Easy to clean shower and commode chair

A shower chair that is easy to assemble, relatively lightweight in construction making it easy to lift into and out of a shower, is rust resistant, and is easy to clean and reduces the likelihood of residue buildup thereby minimizing potential health concerns. The chair is formed such that it minimizes ridges and crevices and includes rounded seams that improves the effectiveness of cleaning the surfaces of the chair and includes antimicrobial materials that reduces the growth of bacteria.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed to a new and improved shower and commode chair and more specifically, to a new and improved shower and commode chair that is easy to clean, portable and lightweight and reduces the growth of bacteria particularly in hard to clean areas.

Portable chairs for use in showers and as commode chairs have been developed. Such chairs require cleaning often to prevent health concerns such as the growth of bacteria that can develop along the surface of the chair. Unfortunately, the designs and construction of such chairs often make it difficult to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces of the chair, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Accordingly, such chairs are often left unclean after use allowing debris to accumulate or water to remain over a period of time allowing for bacterial to grow creating potential health problems. Particle buildup, such as residue from soap, often cling and buildup such as in areas where two components are positioned in close proximity or mated forming ridges and crevices that promote residue buildup. Three prior art shower chairs are illustrated inFIGS.1,2and3. As shown, such chairs have numerous fittings and connectors10for attaching components together. Unfortunately, the use of such connectors results in formation of ridges and crevices where residual can accumulate and build up. These ridges and crevices are often difficult to reach for cleaning or to effectively clean thereby allowing the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.

Another problem with conventional chairs for use as portable commodes and for use in showers is that often the connectors that are used to attach components together, such as conventional connectors that connect PVC piping together, often become stressed resulting in the formation of hairline cracks that eventually results in breakage. Such breakage has resulted in users sustaining injury. Further, fittings often have gaps that permit water to penetrate into the chair which can also result in bacterial growth.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a shower chair that is easy to assemble, relatively lightweight in construction making it easy to lift into and out of a shower, is rust resistant, and can be effectively cleaned to reduce the likelihood of residue buildup and bacteria growth thereby minimizing potential health concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is a new and novel chair that can be used in a shower or used as a portable commode. The chair is formed from a rust resistant material or a material having a coating that prevents the formation of rust and/or the growth of bacteria. In a preferred embodiment the chair comprises a support structure having first and second spaced apart parallel frames each formed having a horizontal arm support segment that is curved downwardly from the horizontal arm support segment to form elongated front and back legs. The first and second spaced apart parallel frames are connected together by an upper front horizontal brace having a first end that is inserted into the front leg of the first frame forming a connection and a second end that is inserted into the front leg of the second frame forming a connection and by an upper back horizontal brace having a first end that is inserted into the back leg of the first frame forming a connection and a second end that is inserted into the back leg of second frame forming a connection. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the upper front horizontal brace and the upper back horizontal brace operate to support a seat that attaches to the upper front horizontal brace and the upper back horizontal brace.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the seat is a commode seat that rests on the upper surfaces of the upper front horizontal brace and the upper back horizontal brace.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the seat is formed from one or more material sheets each having a front end attached to the upper front horizontal brace and a back end attached to the upper back horizontal brace.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the chair includes a vertically extending back support.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the vertically extending back support includes a horizontal upper portion and a first side portion that bends downwardly from the horizontal upper portion and a second side portion that bends downwardly from the horizontal portion. The first side portion is coupled to the back segment of the first parallel frame and the second side portion is coupled to the back segment of the second parallel frame.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first side portion is coupled to the back segment of the first parallel frame in a space apart relationship and the second side portion is coupled to the back segment of the second parallel frame in a spaced apart relationship.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first and second spaced apart parallel frames are tubular in form and are connected by an lower front horizontal brace such that a first end is inserted into the front leg of the first frame forming a connection and a second end is inserted into the front leg of the second frame forming a connection wherein the front legs of the first frame and the second frame each have an internal metallic connector that mates with the ends of the lower front horizontal brace and the ends and the internal metallic connectors are held in position by corresponding threaded bolts extending vertically though the surface of the front ends and engage with the ends of the lower front horizontal brace and the internal metallic connectors.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the first and second spaced apart parallel frames are tubular in form and are connected by an lower back horizontal brace such that a first end that is inserted into the back leg of the first frame forming a connection and a second end is inserted into the back leg of the second frame forming a connection and wherein the back legs of the first frame and the second frame each have an internal metallic connector that mates with the ends of the lower back horizontal brace and the ends and the internal metallic connectors are held in position by corresponding threaded bolts extending vertically though the surface of the back ends and engage with the ends of the lower back horizontal brace and the internal metallic connectors.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the threaded bolts are formed from antimicrobial material such as, but not limited to, a noble metal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention each connection has a generally rounded seam.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention one or more of the connections include a water-resistant seal forming a generally rounded seam.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention one or more of the connections have a water-resistant seal having an antimicrobial material along and/or within the seal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention one or more of the connections include a foil having an antimicrobial material, such as but not limited to, a noble metal.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the front and back legs have lower open ends that mate with wheels or rollers that operate to permit the chair to roll across a surface.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the legs are vertically adjustable to permit the seat to be vertically adjusted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is a new and novel chair that can be used in a shower or used as a portable commode. Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

