Abstract:
A transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet improves access to sanitary facilities by the disabled. The transfer seat may be used as one element of a modular system for improving bathroom fixtures designed for use by the handicapped. This modular system includes a transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet; a hand rail assembly designed for use with the transfer seat; and a shower distribution system designed for use with the hand rail assembly. The components of this modular system may be used separately or together.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to bathroom fixtures designed for use by the handicapped. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has established standards for restrooms for use by the handicapped in commercial spaces. All restrooms, whether newly constructed or remodeled, must be usable by people with disabilities. This means at least one of each type of fixture or feature must meet handicapped requirements. 
         [0005]    According to ADA standards, clear space measuring at least 30 inches×48 inches must be provided to accommodate a single wheelchair. A wheelchair requires at least 60 inches in diameter to make a 180 degree turn. To conserve space, a T-shaped turning space with aisles 36 inches wide allowing a three-point turn is also acceptable. 
         [0006]    Every washroom must have at least one accessible lavatory that meets or exceeds ADA requirements. A handicapped lavatory must be set at the proper height and depth with enough clear floor space and clearance underneath to allow people in wheelchairs to easily approach and operate it. To allow a forward approach by people in wheelchairs, a clear floor space in front of the lavatory at least 30 inches wide and 48 inches deep must be provided. 
         [0007]    All restrooms that include toilet stalls in new construction must provide at least one accessible standard compartment that complies with ADAAG requirements. A standard compartment has a minimum width of 60 inches and a length that allows using a wheelchair to approach the toilet either from the front or side. Horizontal grab bars must be mounted behind the toilet and on the nearest wall or partition. Seat heights must be 17 inches to 19 inches above the finished floor. Flush controls must be placed on the open side of the toilet with the most clear floor space and mounted no higher than 44 inches above the finished floor. 
         [0008]    Non-commercial spaces frequently have bathroom spaces which are unable to conviently allow access by a disabled person to toilet facilities. Houses and apartments frequently have small bathrooms which do not permit a disabled person in a wheelchair to turn and approach a toilet with an unrestricted 60 inches turning radius. Additionally, houses and apartments frequently have toilets situated such that horizontal grab bars cannot be mounted on a nearby wall or partition as well as behind the toilet. For example, the toilet may not be situated in a corner. 
         [0009]    Transfer seats for use with toilets are known which assist a handicapped individual to use a standard toilet. However, such transfer seats are generally not permanent installations; rather, they are benches which fit over a toilet and are typically moved into position when needed. However, such benches cannot be readily moved to the toilet by the handicapped person independently; accordingly, the handicapped person is still dependent on a caregiver. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a present need for a system which allows a commercial or non-commercial space to readily accommodate a handicapped individual in need of toilet facilities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In light of the present need for improved bathroom facilities for handicapped persons which may be installed in new construction or retrofitted into old construction, a brief summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections. 
         [0012]    The current document discloses a transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet. The current document further discloses a modular system for improving bathroom fixtures designed for use by the handicapped. This modular system includes: 
         [0013]    A transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet; 
         [0014]    A hand rail assembly designed for use with the transfer seat; and 
         [0015]    A shower distribution rail designed for use with the hand rail assembly. 
         [0016]    The components of this modular system may be used separately or together. 
         [0017]    Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a transfer seat assembly for use in a sanitary facility comprising a toilet having a bowl with a rim; and at least one wall adjacent to said toilet. The transfer seat assembly comprises a transfer seat adjacent to said toilet having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the transfer seat is secured to at least one wall of the sanitary facility; and the second end of the transfer seat is connected with the rim of the toilet. An opening in the transfer seat coincides with the bowl of the toilet; and at least one brace or leg supports the first end of the transfer seat. According to various embodiments, the opening in the transfer seat comprises a recessed lower edge which fits over the outer edge of the rim of the toilet. The toilet may further comprise a toilet seat connected to the toilet by a hinge, where the toilet seat lies within the opening in the transfer seat. An upper surface of the transfer seat and an upper surface of the toilet seat may be coplanar. 
