BATH CHAIR WITH INTEGRATED SWIVEL MECHANISM

Abstract

A bath chair with a swivel mechanism includes a base, a bottom with suction cup, a lifting frame, a chair seat, and a back support. The back support is mounted on the seat, with the lifting frame attached to the base and the seat. The seat includes a seat body and a seat cushion assembly located above the seat body and connected to the seat body by rotation. The bath chair is configured to enable the seat cushion assembly to rotate relative to the seat body. The seat cushion rotation avoids or reduces skin injury caused by friction between the skin and the seat cushion components during use. The seat and the back support of the bath chair are configured to have adjustable positions, facilitating chair folding.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to bath chair technology. More particularly, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to bath chair with integrated swivel mechanism for enhanced mobility and safety.

BACKGROUND

Some bath chairs can be used both in the bathroom and in the bathtub. Examples of such bath chairs include foldable bath chairs that provide back and seat support. The back support can have an adjustable angle and the seat support can include a lifting structure for height adjustment. When traditional bath chairs are used by people with limited mobility, who have difficulties with adjusting their position on their own, the skin can be injured or the user can struggle to mount and dismount the chair.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to bath chair technology. More particularly, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to bath chair with integrated swivel mechanism for enhanced mobility and safety.

In some implementations, a bath chair with a swivel mechanism includes a base, a bottom, a lifting frame, a chair seat, and a back support. The back support and the seat are mounted to a frame, with the lifting frame attached to the base and the seat. The seat includes a seat body and a seat cushion assembly located above the seat body and rotatable connected to the seat body. The bath chair is configured to enable the seat cushion assembly to rotate relative to the seat body. The seat cushion rotation avoids or reduces skin injury caused by friction between the skin and the seat cushion components during use. The seat and the back support of the bath chair are configured to have adjustable positions, facilitating chair folding.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The described implementations advantageously provide a bath chair with a swivel mechanism rotating the seat to avoid or minimize skin injury during usage of the bath chair. The described bath chair has a rotating chair seat for bathing, the seat includes the seat body and the seat cushion assembly located above the seat body and connected to the seat body rotation, which rotates in the bath against the seat body to avoid or reduce skin injury during use due to friction between the skin and the seat cushion assembly, the bottom of the seat has a suction cup that facilitates the bath chair to be easily fixed on the bathroom floor or in the bathtub, the lifting frame facilitates storage of the seat. The back of the chair can also be rotated and stored in relation to the seat. An advantage of the described implementation is that the seat also includes a bearing race placed on the seat body and a cushion assembly.

In one aspect, the bearing race is a universal bearing race, which includes a ball seat and ball, and a mounting chamber is formed on the seat body. The ball seats are secured in the mounting chamber with bottom-up screws, and/or, the bearing race can have multiple and circular distributions. In another aspect, the seat body has a swivel hole in the center, and the seat cushion assembly includes a swivel part located in the swivel hole that couples with the swivel hole. In another aspect, the seat cushion assembly snaps into the seat body. In another aspect, a snap ring is formed on the seat body, and the seat cushion assembly forms a loop clasp, which includes a clasp on the ring and outside the ring. In another aspect, the lower end of the ring has a deformation notch, there are two deformation notches, two hooks, two deformation notches, and two hooks are staggered.

In another aspect, the seat cushion assembly includes a rotating seat and an optional cushion, the seat cushion assembly is a disk. In another aspect, the seat cushion assembly also includes a retaining buckle, which includes a cap and shaft, and mounting holes in the swivel mechanism. Countersunk holes are provided in the cushion and the shaft of the retaining buckle is secured through the counterbore of the cushion with the mounting holes in the swivel mechanism. In another aspect, is that the seat cushion assembly also includes a wear ring permanently connected to the lower surface of the swivel mechanism, with the bearing race contacting the wear ring.

