Supported By Tub, Only Patents (Class 4/579)
  • Patent number: 6457190
    Abstract: A child's bath seat having a base, a top shelf portion with a generally triangular aperture formed therein, a plurality of support members extending between the base and the top shelf portion. The base portion is sufficiently larger than the top shelf portion to provide added stability and discourage toppling. In addition, a plurality of clips may be connected to at least some of the respective support members. The clips extend partially over the base and exert a clamping force thereon. The clamping force urges any object positioned therebetween, such as a washrag, toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Julie Stein
  • Patent number: 6408456
    Abstract: A swivel tub and shower chair system comprising a base assembly having a pedestal in a hollow cylindrical configuration with an upper and lower end and with a plurality of radially positioned stabilizing legs having interior ends rigidly coupled to the lower end of the pedestal; and a chair assembly having a seat with an access aperture and with an imperforate floor there beneath, and with a pair of vertical side extensions coupling the floor and the seat thereby forming a front opening and a rear opening, the floor further having a lower post extending downwardly therefrom and being adapted to be received in the upper end of the pedestal of the base assembly, the chair being offset forwardly from the center of the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Fike, Gilmour J. Fike
  • Patent number: 6381772
    Abstract: A support system to support a disabled person in a bathing environment, a pole mounted between the ceiling and the floor; a vertically adjustable, padded, underarm support, attached to the pole, to fit under the arms of a user at various selected heights; and a vertically adjustable seat attached to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Lucille Dawson
  • Patent number: 6378147
    Abstract: An appliance is provided for individuals, especially those with disabilities which render them incapable of readily getting into and out of a bathing position in a bathtub. The appliance consists of an inflatable seat with a top seat surface and side, back, front, and bottom walls made of a resilient material of single ply construction. The seat, when deflated, is flattened and crushed into a thin layer which can then be readily rolled into a compact unit and stored and transported in an accompanying carrying case. A bath mat type extension is secured to the front wall of the seat to supply a non-skid surface to the user while in the bathtub and for facilitating the roll-up aspect of the invention. The appliance employs the use of an air pump and air hose for supplying and delivering air to the seat, along with a valve for controlling the flow of air. A remotely operated device for controlling the operation of the air pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: George Halleran
  • Publication number: 20020032925
    Abstract: A child's bath seat having a base, a top shelf portion with a generally triangular aperture formed therein, a plurality of support members extending between the base and the top shelf portion. The base portion is sufficiently larger than the top shelf portion to provide added stability and discourage toppling. In addition, a plurality of clips may be connected to at least some of the respective support members. The clips extend partially over the base and exert a clamping force thereon. The clamping force urges any object positioned therebetween, such as a washrag, toward the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Julie Stein
  • Patent number: 6327721
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy unit has a housing supporting a tub. The tub has sidewalls defining arm rests, end walls defining a foot rest and back rest, and a bottom defining a seat. The seat, arm rests, foot rest and back rest form a chair for the user. Jets are located strategically about the tub to circulate water to zone therapy areas of the body for hydrotherapy. The unit is mounted on wheels or skids for mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Devereaux, Sherry Devereaux
  • Patent number: 6314592
    Abstract: A child's bath seat having a base, a top shelf portion with a generally triangular aperture formed therein, a plurality of support members extending between the base and the top shelf portion and at least one tether extending from a support member and terminating in a suction cup. In addition, a plurality of clips are connected to at least some of the respective support members. The clips extend partially over the base and exert a clamping force thereon. The clamping force urges any object positioned therebetween, such as a washrag, toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Julie Stein
  • Patent number: 6226810
    Abstract: A lightweight portable seating unit for a bathtub which unit includes a platform adapted to be supported by and clamped to the sidewalls of the bathtub and on which a seat is slideably carried and pivotably adjustable to facilitate positioning of an individual seated on the unit. In some embodiments the seat may include an adjustable backrest and head support and/or a bidet attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Patent/Marketing Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce Weddendorf, Gary J. Helmes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6134723
