BACKGROUND
Many people suffer disabilities or otherwise have limitations that make it difficult for them to shower. Some people are unsteady on their feet or are unable to stand for very long making it difficult and/or unsafe for them to stand for the duration of a shower. Many of these people also have limited range of motion or only have use of one arm making it difficult for them to position the showerhead or wash their hair or back. A common solution tried by people in this situation is to use a shower stool or chair together with a handheld showerhead. The shower stool allows them to sit while they are showering and they can direct the water with the handheld showerhead. Unfortunately this solution has many limitations, drawbacks and inadequacies.
People with a limited range of motion or who only have the use of one arm cannot direct a handheld showerhead to wash their hair or back since they are unable to position the handheld showerhead appropriately or cannot hold the showerhead and wash simultaneously. It is common for these people to let the handheld showerhead dangle from the hose on the shower floor while they use a long-handled brush or sponge to wash. During this time, people get cold since they are not being warmed by the shower water. Frequently the dangling showerhead sprays water around a shower curtain causing a mess on the bathroom floor and presenting a slip hazard when the person exits the shower. To continue showering, people must reach down to pick up the showerhead which could throw them off balance and result in a fall or other injury.
As a solution to the dangling showerhead problem there are showerhead positioning and holding devices available. The most common of these products is a showerhead holder that slides up and down a vertical pole or track. There are many commercial products and patented variants of this concept including: U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,781 Adjustable shower track system, Feb. 16, 1999, Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,089 Combined sliding rail with support for height-adjustable shower, Oct. 12, 2004, Cropelli; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,309 Shower-fixture holder, Aug. 22, 2006, Kollmann et al. These sliding holders typically need to be permanently installed and thus require someone to do the installation and can also be expensive. In addition they do not provide for positioning of the showerhead to the back of the user—a significant limitation and problem—and, for people with limited mobility, the showerhead may not be able to be raised high enough for washing hair. Another type of showerhead holder mounts to a grab-bar or adheres to the shower wall with a suction cup type mount. There are also many commercial products and patented variants of this concept including: U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,751 Suction cup support particularly for a shower head with handle affixed to a shower hose, Apr. 8, 1986, Panzer; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,302 Showerhead Holder, Nov. 3, 2007, Mesa. These types of devices provide more flexibility in the placement of the showerhead; however, they are not easily moved or repositioned. In theory these devices can be mounted above or behind the user, but if the user has limited mobility he/she may not be able to place the showerhead in the holder in those locations. Even worse, in an attempt to reach the holder, the user could fall or otherwise be injured.
Due to the lack of a suitable showerhead positioning and holding device, many people attempt to turn their body on the shower stool to align the shower spray with different parts of their body. This is a risky practice that could throw them off balance and result in a fall or other injury. Recognizing that positioning the body on a shower stool can be an issue, manufacturers offer shower stools with rotating seats. Mabey teaches of such a rotating shower seat in U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,722. Unfortunately these products also have significant drawbacks and inadequacies. A standard tub/shower is not large enough for a seated user to turn completely. Motion is very limited and does not allow the user to position their back to the shower spray. The fact that the seat turns easily could result in inadequate stability for some people and possibly lead to a fall or other injury. A shower stool with a rotating seat is really only usable in a large shower stall—not the typical user situation—and even then must be used carefully.
Other solutions for assisting those with disabilities in showering have also been proposed. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,445 Bailey teaches a means to wash the seated areas of a user seated on the shower chair. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,292 Kuether et al teaches of a means to run water through a bath chair along the back, sides, arms and thighs of the user. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,919 Wilson et al teaches of a shower chair with integrated water dispersing holes and movable side flaps. All of these solutions control the way water is directed to the user and do not give the user the flexibility and control of a typical showering experience. People are used to standing under a showerhead and moving their bodies to direct the spray.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide a showering assistance device usable in a standard tub, shower or tub/shower combination that allows a user to shower in a seated position. The showering assistance device provides a stable seating surface and holds and positions a showerhead for hands-free washing. The showering assistance device enables a user to adjust the height of the showerhead through an accessible height adjustment mechanism. Further, the showering assistance device of the present invention also allows a user to adjust the circumferential or lateral position of the showerhead with respect to the seat upon which the user is sitting via an angle adjustment mechanism.
