Improved shower chair structure

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of bathing aids technology and discloses an improved shower chair structure, including a chair frame assembly, a seat, a backrest, and armrest assemblies. The chair frame assembly is formed by hinged front and rear frames, and a load-bearing structure for mounting the seat is provided between the chair frame assemblies. The load-bearing structure includes a first pivot support at the hinge of the front and rear frames and a second pivot support composed of a first load-bearing column, a second load-bearing column, and a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the seat by a bolt, and the other end is fitted onto the first load-bearing column. The top end of the connecting rod is placed in a connecting rod limiting groove, and the connecting rod also has a pointed protrusion that abuts against the end of the connecting rod limiting groove when folded. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that shower chairs cannot stand freely after folding and sometimes open on their own, causing safety issues. It provides a new shower chair structure that is simple in structure, low in cost, ergonomically designed, sturdy in support, safe and stable in opening and closing, and healthy and comfortable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bathing aids technology, and in particular to an improved shower chair structure. Background Technology

[0002] Shower chairs are used in bathrooms and look similar to ordinary chairs. They are suitable for elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and other people with limited mobility to assist with bathing or showering. The design details are made more user-friendly according to different groups and their different needs. Shower chairs not only allow them to complete the bathing process independently, but also make bathing healthier.

[0003] The existing designs of folding shower chairs generally adopt a structure in which the rear leg tube assembly is directly and fastened to the backrest tube assembly, and the seat plate and backrest tube assembly are connected by plastic connecting rods. This structure is complex, cumbersome to assemble, and relatively expensive.

[0004] For example, CN210930427U discloses a novel folding shower chair, including chair legs, a seat, a backrest, and armrests. While this shower chair has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and is inexpensive, it cannot stand freely when folded up and requires support or a fixed object to stand. It may sometimes tip over or unfold on its own, causing inconvenience in damp and slippery environments like bathrooms. Therefore, there is an urgent need for those skilled in the art to design a novel shower chair structure that is simple, inexpensive, sturdy, and comfortable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the technical problems of existing shower chairs that cannot stand freely after being folded up, requiring the user to hold onto or lean against a fixed object to stand, and sometimes opening on their own, causing safety issues, this application provides a new shower chair structure that is simple in structure, low in cost, sturdy in support, safe and stable in opening and closing, and healthy and comfortable.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] This invention relates to an improved shower chair structure, comprising a chair frame assembly, a chair backrest, and armrest assemblies. The chair frame assembly is formed by hinged front and rear frames, with a load-bearing structure for mounting the chair seat between the frame assemblies. The load-bearing structure includes a first pivot support portion located at the connection between the front and rear frames, a first load-bearing pillar on the front frame, a second load-bearing pillar on the rear frame, and a connecting rod connecting the chair seat and the first load-bearing pillar, forming a second pivot support portion. The first pivot support portion is a connecting bracket located on the top of the rear frame, supporting and pivotally connecting to the front frame. The first pivot support portion also includes an armrest assembly that can rotate up and down. The chair backrest is fixed to the upper part of the front frame.

[0008] Further improvements include: a protruding tubular structure for mounting a second support column is provided at the rear of the lower end of the chair seat; a limiting groove is provided at the front of the lower end of the chair seat to be fixedly engaged with the first support column; a connecting rod pivot connection and a connecting rod limiting groove are provided between the protruding tubular structure and the limiting groove; one end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pivot connection via bolts, and the other end is fitted onto the first support column; the top of the connecting rod is placed in the connecting rod limiting groove; and the connecting rod also has a pointed protrusion that abuts against the end of the connecting rod limiting groove when folded to maintain the folded state and prevent tipping.

[0009] A further improvement is that the pivoting connection end of the connecting rod is also provided with a pointed protrusion that abuts against the end of the limiting slot when folded to keep it folded and prevent it from tipping over.

[0010] A further improvement is that the connecting bracket of the first pivot support is designed as a U-shaped groove structure connected to the top of the rear frame, and the front frame is embedded in the U-shaped groove structure and fastened by bolts. The two sides of the U-shaped groove structure are symmetrically provided with connecting through holes.

[0011] Further improvements are made in that: the handrail assembly includes a handrail steel frame and a handrail glove, the handrail steel frame is a hollow structure with an open lower end face, the hinged cover is installed on the first pivot support part, a limiting post is provided in front of the hinge of the handrail steel frame to abut and support the front frame, the handrail glove is adapted to be installed with the handrail steel frame, and the end of the handrail glove is provided with a hand grip protrusion.