    Abstract: A bathtub seat for use with a bathtub having a bathtub bottom wall and a bathtub side wall, the bathtub side wall being sealingly connected to the bathtub bottom wall and forming a continuous loop for retaining water and having a side wall rim at the bathtub side wall upper end, the bathtub side wall defining opposing side wall rim segments and bathtub ends, the bathtub seat including a support panel for extending across the bathtub and resting on opposing the side rim segments, the support panel having a panel forward end and a panel rearward end. The seat preferably additionally includes an engaging lip extending downwardly from the support panel and into the tub in close proximity to opposing segments of the bathtub side wall for abutting the bathtub wall and thereby preventing substantial lateral movement of the support panel relative to the bathtub. The engaging lip preferably extends downwardly only from the panel forward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Walter J. Benson
  • Patent number: 6115857
    Abstract: A portable foot support for supporting the foot and leg of a person to accommodate shaving and other personal grooming activities in a bathing enclosure or other location. The support has a base and a top with a convex foot pad extending from the top to the front side. One or more receptacles for grooming articles are provided. The base has a hanger which facilitates storage of the foot support on the edge of a bath tub. The hanger may be a recess in the side wall to accommodate placement over tub walls of different thicknesses or may be a slidable hanger engageable over the top of the tub wall. Preferably the support is one-piece, molded from plastic and is sanitary, durable, light weight and resistive to corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Marty E. Bidegain
  • Patent number: 6105183
    Abstract: A transfer bench facilitates assembly and allows for ease of reversibility. Particularly, a seat has a seat portion secured to a frame assembly. A seat back is removably connected to the seat and frame assembly depending on whether the bathtub is a right-hand or left-hand tub. A preferred arrangement is to use a pair of L-shaped members, one leg of which receives the seat back and the second leg of which extends through openings in the seat portion. Spring biased snap buttons snap fit in place and removably secure the seat back to the remainder of the transfer bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Robert R. Bly
  • Patent number: 6088847
    Abstract: An improved seat structure for assisting physically impaired individuals to bathe, including rectangular base which supports a seat. The seat is attached to a swivel which slides on tracks providing linear and rotary moveability. The base is affixed to adjoining walls of an existing bathtub enclosure by channels and fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Albert A. Burrow
  • Patent number: 6076204
    Abstract: A frame is provided having receptacles disposed thereon for receiving a variety of interchangeable bathing equipment panels which may be custom-installed on the frame to the needs and preferences of the unit's intended users. A conduit housing a water line, a control line, and an electrical line is mounted on the frame's outer surface. The conduit includes means for interfacing water, control, and electricity lines of the conduit with those of equipment panels requiring water, control, or electricity for operation. The frame may further have installed thereon a tub comprising rear, side, front, and door panels, the rear and side panels being mounted to receptacles at the tub region of said frame. In one embodiment, the tub includes a door that is pivotable between a first open position, a first closed position defining a full-sized bathtub, a second open position, and a second closed position defining a half-size bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventor: Abir Mullick
  • Patent number: 6073277
    Abstract: An economical hydrotherapy apparatus is provided for domestic use in conventional bathtubs. The apparatus includes a hydrotherapy chair and a relatively movable aerating pad, molded from plastic, that are placed in a bathtub for use with the seat of the chair at or near the surface of water in the bathtub. The aerating pad is spaced about eight inches below the surface of the water. An air compressor, located outside the bathtub, provides air that is delivered into the water from penetrations in the aerating pad. The introduction of compressed air at a depth of about eight inches creates therapeutic undulations of water against the seat and posterior of the user at the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: David S. Banks
  • Patent number: 6067671
    Abstract: A shower seat assembly comprising: a seat; a plurality of upstanding legs; a curved member lying in a substantially horizontal plane and supported by at least some of the legs; and the seat being pivotably supported by at least one leg and being mounted for pivotal movement along the curved member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Karl Ginder
  • Patent number: 5996139
    Abstract: Bathing apparatus for the infirm or disabled is a portable chair supported on adjustable legs. A depressed intermediate basin portion holds water and can receive the buttocks of a bather. It is provided with a drain at its lowermost portion. One end of the basin portion is connected to an upstanding backrest/headrest. A second end of the basin portion is connected to an elevated horizontal platform which serves as a thigh rest when the buttocks are in the basin in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the platform serves as a seat so that the user can slide into or out of the basin for less strenuous entry and exit when alone or assisted. A continuous smooth, water resistant surface covers platform, basin and backrest/headrest portions for comfort and ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Theresa C. Gesse
  • Patent number: 5978983
