SHOWER SEAT

Abstract

A shower seat comprises a frame having a length and a width, wherein one of the length and width is adjustable. The shower seat further includes a cover enclosing the frame and accommodating the frame in an extended position and a contracted position. The shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/875,169, filed Sep. 9, 2013, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to seats and, more particularly, to seats for use in a shower.

2. Description of the Background

Years ago, people had either a simple bath tub with a shower head or a simple shower in their bathrooms. Over the years, seating surfaces have become increasingly popular for use in a shower or bath area. In particular, one or more walls of the shower may include a seating surface that extends outwardly from the one or more walls and which includes a surface that is disposed above the bottom surface of the shower on which a user stands. Seating surfaces are usually made of acrylic, fiberglass, tile, marble, or granite. While these seating surfaces are useful for holding articles or sitting upon, they are oftentimes cold, thereby deterring a user from using the seating surface.

SUMMARY

In illustrative embodiments, a shower seat comprises a frame having a length and a width, wherein the length is adjustable. The shower seat further includes a cover enclosing the frame and accommodating the frame in an extended position and a contracted position. The shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

In further illustrative embodiments, a shower seat comprises a frame including a first frame section formed of a first plurality of struts and a third frame section opposite the first frame section and including a second plurality of struts. The frame further includes a second frame section disposed between and connecting the first and second frame sections and including at least one adjustable arm. A cover encloses at least a portion of the frame and accommodates the frame in an extended position and a contracted position. The shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

In still other illustrative embodiments, a shower seat comprises a frame having a length and a width, wherein one of the length and width is adjustable. The frame comprises a first frame section forming a seat portion, a second frame portion forming a back portion, and an adjustable portion connecting the seat portion and the back portion, wherein the adjustable portion may be adjusted to move the seat portion and the back portion toward and away from one another. The shower seat further includes a cover enclosing the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a shower seat disposed upon a seating surface of a shower in a first orientation;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seat of FIG. 1 disposed upon the seating surface of the shower in a second orientation;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a frame of the shower seat of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a cover that is disposed over the frame of FIG. 3 to form the shower seat of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 3-3 and depicting the cover of FIG. 4 over the frame of FIG. 3 and further showing a filler material disposed within the frame; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of adjustable arms of the frame of FIG. 3.

Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to seats for use in a shower and methods of using the same. While the apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

A first embodiment of a shower seat 20 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The shower seat 20 generally includes a frame 22, as seen in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, having first, second, and third frame sections 24, 26, 28. The first frame section 24 is constructed of four struts 30a-30d with the struts 30a, 30c opposite one another and the struts 30b, 30d opposite one another. The struts 30a-30d may be integrally molded with one another or formed as separate pieces and connected by screws, bolts, or any other suitable fasteners. While the struts 30a-30d are depicted as being straight, one or more of the struts 30a-30d may be curved, bent, or formed in any suitable shape. Further, while the first frame section 24 is depicted in the shape of a square, the first frame section 24 may alternatively be rectangular, oval-shaped, or any other suitable shape. While four struts 30a-30d are depicted, any number of struts may be utilized to form the first frame section 24. Still further, the struts 30a-30d may be connected in a continuous or discontinuous fashion.

The third frame section 28 is constructed of four struts 32a-32d with the struts 32a, 32c opposite one another and the struts 32b, 32d opposite one another. While the struts 32a-32c are depicted as being straight and the strut 32d is depicted as being curved, any of the struts 32a-32d may have any suitable shape. Further, the third frame section 28 may have any suitable shape. While four struts 32a-32d are depicted, any number of struts may be utilized to form the third frame section 28. Still further, the struts 32a-32d may be connected in a continuous or discontinuous fashion. In illustrative embodiments, the first frame section 24 forms a seat for a user and the third frame section 28 forms a seat back for the user.