         [0018]    According to certain embodiments, the toilet in the sanitary facility may further comprise a lid movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The lid is hinged to at least one of the toilet seat and the transfer seat. The lid, when in the lowered position, is supported by an upper surface of the transfer seat or by an upper surface of the toilet seat. If the upper surface of the transfer seat and the upper surface of the toilet seat are coplanar, the toilet lid may be supported by both the upper surface of the transfer seat and the upper surface of the toilet seat. According to certain embodiments, the sanitary facility described herein includes a toilet and a transfer seat with an upper surface which includes comprises a non-recessed portion and a recessed portion, where the recessed portion is adjacent to the toilet. The combination of the toilet and the transfer seat has a lid which, in a lowered position, is supported by the recessed portion of the transfer seat and a toilet seat. In various embodiments, an upper surface of the lid and an upper surface of the non-recessed portion of the transfer seat are coplanar. 
         [0019]    The foregoing embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages that can be realized. Thus, these and other embodiments will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the various embodiments, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation that may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations, and improvements herein shown and described in various exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a transfer seat used in combination with a toilet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  provides a second view of the combination of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show alternate embodiments of transfer seats for use in combination with a toilet. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a transfer seat for use in combination with a toilet, as seen from above. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a transfer seat for use in combination with a toilet, where the transfer seat comprises back and a lid. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7 ,  7 A,  8  and  9  show views of a shower assembly for use by disabled persons. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows a floor plan of a bathroom for use by disabled persons, where the . bathroom includes the transfer seat used in combination with a toilet of  FIG. 1  and the shower assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0028]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show use of a transfer seat of  FIG. 1  to modify a bathroom layout of to increase access to toilet facilities for handicapped persons. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  show shows a further embodiment of a transfer seat for use in combination with a toilet. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like components or steps, there are disclosed broad aspects of various exemplary embodiments relating to a transfer seat for use with a toilet.  FIG. 1  shows a front view of a toilet  1  having a tank  2 , and a tank lid  3 . The toilet  1  is fixed to floor  7 . A transfer seat or bench  5  is fixed to the rim  1   a  of toilet  1 . A toilet seat  4  is mounted by hinges to seat or bench  5  over an opening which coincides with the rim of the toilet  1 . In use, a wheelchair-bound disabled individual moves from his wheelchair to the toilet lid or toilet seat  4 , and then moves or slides along the transfer seat  5 . To help support the weight of the disabled person, one or more braces or legs  6  may optionally be mounted between bench or transfer seat  5  and floor  7 . In various exemplary embodiments, braces or legs  6  may have a fixed height corresponding to the height of the toilet. In various alternate embodiments, braces or legs  6  may have an adjustable height. This allows the installer to use standardized braces or legs having heights which can be altered to match the height of a previously installed toilet. Alternatively, as a disabled child grows, the toilet may be replaced with a higher toilet, i.e., a 12 inch toilet suitable for a three year old may be replaced with a 15 inch toilet suitable for an eight or nine year old. By making braces or legs  6  adjustable, the transfer seat and other hardware may be used with the new toilet, reducing costs associated with replacing hardware. Braces or legs  6  may be constructed with an outer member which slidably engages an inner member in a telescoping relationship. The outer member and the inner member may be releasably fixed relative to each other by a locking mechanism. Bench or transfer seat  5  may also be secured to wall  8  using a support bracket secured, preferably adjustably secured, to the wall. The transfer seat, whether assembled using braces or legs  6  or a wall support bracket, is able to withstand a weight of 250-400 pounds, preferably 350-400 pounds. 
         [0031]    The transfer seat is set at a distance x above floor  7 , where x may vary according to the needs of the user. For commercial spaces, the top of the transfer seat or bench  5  should preferably be at a distance x of about 18 to 19 inches above floor  7  in accordance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. This is about 2 to 3 inches higher than a standard toilet seat height of 16 inches. However, other heights may be used if desired for non-commercial spaces, such as home use. Height preferences for toilet seats vary considerably among disabled people. Higher seat heights may be an advantage to ambulatory. disabled people, but are often a disadvantage for wheelchair users. For use by ambulatory disabled people, the transfer seat height may be as high as a distance x of about 26 inches above floor  7 . On the other hand, for disabled children, a transfer seat/toilet seat height of 18 inches may be too high. For children ages 3 to 8, a toilet seat height of about 12 to 15 inches may be preferred. For children ages 9 to 12, a toilet seat height of about 15 to 17 inches may be preferred. The combined width of toilet seat  1  and transfer seat  5  may vary depending on bathroom layout, but is preferably at least 16-21 inches, as shown in  FIG. 1 . A grab bar  10  is mounted about four inches above the upper surface of toilet tank lid  3 , and is mounted to side wall  8  and rear wall  9  by means of brackets  10   a.    
