The present invention relates generally to the field of bathing aids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bathing chair device that can be used to bathe a user while sitting or standing. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
This bathing chair named Backup is designed primarily for individuals with a number of physical limitations and disabilities regarding hands, arms, legs, and feet etc. This bathing chair serves as an invaluable aid particularly when a person relies on a caregiver during their bathing routine. The act of requesting assistance while bathing can often be accompanied by feelings of embarrassment and vulnerability. However, the significance of these specialized chairs becomes even more apparent when we consider the practical challenges that individuals with physical limitations face in maintaining their hygiene.
One of the primary challenges of using this bathing chair is reaching inaccessible areas of the body, such as the back and other hard-to-reach spots. For example, a person with non-sensitive skin may prefer hard bristle brushes. A person with sensitive skin and sore muscles that are in need of a light massage may prefer a light brush for scrubbing. The brushes are slightly flexible and are interchangeable with smooth, medium or coarse textures to give a one-of-a-kind bathing or massage experience. All users should anticipate exfoliating flaky skin. These areas are essential for thorough cleansing, but without the right support, many individuals with physical limitations find it nearly impossible to achieve proper cleanliness.
Moreover, it's important to recognize that healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, senior assisted living facilities, rehab facilities, individuals with surgical and sports injuries or anyone dealing with physical challenges in their private homes would embrace this bathing chair as a must-have essential bathing device. This innovative bathing chair could be the answer to many of those left without assistance in their most vulnerable and critical times of need. The use of this bathing chair would help to increase productivity and minimize those left unattended. Often many facilities have limitations on how many people they can assist with bathing on a daily basis. This limitation can result in some individuals being left without the means to bathe regularly or without the ability to clean these hard-to-reach areas. However, this mechanical aid named Backup could bring gratification and efficiency to staff members, recipients that are sickly, feeble and disoriented as well as able-bodied individuals globally.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bathing chair. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device that allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back and upper sides of user's body. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device that allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back without the need for a second individual or for the user to manually reach said hard-to-reach areas.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bathing chair device. The device is comprised of a base that receives at least one repositionable seat and a backrest. The backrest is comprised of at least one spinning brush that can clean the back of a user when the user sits in the seat. In one embodiment, the backrest is detachable from the base/seat and can be secured to a wall surface to allow the brush to clean a user's back while the user is standing.
In this manner, the bathing chair device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an improved bathing chair. More specifically, the device allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back. Further, the device does so without the need for a second individual or for the user to manually reach said hard-to-reach areas via the use of the spinning brush.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bathing chair device comprised of a base that receives at least one seat and a back plate comprised of at least one (but preferably up to six) motorized scrubbing brush.
The base of the device is comprised of at least one (but preferably four) legs. In one embodiment, the legs are of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the legs are telescopic such that the height of the base can be adjusted. Each leg is preferably comprised of at least one non-slip foot.
The device is also comprised of at least one seat that can be comprised of a durable high-grade water-resistant material that attaches to the base via at least one track of the base. The track allows the seat to move horizontally (i.e., left to right) along the base as needed. In a further embodiment, the seat may rotate 360 degrees around the vertical axis of the base via at least one rotation point that also attaches to the track or the seat. The seat can be locked into position on the track via at least one locking member. The seat may also be comprised of at least one padded handrail. LEDs or similar lights can also be provided at one or more places such as the handrails, brush housing and other areas of the device. This lit feature aids a user in getting into/out of the seat which may be helpful in the dark or during a power failure. This will help prevent slipping, falling or injuries.
The device is also comprised of a back plate that may attach to the base and/or a support bar. In one embodiment, the bar is fixedly attached to the back plate. In another embodiment, the back plate is comprised of at least one receiving structure that receives the bar. In this manner, the back plate can be removed from the other portions of the device as needed.
The rear surface of the back plate, or a battery pack may be comprised of at least one fastener that allows the back plate to attach to a wall or other nearby surface for support in an embodiment wherein the back plate is removed from the base and/or seat in an embodiment where a user need not sit on the device to use it.
