Abstract: A ramp for barrier free showers which is pivotable from a generally horizontal position for elevating wheel chairs into a shower or other location, to a generally vertical position which removes the ramp as a hazard and which uses the ramp to hold shower curtains within the shower. The ramp has a dam which extends generally perpendicularly front the top surface of the ramp and which covers a gap between the ramp and a threshold of the shower when the ramp is in the generally vertical position, to prevent water from running onto the floor.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an accessory to a bathing system, e.g., a bathtub with a step-through access, to provide a bather of restricted mobility roll-in capability to shower. It features a ramp i.e., an inclined surface, which in this invention is fixed in position to furnish roll-in access to the tub. Associated devices cooperate to locate and secure the ramp in the access, More specifically, an insert having opposed legs and a base engages grooves on the sides of the access. In one embodiment, a splash shield extends upright from the ramp to divert shower water back into the tub.

Abstract: An easy access shower base assembly is disclosed which generally comprises a shower base, a ramp, and clips for attaching the ramp to the shower base. The shower base comprises a basin, a generally horizontal front ledge at the front of the basin, with a lip depending downwardly from the front edge of the ledge, and a generally horizontal boundary ledge, vertically higher than the front ledge. The ramp has a thin front edge and a thicker back edge, the thickness of the back edge being less than the height of the lip. The ramp is substantially the same length as the front ledge and the back edge of the ramp is generally even with the front ledge of the shower base. The ramp extends angularly downward from the back edge to the thin front edge. Also in the preferred embodiment, the shower base assembly further comprises at least one water trap for collecting water from the boundary ledge and for causing the collected water to drain into the basin of the shower base.

Abstract: A barrier-free drainage apparatus includes a trough positioned adjacent the front edge of a platform. The trough has a bottom wall which is positioned below the front edge of the platform, and at least one outlet opening in fluid flow communication with a drain pipe. A grate is positioned inside the trough and has an upper, generally horizontal portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough. The upper portion is supported such each that said upper portion is spaced apart from the trough bottom wall in a generally horizontal position and a top surface of the upper portion is substantially the same height as the front edge of the platform. Another aspect of the invention is the configuration of the outlet openings. A plurality of spaced apart, elongated insert receptacles depend from the bottom wall. The insert receptacles have side wall means and a horizontal base which define a cavity, and each base has two spaced apart outlet openings therein adjacent opposing ends of the base.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a shower nozzle assembly having a slide bar for being vertically mounted on the wall in a bath, a shower nozzle slidably mounted on the slide bar and a clamp for releasably clamping the shower nozzle in a predetermined adjustment position along the length of the slide bar. The handle assembly includes an elongated handle positioned on the clamp. The handle assembly makes it easy for the shower nozzle to be adjusted by a person seated in a position where the clamp itself cannot be grasped by the person to loosen the shower nozzle and permit adjustment of the height of the shower nozzle.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shower structure for accommodating invalid persons has an expandable shower enclosure unit which extends substantially vertically in a working condition and limit an inner space for accommodating an invalid person, and a bottom which is sealingly connected with the shower enclosure unit to capture water during taking a shower and to prevent its spillage.

Abstract: A shower and skin care unit for immobile patients. A case open at one end receives a shower-type gurney with the patient lying supine thereon with his head extending outwardly outside the open end of the case. Multiple shower heads deliver water and/or skin treating reagents. A closure releasably closes the open end of the case and positions beneath the patient's head a shapmpoo tray which drains into the case interior. A baffle molded on the interior of the closure below the shampoo tray also drains into the case interior. A trough on the case floor collects the waste water from the shower heads and delivers it to a suitably positioned case drain outlet.

Abstract: A handicap-accessible restroom including shower, sink and commode portions. The shower portion contains a shower head connected to a hose which is of sufficient length to extend to all areas within the restroom, for simplified cleaning. The restroom floor is tapered downward toward drain holes to further simpify cleaning and expedite drying.

Abstract: An infant or small child stands on an adjustable height platform within a containment in the form of a hollow support while being showered with water, via a flexible hose or tube from an existing water supply, to a shower spray nozzle adjustably affixed to the shower containment's sidewall. The shower spray nozzle adjusts vertically to direct water spray at various levels on the infant or small child's body. The shower spray nozzle is easily removable for hand held use and even more precise control of the water spray. The invention is adapted for support on a single rail of a conventional bathtub, and adjustable to fit various width tub rails. The invention alternatively stands on three legs providing for use in a conventional shower stall.

