1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to medical appliances, and particularly to a toilet and shower chair for the disabled that assists a disabled person to perform toilet and shower functions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Persons having limited ambulatory abilities often experience extreme difficulty when attempting to perform routine bathroom functions, such as using the toilet or taking a shower. Attaining a secure perch on a commode or fording a steady stance on the soap-slippery floor of a shower stall or tub can sometimes be precarious for even the most agile. This scenario may prove perilous for a disabled person. Currently, the marketplace abounds with related art devices designed to aid the disabled to perform routine bathroom functions, such as using the toilet or taking shower. Unfortunately, the aforementioned devices lack versatility and are somewhat complex. Many of the related art devices require assistance from an aide or caregiver. The medical arts would welcome a device that would allow a disabled person to perform certain bathroom functions in a safe and effective manner without needing personal assistance. Thus, a toilet and shower chair for the disabled solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The toilet and shower chair for the disabled is a medical appliance that enables a disabled person to perform toilet and shower functions safely without assistance from an escort. The chair has a frame that includes legs, arm rests, a backrest portion and a centrally positioned seating portion. A shower head overlies the seating portion. Multiple spraying devices are arranged on the backrest portion for applying water and/or a water/soap mixture to a user's back. The legs of the chair are vertically adjustable.
Accordingly, the invention presents a unique chair that allows a disabled person a measure of independence when using the toilet or taking a shower. The chair is easy to use and incorporates features that are controllable by a remote device. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Referring to
The chair 10 includes a frame that comprises a backrest portion 12, a seat member 14 and side arms 16, 18. A plurality of legs 20 support the frame in an elevated position. The legs 20 are vertically adjustable to permit the frame to be positioned at different heights. This arrangement allows the chair 10 to be adaptable to commodes C having different vertical dimensions, and permits disabled persons P of different heights to comfortably use the chair 10. Respective suction cup-type foot members 20a are provided at the lower end of each leg member 20 to enhance traction on slippery surfaces. A showerhead assembly 22 extends upward from the backrest portion 12 and is positioned to overlie the seat member 14. The showerhead assembly 22 is also vertically adjustable to accommodate persons of different heights. An array of spraying devices 24 is arranged on the backrest portion 12 for providing liquid spray to the back and underarms of a seated disabled person. The seat member 14 is formed as a shallow receptacle having an open top and a bottom wall 14a. The bottom wall 14a is provided with an opening 14b therein, whereby wastes and fluids may flow from the seat 14 into a commode C, or to the floor (not shown) of a bath or shower stall. A spray nozzle 14c opens into the seat for supplying fluids thereto to assist in washing wastes from the bottom wall 14a of the seat 14. Side arms 16, 18 are equipped with cushioning members 16a, 18a to enhance comfort. A front spray nozzle 26 is positioned to spray fluids to the lower and other hard-to-reach areas of the body of a seated, disabled person. A hose 28 is connectable to an outlet (not shown), whereby cleansing water can be supplied via tubing 30 to the various spray nozzles and the shower head assembly 22. Control means 32 are mounted on one of the side arms 16, 18 for regulating flow through the tubing 30 to the various spray nozzles and the shower head assembly 22. As best seen in
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.