         [0032]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  shows a toilet  1  in combination with a transfer seat  5 , where the combination is provided for installation as a unit. Toilet  1  and transfer seat  5  may be manufactured as a single porcelain unit, or they may be manufactured as separate units and bonded together using an epoxy resin or other structural adhesive. Transfer seat  5  may also be manufactured to cover the entire water tank to provide a complete uninterrupted transfer seat back. If toilet  1  and transfer seat  5  are manufactured as separate units, the toilet  1  is normally manufactured from porcelain, and the transfer seat  5  may be manufactured from a variety of materials. The transfer seat may be manufactured from porcelain or other ceramic materials, or from any of a range of high-strength engineering plastics, such as fiberglass, polyesters, phenolic polymers, polyamides, polyimides, polysulphones, and polyphenylene oxides. The transfer seat may also be manufactured from metal, wood, chipboard, or particle board. If the transfer seat is manufactured from chipboard or particle board, at least the front surface and the upper surface are preferably laminated with a wood, plastic, or plastic-coated paper veneer. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the transfer seat is positioned between a toilet and a right hand wall. In various exemplary embodiments, the transfer seat may be positioned between a toilet and a left hand wall with equal facility. Positioning of the transfer seat relative to the toilet and an adjacent wall will depend on the personal preferences of the user, and on the geometry of the bathroom. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , grab bar  10  contains multiple segments. Grab bar  10  contains a first segment which is parallel to rear wall  9  and is fixed between 1 and 4 inches from rear wall  9 ; a second segment which is parallel to rear wall  9  and is fixed between 6 and 10 inches from rear wall  9 ; and a third segment which is parallel to side wall  8  and is fixed between 1 and 4 inches from side wall  8 . The second segment of grab bar  10  runs along wall  10  from the toilet along the back of the transfer seat, while the third segment of grab bar  10  runs along wall  8  over the end of the transfer seat. A disabled person in a wheelchair may use the second and third segments of grab bar  10  to move from a wheelchair to transfer seat  5 , and then slide along transfer seat  10  to the toilet seat. The first and second segments of grab bar  10  are connected by means of S-shaped pipe  10   b . The second and third segments of grab bar  10  are connected by means of pipe  10   c,  which is bent at a 90-degree angle. The first segment of grab bar  10  is anchored to wall  9  by fitting  10   d . Alternatively, grab bar  10  may be formed in one continuous piece, with appropriate S- or right angle-shaped bends. 
         [0034]    If desired, a backrest  20  may he used with the transfer seat, as seen in  FIG. 1 . Backrest  20  may be positioned on seat  5  adjacent to toilet tank  2 . The backrest may be adhesively secured to seat  5  or to either or both of walls  8  and  9 , or the backrest and the seat may be manufactured as a single element. Grab bar  10  may be mounted to backrest  20  with bracket  10   e.    
         [0035]    In various embodiments, a transfer seat  15  has a thickness y of between 1 and 3 inches, and the combined height of the toilet  1  and the transfer seat  15  will be between 12 and 26 inches, where the actual thickness of the transfer seat and toilet seat height is chosen in accordance with the preferences of a disabled user, as seen in  FIG. 3 . More preferably for commercial spaces, the transfer seat  15  has a thickness y of between 1 and 3 inches, and the combined height of the toilet  1  and the transfer seat  15  is between 17 and 19 inches, in accordance with ADA guidelines. The toilet tank  2  may serve as a back support, and thus should extend above the height of the transfer seat by about 10 to 15 inches. 
