E Z tub chair

Abstract

A chair to assist persons with mobility challenges, and their caregivers, with a better and inexpensive method for entering and exiting the bath tub on a chair that has a swivel seat that locks in place, and swivels outward for easy entry is provided. The chair can then be moved to the center of the bath tub, and the swivel seat can be positioned to face the shower, or rotated to face the right or the left. Upon completion of the shower, the chair can be returned to the edge of the tub, facing outward and locked in position for easy exit.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority for U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 190,007, filed Aug. 25, 2008, of common title and inventorship herewithFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to a tub chair and, more particularly, the invention relates to a tub chair providing a safe and easy means to get into and out of a shower, as well as offering comfortable support while bathing. Even more specifically the tub chair of the present invention is designed for use by persons with mobility challenges and their caregivers, to assist in entering a bath, bathing and exiting a bath.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The prior art has put forth several designs for tub chairs. Among these are:[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,704 to Richard J. Dagostino describes a combined commode and shower chair apparatus comprising a wheeled commode chair which slides along rails which are supported over a bathtub.[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,809 top Thomas S. Gallo ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a chair to assist people with mobility challenges and their caregivers to enter and exit the bath tub safely and comfortably. The chair has a swivel seat that locks in place, and swivels outward for easy entry. The chair can be moved to the center of the bath tub, and the swivel seat can be positioned to face the shower or rotated to face the right or the left. The chair can also include an adjustable head rest and leg lifts. This invention improves the quality of life for people with mobility challenges and makes the bathing experience more accessible for everyone."

Problems solved by technology

While it seems that the luxuries of a shower are easily attained, continuously standing while immersing the body with a jet stream of water can be quite challenging, if not impossible, especially for those with limited physical capabilities.

Those recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery are unable to enjoy a refreshing and cleansing bath because they are unable to position themselves comfortably while sitting or standing in the tub.

Moreover, wheelchair-bound persons cannot enjoy the benefits of an invigorating shower due to the impracticality of achieving secure stability.

Additionally, these mobility challenges contain a high degree of risk.

Those without caregivers to lend a hand or without the proper equipment to support movement could seriously injure themselves in spills and falls; possibly fracturing bones or even breaking their hip.

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