In another aspect, the retaining hook couples to the mounting hole, or the retaining hook couples with the mounting hole thread, the bottom wall of the pad has a recess with a retaining tab in the groove that snaps into place with the retaining tab In another aspect, the seat includes the seat body and the cushion assembly, which is located above the seat body and is connected to the swivel mechanism body. The seat cushion assembly rotates relative to the seat body during bathing, thus avoiding or reducing skin injury during use due to friction between the skin and seat cushion assembly, the bottom of the base is equipped with a suction cup that facilitates the bath chair to be easily fixed on the bathroom floor or in the bathtub, the lifting frame facilitates the seat to be stored.

The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an example bath chair in an unfolded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a structural exploded view of the chair seats of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a structural exploded view of the chair seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of the seat body of the chair seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of the seat body of the chair seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a structural exploded view of the cushion assembly of the seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a structural exploded view of the cushion assembly of the seat of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the seat of the bath chair for the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of an example bath chair in a folded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a structural exploded view of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of the base of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a structural diagram of the seat frame of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of the back support of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a structural diagram of the lifting frame for the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the base of the example bath chair, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a split view of the example bath chair in the folded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a section view of the example bath chair with the back support fully open during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a section view of the example bath chair before the seat is raised during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a section view of the example bath chair before the seat is raised during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a section view of the example bath chair in an unfolded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to bath chair technology. More particularly, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to bath chair with integrated swivel mechanism for enhanced mobility and safety. The bath chair includes a swivel mechanism for rotating the seat. The bath chair includes a base with suction cup at the bottom, a lifting frame, a chair seat, a back of the chair mounted on the seat, and a lifting frame that is attached to the base and the seat.

FIGS. 1 to 22 illustrate the example bath chair 1000 with the swivel mechanism rotating the seat for increased mobility. In particular, FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an example bath chair 1000 in an unfolded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a structural exploded view of the chair seats of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a structural exploded view of the chair seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of the seat body of the chair seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of the seat body of the chair seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a structural exploded view of the cushion assembly of the seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a structural exploded view of the cushion assembly of the seat of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the seat of the bath chair for the example bath chair 1000.

In FIGS. 1 to 10, the example bath chair 1000 is shown as including a base 1001, a lifting frame 1002, a seating surface 1003, a back of the chair 1004, a seat body 1, a groove 11, a swivel hole 12, a mounting chamber 13, guide grooves 131, a snap ring 14, a cushion assembly 2, a swivel mechanism 21, a disk base 211, a ring clasp 212, a coupling opening 213, a mounting hole 214, a sliding slot 215, ring ribs 216, a cushion 22, a retainer 23, 24, wear rings 25, a universal joint 3, and an auxiliary wing 4.

The seating surface 1003 includes the seat body 1 and the seat cushion assembly 2. The seat cushion assembly 2 includes a round disk 2A that is located above the seat body 1 (as shown in FIG. 4). The round disk 2A can have a diameter of 30 cm to 50 cm and a thickness of 1 cm to 3 cm. The seat cushion assembly 2 is connected to the seat body 1 facilitating rotation of the seat cushion assembly 2, while the seat body 1 remains in the same position. For example, the seat cushion assembly 2 located above the seat body 1, rotates against the seat body 1 to avoid or reduce skin injury during use of the bath chair 1000 by minimizing friction between the skin and the seat cushion assembly. The bottom of the seating surface 1003 has a suction cup that facilitates the bath chair 1000 to be securely fixed to the bathroom floor or to a bottom surface of the bathtub. The lifting frame 1002 facilitates the seating surface 1003 to be elevated or lowered, including lowering the seating surface 1003 to a floor level to be folded (as shown in FIG. 11) for storage.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, the bath chair 1000 includes a back support 1004 that can be adjusted at multiple angles. The back support 1004 is mounted on the seating surface 1003 and the lifting frame 1002 is connected to the base 1001 and the seating surface 1003. The back support 1004 and the seating surface 1003 rotate the connection so that the seatback 1004 can be folded in. As compared to passively sitting on a non-adjustable seat, the movements and relative movements of the back support 1004 and the seating surface 1003 facilitated by the coupling mechanisms can reduce the likelihood of injury to the user who is in a seated position over prolonged periods. Injury can be reduced by, for example, enhancing blood flow to the user’s joints or facilitating strengthening of certain anatomical core muscles (e.g., abdominal muscles, oblique muscles, erector spinae, or a combination of any two or more of them) or facilitating the articular surface of intervertebral joints to be bathed by synovial fluid which nourishes the cartilage surface, or a combination of any two of more of these benefits.