As further seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second frame section 26 includes first and second adjustable arms 34a, 34b extending between and connecting the first and third frame sections 24, 28. In illustrative embodiments, the adjustable arm 34a extends between a junction between the struts 30a, 30d of the first frame section 24 and a junction between the struts 32a, 32b of the third frame section 28 and the adjustable arm 34b extends between a junction between the struts 30c, 30d of the first frame section 24 and a junction between the struts 32b, 32c of the third frame section 28. In other illustrative embodiments, the adjustable arms 34a, 34b may extend between any portions of the first and third frame sections 24, 28. While the adjustable arms 34a, 34b are shown as extending between the first and third frame sections 24, 28, the second frame section 26 may further include struts (not shown) extending between the adjustable arms 34a, 34b, wherein the struts are connected to one or more portions of the first and third frame sections 24, 28. While the second section 26 is shown as having adjustable arms 34a, 34b, the second section 26 may include any feature or components that allow for adjustment between the first and third sections 24, 28. More particularly, the second section 26 allows for moving the first and third sections 24, 28 toward and away from each other and/or allows for orienting the first and third sections 24, 28 at any angle in relation to one another.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the adjustable arms 34a, 34b may be made of bendable wire rods 36a, 36b encased in rubber on opposing sides of adjustable and collapsible extenders 38a, 38b. The bendable and flexible nature of the rods 36a, 36b allow a user to adjust an angle between the first and third frame sections 24, 28 and a shape of the rods 36a, 36b. The adjustable and collapsible extenders 38a, 38b allow a user to adjust a length L1 and shape of the second frame section 26. The adjustable arms 34a, 34b may optionally include any other additional or alternative feature(s) that allow the length L1 of the arms 34a, 34b to be adjusted. For example, the arms may be adjustable by telescoping, bellows, or ratcheting, or may include any other suitable adjustment feature(s), or combinations thereof. The arms may additionally include a hinge, such as a simple or living hinge, that allows the arms to bend.

In other illustrative embodiments, the arms 34a, 34b may alternatively or additionally include a gooseneck adjustable and articulatable mechanism including internal spring and band mechanisms that allow the arms to be adjusted so the frame sections 24, 28 are at an angle and/or allow the arms to be lengthened and shortened. Optionally, all or a portion of the arms 34a, 34b may be formed of a multi-segment hinge that similarly allows for bending and lengthening and shortening of the arms 34a, 34b. Still further, the arms 34a, 34b may include any other suitable adjustment mechanism.

One or more portions of the frame 22 may be constructed using a thermoplastic material, a foaming product, a thermoplastic elastomer (such as Hytrel® by DuPoint™), a nylon resin (such as Zytel® by DuPont™), an acetal resin (such as Delrin® by DuPoint™), a Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) polyester resin (such as Crastin® by DuPoint™), other suitable materials, and combinations thereof. In illustrative embodiments, the frame 22 is constructed of a material that holds its shape and/or provides comfort to a user.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a cover 60 may be disposed around the frame 22. The cover 60 may be comprised of any suitable material, for example, fabric, cloth, rubber, plastic, and the like, and combinations thereof. In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 may have a length L2 that is greater than a length L3 of the frame 22 in a non-extended position. The length L2 may be the same as or slightly larger than a length L3 of frame 22 when the frame 22 is in a fully extended position. In this manner, the cover 60 can accommodate the frame 22, which may have variable lengths. The cover 60 may be formed of one or more pieces of material that are sewn together. In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 is made of multiple pieces of material that are sewn together along edges 62, for example, that are aligned with the frame 22. In other illustrative embodiments, at least one portion of the edge 62 includes an opening that is accessible by way of a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or any other selectively openable seal that allows a user to open and close the cover 60. The selectively openable seal allows a user to remove the cover 60 from the frame 22, for example, for cleaning or replacing. In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 may be stretchable to enclose the frame 22, but prevent relative movement of the frame 22 within the cover 60 (except during extension and contraction of the frame 22 by way of the adjustable arms 34a, 34b). In an alternative illustrative embodiment, the cover 60 includes two or more pieces that are attached to one another by a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or any other fastener.

In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 is made from fabric or cloth that may have one or more properties of being anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, water resistant, waterproof, washable, and/or water repellant. Exemplary fabrics may be Cotton Duck by Beacon Fabric, Chair Duck by Beacon Fabric, or a washable cotton material coated in Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In. In alternative illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 may be made from a recycled or environmentally friendly material. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, the material of the cover 60 may be of any thickness and in any color. In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 may be made in colors that match a color of a customer's shower and/or their bathroom mats and/or towels. The cover 60 may optionally be wrapped in or partially covered by an anti-slip material or structure, for example, rubber members, suction cups, elastomeric or polymeric grips, or any other suitable anti-slip material or structure. In illustrative embodiments, discrete anti-slip members 100 may be adhered or otherwise attached to a lower surface 102 of the cover 60. The anti-slip members 100 aid in retaining the shower seat 20 in position on the seating surface 80 and/or wall 82.

In illustrative embodiments, the cover 60 encloses the frame 22 and does not include a filler material disposed within the cover 60. In alternative illustrative embodiments, a filler material 70, as seen in FIG. 6, may be disposed within the cover 60, for example, around the frame 22 and/or within the first, second, and/or third sections 24, 26, 28 of the frame 22. Exemplary filler materials include, but are not limited to, an air chamber, foam, gel, sponge, a thermally insulating material, or any other suitable filler materials. The filler materials may be dispersed throughout the cover 60 or may be encased within a pad, cushion, or other structure that is disposed between and/or around one or more of the frame sections 24, 26, 28. The structure may be attached to respective frame sections 24, 26, 28, for example, by adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, ties, screws, or any other fastening mechanism. In illustrative embodiments, one or more pads 70 may be disposed within the first and third frame sections 24, 28 and may be filled with NU-Foam® high density foam alternative. In alternative embodiments, one or more cushions may be disposed within the first and third fame sections 24, 28 and may be formed of a flame retardant, mildew-resistant compressed polyester.