    Abstract: A portable showering cabinet for use by non-ambulatory, aged, or other persons unable to use conventional showering and hygienic home care facilities, particularly useful for a private home, hospitality industry, residential schools, general and specialized hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and bedside care in a nursing home. The showering cabinet system provides daily hygienic care for disabled, with or without minimal assistance from a caregiver, eliminating the need for a caregiver to help a disabled person enter a shower stall and eliminating the need for a caregiver to perform the showering of the individual. The portable cabinet includes a water supply system that attaches to existing hot and cold water supply cabinets and a manually movable cabinet that has casters, allowing it to be moved easily and quickly along a floor surface to a bedside, and an improved access auxiliary seat to insure safe entrance by the patient into and out of the enclosure from a seated position on the outside of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Carl J. Queen, deceased, Donna Queen, Administratrix
  • Patent number: 5950256
    Abstract: A submersible, foldable seat for use in a hot tub. The seat is folded down to be used as a seat and folded up to provide an increased unobstructed area for use of the hot tub for other activities such as exercise. The foldable seat uses pivoting attachment members which allow flush connection to the curved hot tub wall. Frame members of the seat use connectors with transverse apertures to rotatably receive tubular portions of the seat frame to allow folding of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Snorkel Stove Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Slater
  • Patent number: 5940905
    Abstract: A bathing chair positioning system for use on a bathing chair. The bathing chair has a frame with two parallel transverse bars shaped like inverted letters U and with ends that are placed inside and outside a bathtub, two connecting bars, connecting the two transverse bars, a seat with a bottom and a back rest, with two parallel L-shaped bars connecting the bottom and the back rest and mounted on gliding elements, such that the seat is glidingly movable along the two transverse bars for a user to enter and to leave the bathtub, and a handle for the user pulling herself or himself into the bathtub or out of the bathtub. The bathing chair positioning system comprises positioning elements having fixed ends fastened to the L-shaped bars of the seat and blocking ends extending away from the seat and engaging with the connecting bars when the seat is at an outside position for the user safely entering and leaving the seat or at a bathing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 5857226
    Abstract: An amphibious chair having a land mode for use as a lawn chair, preferably, for pool-side seating and a water mode for use as a pool chair for in-pool seating. Moreover, when the amphibious chair is in the water mode, the depth positioning of the seat member of the amphibious chair is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel A. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5829070
    Abstract: A portable rubber bathtub seat apparatus for comfortably preventing a person from sliding down when in a seated position within a bathtub, the apparatus being supported by the bottom surface of the bathtub. The apparatus has a generally thin, flat back section upon which the person sits when the apparatus is supported on the bottom surface of the bathtub, a raised front section having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the back section and adequate to support all or part of the legs of the person, the front section having a cavity in the undersurface thereof, a gradually sloping transition area between the back and front sections, and a plurality of suction cups coupled to the front section and positioned within the cavity for releasably securing the apparatus to the bottom surface of the bathtub such that the apparatus is prevented from sliding in relation to the surface while a person is seated on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Marian Taylor
  • Patent number: 5784728
    Abstract: A compact and portable bath bench which is mounted on a frame supported by a pair of foldable brackets which engage an outer side wall of a bathtub. The frame is stabilized by a foldable leg assembly which extends from the frame to the bottom of the bathtub. A seat may be supported on the bench by a moveable carriage so that an individual may be seated adjacent the side wall of the bathtub and thereafter moved centrally thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Patent/Marketing Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Weddendorf, Betty A. Strother
  • Patent number: 5771506
    Abstract: A protection apparatus for protecting elderly individuals that fall in a bathtub and hit their head on the edge thereof, as well as hospital patients who may cause damage to themselves by striking the restraining bars placed on a bed includes a longitudinally extending internal member adapted to be draped over a hard relatively narrow edge such as a bathtub; a first protective material covering the internal member top and bottom surfaces, a second protective covering completely covering the first protective covering and being completely sealed around the edges. The first protective covering is padded or sponge-like and will soften a blow protecting an individual who may fall thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Glenda P. Joiner
  • Patent number: 5740563
    Abstract: An improved offset swivel bath and shower chair apparatus that can be folded in a manner which makes movement or transport of the device reasonably easy. The apparatus is placed in a bathtub with a shower facility. The device is adjustable to adapt and secure the apparatus to tubs of various widths. An offset swivel mechanism allows an user to bring the chair into a position where the leading edge of the seat extends beyond the edge of the bathtub so that a person of limited mobility can easily lower himself into a seated position at the edge of the bathtub. The offset swivel chair affords an easy rotational arc of the seat into the center of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Victor J. Gaddy
  • Patent number: 5687433