In some implementations, the seating surface 1003 also includes the bearing race 3 placed on the seat body 1, the bearing race supporting the cushion assembly 2. The bearing race 3 can transmit rotary motion between the seat body 1 and the seat cushion assembly 2. In some implementations, the bearing race 3 can be a universal bearing race or a cardan ball. The bearing race 3 includes a ball 3Apositioned within a ball seat 3B. The ball 3A is configured to support weight and resist oxidation, while exposed to water. The bearing race 3A can be made from stainless steel, titanium, composite materials, or aluminum alloys.

The seat body 1 can include a mounting chamber 13 formed to match the bearing race 3. In some implementations, the bearing race 3 can fit tightly with the mounting chamber 13. For example, the mounting chamber 13 can include multiple supporting indentations 131 distributed according to the ball seat 3B. In some implementations, the supporting indentations 131 form a set of multiple symmetrically distributed ring supports, such as four, six or eight. In some implementations, the supporting indentations 131 include guide grooves that are formed in the mounting chamber 13, and the bearing race 3 forms the guide sections that couple with the guide grooves. The ball seat can be secured in the mounting chamber 13 with bottom-up screws that prevent complete decoupling.

In some implementations, the seat body 1 includes the groove 11, the center extension of the groove 11 to form the snap ring 14, the hollow part of the snap ring 14 to form the swivel hole 12, the seat cushion assembly 2 includes the swivel part located in the swivel hole 12 that couples with the swivel hole 12. The groove 11 has a blocking ring with a horizontal support surface and edge. The lower surface of the groove 11 extends to form multiple ribs (as shown in FIG. 7). The ribs can include horizontal and vertical reinforcing ribs and circular reinforcement ribs.

In some implementations, the seat cushion assembly 2 snaps into the seat body 1. In some implementations, the seat assembly 2 can form a ring clasp 212 (e.g., the swivel part), which includes the ring part and the outside of the ring part. The lower end of the ring can have a coupling opening 213. In some implementations, the seat cushion assembly 2 can have two coupling openings 213, two hooks, two coupling openings 213, and two staggered hooks. The openings 213 are designed to facilitate secure attachment to other components or structures, ensuring the seat cushion assembly 2 remains firmly in place during use. The hooks can be used to latch onto corresponding fixtures, providing additional stability and preventing the seat cushion assembly 2 from shifting, while rotating. The hooks are positioned in a staggered manner to distribute the load more evenly and enhance the overall stability of the seat cushion assembly 2.

In some implementations, the cushion assembly 2 includes the swivel mechanism 21 and the cushion 22. The swivel mechanism 21 and the cushion 22 can be removable. In some implementations, the cushion 22 can be permanently attached to swivel mechanism 21 (to prevent removal from the swivel mechanism 21), such as during manufacture, for example, by injection molding.

In some implementations, the cushion assembly 2 does not interfere with the back support 1004 while increasing the area of the cushion assembly 2. In some implementations, the seat cushion assembly 2 also includes the retainer 23. The retainer 23 forms a retaining clip and includes the cap and the shaft, the mounting holes 214 are opened on the swivel mechanism 21, the counterbore is created on the cushion 22 and the shaft of the retainer 23 is fixed through the counterbore of the cushion 22 with the mounting hole 214 of the swivel mechanism 21.