[0012] Further improvements include: the chair seat is also equipped with a detachable seat cushion, the seat cushion is designed with a concave arc surface structure to fit the human buttocks, and has multiple drainage holes on the concave arc surface that fit the chair seat; the back of the seat cushion has a mushroom-shaped columnar structure that is detachably connected to the chair seat; and the outer periphery of the seat cushion has an inwardly folded flange structure that fits the chair seat and covers the outside.

[0013] Further improvements include: the backrest is also equipped with a back pad, the back pad is designed with a concave arc surface structure to fit the back of the person, the upper part of the back pad is provided with a hand grip hole, the back is provided with a mushroom-shaped column structure that is adapted to the backrest and can be detachably connected, and the outer periphery of the back pad is provided with a folded edge structure that is adapted to the backrest and covers the outside.

[0014] Further improvements include: the seat and backrest are integrally molded hollow structures, and the seat cushions, back cushions, and armrest covers that are fitted to the seat and backrest are all integrally foamed structures.

[0015] Further improvements include: a reinforcing rod is provided in the middle of the chair frame assembly, and a foot pad and a height adjustment tube are provided at the lower end. The height adjustment tube is sleeved inside the foot pad, and multiple adjustment holes are opened in the height adjustment tube from top to bottom. The upper end of the height adjustment tube is sleeved with the lower end of the front frame and the rear frame and can slide to adjust the height of the chair frame assembly. The bottom surface of the foot pad is provided with an outwardly expanding suction cup and the back is provided with a concave pattern.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The first pivot support is connected to the bracket at the top of the rear frame and pivotally connected to the front frame. The pivot support is located at the center of the front and rear frame tubes, so the force is balanced and uniform, and it also supports the front frame. At the same time, the stable triangular trapezoidal support formed between the front and rear frames improves the overall stability of the support assembly. The second pivot support consists of a four-bar structure composed of a first load-bearing column, a second load-bearing column and a connecting rod. Together with the first pivot support, it supports the seat surface. The overall structure is firm, stable and easy to fold and store.

[0018] 2. The seat surface features an outwardly protruding tubular structure, a limiting slot, a pivot connection, and a connecting rod limiting slot, ensuring the stability and firmness of the second pivot support, preventing it from slipping off easily and ensuring safety and reliability. The connecting rod has a pointed protrusion that, when the shower chair is folded and standing upright, presses against the connecting rod limiting slot, limiting the position and maintaining a certain angle between the front and rear frames. This keeps the center of gravity of the shower chair in the middle of the front and rear frames, preventing them from separating without external force. This prevents the seat surface from slowly sliding down and tipping over under gravity. Furthermore, the pointed protrusion creates resistance relative to the connecting rod limiting slot when the shower chair is opened or folded, generating the necessary unlocking force. This ensures that the shower chair, when folded, can remain upright on a 5-degree slope for more than 20 seconds without falling, guaranteeing safe use.

[0019] 3. The handrail assembly hinged cover is installed on the first pivot support part, which does not require a special fitting transition structure. The structure is simple and the rotation is flexible. The handrail steel frame is designed as a cavity structure with an open lower end face, which serves to cover the first pivot support part for aesthetic purposes, while also providing auxiliary support. The design is reasonable and more user-friendly. The end of the handrail is provided with a hand grip protrusion, which makes it less likely to slip and cause accidents when gripping the handrail.

[0020] 4. The seat and backrest feature a one-piece hollow structure, reducing overall weight, increasing strength, and providing elasticity for overall comfort and safety. The seat and backrest are equipped with removable ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foamed cushions, designed with a curved surface that conforms to the human body. The outer perimeter has an inward-folding edge that wraps around the seat and backrest, allowing for easy removal and washing to maintain hygiene and prevent direct skin contact with the main frame. The cushions are soft and comfortable, especially in cold winters, providing a more human-centered design. The addition of anti-mold agents ensures hygiene and health even when placed in humid environments for extended periods.

[0021] This invention features a simple structure, a reasonable and user-friendly design, and is easy to install and maintain. It can stand stably after folding and will not open on its own. The overall structure is stable, sturdy, and reliable. It is safe, comfortable, hygienic, and easy to store. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the invention in its unfolded state.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the folded state of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second pivot support part of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the back of the chair seat of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first pivot support part of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connecting rod of the present invention.