The back plate is also comprised of at least one brush housing that houses at least one brush. The brush can spin 360 degrees relative to the Y-axis of the housing and is powered by at least one motor. During use, the brush cleans the back of the user. The brush may be any type of brush in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the housing may be comprised of at least one reservoir that holds a cleaning liquid such as but not limited to soap. Once the brush is activated, at least one pump of the reservoir sprays the liquid onto the brush via at least one nozzle.
The motor can be activated by at least one button. The button may be positioned anywhere on the device. In one embodiment, the button allows a user to power the motor on/off to control the spinning of the brush. In another embodiment, the button may consist of a soft non-irritating water-resistant non-slippery on/off button approximate size but not limited to 2.6 in/6.62 cm. (diameter). The button may be placed on the front of seat under the right or left thigh depending on user's need. It may be activated by user sitting on the seat and deactivated by user standing up. This function will assist those who are amputees, users with birth defects and those dealing with all types of physical challenges in their upper or lower torso. This allows a user to power the motor on/off to control the spinning of the brush. In another embodiment, the motor has a plurality of speeds (ex. low, medium, high), wherein the button may be multifunctional and allows a user to select the speed at which the brush spins and may be positioned anywhere on the device.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a base comprised of at least one leg, a seat attached to the base—the seat comprised of at least one padded handrail, and a back plate comprised of at least one brush, at least one motor, and at least one battery pack. Then, a user can place the device within a bathing area such as but not limited to a shower or a bathtub. Next, a user can sit on the seat and be secured on the seat via at least one seat belt. Then, at least one button can be pressed to activate the motor to cause the brush to spin to wash the back of the user while seated in the device. The bathing chair device must be built with rigidity and should be able to withstand up to 350 plus pounds.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a back plate comprised of at least one brush, at least one motor, at least one fastener, and at least one battery pack. Then, a user can secure the back plate to a wall surface via the fastener. Next, at least one button can be pressed or sat on to activate the motor to cause the brush to spin to wash the back of the user while standing near the chair/device.
Accordingly, the bathing chair device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bathing chair. More specifically, the device allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back without the need for a second individual or for the user to manually reach said hard-to-reach areas via the use of the spinning brush. The chair has a 360 degrees seat that rotates with or without the backing bars or motorized casing. In this manner, the bathing chair device overcomes the limitations of existing devices and methods of back washing known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bathing chair. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device that allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back and upper sides of the user's body. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bathing chair device that allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back without the need for a second individual or for the user to manually reach said hard-to-reach areas. As safety is a priority, the bathing chair device must be built with rigidity and should be able to withstand up to 350 plus pounds.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a bathing chair device. The device is comprised of a base that receives at least one seat and a back plate comprised of at least one (but preferably up to six) motorized scrubbing brush. The base of the device is comprised of at least one (but preferably four) legs. In one embodiment, the legs are of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the legs are telescopic such that the height of the base can be adjusted. Each leg is preferably comprised of at least one non-slip foot.
The device is also comprised of at least one seat that attaches to the base via at least one track of the base. The track allows the seat to move horizontally (i.e., left to right) along the base as needed. In a further embodiment, the seat may rotate 360 degrees around the vertical axis of the base via at least one rotation point that also attaches to the track. The seat can be locked into position on the track via at least one locking member. The seat may also be comprised of at least one handrail that aids a user in getting into/out of the seat and also helps secure the user within the seat.
The device is also comprised of a back plate that may attach to the base and/or a support bar. In one embodiment, the bar is fixedly attached to the back plate. In another embodiment, the back plate is comprised of at least one receiving structure that receives the bar. In this manner, the back plate can be removed from the other portions of the device as needed.
The rear surface of the back plate, or a battery pack may be comprised of at least one fastener that allows the back plate to attach to a wall or other nearby surface for support in an embodiment wherein the back plate is removed from the base and/or seat in an embodiment where a user need not sit on the device to use it.
The back plate is also comprised of at least one brush housing that houses at least one brush. The brush can spin 360 degrees relative to the Y-axis of the housing and is powered by at least one motor. During use, the brush cleans the back of the user. The brush may be any type of brush in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the housing may be comprised of at least one reservoir that holds a cleaning liquid such as but not limited to soap. Once the brush is activated, at least one pump of the reservoir sprays the liquid onto the brush via at least one nozzle.