         [0036]    Various exemplary embodiments relate to a transfer seat adapted to be retrofitted to a standard toilet having a height of 16 inches, as seen in  FIG. 4 , which shows a front view of a standard toilet  11  having a height of 16 inches. Toilet  11  has a tank  2 , and a tank lid  3 . The toilet  11  is fixed to floor  7 . A transfer seat or bench  15  is connected to the rim  11  a of toilet  11 . A toilet seat  4  may be mounted by hinges to seat or bench  15  over an opening which coincides with the rim of the toilet  11 . 
         [0037]    In various embodiments shown in  FIG. 4 , the transfer seat is sold separately, and is designed to be connected to an existing toilet. The transfer seat may come with an oval cutout  15   b  designed to fit over the opening to toilet  11 . A recessed edge  15   c  on the underside of the cutout  15   b  in transfer seat  15  fits over the outer rim of toilet  11 . This increases the stability of the transfer seat when weight is applied. This is particularly important when obese persons make use of the toilet and transfer seat. Toilet seat  4  is attached to the toilet  1  by hinges, and may be freely raised or lowered. Seat  4  may lie within the cutout  15   b  in transfer seat  15 . In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of seat  4  is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of transfer seat  15 . This allows heavy or obese patients to gain additional support for their weight from transfer seat  15  when sitting on seat  4 . 
         [0038]    The transfer seat may be manufactured as a separate unit, and sold for connection to an existing standard toilet. The transfer seat  15  may be manufactured from porcelain or other ceramic materials, or from any of a range of high-strength plastics, such as polyesters, phenolic polymers, polyamides, and polycarbonates, or from plastic materials reinforced with glass, carbon, or polyaramide fibers. The transfer seat may also be manufactured from metal, wood, chipboard, or particle board. One end of the transfer seat is preferably anchored to wall  8 , or the rear edge of the transfer seat may be anchored to the wall  9  behind the transfer seat. The end of the transfer seat over the toilet may simply rest on the rim of the toilet. More preferably, the end of the transfer seat over the toilet may be fastened to the rim of the toilet by an epoxy adhesive resin or other structural adhesive. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the transfer seat  15  may be connected to either or both of side wall  8  and rear wall  9 . A cutout portion  15   a  may be provided to accommodate toilet tank  2  on the existing standard toilet  11 . 
         [0040]    In various embodiments, toilet  1  is mounted on floor  7  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The toilet tank  2  on toilet  1  is positioned against wall  9 . The transfer seat  15  is manufactured as part of a unit designed to slide beside toilet  11 , and be secured to at least one of walls  8  and  9  by epoxy cement or another adhesive or stainless steel screws. This unit includes base  6   a  which fits beside toilet  1 , and seat  15  which is mounted on base  6   a . Preferably, the edge of seat  15  is recessed and fits over one side of the rim of toilet  1 , and is positioned so as to be adjacent to the toilet seat (not shown in  FIG. 4   a ). A back support  2   a  is positioned beside toilet tank  2  to provide back support for a person sitting on the transfer seat  15 . Back support  2   a,  transfer seat  15 , and base  6   a  may be manufactured from plastic or porcelain or other materials as a single unit. Alternatively, back support  2   a,  transfer seat  15 , and base  6   a  may be manufactured as separate units and secured in place by means of an epoxy resin or other structural adhesive. 