In some implementations, the lower surface of the swivel mechanism 21 forms a ring rib 216. The ring rib 216 reduces friction during rotation, facilitating the seat assembly 2 to rotate smoothly. The ring rib 216 has two bearing races 3 one on each side. In some implementations, the seat assembly 2 also includes the wear ring 25 pre-buried on the lower surface of the swivel 21, with the bearing race in contact with the wear ring 25. The wear ring 25 can be made of stainless steel. The lower surface of the wear ring 25 can be flush with the lower surface of the swivel 21. The bearing race 3 of the ring rib 216 provides contact with the wear ring 25 instead of the swivel 21 (as shown in FIG. 10) for extending the life of the seat assembly 2.

In some implementations, the retainer 23 couples tightly with the mounting hole 214, and the lower end of the shaft of the retainer 23 has a diameter greater than the upper end. In other embodiments, the retainer 23 may also fit with the thread of the mounting hole 214. In some implementations, the bottom wall of the cushion 22 is recessed with the retainer 24 in the groove and the retainer 23 snaps into the retainer 24 to avoid or prevent the securing the retainer 23 from disengaging from the cushion 22.

In some implementations, the auxiliary wing 4 is located on both sides of the seat body 1, the auxiliary wing 4 is placed on the side wall of the bathtub, and the suction cup is used to avoid the movement of the base 1001. In some implementations, seating surface 1003 rotation refers not to the entire seating surface 1003 rotation, but to the cushion assembly 2 of the seating surface 1003 rotation and the seat body 1 of the seating surface 1003 not moving. In some implementations, the edge of the seat body 1 also has holes for mounting the rectangular seat cushion, so that the seat cushion assembly 2 can be removed when the seat cushion assembly 2 is not required to rotate.

An advantage of the example bath chair 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1-10 is that the seat cushion assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the seat body 1 by the bearing race 3. The seat cushion assembly 2 can rotate relative to the seat body 1 during usage (e.g., bathing) to avoid or reduce skin injury during use due to friction between the skin and seat cushion assembly 2. The bottom of the base 1001 has a suction cup so that the bath chair can be easily fixed on the bathroom floor or in the bathtub; the lifting frame 1002 facilitates the seating surface 1003 to be stored. The seat cushion assembly 2 snaps into the seat body 1, to avoid or to prevent unintended removal of seat cushion assembly 2 and to provide an extended usage life by minimizing contact between movable parts.

The example bath chair 1000 can be electrically controlled to adjust a position of the base 1001 relative to the lifting frame 1002, the seating surface 1003, and the back support 1004, as described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 22. For example, shows the example bath chair 1000 in an unfolded (opened) state, whereas FIG. shows the example bath chair 1000 in a folded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a structural exploded view of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of the base of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a structural diagram of the seat including the frame of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of the back support of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a structural diagram of the lifting frame for the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the base of the example bath chair 1000, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a split view of the example bath chair 1000 in the folded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a section view of the example bath chair 1000 with the back support fully open during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a section view of the example bath chair 1000 before the seat is raised during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a section view of the example bath chair 1000 before the seat is raised during deployment, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a section view of the example bath chair 1000 in an unfolded state, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 11 to 21 illustrate components of the bath chair 1000 that facilitate position and state adjustment. As shown, the bath chair 1000 can include the base 1001, the seating surface 1003, the lifting frame 1002, and electric push rods 9, including an electric body and moveable straight push rods fixed to the back support 1004. The connecting base 1001 can be connected to the seating surface 1003.

The bath chair 1000 can include a lift-lock structure including a height snap groove 2011 formed on the base 1001, the front and rear block assembly 205 set on the base 1001, the snap on assembly 10 set on the outer end of the linear push rod, and the downforce section 71 for the front and rear stops 51 formed on the seating surface 1003. The front and rear block assembly 205 includes the raised and lowered front and rear stops 51 and the first spring loaded part 52 that raises the front and rear stops 51. The snap assembly 10 includes of the center height blocks 103 in the left and right direction and the front and rear stops at the ends.