[0029] Attached image labels:

[0030] 1-Chair frame assembly, 11-Front frame, 12-Rear frame, 13-Connecting rod, 2-Seat, 21-Outwardly protruding tubular structure, 22-Limiting slot, 23-Turn connection part, 24-Connecting rod limiting slot, 3-Chair back, 4-Bearing structure, 41-First load-bearing support, 42-Second load-bearing support, 43-Connecting rod, 431-Tip protrusion, 44-Connecting bracket, 441-U-shaped groove structure, 442-Connecting through hole, 5-Armrest assembly, 51-Armrest steel frame, 52-Armrest glove, 521-Hand grip protrusion, 6-Seat cushion, 7-Back cushion, 71-Hand grip through hole, 8-Mushroom-shaped columnar structure, 9-Flanged structure, 101-Foot pad, 102-Height adjustment tube, 103-Adjustment hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is only used to explain the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the combination or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0033] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0034] like Figure 1-7 An improved shower chair structure is provided in one embodiment, including a chair frame assembly 1, a seat 2, a backrest 3, and an armrest assembly 5. The chair frame assembly 1 is formed by hinged front frame 11 and rear frame 12. A load-bearing structure 4 for mounting the seat 2 is provided between the chair frame assembly 1. The load-bearing structure 4 includes a first pivot support part provided at the connection between the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12, a first force-bearing column 41 provided on the front frame 11, a second force-bearing column 42 provided on the rear frame 12, and a connecting rod 43 connecting the seat 2 and the first force-bearing column 41, forming a second pivot support part. The first pivot support part is a connecting bracket 44 provided on the top of the rear frame 12 to support and pivotally connect to the front frame 11. The first pivot support part is also provided with an armrest assembly 5 that can rotate up and down. The backrest 3 is fixed to the upper part of the front frame 11. The first pivot support connecting bracket 44 is set on the top of the rear frame 12 and pivotally connected to the front frame 11. The connection support force point is at the center of each front and rear leg tube, which will not generate lateral bending shear force on the connecting pivot. The overall chair frame assembly 1 is balanced and uniform in force. At the same time, the stable triangular trapezoidal support formed between the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 improves the overall stability of the support assembly 1. The second pivot support consists of a first force-bearing column 41, a second force-bearing column 42 and a connecting rod 43 forming a four-bar structure. Together with the first pivot support, it supports the seat surface 2. The overall structure is firm, stable and easy to fold and store.

[0035] More preferably: such as Figure 2 , 4As shown in Figure 5, two symmetrically arranged protruding tubular structures 21 are provided at the rear of the lower end of the seat 2 for mounting the second support column 42. Two symmetrically arranged limiting slots 22 are provided at the front of the lower end of the seat 2 to be engaged and fixed with the first support column 41. The opening of the limiting slot 22 has a protrusion to limit the entry and exit of the support column, effectively preventing slippage and safety issues. Between the protruding tubular structure 21 and the limiting slot 22, there is a connecting rod 43 pivot connection part 23 and a connecting rod limiting groove 24. One end of the connecting rod 43 is rotatably connected to the pivot connection part 23 by bolts, and the other end is fitted onto the first support column 41. The top of the connecting rod 43 is placed in the connecting rod limiting groove 24. Both sides of the connecting rod 43 are provided with reinforcing ribs. The connecting rod limiting groove 24 is located at a vertical position outside the pivot connection part 23. The first load-bearing support column 41 and the second load-bearing support column 42 are solid structures or have reinforcing core rods inside. They are fastened to both sides of the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 with threaded through holes at both ends. The seat surface 2 is provided with an outwardly protruding tubular structure 21, a limiting groove 22, a pivoting connection part 23 and a connecting rod limiting groove 24, so that the second pivoting support part is stable and firm, not easy to slip off on its own, and safe and reliable.

[0036] More preferably: such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the pivoting end of the connecting rod 43 is also provided with a pointed protrusion 431. When folded, it abuts against the end of the connecting rod limiting groove 24 to keep the folded state from tipping over. When the shower chair is folded and standing, the pointed protrusion 431 on the connecting rod 43 provides a top-mounting and limiting effect on the connecting rod limiting groove 24, so that the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 maintain a certain angle, thereby placing the center of gravity of the shower chair in the middle position between the front and rear frames, making it less likely to tip over. In addition, the pointed protrusion 431 generates resistance to entering and exiting the groove relative to the connecting rod limiting groove 24 when the shower chair is opened and folded, thus generating the required unlocking force, providing a guarantee for safe use. Tests have shown that the closing locking force generated when the pointed protrusion and the connecting rod limiting groove are 0.5-1.5 kgf, and the unlocking force required when unfolding is 0.5-2 kgf. With this setting, when the shower chair is folded, it can be placed on a 5-degree slope and remain upright for more than 20 seconds without falling over.