         [0041]    A lid  15   a  rests on the upper surfaces of transfer seat  15  and the upper surface of the toilet seat (not shown in  FIG. 4   a ), and is connected to the transfer seat by hinges  15   d.  In a lowered position, toilet lid  15   a  is supported by the upper surface of transfer seat  15  and the upper surface of seat  4 . In various embodiments, toilet lid  15   a,  in a lowered position, may rest on a planar upper surface of transfer seat  15 . Alternatively, toilet lid  15   a,  in a lowered position, may occupy a recessed space  15   b  formed in the upper surface of transfer seat  15 , so that the upper surface of lid  15   a  is coplanar with the upper surface of a non-recessed portion of lid  15 . In a raised position, toilet lid  15   a  may rest against tank  2 , and serve as a back support for the patient. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows a shower assembly to be installed in a bathroom for use by the handicapped. Grab bar  10  (seen in cross section in  FIG. 7   a ) connects to a pipe  51  extending from wall  8  by a T-shaped connector  50  or by welding. T-shaped connector  50  is used to hold grab bar  10  and pipe  51  together. This connector  50  and its connections to grab bar  10  and pipe  51  are shown in more detail in  FIG. 7   a . At the end of pipe  51 , a second pipe  52  extends vertically from pipe  51  to ceiling  62 . Alternatively, pipe  52  may be formed by bending pipe  51  upward, creating a vertical length of pipe  52  which extends to Ceiling  62 . A third pipe  56  extends downwardly from ceiling  62  to pipe  51 . Pipes  52  and  56  are rigidly connected to ceiling  62 . This may be done by means of appliance  53  rigidly connected to ceiling  62 . Pegs  54  connected to appliance  53 , fit into the upper end of pipes  52  and  56 , sealing the pipes. The joint between appliance  53  and pipes  52  and  56  may then be sealed with a waterproof caulk. Additionally, the upper ends of pipes  52  and  56  may be optionally closed with a waterproof metal barrier  63 . Holes are drilled through pipes  52  and  56  which coincide with holes provided in pegs  54 , and screws or pegs are used to secure pipes  52  and  56  to pegs  54 . Pipe  51  is anchored to wall  8  by appliance  64 . The resulting assembly is able to withstand a weight of 250-400 pounds, preferably 350-400 pounds, applied to the vertical pipes  52  and  56 . Thus, pipes  52  and  56  and horizontal pipe  51  are able to function as grab bars for use by disabled individuals. The grab bars may be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or plastics such as polyvinyl chloride. 
         [0043]    Pipes  52  and  56  and horizontal pipe  51  also form part of a shower assembly. In use, water arrives through pipe  58  and flows directly or indirectly into pipe  51  in the direction of arrow A. In various exemplary embodiments, water flows directly from pipe  58  into pipe  51 . Water then flows into vertical pipe  52  in the direction of arrow B. Water flows in the direction of arrow D into flexible tube  65 , which is connected to pipe  52  in a conventional manner. At the end of flexible tube  65  is a handheld shower attachment  66 , releasably held to one of pipes  52  and  56  by clip  67 . Water may exit the assembly through showerhead  66 . In various exemplary embodiments, water flows indirectly from pipe  58  into pipe  51 . Pipe  58  may feed water to the interior of horizontal grab bar  10 , and then from grab bar  10  to the interior of pipe  51  through an opening in the side of pipe  51 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of a shower assembly in conjunction with a grab rail. The measurements on  FIG. 8  are exemplary measurements only, and are non-limiting. One end of grab bar  10  is fixed to wall  9 , behind the position of a toilet/transfer seat assembly, shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 8 . In various exemplary embodiments, the grab bar is made of stainless steel, aluminum, or polyvinyl chloride. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the grab bar makes a right angle turn and extends along wall  8 . Grab bar  10  is, in various exemplary embodiments, manufactured in a single unit having defined dimensions and curved. Alternatively, grab bar  10  is, in various exemplary embodiments, manufactured as multiple units having defined lengths. These units may be connected together by S-curved or right angle units. In various exemplary embodiments, section C of grab bar  10  may be lengthened or shortened, depending on the preferences of the individual and the dimensions of the bathroom. In various exemplary embodiments, section C of garb bar  10  may be eliminated. In such a situation, section D of grab bar  10  may be connected directly to wall  8 . 
         [0045]    Grab bar  10  meets horizontal pipe  110  extending from wall  8 . Pipe  110  carries a stream of water. Pipe  110  intersects vertical pipe  113  at its end. Pipe  113  is fixed to the ceiling (not shown in  FIG. 8 ), and carries a vertical flow of water from pipe  110 . Grab bar  111  extends horizontally from wall  8  until it meets vertical bar  112  connected to the ceiling. Grab bar  111  then bends without leaving a horizontal plane and intersects pipe  110 . 