The motor can be activated by at least one button. The button may be positioned anywhere on the device. In one embodiment, the button allows a user to power the motor on/off to control the spinning of the brush. In another embodiment, the motor has a plurality of speeds (ex. low, medium, high), wherein the button allows a user to select the speed at which the brush spins.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a base comprised of at least one leg, a waterproof padded seat attached to the base—the seat comprised of at least one padded handrail, integrated with LED or similar lights, and a back plate comprised of at least one brush, at least one lightweight waterproof high efficiency motor, and at least one lightweight waterproof high efficiency rechargeable battery pack and at least one handle of any design positioned anywhere on motorized unit. Then, a user can place the device within a bathing area such as but not limited to a shower or in a designated bathing area. . . . Next, a user can sit on the seat and be secured on the seat via at least one water-resistant seat belt. Then, at least one button can be pressed or sat on to activate the motor to cause the brush to spin to wash the back of the user while seated in the device.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a back plate comprised of at least one brush, at least one motor, at least one fastener, and at least one battery pack and at least one handle. Then, a user can secure the back plate to a wall surface via the fastener. At least one water-resistant handle of any design attached to backing plate or motorized unit. This will ensure safe mounting and removal from support bars, shower walls or other flat surfaces. Next, at least one button can be pressed to activate the motor to cause the brush to spin to wash the back of the user while standing near the device.
Accordingly, the bathing chair device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bathing chair. More specifically, the device allows a user to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back without the need for a second individual or for the user to manually reach said hard-to-reach areas via the use of the spinning brush. In this manner, the bathing chair device overcomes the limitations of existing devices and methods of back washing known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The base 110 of the device 100 is comprised of at least one (but preferably four) legs 111. In one embodiment, the legs 111 are of a fixed length. In another embodiment, the legs 111 are telescopic such that the height of the base 110 can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the leg 111 is comprised of at least one locking member 112 that allows a user to lock the leg 111 at a specific length to achieve a specific height. The member 112 may be any locking mechanism such as but not limited to a clip, a clamp, a spring-loaded pin an opening, etc. Two or more legs 111 may further be supported via at least one support member 114 that provides structural stability between legs 111.
Each leg 111 is preferably comprised of at least one non-slip foot 113. The foot 113 is preferably made from a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber. In one embodiment, the foot 113 is repositionable/angle adjustable.
The device 100 is also comprised of at least one seat 120. The seat 120 is preferably a waterproof, padded seat. The seat 120 attaches to the base 110 via at least one track 115 of the base 110. The track 115 allows the seat 120 to move horizontally (i.e., left to right) along the base 110 as needed. In a further embodiment, the seat 120 may rotate 360 degrees around the vertical axis of the base 110 via at least one rotation point 125 that also attaches to the track 115. The seat 120 can be locked into position on the track 115 via at least one locking member 127 of any type known in the art, such as but not limited to a pin, a clip, a clamp, etc.
The seat 120 may also be comprised of at least one seat belt 126. The belt 126 is preferably waterproof and can be locked around a user sitting in the device 100 to prevent the user from slipping or falling off the seat 120. The belt 126 is preferably comprised of at least one locking mechanism 128 that secures the belt 126 around a user, such as but not limited to a buckle. The belt 126 is preferably adjustable in length.
The seat 120 may also be comprised of at least one handrail 121. The handrail 121 aids a user in getting into/out of the seat 120 and also helps secure the user within the seat 120. In one embodiment, the handrail 121 is of a fixed height. In another embodiment, the handrail 121 is telescopic such that the height of the handrail 121 can be adjusted as needed. In this embodiment, the handrail 121 is comprised of at least one locking member 122 that allows a user to lock the handrail 121 at a specific length to achieve a specific height. The member 122 may be any locking mechanism such as but not limited to a clip, a clamp, a spring-loaded pin an opening, etc.
The handrail 121 may also be comprised of at least one grip 124. The grip 124 is preferably comprised of a non-slip material such as but not limited to rubber. The grip 124 is also comprised of a raised or recessed texture to improve grip. A user can grab the grip 124 while getting in/out of the device 100.