In any of the embodiments herein, a heating pad, a pressure activated heater, or any other heating material or member may be disposed within the cover 60 to warm a seating surface 80 (or other surface) upon which the shower seat 20 is disposed. In illustrative embodiments, the heating material or member may be battery-operated so that no cords or plugs are necessary. In other illustrative embodiments, the heating material or member may not be electrical, for example, heat may be created by a chemical reaction.

The shower seats disclosed herein are intended to provide a warm surface on which a user of a shower can rest. More specifically, the seating surfaces 80 within showers are oftentimes made of a material, such as tile, marble, or granite, that is cold and hard. The shower seat 20, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, is placed on the seating surface 80 with the first frame section 24 adjacent the seating surface 80 and the third frame section 28 adjacent a wall 82 that is disposed at an angle with respect to the seating surface 80. While in most showers, the seating surface 80 is generally perpendicular to the wall 82, the shower seat 20 is not limited to use in such showers. Depending on an angle between the seating surface 80 and the wall 82, a size of the seating surface 80, a size of the user, or any other factors, the second section 26 of the frame 22 may be expanded or contracted. In an example, if a user is tall, he or she may expand the second section 24 of the frame 22 to allow the third section 26 of the frame 22 to extend further up the wall 82 so their back is not exposed to the cold wall 82. In another example in which the seating surface 80 is larger, the second section 26 of the frame 22 may be expanded to allow the first section 24 of the frame 22 to extend further along the seating surface 30. Regardless of the positioning of the frame 22, if the frame 22 is not fully expanded, the cover 60 may drape down a lower wall 84 forming the seating surface 80, as seen in FIG. 1.

The shower seat 20 is depicted herein as having a frame 22 with three frame sections 24, 26, 28. Alternatively, the shower seat 20 may include any number of frame sections, for example, extending along a length and/or a width of the shower seat 20. In an illustrative embodiment, the frame 22 may include one or more frame sections extending to the side of, for example, the first frame section 24 and/or the third frame section 28 to extend the seat and/or the seat back, respectively.

While the shower seats described and shown herein are shown having particular dimensions and having particular shapes, the shower seats may be made of varying sizes and/or shapes. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, differently sized shower seats may be made with varying widths that can accommodate two users side-by-side or for users that may be larger or smaller. Differently sized shower seats may also be made with varying widths and/or lengths for differently sized shower seating areas.

While the shower seats described and shown herein are shown having an adjustable length, the width and/or length may additionally or alternatively be adjustable.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments.

Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments of the disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. A shower seat, comprising:

a frame having a length and a width, wherein one of the length and width is adjustable; and

a cover enclosing the frame and accommodating the frame in an extended position and a contracted position;

wherein the shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

2. The shower seat of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first and third opposing sections and a second section disposed between the first and second sections, the second section being adjustable.

3. The shower seat of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second opposing sections is formed of a plurality of struts.

4. The shower seat of claim 1, wherein the frame is adjustable along a length and the cover has a length greater than a length of the frame in a contracted position.

5. The shower seat of claim 1, wherein the cover is formed of a material having at least one of anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, water resistant, waterproof, or water repellant properties.

6. The shower seat of claim 1, further including filler material disposed within the cover.

7. A shower seat, comprising:

a frame, comprising: a first frame section formed of a first plurality of struts; a third frame section opposite the first frame section and including a second plurality of struts; and a second frame section disposed between and connecting the first and third frame sections and including at least one adjustable arm; and

a cover enclosing at least a portion of the frame and accommodating the frame in an extended position and a contracted position;

wherein the shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

8. The shower seat of claim 7, wherein the frame is adjustable along a width thereof.

9. The shower seat of claim 7, wherein the frame is adjustable along a length thereof.

10. The shower seat of claim 9, wherein the cover has a length greater than the length of the frame in a contracted position.

11. The shower seat of claim 7, wherein the cover is formed of a material having at least one of anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, water resistant, waterproof, or water repellant properties.

12. The shower seat of claim 7, further including filler material disposed within the cover.

13. A shower seat, comprising:

a frame having a length and a width, wherein one of the length and width is adjustable, the frame comprising: a first frame section forming a seat portion; a second frame portion forming a back portion; and an adjustable portion connecting the seat portion and the back portion, wherein the adjustable portion may be adjusted to move the seat portion and the back portion toward and away from one another; and

a cover enclosing the frame.