         [0046]    Pipe  113  and grab bar  112  are rigidly connected to the ceiling, as seen in  FIG. 9 , which shows section B-B of  FIG. 8 . This may be done by means of appliances  115  rigidly connected to ceiling  62 . Pipe  110  and grab bar  111  are anchored to wall  8  by appliances  114 . The resulting assembly is preferably able to withstand a weight of 250-400 pounds, preferably 350-400 pounds, applied to pipe  110  and/or grab bar  111 . Thus, pipe  113  and/or grab bar  112  are able to function as grab bars for use by disabled individuals. In various exemplary embodiments, grab bars  111  and  112  do not carry water. Water enters vertical pipe  113  from horizontal pipe  110 . At a height of 40 to 80, preferably 60-80, inches above the floor, a conventional showerhead  116  for use by non-disabled individuals may be installed by any means known to a person of skill in the plumbing arts. 
         [0047]    At a height of 36-48, preferably 42 inches above the floor, a clip  118  which holds a second showerhead  117  for use by a disabled individual is connected to either pipe  113  or grab bar  112 . Although showerhead  117  should be no greater than 48 inches above the floor for use by the disabled, in certain cases a lower height may be desirable. For instance, the showerhead may be installed at a lower height to ease access by disabled children. Showerhead  117  receives water from pipe  113  through flexible hose  119 , which may be connected between showerhead  117  and pipe  113  by any means known to a person of skill in the plumbing arts. Diverter valves may be installed to selectively direct water flow to either of showerheads  116  and  117 , where such diverter valves may be installed by any means known to a person of skill in the plumbing arts. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  offers a proposed layout for a bathroom for use by for a wheelchair-bound individual, where the dimensions of the room are about 70-90 inches wide, and 90 to 110 inches deep. The bathroom includes a sliding door  70  having a width of at least 30 inches. Inside, there is a circular space  71  having a diameter of at least 60 inches for use in turning the wheelchair 180 degrees, in accordance with ADA guidelines. A washbasin  72  is provided on side wall  8 . The minimum clearance between the lower surface of the washbasin and floor  7  is 27 inches, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Along the rear wall of the room, a toilet  1  is placed. Transfer seat  15  is positioned on or around the rim of toilet  1  and extends to wall  8 . The distance between the front edge of transfer seat  5  and wall  9  is 29 inches. The total width of the transfer seat in combination with the toilet is typically 25 to 36 inches, although the width of the transfer seat may vary outside of this range depending on the space available and the preferences of the user. Grab bar  10  runs along wall  9  behind the transfer seat. As discussed previously, grab bar  10  then bends 90 degrees and runs along wall  8 . The wheelchair-bound individual may then maneuver his wheelchair adjacent to the transfer seat, grab hold of the portion of grab bar  10  running parallel to wall  8 , and use this portion of the grab bar to assist in transferring from the wheelchair to the transfer seat  15 . He may then grab hold of the portion of grab bar  10  running parallel to wall  9  behind the transfer seat, and use this to assist in pulling himself along the transfer seat and onto the toilet seat  4 . The grab bar  10  is preferably at least 34 inches above floor  7 . The length of each linear portion of grab bar  10  may be individually adjusted to fit the dimensions of the room and the needs of the user. This allows increased flexibility in bathroom design, as the user is not restricted to the use of grab bars of fixed lengths. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the bathroom has a shower facility comprising pipes  51 ,  52  and  56 , flexible tube  65 , and handheld shower attachment  66 , substantially as shown in  FIG. 7 . Shower controls  74  are mounted on the wall, between pipe  51  and transfer seat  15 . A drain  73  is positioned in the bathroom floor  7 . Bathroom floor  7  preferably slopes downwardly from the bathroom walls toward drain  73 . 
         [0050]    The shower assembly may also be used independently of the transfer bench assembly. This creates a roll in shower, whereby user can bathe with the aid of a specially designed chair designed for that purpose. The resulting layout offers a large empty space adjacent to one wall, with a proper turning radius for a wheelchair. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  a shows an inaccessible bathroom having a width of 5 feet 2 inches, with a bathtub/shower  502 , toilet  504 , and basin  506  arranged so that no unobstructed 60-inch wheelchair turning radius exists. The presence of a hinged door  508  which opens inward only compounds the problem. A solution is presented in  FIG. 11   b , where the bathtub/shower  502  has been removed. The toilet  504  has been replaced by a combination of a toilet  504  and transfer seat  510  installed in a portion of the space occupied by the tub. Replacement of the hinged door  508  by a sliding door  512  further increases accessibility. As a result, an unobstructed 60-inch wheelchair turning radius  514  exists. A shower distribution rail in accordance with  FIG. 10  is unnecessary to achieve accessibility. 