When the shower seating surface 1003 is unfolded, the height of the snap assembly 10 on the straight push rod of the electric push rod 209, the 103 blocks, are located in the height snap groove 2011 of the base 1001. The movement of the front and rear stop 51 on the straight push rod of the electric push rod 209 in the front and rear stops of the snap assembly 10 under the action of the first force piece 52. The snap assembly 10 on the linear push rod of the power push rod 209 is located outside the height snap groove 2011 and above the front and rear stops 51 when the bath chair is folded (as shown in FIG. 11).

In some implementations, the height snap groove 2011 forms a semi-circular slot, the height block 103 is cylindrical, and the size of the slot corresponds to the circumferential size of the height block 103. The height of the snap groove 2011 prevents the snap assembly 2010 from moving backwards. In some implementations, only front and rear stops 51 are present in the active path when the snap assembly 2010 moves forward.

In some implementations, the base 1001 includes the base body 201, the base body 201 is one piece, the base body 201 includes the height snap groove 2011 formed on the base of the base 1001. An end of the base 1001 extends to form the left and right limit slots 2012, which are connected to the height snap groove 2011. The left and right limit slots 2012 have side limit slots that are suitable for the snap assembly 2010. The left and right end walls of the left and right limit slots 2012 prevent the snap assembly 2010 from moving backwards.

In some implementations, the snap assembly 2010 includes of an intermediate sleeve 101 that is secured with a straight push rod and opens a left and right direction hole, a front and rear stop lever 102 located in a left and right direction hole, a two-height clamp block 103 located on the front and rear stop lever 102, and a snap ring 104 located on the front and rear stop lever 102. The height blocks 103 form the height blocks 103 and the front and rear stop levers 102 form the front and rear stops.

In some implementations, the bath chair also includes the anti-alienation structure, which includes of the front and rear moving assembly 206 on the base 1001 and the upper clasp 72 formed on the seating surface 1003, the front and rear moving assembly 206 includes the lower clasp 61 which moves back and forth and the second spring piece 62 which moves the lower clasp 61 backwards. The lower clasp 61 in the folded state engages with the upper clasp 72 under the action of the second spring piece 62.

In some implementations, the lower clasp 61 includes of the curved surface and the lower snap joint. The snap assembly 2010 includes of the intermediate sleeve 101, which is fastened to the straight push rod, and the intermediate sleeve 101 has a rounded surface that contacts a curved surface, facilitating smooth movement between the intermediate sleeve 101 and the lower clasp 61.

In some implementations, a guide groove 2013 is formed on the base 1001 and the guide groove 2013 guides the lower clasp 61. In some implementations, a stud is formed on the base 1001 with a screw cap in the threaded stud, and the screw cap is screwed into the stud after passing through the lower clasp 61. Prevent the lower clasp 61 from separating from the base 1001.

In some implementations, a second force 62 is applied by a compression spring, a spring post formed on the lower clasp 61 and a guide groove 2013 formed on the base 1001. The guide groove 2013 has a left and right directional wall at the front end, with the compression spring over the spring posts and the other end against the left and right directional wall on the base 1001. In some implementations, a feature slot 81 is formed on the back support 1004 and a removable head restraint is located in the feature slot 81.

In some implementations, the back support 1004 also forms a tamper resistant slot 82 connected to the feature slot 81, the bath chair also includes the breakaway component 202, and the breakaway component 202 includes the elastic band 2021. The tie ring 2022 and the tamper resistant rod 2023 are located at the end of the elastic band 2021. The tie ring 2022 can be located at the outer end of the tamper resistant rod 2023. The length of the tamper resistant rod 2023 can be in the same direction as the transversal axis of the elastic band 2021 and the length of the tamper resistant rod 2023 can be greater than the width of the elastic band 2021. The end of the elastic band 2021 can be fixed to the base 1001. The pull ring 2022 can be inserted through the feature slot 81 and into the tamper-resistant slot 82. The inner end of the elastic band 2021 also has a guard, which is fitted in a slot in the base body 201.