[0037] A more preferred embodiment 2:

[0038] like Figure 6As shown, the first pivot support connecting bracket 44 has a U-shaped groove structure 441 connected to the top of the rear frame 12. The front frame 11 is embedded in the U-shaped groove structure 441 and fastened with bolts. The two sides of the U-shaped groove structure 441 are symmetrically provided with connecting through holes 442. The pivot support's stress point is located at the center of the front and rear frame tubes, resulting in balanced and uniform stress, and it also provides support for the front frame. The connecting bracket 44 and the rear frame 12 can be welded and fixed, or a sleeve can be welded to the lower end of the connecting bracket 44 and fitted into the rear frame 12, or it can be fitted onto the rear frame 12. The rear frame is provided with a limiting and locking structure. The structure is simple and highly adaptable. Other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0039] More preferably: the handrail assembly 5 includes a handrail steel frame 51 and a handrail glove 52. The handrail steel frame 51 is a hollow structure with an open lower end face. A hinge cover is installed on the outside of the first pivot support. A limiting post 511 is provided in front of the hinge of the handrail steel frame 51 to abut and support the front frame 11. The handrail glove 52 is fitted to the handrail steel frame 51. The end of the handrail glove 52 is provided with a hand grip protrusion 521. The hinge cover of the handrail assembly 5 is installed on the first pivot support, eliminating the need for a dedicated fitting transition structure. The structure is simple and the rotation is flexible. The hollow structure with an open lower end face of the handrail steel frame 51 serves both to conceal and enhance aesthetics, while also providing support. The design is reasonable and more user-friendly. The hand grip protrusion 521 at the end of the handrail glove prevents slippage and accidents when gripping the handrail.

[0040] A more preferred embodiment 3:

[0041] like Figure 2 , 3As shown: The seat 2 is also equipped with a removable seat cushion 6. The seat cushion 6 is designed with a concave arc surface structure to fit the buttocks of the human body, and has multiple drainage holes on the concave arc surface to fit the seat 2. The back of the seat cushion 6 has a mushroom-shaped columnar structure 8 that is detachably connected to the seat 2. The outer periphery of the seat cushion 6 has an inwardly folded flange structure 9 that fits the seat 2 and covers the outside. The backrest 3 is also equipped with a back cushion 7. The seat cushion 6 is designed with a concave arc surface structure to fit the back of the human body. The back cushion 7 has a hand grip hole 71 at the top, and the back has a mushroom-shaped columnar structure 8 that fits the backrest 3 and is detachably connected to the backrest 3. The outer periphery of the back cushion 7 has a flange structure 9 that fits the backrest 3 and covers the outside. The thickness of the flange structure 9 is 8-16mm. The mushroom-shaped columnar structure 8 is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. The drainage holes prevent water accumulation on the seat surface, keeping it clean and hygienic. The seat cushion 6 and back cushion 7 have a curved structure that conforms to the human body, and the outer perimeter has an inwardly folded edge structure 9. Furthermore, the seat cushion 6, back cushion 7, and armrest covers 52 are all made of anti-mildew EVA foam, preventing direct contact between the human skin and the main body of the chair frame. EVA is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam, and the hardness after molding is controlled below 30 on the Shore A scale (LX-C), making it soft and comfortable to the touch, especially in cold winters, without feeling cold. The design is more user-friendly. The addition of anti-mildew agent ensures hygiene and health even when placed in a humid environment for a long time. Other structures are the same as in Examples 1 or 2.

[0042] A more preferred embodiment 4:

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the seat 2 and backrest 3 are integrally molded hollow structures made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This design results in lightweight, high-strength, and elastic materials, providing overall comfort and safety; other examples are similar to those in embodiments 1, 2, or 3.

[0044] More preferably: such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the chair frame assembly 1 also has a reinforcing rod 13 in the middle, and a foot pad 101 and a height adjustment tube 102 at the lower end. The height adjustment tube 102 is fitted inside the foot pad 101. The height adjustment tube 102 has multiple adjustment holes 103 sequentially opened from top to bottom. The upper end of the height adjustment tube 102 is fitted with the lower end of the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 and can slide to adjust the height of the chair frame assembly 1. The bottom surface of the foot pad 101 has an outwardly expanding suction cup and the back has a concave pattern. The foot pad 101 is made of mildew-resistant EOE material. The foot pad with this design can adhere to the wet ground and has a strong anti-slip effect. The height adjustment tube 102 is designed for easy extension and retraction to adjust the height. The reinforcing rod 13 is connected to the front frame and the rear frame below the load-bearing support, which strengthens the chair frame assembly 1 and makes the overall structure sturdy.

[0045] In addition, the chair frame assembly 1 is made of metal profiles, preferably aluminum profiles, and undergoes aging treatment with a surface coating of anti-corrosion layer. The overall structure is lightweight and high-strength. The height from the seat to the armrests of the chair frame assembly 1 is controlled at 195-200mm. The curved surface structure of the seat cushion or back cushion is designed in accordance with ergonomics, and all are humanized designs from the perspective of user comfort.