In accordance with one embodiment, a showering assistance device includes a seat configured to provide a seating surface for a user and two or more supports or legs configured to contact the surface of a tub, a shower or a combination tub and shower and to provide support for the showering assistance device. The showering assistance device also includes an adjustment rod and an attached showerhead holder that in combination are configured to support and hold a showerhead. Additionally, the showering assistance device includes a height adjustment mechanism configured to enable a user to adjust the height of the adjustment rod and showerhead holder and an angle adjustment mechanism configured to enable the user to adjust the circumferential or lateral position of the adjustment rod and showerhead holder with respect to the seat.
According to another embodiment, a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a showerhead in a showering assistance device includes a telescoping or sliding assembly in which a structure slides on or within another and a showerhead holder attached to the telescoping assembly. The height adjustment mechanism also includes a showerhead holder configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead and a handle configured to enable a user to extend or contract the telescoping assembly in order to adjust the height of the showerhead holder.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the circumferential position of a showerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance device includes a disk or ring configured to rotate about the seat and a rod or telescoping assembly attached to the disk or ring. The angle adjustment mechanism also includes a showerhead holder attached to the rod or telescoping assembly. The showerhead holder is configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead.
In an embodiment, an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the lateral position of a showerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance device includes an adjustment arm that pivots about a fixed point. The adjustment arm is configured to be movable by a user. The angle adjustment mechanism further includes a rod or telescoping assembly attached to the adjustment arm a showerhead holder attached to the rod or telescoping assembly. The showerhead holder is configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead.
In one embodiment, a height and angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting with the same handle the height and circumferential position of a showerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance device includes a swing arm pivoting about a fixed location and a rod passing through a channel or guide mechanism on the swing arm. The height and angle adjustment mechanism also includes a showerhead holder attached to the rod. The showerhead holder is configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead. The height and angle adjustment mechanism further includes a handle assembly attached to the swing arm and the rod. The handle assembly is configured to pivot at the swing arm attachment point and the rod attachment point, enable a user to adjust the height of the showerhead holder by raising and lowering the handle assembly, and enable a user to adjust the circumferential position of the showerhead holder with respect to a seat in the shower assistance device by moving the handle assembly from side to side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1A is an illustrative depiction of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 1B is an illustrative depiction of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention shown with a top view.
FIG. 2A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.
FIG. 2B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.
FIG. 3A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 3B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention from a top view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 4A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a top view.
FIG. 4B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a side view.
FIG. 5A is an illustrative depiction of an alternative embodiment of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is an illustrative depiction of an alternative embodiment of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention shown with a top view.
FIG. 6A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.
FIG. 6B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.
FIG. 7A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 7B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention from a top view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 8A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a top view.
FIG. 8B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a side view.
FIG. 9A is an illustrative depiction of yet another embodiment of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is an illustrative depiction of yet another embodiment of a device to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of the present invention shown with a top view.
FIG. 10A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.
FIG. 10B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.
FIG. 11A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention from a side view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 11B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention from a top view showing horizontal adjustment.
FIG. 12A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a top view.
FIG. 12B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention shown in a tub/shower from a side view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide showering assistance devices that are usable in a standard tub/shower. Embodiments allow the user to easily shower in a seated position; provide a stable seating surface; hold and position a shower head; free the user's hands for washing; can be used/operated with one hand; do not require the user to reach or stretch excessively; provide a familiar showering method; allow the user to shower without getting his/her hair wet if desired; and do not require permanent installation.