As used herein the terms “upward” or “upwardly” refers to the direction away from the ground or floor; the terms “downward” or “downwardly” refers to the direction towards the ground or floor; the term “lower” refers to a position closest to the ground or floor; the term “upper” refers to a position furthest from the ground or floor; the terms “vertical” or “vertically” refers to a plane generally perpendicular or normal to the ground or floor; and the term “horizontal” or “horizontally” refers to a plane generally parallel to the ground or floor that the chair is resting on. As used herein the terms “forwardly” or “forward” refers to the direction facing away from the front of the chair and the terms “rearwardly” or “reward” refers to the direction facing towards the chair.

Referring toFIGS.4,5,8and9, the easy to clean shower and commode chair100of the invention is shown with a support structure102having a first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106, respectively. Preferably, the chair and/or one or more of the various components forming the support structure are formed from a polyvinyl chloride material (PVC or CPVC) hollow tubing thereby making the chair inexpensive to manufacture, relatively light weight (such that it can be easily lifted by an individual), and does not rust or react with water. It should be understood, however, other materials, such as a metallic material having a rust resistant and/or bacterial resistant coating101(FIG.19) along its outer surface103of the chair100(FIG.19) or formed from a FDA-approved plastic, that are easy to clean, light weight, relatively inexpensive and can support the weight of an individual can also be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the PVC or CPVC material can be formed with a conventional antimicrobial agent thereby making the chair resistant to the growth of various types of bacteria. The first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106each include a horizontal arm support segment108that curves downwardly to form elongated front and back legs110,112respectively. The first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106are connected together by an upper front horizontal brace114having ends116that are inserted into the front legs110forming connections118with the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106and by an upper back horizontal brace120having ends122that are inserted into corresponding back leg112of the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106forming connections124. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper front horizontal brace114and the upper back horizontal brace120operate to support a seat126that attaches to the upper front horizontal brace114and the upper back horizontal brace120(FIGS.4,7and10).

To increase the rigidity of the chair the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106are further connected together by a lower front horizontal brace128having ends130that are inserted into the front legs110forming connections132with the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106. Each spaced apart parallel frame104,106also includes a side rail134positioned between and attached to the front leg110and the back leg112at the ends136of the side rail134forming connections139which together with the lower front horizontal brace128and operate to give the chair support structure102additional rigidity and reduces damage to the chair resulting from repeated use and stress.

