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

[0010]Bathing can be one of the most enjoyable and invigorating activities of the day. Providing an eye-opening renewal, taking a shower upon waking is, for many, a preferred method of greeting the morning. Allowing the cool, pulsating spray of the water to cascade over the face and to gently massage the neck, shoulders and back can be a delightful energizer even for the groggiest of people. While quick showers are revitalizing and long baths help sooth the senses and ease tension, both methods of bathing share the practical purpose of restoring good personal hygiene. Whether it is the desire to feel fresh and clean for work or school, to shower off sweat and grime after playing or working out, or to totally immerse the body during an end-of-the-day bath, feeling completely cleansed is essential to a sense of well-being. In addition to recognizing the importance of good personal hygiene, consumers also desire to keep their skin healthy.

[0012]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. As a result, their condition could be effectively worsened.

[0013]The present invention provides 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. 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.

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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