    Abstract: A bath seat usable in a tub for infants and small children includes a seat portion with a curved back support mounted thereto. The base includes at least one deformable tub gripping element for removably affixing the seat to a bath tub. The seat includes first and second spaced apart, elongated members which are attached to regions of the back support and extend therefrom. A removable tray is adapted to slidably engage the elongated members. A releasable latch, carried in part on the tray and in part on at least one of the elongated members, locks the tray to the one elongated member in one of a plurality of linearly displaced positions. The seat includes a strut extending between the base and the tray to lockingly engage and support the tray. The strut prevents a child from slipping under the tray and maintains the child in the seat during the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Garner, Craig S. Scherer, Michael C. Thuma
  • Patent number: 5682626
    Abstract: A chair having an open seat includes a hydro pad supported thereunder for creating a therapeutic whirlpool effect. The chair is utilized in a bath for treatment of perineal and perianal illnesses. The hydro pad comprises a shallow, substantially rectangular plenum with a plurality of air injection ports through the upper surface. By an electric motor air is forced through the plenum for creation of the whirlpool effect in the water beneath the chair seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: David S. Banks, Jr., Catherine B. Banks
  • Patent number: 5678256
    Abstract: A bathtub step assembly for use in bathing disabled persons. The step assembly has a plurality of planar surfaces disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to each other, the uppermost planar surface being coplanar with the top surface of the bathtub wall or walls that it is disposed adjacent to. The uppermost planar surface is also specifically shaped to provide adequate human buttocks support when the human buttocks engages the uppermost planar surface both when the human is disposed thereon with his/her back facing the bathtub and when the buttocks are pivoted approximately one-quarter turn to be in feet-first ingress position relative to the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Brooke Casey Lea
  • Patent number: 5615422
    Abstract: This invention relates to a compact bath-chair support comprising a frame having a flat bottom surface for resting on top of a side of a bath. The frame has along a first side, at least one jaw downwardly extending, and fixedly or slidably mounted, onto that frame, above a plane containing the flat bottom surface. At least one downwardly extending jaw is slidably mounted on the side opposite the first side, and above that plane containing the flat bottom surface. A screw or other clamps, is positioned above the plane containing the bottom surface, and connected to the jaws that are slidably mounted, for the jaws of one side to move toward and away from, the jaws on the other side, so as to act as a vise, to securely hold the side of a bath near the top. The frame has above the bottom surface, at least one receptacle for receiving the shaft of a chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre Gravel
  • Patent number: 5606751
    Abstract: A shower chair and bathtub transfer assembly having a unique mounting feature is presented that allows mounting of the assembly without extending any appreciable portion of the assembly outside of the bathtub space into the bathroom space. A bathtub transfer assembly frame rests upon the tops of the bathtub sides and has swing arms that fold downward and outward to run along the inner walls of the bathtub the swing arms having suction cup means to attach to the inner walls of the bathtub. A screw clamp means is placed in at least one of the swing arms to exert force between the swing arm and the bathtub inner wall with corresponding forces being placed either against the opposing bathtub inner wall or against the opposing bathroom wall to wedge the bathtub transfer assembly frame in a fixed position.A chair runs laterally along the parallel members of the transfer assembly frame to position the chair at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Baker
  • Patent number: 5539939
    Abstract: Bathing apparatus for the infirm or disabled is a portable chair supported on adjustable legs. A depressed intermediate basin portion holds water and can receive the buttocks of a bather. It is provided with a drain at its lowermost portion. One end of the basin portion is connected to an upstanding backrest/headrest. A second end of the basin portion is connected to an elevated horizontal platform which serves as a thigh rest when the buttocks are in the basin in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the platform serves as a seat so that the user can slide into or out of the basin for less strenuous entry and exit when alone or assisted. A continuous smooth, water resistant surface covers platform, basin and backrest/headrest portions for comfort and ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Theresa C. Gesse
  • Patent number: 5514057
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines in a conventional bathtub for fitness or rehabilitation, and an exercise method directed to total body strength with focus on stomach and back muscles without undue stress to the lower back, joints and disks of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Peter A. Ciolino
  • Patent number: 5491850
    Abstract: A portable infant support system is provided for installation in a conventional bathtub so that an infant can be supported in a prone position above the tub water level while the mother is washing or bathing the infant. The support system includes a flexible foam rubber panel suspended within the tub by four or more suction cups at the corners of the panel. Each suction cup is adherred to an internal side surface of the tub to suspend a portion of the panel. The suction cups can be slid along the tub side surface to adjust to the position of the foam panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Ben Kiester