         [0052]    A further embodiment of a transfer seat  610  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The transfer seat  610  is mounted on a toilet  602  having a bowl with a rim  604 . The toilet has a tank  606  with a lid  608 . The transfer seat  610  includes a seat portion including a first seat portion  618  and a second seat portion  616 , each of seat portions  616  and  618  having an upper surface. The upper surface of seat portion  618  is depressed relative to the surface of seat portion  616 . Seat portion  618  has an oval cutout  626  which fits over rim  604  of toilet  602 . If desired, a lower surface of seat portion  618  may have an indented portion (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) along the edge of cutout  626  into which rim  604  fits. A shell  612  of transfer seat  610  encloses toilet tank  606  when the transfer seat is positioned over toilet  602 . Shell  612  has a first end  632  which may be adhesively secured by an epoxy cement or other adhesive to a first wall adjacent to toilet  602 , if desired. Shell  612  has a second end  630  which may be adhesively secured by an epoxy cement or other adhesive to a second wall behind toilet  602 . This holds the transfer seat in position, relative to the toilet. Shell  612  of transfer seat  610  has an open top to allow access to toilet tank  606 , but may be covered with lid  614  if desired. An end  628  of seat portion  616  may be secured to an adjacent wall by an adhesive or epoxy cement. However, it is preferred to secure end  628  of seat portion  616  to an adjacent wall by means of brace  620 . Brace  620  is secured to the adjacent wall by means of mechanical fasteners, such as, for example, screws or nails. End  628  of seat portion  616  then slides into the open end of brace  620 . Connection of seat portion  616  to the wall by means of brace  620  holds the transfer seat in position with greater strength than a connection by means of adhesive. 
         [0053]    A hinge  622  is then attached to seat portion  618  of transfer seat  610 . Toilet seat  624  and toilet lid  626  are fitted to hinge  622 , and pin  622   a  is used to secure toilet seat  624  and toilet lid  626  to hinge  622 . 
         [0054]    Although the various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain exemplary aspects thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims. 
         [0055]    A further embodiment of a transfer seat  610  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The transfer seat  610  is mounted on a toilet  602  having a bowl with a rim  604 . The toilet has a tank  606  with a lid  608 . The transfer seat  610  includes a seat portion including a first seat portion  618  and a second seat portion  616 , each of seat portions  616  and  618  having an upper surface. The upper surface of seat portion  618  is depressed relative to the surface of seat portion  616 . Seat portion  618  has an oval cutout  626  which fits over rim  604  of toilet  602 . If desired, a lower surface of seat portion  618  may have an indented portion (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) along the edge of cutout  626  into which rim  604  fits. A shell  612  of transfer seat  610  encloses toilet tank  606  when the transfer seat is positioned over toilet  602 . Shell  612  has a first end  632  which may be adhesively secured by an epoxy cement or other adhesive to a first wall adjacent to toilet  602 , if desired. Shell  612  has a second end  630  which may be adhesively secured by an epoxy cement or other adhesive to a second wall behind toilet  602 . This holds the transfer seat in position, relative to the toilet. Shell  612  of transfer seat  610  has an open top to allow access to toilet tank  606 , but may be covered with lid  614  if desired. An end  628  of seat portion  616  may be secured to an adjacent wall by an adhesive or epoxy cement. However, it is preferred to secure end  628  of seat portion  616  to an adjacent wall by means of brace  620 . Brace  620  is secured to the adjacent wall by means of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or nails. End  628  of seat portion  616  then slides into the open end of brace  620 . Connection of seat portion  616  to the wall by means of brace  620  holds the transfer seat in position with greater strength than a connection by means of adhesive. 
         [0056]    A hinge  622  is then attached to seat portion  618  of transfer seat  610 . Toilet seat  624  and toilet lid  626  are fitted to hinge  622 , and pin  622   a  is used to secure toilet seat  624  and toilet lid  626  to hinge  622 .