The device 100 is also comprised of a back plate 130, as seen in
In one embodiment, the bars 132 are fixedly attached to the back plate 130. In another embodiment, the back plate 130 is comprised of at least one receiving structure 131 that receives the bar 132. In this manner, the back plate 130 can be removed from the other portions of the device 100 as needed. The receiving structure 131 may be any type known in the art such as but not limited to a clamp, a clip, an opening, etc.
The rear surface 140 of the back plate 130, a battery pack 150 may be comprised of at least one fastener 151. The fastener 151 allows the back plate 130 to attach to a wall or other nearby surface for support in an embodiment wherein the back plate 130 is removed from the base 110 and/or seat 120 in an embodiment where a user need not sit on the device 100 to use it. The fastener 151 is preferably a suction cup, but may be any type such as but not limited to hooks, adhesive, magnet, hook and loop, etc.
The device 100 is also comprised of at least one lightweight waterproof high efficiency rechargeable battery pack 150. In one embodiment, the battery pack 150 is detachable from the remainder of the device 100. In this embodiment, the battery pack 150 attaches to or can be integrated together with motor 170 within the battery pack 150 of this device 100 (preferably to the rear surface 140) via at least one fastener 151 such as but not limited to a screw, a latch clamp hollow sheath with an internal stud that attaches to an opening of the support bar 132, a clip, a clamp, a magnet, tongue and groove, etc. The battery pack 150 may further be comprised of at least one handle 152 to allow the battery pack 150 to be easily handled.
The battery pack 150 is preferably a lightweight waterproof high efficiency rechargeable unit. In one embodiment, the battery pack 150 can be recharged via at least one waterproof charging port 154. The port 154 may be any type of charging port known in the art.
The back plate 130 is also comprised of at least one brush housing 160 that houses at least one brush 161. The brush 161 can spin 360 degrees relative to the Y-axis of the housing 160 and is powered by at least one lightweight waterproof high efficiency motor 170. During use, the brush 161 cleans the back of the user. The brush 161 may be any type of brush in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the brush 161 is comprised of a non-bristled, rubber surface for sensitive skin. In another embodiment, the brush 161 is comprised of a natural or synthetic bristled surface. Any water collected within the housing 160 may drain from the housing via at least one drainage hole 162 located anywhere on the housing 160.
In one embodiment, the housing 160 may be comprised of at least one reservoir 180 that holds a cleaning liquid 182 such as but not limited to soap. Once the brush 161 is activated, at least one pump 184 of the reservoir 180 sprays the liquid 182 onto the brush 161 via at least one nozzle 186 that may be positioned anywhere on the brush housing unit 160.
The motor 170 can be activated by at least one button 172. The button 172 may be positioned anywhere on the device 100. In one embodiment, the button 172 allows a user to power the motor on/off to control the spinning of the brush 161. In another embodiment, the button 172 may consist of a soft non-irritating, water-resistant, non-slippery on/off button 172 approximate size but not limited to 2.6 in./6.62 cm. (diameter). The button 172 may be placed on the front of seat 120 under the right or left thigh depending on user's need. By user sitting on the seat 120 button 172 can be activated and deactivated by user standing up. In another embodiment, the motor 170 has a plurality of speeds (ex. low, medium, high), wherein the button 172 may be multifunctional and allows a user to select the speed at which the brush 161 spins and may be placed anywhere on the device 100. This function will assist those who are amputees, users with birth defects and those dealing with all types of physical challenges in their upper or lower torso. This feature allows a user to power the motor 170 on/off to control the spinning of the brush 161.
In one embodiment, the device 100 can be comprised of at least one LED or similar light 123,153 positioned anywhere on the device 100. The lights 123,153 improve visibility. The button 172 may control the lights 123,153 in one embodiment. In another embodiment the button 172 may be multifunctional and allow the lights 123, 153, and 190 to operate or function separate from the brush housing 160 and may be placed anywhere on the device 100. This lit feature aids a user in getting into/out of the seat 120 which may be helpful in the dark or during a power failure. This will help prevent slipping, falling or injuries which will ensure visibility while entering and exiting shower.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bathing chair device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the bathing chair device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the bathing chair device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the bathing chair device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bathing chair device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bathing chair device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bathing chair device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/510,439, which was filed on Jun. 27, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63510439 | Jun 2023 | US |