In some implementations, the tamper resistant slot 82 includes a small part that couples with the elastic band 2021 and a large part that couples with the tamper resistant rod 2023. In some implementations, the rear end of the seating surface 1003 forms the self-standing façade in the height direction for the bath chair to be folded and the center of gravity of the folded bath chair in the plane of the self-facing is projected in the self-façade. With the self-facing and center of gravity design, the bath chair can be self-reliant on the ground through the self-facing.

In some implementations, the rear end of the base 1001 has two wheels that move the bath chair with two wheels, facilitating rotation. In some implementations, the structure of the lifting frame 1002 can be referenced to the attached diagram and the existing technology. In some implementations, the seating surface 1003 also includes a cushion assembly that rotates relative to the seat body 207 with multiple universal joints on the seat body 207 and a cushion assembly on a universal joint (as shown in FIG. 15). The seat cushion assembly 2 includes a cushion that rotates to avoid or reduce skin injury due to movement in the bath.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the bath chair 1000 is folded, the lower clasp 61 of base 1001 is coupled with the upper clasp 72 of seating surface 1003 with the second spring force so that base 1001 and seating surface 1003 do not disengage. In the folded state, the down-press of the seating surface 1003 is against the front and rear stops 51, the down-press is against the front and rear stops 51, compressing the first spring 52. The power push rod 209 and the snap on assembly 2010 are approximately horizontal and both are located above the height snap groove 2011 of the base 1001, in this case, the base 1001 and the back support 1004 can also be connected via the anti-release assembly 202, preventing separation between the base 1001 and the back support 1004.

For transitioning the bath chair 1000 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the back support 1004 can be manually operated to rotate the back support 1004 against the base 1001. The back support 1004 can be moved to an inclined position, as shown in FIG. 19. At this point, the intermediate sleeve 101 of the anti-release assembly 202 contacts the curved surface of the lower clasp 61 of the front and rear moving assembly 206, allowing the lower clasp 61 to move forward. At this point the back support 1004 can be extended backwards to a maximum angle.

When the back support 1004 is rotated into position, the power push rod 209, the straight push rod extension, the power push rod 209 and the back support 1004 can be actuated, as they rotate against the base 1001. The snap assembly 10 at the end of the straight push rod moves back into the height groove 2011 of the base 1001, and the status of the bath chair is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. When the snap on assembly 2010 at the end of the linear push rod is located in the height of the slot 1201 of the base 1001, the snap on assembly 2010 do not move backwards, and the linear push rod of the motorized push rod 209 continues to extend, and is guided by the lift frame 1002. The seating surface 1003 is raised approximately upright, while the back support 1004 and the power push rod 209 are rotated forward against the base 1001 and the seating surface 1003, the power push rod 209 stops when the straight push rod of the power push rod 209 extends a preset length (by programming the motion parameters or by setting the trip switch, for example).

The bath chair 1000, as shown in FIG. 21, is in a configuration in which the lower press of the seating surface 1003 is separated from the front and rear stop 51 of the front and rear block assembly 205. The front and rear stop 51 is returned to the path of movement of the snap assembly 2010 under the action of the first force 52, and the front and rear stop 51 blocks the snap assembly 2010 forward. The height snap grooves 2011 on the base 1001 and the left and right check slots 2012 can prevent the snap assembly 2010 from moving backwards (the left and right check slots 2012 also prevent the snap assembly 2010 from moving around) and the snap-in assembly 2010 is held in place.