FIGS. 1A and 1B depict different views of one embodiment of a showering assistance device 100 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the showering assistance device 100 has a seat 101 upon which a user sits. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has three support legs 102 that attach to seat 101 although the device could have less or more legs or supports. Some of the supports may rest against the side wall of the shower or tub. Leg extensions 103 may slide inside of support legs 102 and lock into different positions allowing for adjustment of the height of seat 101 to accommodate different users. Alternatively, leg extensions 103 may slide on the outside of support legs 102 or an adjustable seat post may be used to adjust the height of seat 101. According to this embodiment, shelf 109 is attached to support legs 102 adding more rigidity to showering assistance device 100 and providing the user with a convenient place to store items. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has an adjustment ring 110 which the user can rotate around seat 101. A rod holder 108 is attached to, or integrated into adjustment ring 110. According to this embodiment, a support rod 107 is attached to rod holder 108 and an adjustment rod 105 slides over support rod 107. The adjustment rod 105 may also slide along the side of support rod 107 utilizing guides, a track, or other mechanism. The term rod is used in a non-limiting sense and may be an i-beam, square beam, round tubing, oval tubing, or any other suitable structure. Showerhead holder 104 is attached to, and can be moved up and down, adjustment rod 105 and holds a showerhead for the user. The showerhead could be a separate handheld showerhead or a showerhead may be integrated into showering assistance device 100. In this embodiment, an adjustment handle 106 is attached to adjustment rod 105 and allows the user to slide adjustment rod 105 up and down and lock it in position. The locking mechanism may be a latch, a clamp, a friction device, or other mechanism for holding adjustment rod 105 in place. According to this embodiment, a user can adjust the vertical position (i.e. height) of a showerhead by operating adjustment handle 106 and can adjust the circumferential position of the showerhead with respect to the seat 101 upon which the user is sitting by rotating adjustment ring 110. The movement of the adjustment ring 110 allows the showerhead to move in a circular motion around the user without the user having to change positions and therefore allows the user to receive water from different directions and angles.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this embodiment a showerhead 300 is located in shower holder 104 (hose not shown). Showerhead 300 could be a separate, handheld showerhead or a showerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, leg extensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating position for user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105 such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into the showerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. This initial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 with limited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and also provides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hair wet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height of showerhead 300 using adjustment handle 106. User 200 can raise showerhead 300 above his/her head without reaching above shoulder height. Adjustment handle 106 latches in place freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setup as described for FIGS. 2A and 2B above. According to this embodiment, user 200 adjusts the circumferential position of showerhead 300 with respect to the seat 101 (and user 200) by rotating adjustment ring 110. User 200 can adjust the position of showerhead 300 around his/her side or back without reaching behind his/her body allowing a user 200 with limited mobility to use the device. Once rotated, adjustment ring 110 stays in position freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B located in a standard tub/shower 400. According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests on the floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within the dimensions of a standard 30″ tub/shower base 403. In this embodiment showering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does not interfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/shower curtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 could also be sized for use in larger tub/shower base and could also be sized larger to be more comfortable for larger users.
FIGS. 5A and 5B depict views of another embodiment of a showering assistance device 100 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the showering assistance device 100 has a seat 101 upon which a user sits. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has three support legs 102 that attach to seat 101 although the device may have less or more legs or supports. Some of the supports may rest against the side wall of the shower or tub. Leg extensions 103 may slide inside of support legs 102 and lock into different positions allowing for adjustment of the height of seat 101 to accommodate different users. Alternatively, leg extensions 103 may slide on the outside of support legs 102 or an adjustable seat post may be used to adjust the height of seat 101. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has a multi-adjustment handle 112 which is attached to adjustment rod 105 and swing arm 111, and pivots at those points. The term rod is used in a non-limiting sense and may refer to an i-beam, square beam, round tubing, oval tubing, or any other suitable structure. Swing arm 111 is located on one of the support legs 102 and can turn on that support leg 102. Swing arm 111 may also be located on a separate support structure. According to this embodiment, adjustment rod 105 passes through a collar which is part of, or attached to, swing arm 111 and is attached to multi-adjustment handle 112 near the collar of swing arm 111. In this embodiment both the adjustment rod 105 and collar of swing arm 111 are curved allowing adjustment rod 105 to move in an arch. Multi-adjustment handle 112 has a telescoping means that allow the length of multi-adjustment handle 112 to change to account for the different radius of motion of adjustment rod 105 and multi-adjustment handle 112. Showerhead holder 104 is attached to, and can be moved up and down, adjustment rod 105 and holds a showerhead for the user. The showerhead may be a separate handheld showerhead or a showerhead may be integrated into showering assistance device 100. According to this embodiment, a user can adjust the vertical position (i.e. height) of a showerhead by raising or lowering multi-adjustment handle 112 and can adjust the circumferential position of the showerhead by moving multi-adjustment handle 112 side-to-side which allows water to flow onto the user from a different horizontal angle.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment a showerhead 300 (hose not shown) is located in shower holder 104. Showerhead 300 could be a separate, handheld showerhead or a showerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, leg extensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating position for user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105 such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into the showerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. This initial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 with limited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and also provides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hair wet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height of showerhead 300 by raising or lowering multi-adjustment handle 112. User 200 can raise showerhead 300 above his/her head while keeping his/her hands at a comfortable, natural position. Once moved, multi-adjustment handle 112 stays in place freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities. A latch, a clamp, a friction device, or other mechanism may be utilized to holding adjustment rod 105 in place.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setup as described for FIGS. 6A and 6B above. According to this embodiment, user 200 adjusts the angle of showerhead 300 by moving multi-adjustment handle 112 side to side to change the circumferential position of the showerhead with respect to the seat 101 and user 200. User 200 can therefore adjust the angle of water from showerhead 300 around his/her side or back without reaching behind his/her body allowing a user 200 with limited mobility to use the device. Once adjusted, multi-adjustment handle 112 stays in position freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B located in a standard tub/shower 400. According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests on the floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within the dimensions of a standard tub/shower base 403. In this embodiment showering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does not interfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/shower curtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 may also be sized for use in larger tub/shower base and may also be sized larger to be more comfortable for larger users.