As illustrated inFIGS.11-13, the upper front horizontal brace114, the upper back horizontal brace120and the lower front horizontal brace128are attached to the spaced apart parallel frames104,106and side rails134are attached to the front legs110and the back legs112using internal metallic connectors138that operate to form rigid connections118,124,132and139. As shown, the internal metallic connectors138are preferably removably positioned within the upper front horizontal brace114, the upper back horizontal brace120and the lower front horizontal brace128, and the side rails134near the ends116,122,130and136(“connector components”), respectively, by bolts140that extend through the surface of the connector components to secure the internal metallic connector in position with the connector components. Preferably, the bolts have a high tensile such as Phillips bolts, Hex bolts, Lay bolts and use Acorn cap nuts and washers. It should be understood that other methods of securing the internal metallic connectors within the connector components can be utilized, such as by means of a frictional fit or by use of an adhesive. The first spaced apart parallel frame104and the second spaced apart parallel frame106(“frame components”) are then connected to the horizontal upper front brace, the horizontal upper back brace, the lower front horizontal brace128and the side rails134by inserting a bolt140through the surface of such frame components that mates with a threaded opening144in the internal metallic connectors138to rigidly secure the components forming connections118,124,132and139. It should be understood that the method of connecting components together as described provides connections that are easy to clean and reduces ridges and crevices where residue will collect or bacterial to grow, Preferably, as illustrated inFIGS.14, and15, seams146formed along connections118,124,132and138are coated with a conventional water-resistant antimicrobial coating148that operates to form a water-resistant antimicrobial rounded seam146. It should now be understood that such rounded seams eliminate ridges and crevices thereby further reducing the buildup of residue, reduces or eliminates the growth of bacterial, and makes cleaning easier and more effective. In another preferred embodiment, bolts140are formed from an antimicrobial material such as a noble metal, such as silver, copper, copper alloys (such as brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, and copper-nickel-zinc) that reduces the likelihood of bacteria forming along the connections.

Referring toFIGS.4-7, the chair100includes a seat126. As illustrated inFIG.4, the chair100of the subject invention the seat126is formed from a material sheet150. In a preferred embodiment, the material sheet150is in the form of a plurality of material strips having a pair of inside strips152spaced apart to form an opening154. The spaced apart parallel frames104,106are spaced apart such that they may accommodate a conventional size commode12therebetween with the opening154positioned directly over the opening14of the commode12. For a non-limiting example, six material strips can be spread evenly leaving about a 5-inch gap in the center. It should now be understood that the seat may also be formed from a continuous material sheet having an opening that is positioned directly over the opening of the commode. Preferably, the material sheet150is formed from polyvinyl chloride but it should now be understood that other materials that can be formed into a sheet and can support the weight of various sized individuals can also be utilized. Preferably, the material sheet is formed with or using a conventional antimicrobial material that reduces the likelihood of bacterial growth. As shown, the material sheet150has material ends156and158that wrap around the upper back horizontal brace120and the upper front horizontal brace114, respectively, and are conventionally secured in place such as by Velcro, bolts, stitching or by plastic pegs.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated inFIGS.5,6and7, the seat126is formed from a material sheet150, such as a solid material formed from wood, plastic and other such materials, with or without padding. The material sheet150is preferably attached to upper back horizontal brace120and the upper front horizontal brace114and is conventionally secured in place such as by Velcro, bolts, adhesives, ABS clamps and the like. As shown, the material sheet includes an opening154such that it can be positioned directly over the opening14of the commode12. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated inFIGS.6and9, the support structure102includes a pair of spaced apart struts160attached at their ends to the upper front horizontal brace114and the upper back horizontal brace120for removably mounting a commode pail162below the opening154. Preferably, the commode pail162includes a lid164(FIG.9) for placement over the commode pail162when not in use. It should now be understood that the commode pail162can be removably mounted to the pair of spaced apart struts160such that the commode pail can rest on the spaced apart struts or by a conventional mounting system for easy mounting and removal of the commode pail.

Referring toFIGS.6,15and16, chair100includes a back support166having a horizontal portion168that bends downwardly forming two vertical members170that attaches to the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106, such as by use of bolts172. A back support member174, preferably includes a material sheet175such as in the form of a plurality of material strips or a mesh material sheet, is attached to the two vertical members170. It should now be understood that the back support member may also be formed from a continuous material sheet. Preferably, the back support member174is formed from polyvinyl chloride but it should now be understood that other materials that can be formed into a sheet and can support back pressure of various sized individuals can also be utilized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the back support is formed using or with a conventional antimicrobial material to reduce the growth of bacteria. As shown, the back support member174has support ends176that wrap around the two vertical members170and are conventionally secured in place such as by Velcro, bolts, stitching or by plastic pegs. In another preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.16, a foil tape178formed from an antimicrobial material, such as, but not limited to a noble metal, such as copper or copper alloys (such as brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc) and the like, is inserted between each vertical member170and the spaced apart frames102,104, such as by use of an adhesive, that operates to reduce the likelihood of bacteria forming along the intersections between the vertical members and the spaced apart frames. It should also now be understood that bolts172may also be formed from an antimicrobial material such as a noble metal (copper or copper alloys, including brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc) and the like to further reduce the likelihood of bacteria growth.

