Abstract:
The present invention involves a new and improved stable and portable bath transfer system that provides a disabled person complete access to bathroom facilities without having to transfer apparatus. The invention comprises a chair portion, a connector bridge portion, and a bathtub portion. The chair portion includes a base section with two or more support members and an upper chassis section including an adjustable backrest, a collapsible chair seat, and two swing-away armrests. The connector bridge portion includes connecting members attached by a cross member. The bathtub portion includes a base and four adjustable support members that provide increased stability and fine adjustment capability to match the chair portion height. The bath transfer system includes an interlocking system containing a continuous groove and lipped brackets to prevent the upper chassis section from tipping or lifting, and anti-roll mechanisms and a volitional latch to prevent undesired sliding of the upper chassis.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/673,173, filed on Apr. 20, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to the field of shower and commode apparatus. More specifically, this patent deals with a new and improved portable bath transfer system designed to allow a person with a disability to have complete access to bathroom facilities without having to transfer from one apparatus to another apparatus.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Caring for a disabled person requires assisting the person in using the bathroom, including the toilet and shower. Several devices have been developed and are well-known in the art that enable the transfer of a person into the bathroom and provide them the ability to use the toilet. Different devices have been developed and are well known in the art that allow a person to be transferred into the shower or bathtub. However, if in the same trip to the bathroom the use of the toilet and the shower is desired, a change in transfer device is often needed, which requires heavy lifting of the person out of the old device and into the new device.  
         [0004]     Few devices have been developed to allow for the seamless transition from bed to toilet to shower or bathtub. These apparatus are typically comprised of a commode chair with a seat that can slide along an adjoining track system, over the barrier of the shower or bathtub, to position the person over the shower or bathtub. The track systems employed have either been fixed to the shower or bathtub or have been supported on one side by the commode chair and on the other side by two support members. Fixation of the track system to the shower or bathtub does not enable the track system to be transported to another location. Reliance on the commode chair to support the track system can present stability problems during the transfer, which can result in injury to the person transferred.  
         [0005]     A further problem encountered in the prior art apparatus during the transfer from toilet to shower or bathtub relates to the adjustability of the track system support members. Most homes contain standard showers or bathtubs that do not provide wheelchair or commode chair roll-in capability. The bottom of these traditional showers and bathtubs do not often sit on the same level as the floor of the bathroom. To remedy this problem, apparatus utilizing the track system contain adjustable support members. The support members generally are adjustable at fixed intervals using a conventional ball and detent system. If the fixed interval adjustment does not allow for adjustment to match the precise height differential between the shower or bathtub and the bathroom floor, unevenness and tilting of the track system can result, causing unexpected sliding of the seat portion.  
         [0006]     Another problem encountered in the prior art apparatus involves the lack of a locking mechanism to secure the seat portion once the person is positioned over the shower or bathtub. Combined with a lack of evenness in the track system caused by the inability to finely adjust the height of the track system support members, the lack of a seat portion securing mechanism further increases the risk that during a shower or bath an unsupervised person will slide out of the bathtub or shower region, causing serious injury.  
         [0007]     A further limitation of the prior art apparatus is the inability to easily transport the apparatus from location to location. Apparatus that utilize a track system mounted on the bathtub do not provide easy portability, as the track system must be removed from the bathtub and cannot be collapsed. Additionally, most apparatus contain commode chairs that cannot be collapsed for easy transport. Non-portability forces a user to purchase additional transfer systems, resulting in greater expense to the user.  
         [0008]     Prior art bath transfer apparatus also do not provide the option for a person to shower or bathe in complete privacy. Apparatus utilizing the commode chair to support one side of the track system do not allow for the shower or bathtub curtain to be fully closed around the person bathing. While apparatus utilizing a track system fixed to the bathtub provide complete privacy, they do not provide portability or the ability for others to utilize the bathtub or shower without having to remove the track system.  
         [0009]     Thus, it would be highly desirable to provide a strong, portable, stable, and convenient bath transfer system that allows a person with a disability to have complete access to bathroom facilities without having to transfer apparatus.  
         [0010]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention involves a new and improved stable and portable bath transfer system that provides a disabled person complete access to bathroom facilities without having to transfer from one apparatus to another apparatus. The invention comprises a chair portion, a connector bridge portion, and a bathtub portion. The chair portion includes a base section with two or more support members and an upper chassis section including an adjustable backrest, a collapsible chair seat, and two swing-away armrests. The connector bridge portion includes connecting members attached by a cross member. The bathtub portion includes a base and four adjustable support members that provide increased stability and fine adjustment capability to match the chair portion height. The bath transfer system includes an interlocking system containing a continuous groove and wheel and lipped brackets to prevent the upper chassis section from tipping or lifting, and anti-roll mechanisms and a volitional latch to prevent undesired sliding of the upper chassis.  
         [0012]     An alternative embodiment of the present invention involves a new and improved stable and portable bath transfer system that provides a disabled person complete access to bathroom facilities, including the ability to soak in a bathtub, without having to transfer from one apparatus to another apparatus. The invention comprises a chair portion, a connector bridge portion, and a bathtub portion. The chair portion includes a base section with two or more support members and an upper chassis section including an adjustable backrest, a collapsible chair seat, and two swing-away armrests. The connector bridge portion includes connecting members attached by a cross member. The bathtub portion includes a base, one or more support members, and means for lowering the upper chassis into the bathtub. Such means for lowering the upper chassis into the bathtub can be an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic powered motor, or mechanical means such as a hand crank. The bath transfer system includes an interlocking system containing a continuous groove and wheel and lipped brackets to prevent the upper chassis section from tipping or lifting, and anti-roll mechanisms and a volitional latch to prevent undesired sliding of the upper chassis.  