FIGS. 9A and 9B depict two different views of yet another embodiment of a showering assistance device 100 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the showering assistance device 100 has a seat 101 upon which a user sits. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has three support legs 102 that attach to seat 101 although the device could have less or more legs or supports. Some of the supports could rest against the side wall of the shower or tub. Leg extensions 103 may slide inside of support legs 102 and lock into different positions allowing for adjustment of the height of seat 101 to accommodate different users. Alternatively, leg extensions 103 may slide on the outside of support legs 102 or an adjustable seat post may be used to adjust the height of seat 101. According to this embodiment, shelf 109 is attached to support legs 102 adding more rigidity to showering assistance device 100 and providing the user with a convenient place to store items. In this embodiment, a bracket 115 is attached to, or is an integral feature of, seat 101. According to this embodiment, an adjustment arm 113 has a shaft that passes through bracket 115 and is secured on the opposite side with attachment plate 114. Adjustment arm 113 pivots around its shaft. A person versed in the art will understand that other pivoting mechanisms may be utilized to allow adjustment arm 113 to pivot. In this embodiment, a support rod 107 is attached to adjustment arm 113 and an adjustment rod 105 slides over support rod 107. The adjustment rod 105 could also slide along the side of support rod 107 utilizing guides or a track. The term rod is used in a non-limiting sense and may refer to an i-beam, square beam, round tubing, oval tubing, or any other suitable structure. Showerhead holder 104 is attached to, and may be moved up and down, adjustment rod 105 and holds a showerhead for the user. The showerhead may be a separate handheld showerhead or a showerhead could be integrated into showering assistance device 100. According to this embodiment, an adjustment handle 106 is attached to adjustment rod 105 and allows the user to slide adjustment rod 105 up and down and lock it in position. The locking mechanism could be a latch, a clamp, a friction device, or other mechanism for holding adjustment rod 105 in place. According to this embodiment, a user can adjust the vertical position (i.e. height) of a showerhead by operating adjustment handle 106 and can adjust the horizontal/lateral position of the showerhead by raising or lowering adjustment arm 113.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this embodiment a showerhead 300 (hose not shown) is located in shower holder 104. Showerhead 300 may be a separate, handheld showerhead or a showerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, leg extensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating position for user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105 such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into the showerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. This initial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 with limited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and also provides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hair wet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height of showerhead 300 using adjustment handle 106. User 200 can raise showerhead 300 above his/her head without reaching above shoulder height. Once moved, adjustment handle 106 stays in place freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on and using the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setup as described for FIGS. 10A and 10B above. According to this embodiment, user 200 adjusts the lateral position of showerhead 300 by raising or lowering adjustment arm 113. User 200 can adjust the lateral position of showerhead 300 around his/her side or back without reaching behind his/her body thereby allowing a user 200 with limited mobility to use the device. Once moved, adjustment arm 113 stays in position freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities. A latch, a clamp, a friction device, or other mechanism could be utilized to hold adjustment arm 113 in place.
FIGS. 12A and 12B show the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B located in a standard tub/shower 400. According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests on the floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within the dimensions of a standard tub/shower base 403. In this embodiment showering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does not interfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/shower curtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 may also be sized for use in larger tub/shower base and could also be sized larger to be more comfortable for larger users.
Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the art will realize that the architectures depicted in the figures may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention and that the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the present invention.
The foregoing description of example embodiments of the invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention and features from the described embodiments may be combined in a manner not specifically illustrated herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20180020881
