates this sharing. One user sits in the chair
at one end of the tub, preferably an end on which faucets are
mounted. The chair not only provided comfort at what is normally an
uncomfortable end of the tub, but protects either user from
accidentally striking the faucets or tub spout. The chair also
raises the first user up, creating room for the legs of a second
user lying in a conventional reclining position at the opposite end
of the tub.
[0045] Accordingly, a still further concept of the inventor is a
method of adapting a tub to two users, comprising placing a bath
chair at an end of the tub adjacent a tub spout, with a back of the
chair toward the tub spout, whereby a first person can sit in the
chair facing a second person reclining at an opposite end of the
tub with the second persons legs extending beneath the first
person.
[0046] Other concepts of the inventor relate to methods of
marketing. One such concept is a method of marketing that suggests,
pictures, or describes two people together using a conventional
bathtub with a bath chair. A related concept is to market a bath
chair in a retail outlet targeting couples or couples activities.
Another such concept is a method of marketing that suggests,
pictures, or describes persons using a bath chair while engaging in
one or more of meditation, reflexology, leg-shaving,
toenail-clipping, and self-pampering. A related concept is to
market a bath chair in a retail outlet targeting persons interested
in one or more of these activities.
[0047] The foregoing concepts of marketing can be used to market
any bath chair suitable for recreational use. Preferably, however,
they are used to market a bath chair comprising a bench or
otherwise seating one user about, at, or above the level of the rim
of a tub. Another preference is that they market a chair with a
reversible back. A further preference is to use these concepts in
conjunction with one or more of the inventors other concepts, such
as the tensioned backrest or the reclining back that slides into a
seat or bench.
[0048] Marketing is inclusive of offering an item for sale in a
retail outlet, in a catalogue, or on a web site. Marketing is also
inclusive of publicizing the availability of an item for sale. A
retail outlet is a place where an item is offered for sale to the
general public. Examples of retail outlets include stores, fairs,
web sites offering items for sale, and mail order houses.
[0049] The invention as delineated by the following claims has been
shown and/or described in terms of certain concepts, components,
and features. While a particular component or feature may have been
disclosed herein with respect to only one of several concepts or
examples or in both broad and narrow terms, the components or
features in their broad or narrow conceptions may be combined with
one or more other components or features in their broad or narrow
conceptions wherein such a combination would be recognized as
logical by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, this one
specification may describe more than one invention and the
following claims do not necessarily encompass every concept,
aspect, embodiment, or example described herein.
* * * * *