Abstract: A shower apparatus designed specifically to accommodate wheelchair-bound persons and invalids, which shower apparatus is characterized by a rotatable seat support having one end attached to a telescoping column and the opposite end carrying an upright seat pedestal which receives a rotatable seat for supporting the occupant. The telescoping column is located outside of a shower enclosure and is designed to facilitate selective pivoting of the seat pedestal and seat into and from the shower enclosure. A latching device may be provided outside of the shower enclosure for locating and securing a wheelchair adjacent to the shower enclosure and the wheelchair may be specially designed to receive the rotatable seat and facilitate transfer of a person from the wheelchair to the seat, into the shower, and back to the wheelchair.

Abstract: A bathtub having one panel which slides down, allows entrance for a handicapped person in a wheelchair or on a trolley without having to climb over the side. The bathtub permits a handicapped person to be independent and not rely on others. One fixed vertical side is joined to two end walls extending up from a bottom surface to form a bathtub, a sliding panel, representing the other vertical side of the bathtub in a raised position, is mounted in tracks in the two end walls, the tracks extend down allowing the sliding panel to be lowered to a lowered position to permit entry and exit. The sliding panel can be raised and lowered between the lowered and raised positions, and a seal is provided to seal the panel in the raised position.

Abstract: A modular bathing cabinet is disclosed which is adapted to be easily transported to and assembled at the location of final use. The bathing cabinet may be in the form of either a shower stall or a bathing tub, and it includes a base, and an upright enclosure which includes a pair of opposite side sections which are of generally L-shape in cross-section and which are joined to each other along a vertical junction line in the back wall of the enclosure. Each of the side sections includes a plurality of horizontal reinforcing metal straps fixed along the outside surface, and the reinforcing straps of the side sections are bolted together to form a secure and rigid interconnection along the vertical junction line. Also, the straps are directly connected to the vertical wall studs of the building, to further rigidify the structure.

Abstract: A chair is provided having the capabilities of washing a person while seated therein. The chair has a chair body which includes an enclosed seat, a back and foot portion, as well as a arm portion. The foot portion is pivotally connected to the chair body and is configured to hold a quantity of water in a first position and to empty the water when in a second position. In a preferred embodiment, water orifices are positioned in both the upper back portion as well as the arm rest portion for bathing purposes.

Abstract: A bathroom structure. The structure enables an individual in a wheelchair to readily maneuver himself into and out of a bathtub or shower. The bathroom structure minimizes the probability that an individual will accidentally drown in the bathtub.

Abstract: A handicap-accessible bath facility (10), and a method of making the same, involves a two piece modular wall (22) having a height and a length which are less than the height and length of an existing room (16) in which the bath facility is to be mounted. The modular wall comprises top and bottom wall assemblies (42, 44) which are placed parallel to a first existing wall (14) and abutting a second existing wall (16) to form a shower compartment (124). A factory molded shower base (24) is placed on an existing floor (21) in the shower compartment and defines a shower-base ramp (94) at an entrance to the compartment. A barrier line (98) at the top of the ramp, between the ramp and a drain depression (90) formed in the shower base prevents water from flowing out of the shower compartment. Wall panels (26, 28, 30) line the shower compartment and engage a vertical lip (100) of the shower base for preventing water from leaving the shower compartment at intersections of these panels with the shower base.

Abstract: A pivotal shower head is provided with a remotely actuatable directional control mechanism. A directional control yoke is mounted on a ball and socket pivotally adjustable shower head mounted within a protective housing. Four control cables are mounted at ninety degree intervals around the directional control yoke. The cables are each received for longitudinal movement within individual cable sheaths. The cable sheaths extend within a rigid tube to a remotely located joystick control housing. A master control yoke is connected to a ball and socket pivotally mounted joystick. Ends of the control cables are mounted at ninety degree intervals to the master control yoke. The pivotal shower head is adjusted by tensioning of the individual cables in response to movement of a joystick control lever. The joystick control housing has an upper surface provided with a receptacle for use as a soap dish.

Abstract: A shower cabinet having an entrance opening which is at least partially closed by a pivotable screen (6) made of a relatively rigid material, e.g. toughened glass. The invention deals with the problem of providing a shower cabinet that is equipped with auxiliary devices for assisting handicapped persons without detracting from the use of the cabinet as a conventional shower cabinet. This is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the screen (6) includes a stiffening or reinforcement strip (7) which is arranged along the vertical center line of the screen and the respective ends of which strip are journalled for rotation in the bottom part and the top part of that cabinet wall (2) which includes the entrance opening, and in that a raisable and lowerable seat (8) is pivotally mounted on the strip.