When the bath chair 1000, as shown in FIG. 21, is in the unfolded state and needs to be folded, the electric push rod 209 is actuated to retract the straight push rod of the electric push rod 209. The lifting frame 1002 is folded and the seating surface 1003 and the back support 1004 are lowered, as shown in FIG. 19. The down-press of the seating surface 1003 presses against the front and rear stops 51 of the front and rear block assembly 205 of the base 1001. After the downforce of the seating surface 1003 is against the front and rear stop 51 of the block 205 of the base 1001, the front and rear stop 51 is removed from the path of movement of the snap assembly 2010, and the linear push rod of the electric push rod 209 continues to retract, the back support 1004 and the electric push rod 209 are rotated backwards against the base 1001. When rotated back into position, the power push rod 209 stops working. When the bath seat is in a condition as shown in FIG. 19, the back support 1004 is manually rotated forward, the back support 1004 and the power push rod 209 can be rotated forward (the snap assembly 2010 will not interfere with the height card groove 2011 when the dimensions are designed), and the back support 1004 and power push rod 209 can be rotated forward into position. The condition of the bath chair is shown in FIG. 18.

An advantage of the bath chair 1000 as shown in FIGS. 11 to 220 is that when the bath chair is unfolded, the height block 103 of the snap assembly 10 on the linear push rod of the electric push rod 209 is located in the height slot 2011 of the base 1001, so that the seating surface 1003 cannot continue to rise relative to base 1001. The front and rear stops 51 are activated by the force of the spring, on the path of movement of the front and rear stops of the snap assembly 10 on the linear push rod of the electric push rod 209. The linear push rod of the electric push rod 209 is prevented from moving forward and backward. The outer end of the linear push rod is fixed to the base 1001 in the unfolded state, and the front and rear stop 51 can be moved without preventing the unfolded state from changing to the folded state. The rear end of the base 1001 (back support 1004) has rollers, facilitating movement, and stability of the seating surface 1003 relative to center of gravity. The bath chair 1000 includes a self-support, feature slot 81 for head restraints that can be used as a holding slot when moving, providing improved anti-disengaging structure for seating surface 1003 and base 1001, and anti-disengaging component 2 to prevent separation of back support 1004 and base 1001 for storage and movement.

Varying the orientation of the back-supporting surface 1004 can also include continuously varying the orientation of the back-supporting surface 1004 as the seating surface 1003 moves along the direction of motion. For example, the combined vertical and rotational movement of the seating surface relative to the 1003 back-supporting surface 1004 is self-adjusting (e.g., through the balancing of the vertical and rotational forces exerted by the user on the back-supporting surface 1004 and the force exerted by the user on the seating surface 1003), facilitating the user to make continuous minor adjustments to the sitting position and/or larger adjustments to the sitting position. Additionally, or alternatively, by facilitating continuous minor adjustments to the sitting position, the seating surface 1003 can reduce the likelihood of injury resulting from prolonged periods of sitting (e.g., by enhancing blood flow to nourish the joints of the user and by motion of the joints which facilitates imbibition and exposure of the articular surfaces for synovial fluid nourishment). Additionally, or alternatively, by facilitating continuous minor adjustments to the sitting position, the seating surface 1003 can facilitate strengthening the user’s anatomical core muscles while providing ergonomic support.

While certain implementations have been described, other implementations are possible.

For example, while the seat has been described as being a single horizontal piece, other implementations are additionally or alternatively possible. As another example, while the back-supporting surface and the seating surface have been described as movable under the power of a user, other implementations are additionally or alternatively possible. For example, one or more of the back-supporting surface and the seating surface can be movable through an external force, such as a force exerted by a motor. The use of external force to move the back-supporting surface and the seating surface can, for example, reduce the risk of chronic inflammation in users (e.g., individuals with some form of paralysis) who may otherwise be unable to move the back-supporting surface and/or the seating surface. Or a practitioner might use methods to control the various motions.