         [0013]     With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0014]     These advantages, together with other advantages of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bath transfer system in position adjacent to a bathtub, including the chair portion, connector bridge portion, and bathtub portion located within the bathtub, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bath transfer system with the connector bridge portion detached, illustrating by arrows how the connector bridge portion attaches to the chair portion and the bathtub portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the wheel, wheel axle and securing bracket assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an anti-roll latch on the bathtub portion not engaged with the connector bridge portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an anti-roll latch on the bathtub portion engaged with the connector bridge portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the manual latch in relation to the upper chassis of the chair portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the bathtub portion of the preferred embodiment of the bath transfer system with the connector bridge portion detached, illustrating with arrows how the connector bridge portion is attached to the bathtub portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of a support member of the bathtub portion, with the outer tubular member separated from the inner tubular member, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  depicts an enlarged detailed view of the fine adjustment mechanism of the support member of the bathtub portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8A  depicts a radial rise over run theory diagram illustrating the theta angle and the change in height proportional to the arc run;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  depicts a side view of a vertical cross-section of a spring-loaded plunger disposed within a support member of the bathtub portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10A  depicts a perspective view of the internal clamp lever arm disposed within the upper chassis and backrest support member, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10B  depicts a perspective view of the internal clamp lever arm both disposed within the upper chassis and backrest support member, and standing freely outside the upper chassis and backrest support member, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10C  depicts a side view of the internal clamp lever arm both disposed within the upper chassis and backrest support member, and standing freely outside the upper chassis and backrest support member, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10D  depicts the orifices found in the base of the backrest support member and their relationship to the internal clamp lever arm and the lever arm portion;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11A  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bath transfer system with the capability to lower and raise an individual into and out of a bathtub, with the upper portion positioned over the base portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11B  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bath transfer system with the capability to lower and raise an individual into and out of a bathtub, with the upper portion positioned over the bathtub portion, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 11C  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bath transfer system with the capability to lower and raise an individual into and out of a bathtub, with the upper portion positioned within the bathtub and the connector bridge portion removed, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1 a  perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bath transfer system  10  in position adjacent to a bathtub  20 . Bath transfer system  10  includes a chair portion  30 , a connector bridge portion  40 , and a bathtub portion  50 . Chair portion  30  is comprised of a base portion  60  and an upper portion  70 . Base component  60  includes base component legs  62 , base component wheels  64  attached to each base component leg  62 , base component wheel housing  66  attached to each base component leg  62 , and base component footrest assembly  68  attached to two base component legs  62 . Upper portion  70  includes upper chassis  71 , swing-away locking arms  72 , swing-away locking arm attachment fitting  74 , backrest portion  80 , and chair seat  90 . The upper chassis houses and protects the wheel roller mechanisms  76  and  78 . Backrest portion  80  includes backrest support  82 , backrest support members  84 , and backrest support push handles  86 .  
         [0035]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , there is seen a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the bath transfer system  10  with connector bridge portion  40  detached, illustrating by arrows how connector bridge portion  40  attaches to chair portion  30  and bathtub portion  50 . Each portion has a frame member associated with it, that is, frame member  36 A is associated with the chair portion  30 , frame member  36 B is associated with the bridge portion  40 , and frame member  36 C is associated with bathtub portion  50 . Connector bridge portion  40  is comprised of track member  42 , track member  44 , cross-member  46 , and two or more latch slides  47 . Cross-member  46  is coupled on one end to track member  42  and on the other end to track member  44 . Cross-member  46  can either be comprised of a standard metal frame rod, or a telescoping portion to enable greater collapsibility. Conically shaped cleats  39 ,  41 ,  43  and  45  attached to frame member  36 B, fit into the chair portion  30  supports and the bathtub portion  50  supports, and removeably but firmly secure the connector bridge  40  to the chair and bathtub portions. It is to be recognized that connector bridge portion  40  can be constructed of rust corrosion and preventative material, including but not limited to aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.  
         [0036]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , there is seen a cross-sectional view of the lipped wheel track  32 , wheel  38 , wheel axle  28  and securing bracket  34  in relation to the upper chassis  71 . To secure the chair portion from tipping or the wheel  38  from coming off the track, securing bracket  34  partially wraps around the lipped wheel track  32 . All of the rolling wheel mechanism is protectively housed within upper chassis  71 , with the wheel axle  28  visible on the outside, and the lipped wheel track rests on frame member  36  (here  36 A that portion of the frame member associated with the chair portion). These wheel assemblies are a single removable unit, therefore, wheels are easily replaced when worn.  
         [0037]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , there is seen a perspective view of anti-roll latch  100  on bathtub portion  50 . Bathtub portion  50  contains two or more anti-roll latches  100 . Anti-roll latch  100  is shown coupled to bathtub portion  50  by pivot  102  and screw  104 , but it is to be recognized that anti-roll latch  100  can be coupled to bathtub portion  50  by other means as known and apparent in the art, as well as can be incorporated into the design of bathtub portion  50 . As shown, anti-roll latch  100  is not engaged with latch slide  47 , preventing upper chassis  71  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) from sliding along track member  42 . Latch slide  47  contains a pin accepting portion  48 . Pin accepting portion  48  serves to engage or disengage pin  59  on bathtub portion  50  to prevent or allow track member  42  from lifting and separating from bathtub portion  50  and track member  44  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). As shown, pin accepting portion  48  is not engaged with pin  59  on bathtub portion  50 , allowing track member  42  to be lifted upward and separated from bathtub portion  50 . