Bathing chair

Details Bathing chair Bathing chair

2000-11-13

2001-08-28

Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)

Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons

Tubs

Convenience accessories

C004S560100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06279178

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multifunction bathing chair used in bathtubs and showers.
2. Background of the Prior Art
The utility of providing a chair for use by the physically challenged or the infirm while within a bathtub or shower environment has long been known. Many bathtub and shower chairs can be found in the art. However, such prior art devices have one or more drawbacks.
Many prior art devices have limited utility beyond providing the seating function making such devices relatively less versatile. On the other hand, some devices are unusually complex in design making these relatively expensive to build and maintain. Still other bathing chairs are unduly difficult to operate. These chairs are intimidating to the targeted users requiring the users to employ a skilled worker which is generally not feasible for chairs that are used in home as opposed to institutional settings.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a chair used in a bathtub or shower environment that overcomes the drawbacks found in prior art devices. Such a chair must have a range of functionality and must be relatively simple in design and operation and must be usable by most individuals unassisted. Ideally, such a bathtub and shower chair will also provide functionality to a caregiver if one is employed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bathing chair of the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art. The bathing chair is a multifunctional chair for use in either a bathtub or a shower environment. The bathing chair is of relatively simple design and construction and is made using standard manufacturing techniques. The device is relatively simple to operate and can be used by most individuals unassisted. If a caregiver is providing assistance, the device is user-friendly to the caregiver.
The bathing chair of the present invention is comprised of a base having a a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top, and a bottom. A plurality of first legs extend downwardly from the bottom of the base. A seat is attached to the top of the base. An arm extends outwardly from the first side of the base while a pair of generally parallel oriented rollers are attached to an end of the arm, the rollers adapted to encompass a guide rail therebetween. The seat may be rotatably attached to the base. The seat is comprised of a seat member and a back member wherein the back member is pivotally attached to the seat member. A head rest may be attached to the back member. A first conduit is disposed within the seat member, the first conduit having a first inlet port adapted to be attached to a source of pressurized water, and a first outlet port while a second conduit is disposed within the back member, the second conduit having a second inlet port adapted to be attached to the source of pressurized water, and a second outlet port. The first outlet port may be fluid flow connected to the second inlet port (or the second outlet port may be fluid flow connected to the first inlet port). A first opening is disposed within the base while a second opening is disposed within the seat and corresponds with the first opening. A pair of rails are attached to the bottom of the base in spaced apart fashion on opposing sides of the first opening and a pan is slidably disposed on the pair of rails. A plurality of first castors are each attached to a respective one of the plurality of first legs. A leg member is pivotally attached to the front of the seat. A cart having a plurality of second legs, is attached to the second side of the base. A plurality of second castors, are each attached to a respective one of the plurality of first legs.


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