[0046] This application provides a novel shower chair structure that is simple in structure, low in cost, ergonomically designed, sturdy in support, and safe, stable, healthy, and comfortable to open and fold.

[0047] The embodiments disclosed herein are preferred embodiments, but are not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can readily grasp the spirit of the present invention based on the above embodiments and make different extensions and variations, but as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An improved shower chair structure, comprising a chair frame assembly (1), a seat (2), a backrest (3), and an armrest assembly (5), wherein the chair frame assembly (1) is formed by hinged front frame (11) and rear frame (12), characterized in that: The chair frame assembly (1) is provided with a load-bearing structure (4) for mounting the seat (2). The load-bearing structure (4) includes a first pivot support part set at the connection between the front frame (11) and the rear frame (12), a first force-bearing column (41) set on the front frame (11), a second force-bearing column (42) set on the rear frame (12), and a connecting rod (43) connecting the seat (2) and the first force-bearing column (41). The first pivot support part is a connecting bracket (44) set on the top of the rear frame (12) to support and pivotally connect the front frame (11). The first pivot support part is also provided with an armrest assembly (5) that can rotate up and down. The backrest (3) is fixed to the upper part of the front frame (11). The lower rear end of the seat (2) is provided with a protruding tubular structure (21) through which the second force support (42) is inserted. The lower front end of the seat (2) is provided with a limiting groove (22) that is fixedly engaged with the first force support (41). Between the protruding tubular structure (21) and the limiting groove (22), there is a connecting rod (43) pivot connection part (23) and a connecting rod limiting groove (24). One end of the connecting rod (43) is rotatably connected to the pivot connection part (23) by bolts, and the other end is fitted on the first force support (41). The top end of the connecting rod (43) is placed in the connecting rod limiting groove (24). The connecting rod (43) is also provided with a pointed protrusion (431) that abuts against the end of the connecting rod limiting groove (24) when folded to keep it folded and prevent it from tipping over.

2. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting bracket (44) of the first pivot support is designed with a U-shaped groove structure (441) and connected to the top of the rear frame (12). The front frame (11) is embedded in the U-shaped groove structure (441) and fastened by bolts. The two sides of the U-shaped groove structure (441) are symmetrically provided with connecting through holes (442) that communicate with the pivot holes provided in the front frame (12).

3. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handrail assembly (5) includes a handrail steel frame (51) and a handrail glove (52). The handrail steel frame (51) is a hollow structure with an open lower end face, which is hinged and installed on the first pivot support. A limiting post (511) is provided in front of the hinge of the handrail steel frame (51) to abut and support the front frame (11). The handrail glove (52) is adapted to be fitted with the handrail steel frame (51). The end of the handrail glove (52) is provided with a hand grip protrusion (521).

4. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat (2) is also provided with a detachable seat cushion (6). The seat cushion (6) is designed with a concave arc surface structure that fits the buttocks of the human body, and has multiple drainage holes on the concave arc surface that fit the seat (2). The back of the seat cushion (6) is provided with a mushroom-shaped columnar structure (8) that is detachably connected to the seat (2). The outer periphery of the seat cushion (6) is provided with an inwardly folded flange structure (9) that fits the seat (2) and covers the outside.

5. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The backrest (3) is also provided with a back pad (7). The back pad (7) is designed with a concave arc surface structure to fit the back of the person. The upper part of the back pad (7) is provided with a hand grip through hole (71). The back is provided with a mushroom-shaped column structure (8) that is adapted to the backrest (3) and can be detachably connected. The outer periphery of the back pad (7) is provided with a flange structure (9) that is adapted to the backrest (3) and covers the outside.

6. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat (2) and backrest (3) are integrally formed hollow structures. The seat cushion (6), back cushion (7) adapted to the seat (2) and backrest (3) and the armrest sleeve (52) matched with the armrest assembly (5) are all integrally foamed structures.

7. The improved shower chair structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chair frame assembly (1) is also provided with a reinforcing rod (13) in the middle, and a foot pad (101) and a height adjustment tube (102) at the lower end. The height adjustment tube (102) is sleeved inside the foot pad (101). The height adjustment tube (102) has multiple adjustment holes (103) opened from top to bottom. The upper end of the height adjustment tube (102) is sleeved with the lower end of the front frame (11) and the rear frame (12) and can slide to adjust the height of the chair frame assembly (1). The bottom surface of the foot pad (101) is provided with an outward suction cup and the back is provided with a concave pattern.

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