Abstract: An enclosure for use to safely secure a water-sensitive medical or electronic device such as a medication infusion pump in a water-resistant manner is disclosed which utilizes a pouch made of a sheet of thin plastic material to store the apparatus, the pouch being adhesively sealable to secure the device. The enclosure also includes a perforated area which may be opened to form a strap to carry or hang the device, and is constructed inexpensively to be of a disposable nature.

Abstract: A convertible shower stall platform and ramp combination is shown for use with an invalid's shower chair. The shower stall platform has leveling screws and a vertical flange around at least three sides and drain holes formed near the rear flange. There is a ramp for connection to the front edge of the platform. A turning platform may also be used assembled to the front edge of the shower stall platform where the ramp is capable for connection to either the right or left side of the turning platform and quick-release pins are provided between the ramp and turning platform and between the turning platform and the shower stall platform. The sides of the ramp and of the turning platform have vertical, upturned flanges to guide and retain the wheels of the invalid's chair as the invalid is transported up the ramp and onto the shower stall platform by an attendant. There is a removable safety bar installed across the front edge of the shower stall platform to retain the invalid's chair within the shower stall.

Abstract: In an apparatus for carrying out a continuous wrapping hydromassage over the whole body of a person only in one direction--of the type comprising, in a shower cabin, means rotating about an axis substantially coinciding with that of the body to be massaged, ejecting at least one water spout distributed according to a cylindrical helix having the same axis--said rotating means consist of a plurality of arc-shaped tube sections provided with nozzles ejecting a flat and divergent spout, said tube sections being supported in a horizontal or inclined position by a straight vertical tube feeding sid nozzles and being mounted and guided so as to rotate about said axis.

Abstract: An improved seat shower for facilitating the care and treatment of patients in a clean shower environment, including a framework of such a height as to permit 360.degree. access to the seated patient, and a plurality of adjustable shower nozzles positioned about the seating area. Clean, disposable plastic liners are draped over the framework and base to maintain aseptic conditions.

Abstract: An improved shower arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, such as those comprising a sit-down bathtub having a lateral opening in one side to permit ingress and egress therethrough, and a vertically slidable door to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. The shower arrangement includes a plurality of fine-spray, wide-angle nozzles mounted along the left and right-hand sides of the bathtub, which collectively produce a gentle, blanket-like mist that completely covers the front of the bather. Preferably, a separate, fan-spray nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the bathtub, and flows a thin sheet or film of water therealong, which cushions and baths the back and bottom of the seated invalid.

Abstract: A cabinet having a sealable door and in which a person sits with his neck extending through an opening in the cabinet top. A spray system in the cabinet is arranged to direct water over the body of the user, and pipe means connects the spray system to a source of temperature-controlled water. Control means is operable to cause this water to by-pass the spray system when the temperature thereof rises above or drops below a predetermined temperature range. Water is removed from the bottom of the cabinet through a drain hose.

Abstract: A showerhead control structure having an extending control operator, defining, a showerarm provided having a separate hot and cold water port for connection to existing hot and cold water supply lines in a showerstall wall comprising, a first pivotal ball and socket waterflow control valve structure to shut off the water flow in at least one pivotal position by swinging movement of the extending operator and in combination a second waterflow control valve structure to vary the water spray temperature and shut off the waterflow therethrough by rotational movement of the extending operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an appliance for transporting an invalid or handicapped patient to and from a bathtub and for supporting the patient while in a tub. An elongated generally rectangular frame is provided with a web having a pocket which forms a seat for the patient, with the pocket surrounded by a U-shaped fulcrum bar which protects the patient's hips and buttocks. The fulcrum bar enables loading of the appliance into the tub without the attendant handling the entire load. The appliance can also be used as a comfortable, stable all purpose seat for a handicapped patient.

Abstract: A shower device has a bar on which slide a spray head support and a manually operable grip. At least two continuous chains, one connected to the grip and another to the spray head support, pass over a respective pulley mounted at each end of the bar. At one end of the bar the pulleys of two adjacent chains are connected to rotate with one another and the pulleys at the other end of the bar rotate independently with one of the pulleys at one end of the bar over which passes the chain for the spray head having a larger diameter to vary the ratio of movement between the grip and the head.

Abstract: The chair of a transfer bench includes hooks for selectively engaging and disengaging the seat from supporting tracks. Rollers attached to the chair allow the chair to move on the tracks. The bench portion comprises a pair of parallel tubular tracks supported by legs. A pair of safety hooks attached to the underside of the chair loosely engage the tracks and keep the chair from tipping. The legs are normally locked in the open position. For storage purposes it is possible to unlock the legs and fold them up against the track unit. A genital guard is provided on the underside of the seat to insure patient comfort and protection. The apparatus allows the user to transfer into and out of a bathtub or shower with a minimum of inconvenience and a maximum of security.