  • Patent number: 5448787
    Abstract: An adjustable seat for a spa. The spa has a seating or lounge area formed thereon of such shape and dimensions as to permit a person of typical physical dimensions to be seated in a lounging position. A nozzle is provided in the seating region of the lounge. A mixture of air and water flow through the nozzle and communicate with a plenum formed in the underside of a seat having one or more holes therein and fitted over the nozzle. The flow of air in combination with water serves to elevate the seat. An air valve serves to regulate the quantity of air drawn in by the water flowing through the nozzle, which, in turn, regulates the elevation of the seat. The lounge spa can be made as an original equipment unit. Alternatively, a seating system may be provided which is adapted to be retrofitted to an existing spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Mapletree Investments
    Inventor: Don T. Allen
  • Patent number: 5361428
    Abstract: A splash guard for installation about a pair of substantially horizontally extending rails of a transfer bench for cooperating with a shower curtain to prevent water from splashing out of a shower stall or bath tub while the transfer bench is positioned to extend into and out of the stall or tub for supporting an invalid or disabled person. The splash guard includes at least one substantially flat member that is slotted to define one or more rail-receiving passages that permit the splash guard to be installed on and removed from the horizontally extending rails of the transfer bench. In preferred practice, the splash guard is defined by at least two substantially flat members that, when installed on the rails of a transfer bench, extend substantially vertically, side-by-side, with most of the open-slot area of one of the flat members being closed by non-slotted portions of one or more of the other flat members to prevent water from being splashed through the rail-receiving passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: John P. Nanowsky, John H. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5357639
    Abstract: An improved bathtub bathing system includes a bath seat and a splash shield which can be slipped into position with the bath seat in place on top of the bath tub. The seat overlays the front wall of the tub and the foot of the shield is secured in the desired position between the top of the tub wall and the seat. The shield is further located by a protrusion on the front of the shield which extends under the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: John R. Zellner
  • Patent number: 5343576
    Abstract: A combined seat and back rest assembly for a bathing enclosure wherein a combined seat and back rest member is hingedly positioned in the enclosure so that it is contained within the enclosure when the seat and back rest member is in a seating position. In a preferred manner, there is a recess in a wall of the enclosure and the hinges for connecting the seat and back rest member are located therein along with the seat and back rest member when in the back rest position. Also preferably, there is a spring biased hinge to provide positive retention of the seat and back rest member in the seating or back rest position. The seat and back rest assembly is particularly suited for a bathing enclosure with an entrance door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Todd D. Dannenberg, Thomas C. Jorsch, Peter W. Swart, Larry H. Panzer
  • Patent number: 5341525
    Abstract: A shower lounge chair for supporting an individual in a bathtub is characterized by a horizontal frame which rests on the side walls of the bathtub and includes adjustable laterally extending struts which are braced against the bathtub side walls. A back rest and a leg rest are pivotally connected with the frame and hydraulic pistons are connected between the frame and the back rest and leg rest to independently control the position of each. More particularly, the back rest is pivoted between a lower position parallel to the frame and an upper position perpendicular to the frame so that an individual may be supported in selected positions between prone and upright positions. The leg rest is pivoted between a lower downwardly extending position and an upper position parallel to the frame for supporting the legs and feet of the individual in selected positions within or above the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Spartan Health Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dorothy M. Tillman, Robert L. Marion
  • Patent number: 5307527
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pool chair 10 adapted to be partially submerged in water in a swimming pool 11. It includes a frame 12 having a seat 72 and an upper cross member 22 adapted to rest along the perimeter 11a of the pool 11 to hold the pool chair 10 upright in the pool in a stationary position which enables a user to sit on the seat with the user's lower torso and legs submerged in the water and the user's head above the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas Schober
  • Patent number: 5297300
    Abstract: A reclining board with an adjustable stand for carrying a baby in a baby bathtub, including an oblong board having one end terminated to a hook for hooking on a baby bathtub, a stand retained collapsed by a torsional spring, and a lock device fastened to the oblong board at the bottom to lock the stand in an upstanding position to support the opposite end of the oblong board above the bottom of the baby bathtub. The stand includes a substantially U-shaped supporting tube, and two eye end rods joined by a cross rod, each eye end rod having one end pivotably connected to a respective barrel on the oblong board by a pivot bolt and an opposite end inserted into either end of the supporting tube at a desired depth and then fixed in position by a respective screw bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Miin-Tsang Sheu