One or more of the back-supporting surface and the seating surface can be stopped along their respective directions of movement. In some implementations, the user can actuate a manual brake that stops movement of the back-supporting surface and/or the seating surface. In certain implementations, the user can actuate a brake to stop movement of the back-supporting surface or the seating surface, while the other one of the back-supporting surface or the seating surface remains movable. Braking the back-supporting surface or the seating surface or both can assist the user in tailoring the movement of the chair to achieve a particular therapeutic goal or facilitate the user to engage in movement as desired, while remaining stationary at other times, or both.

Claims

1. A bath chair comprising:

a base;

a seat comprising a seat body and a seat cushion assembly located above the seat body and rotatably connected, by a swivel mechanism, to the seat body;

a lifting frame attached to the base and the seat; and

a back support mounted on the seat.

2. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the swivel mechanism comprises a bearing race.

3. The bath chair of claim 2, wherein the bearing race comprises a universal ball bearing comprising a ball seat and a ball, the seat body forming an installation chamber, and wherein the ball seat is secured in a mounting chamber with bottom-up screws.

4. The bath chair of claim 2, wherein the swivel mechanism comprises a wear ring on a lower surface of the swivel mechanism, the ball support being in contact with the wear ring.

5. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the seat body comprises a swivel hole and the seat cushion assembly comprises the swivel mechanism located in the swivel hole and in conjunction with the swivel hole.

6. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the swivel mechanism comprises a snap ring, the cushion assembly comprising a ring hook attaching to a ring included in the seat.

7. The bath chair of claim 6, wherein a lower end of the ring comprises a pair of deformation notches coupling to a pair of staggered hooks.

8. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the cushion assembly comprises a round disk.

9. The bath chair of claim 1, wherein the cushion assembly comprises a fixing button comprising a cap and a shaft that is secured coupled to a counterbore of the cushion assembly.

10. The bath chair of claim 1, further comprising a snap fitted with a mounting hole or fitted with a thread of the mounting hole, wherein a bottom surface of the cushion assembly is recessed comprising a fixation plate coupling to the snap.

11. The bath chair of claim 1, further comprising:

electric push rods comprising fixed to the seatback;

a lift-and-lock structure comprising a snap groove on the base, a front and rear block assembly on the base, a snap assembly on the outer end of the linear push rod, the lift-and-lock structure raising and the seat, the snap assembly being located outside the snap groove when the shower chair is in a folded state.

12. The bath chair of claim 11, further comprising:

a height snap groove forming a semi-circular card slot, the height snap groove being cylindrical, the height snap groove preventing the snap assembly from moving backwards or forward.

13. The bath chair of claim 12, wherein the base comprises lateral limit slots connected to the height snap groove.

14. The bath chair of claim 11, wherein the snap assembly comprises an intermediate sleeve fixed to the at least one linear push rod, the intermediate sleeve comprising a left hole and a right hole, wherein a front and rear stop lever is set through the left hole and the right hole.

15. The bath chair of claim 11, further comprising: an anti-separation structure, comprising front and rear moving components located on the base and an upper snap formed on the seat, the front and rear moving components comprising a lower clasp that moves forward and backward and a spring that moves the lower clasp backwards, the lower clasp engaging with the upper clasp under the action of the spring, when the bath chair is in a folded state.

16. The bath chair of claim 15, wherein the lower clasp comprises a curved surface and a clasp assembly comprises an intermediate sleeve fastened to the at least one linear push rod and in contact with the curved face.

17. The bath chair of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a guide groove to guide the lower clasp and a threaded stud to prevent a lower bayonet to separate from the base, the spring comprising a compression spring.

18. The bath chair of claim 11, comprising a feature slot on the back of the chair and a removable head restraint in the functional slot.

19. The bath chair of claim 18, wherein the back forms a non-release groove connected to the feature slot, the bath chair comprising the anti-release assembly, the anti-release assembly comprising a tamper-resistant slot mating with the non-release groove.

20. The bath chair of claim 11, wherein a rear end of the base comprises rollers for rolling the bath chair in a folded state.