As illustrated inFIG.18, in another preferred embodiment of the invention the two vertical members170are attached to the first and second spaced apart parallel frames104,106in a spaced relationship using a spacer173. It should now be understood that the spacer173operates to permit easy cleaning, such as by use of a wash rag, sponge, cloth and the like, in the areas between the two vertical members and the first and second spaced apart parallel frames.

Referring toFIG.17, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the front legs110and the back legs112each include a freely rotating roller or wheel180that are conventionally attached to allow the chair100to be easily rolled along the ground. It should be understood that the rollers and wheels as used herein refers to various types of rollers, casters (plate and stem), and wheels and preferably are capable of swiveling in a 360 degree rotation to allow the chair to easily maneuver across the ground. In a preferred embodiment the roller or wheel180is mounted to a collar182that is sized to mate with the end184of the legs110,112, and secured in place such as by a screw, bolt, frictional fit or by an adhesive and operates to provide additional strength at the connection points.

In another preferred embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.20, the front legs110and back legs112include a vertical adjustment mechanism190that operates to allow a user to vertically adjust the height of the seat126above the ground. In a preferred embodiment, for each leg110,112, the vertical adjustment mechanism190includes a slidable rod192telescoping positioned within the leg110,112and preferably includes a plurality of holes194longitudinally positioned along the rod192that cooperates with a tightening screw196, positioned within one of the plurality of holes194such that when tightened it travels through the desired hole and frictionally locks the leg110,112and the slidable rod192in position. The height adjustment mechanism operates such that when released, such as by unscrewing the screw such that it no longer is pressed against the leg110,112the slidable rod192, it is free to move upwardly along the leg110,112thereby longitudinally shortening the leg110,112or move downwardly along the leg110,112thereby longitudinal lengthening the leg110,112. It should be understood that other conventional height adjustment mechanisms can be utilized for adjusting the height of the seat by shortening or lengthening the legs.

It should now be apparent that chair of the subject invention preferably comprises a support structure having first and second spaced apart parallel frames each having a horizontal arm support segment that are curved downwardly from the horizontal arm support segment to form elongated front and back legs. The first and said second spaced apart parallel frames are connected together by an upper front horizontal brace inserted into the front legs forming connections and by an upper back horizontal brace inserted into the back legs forming connections. The upper front horizontal brace and the upper back horizontal brace operate to support a seat that attaches to the upper front horizontal brace and the upper back horizontal brace and the connections each have a rounded seam. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the support structure is formed from or includes an antimicrobial material. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the seat is formed from a plurality of material strips formed with an antimicrobial material. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the chair further comprises a vertically extending back support. Preferably, the vertically extending back support has a horizontal upper portion and a first side portion that bends downwardly from the horizontal upper portion and coupled to the first parallel frame and a second side portion that bends downwardly from the horizontal portion and coupled to the second parallel frame. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the first side portion is coupled to the back segment of the first parallel frame in a space apart relationship and the second side portion is coupled to the back segment of said second parallel frame in a spaced apart relationship. In a preferred embodiment the first and the second spaced apart parallel frames are tubular in form and each have an internal metallic connector for securing the first and the second spaced apart parallel frames with the lower front horizontal brace. Preferably, the connections each include at least one bolt for rigidly securing each connection and wherein each bolt is formed from an antimicrobial metal. In a preferred embodiment each rounded seam includes a water-resistant coating and preferably the water-resistant coating includes an antimicrobial material along the surface of and/or within the coating.

It should now be apparent to one skilled in the art that the new and novel chair that can be used in a shower or used as a portable commode of the subject invention is formed from a material that is strong and light weight such that it is easy to move and sized to be placed over a conventional commode or lifted into and out of a standard shower or bath tub. Further, the various components are fitted together such that the seams formed at their attachment locations do not have any crevices or ridges thereby making cleaning more efficient and reduces or eliminates the buildup of residue, such a soap scum, and the growth of bacteria. In addition, the use of antimicrobial materials, such as noble metals for use as bolts, and in areas between and along component connections further reduces the likelihood of bacteria forming along the connections.