  • Patent number: 5276926
    Abstract: A bathenette seat for bathing a baby is provided where the seat has a headrest with an opening which is sized and shaped to accept the back of the head of the baby being bathed so as to allow the washing of the back of the baby's head without allowing soap to get into the baby's eyes or ears. The bathenette further includes a leg support spaced from the headrest and a sprayer located on the leg support. The sprayer is positioned to spray water on the baby reclining in the seat. The bathenette also includes a height adjustment mechanism to vary the position of the headrest and a band around the opening of the headrest to further support the baby's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Raquel Lopez
  • Patent number: 5172433
    Abstract: A household-type spa is presented which is based upon one single, major mold for manufacturing the water-containing vessel. The spa has attachment points over its walls and floor for mounting furniture such as benches and bucket seats. All furniture, regardless of type, has mounting points which correspond to those in the spa walls. Also, water and water/air jets can be directed from the spa walls outward to the person in a given seat which is spaced some distance from the spa wall, itself. The result is a spa concept which allows customers to chose a large variety of seating arrangement and jet-effect arrangements, all for a single vessel wall design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: John S. Lake
  • Patent number: 5168583
    Abstract: For handicapped persons, especially wheelchair users, a hygiene seat is proposed having a rim comprising two cooperating tubes (7, 8) adjustable in an axial direction and via a detent mechanism, as well as guide rails (4a, 4b) serving to receive a tub (6) or a board, whereby a cushion may be mounted on said board (3) closing the opening in the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Kurt R. B. Wanke
  • Patent number: 5158460
    Abstract: A generally circular bath seat providing back support and positionable rotationally in a bath tub with means for selectively securing the relative seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Safety 1st, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bernstein, David W. Crossley, Michael I. Lerner
  • Patent number: 5097542
    Abstract: A chair that will fit inside of a bath tub or shower stall is supported firmly on suction cup held legs, defining a platform. A seat having a seat portion and a folding backrest is mounted on the legs for pivoting movement about a vertical axis. The pivoting movement is capable of being restrained or controlled at least a desired number of positions, or if a break is used at any infinite number of positions so that a person seated on the seat may shower and rotate for gaining access of the shower to all surfaces of the skin. Because of the suction cup retainers on the legs, the unit is safe and simple to use and aids for elderly and handicapped in particular in showering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Gary M. Roesler
  • Patent number: 5068930
    Abstract: Seat is journalled on an annular bearing, and is centrally apertured to permit cleansing of the invalid's personal parts. The seat is journalled, as aforesaid, on a track which is movable horizontally relative to a basic frame. Accordingly, the seat can be moved from an overhung disposition relative to an edge of a bathtub, to a centered disposition in the middle of the bathrub, and the seat can be turned from an outwardly-facing disposition thereof to a disposition turned ninety degrees therefrom. Limbs fixed to the frame support the frame within a bathrub, and an outwardly-extending arm is provided to engage an edge of the bathtub to insure against the apparatus tilting due to the weight of the invalid, especially when set upon the seat in the overhung disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 5063621
    Abstract: A bath chair for supporting a bather relative to a supply of water. The bath chair includes a body having a seat portion for supporting the bather's buttocks, and having a back portion for supporting the bather's back. The body preferably has a plurality of apertures through the seat portion for allowing water to pass therethrough and a plurality of apertures through the back portion for allowing water to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Ceola Sellars
  • Patent number: 5010606
    Abstract: A generally circular bath seat providing back support and positionable rotationally in a bath tub with means for selectively securing the relative seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Safety 1st, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bernstein, David W. Crossley, Michael I. Lerner
  • Patent number: 4975991
    Abstract: An apparatus is set forth wherein an elliptical seat defined by a major and minor axis includes a plurality of diametrically opposed support legs aligned and coextensive with the minor axis of the elliptical seat, with the seat including a matrix of drainage apertures therethrough, as well as a comfort ridge aligned with the major axis of the elliptical seat. Modifications include telescoping members received within the seat support legs, as well as telescoping links for securing a foot rest member thereon. The foot rest member is also structured for sliding adjustment along the links for adjustment thereof relative to the links. Further, foot support members may include cushioned cavities defined within support members mounted to the seat by flexible lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Alan D. Peterson
  • Patent number: D330461
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Judith E. Stevens
  • Patent number: D335036
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Lois D. Simmons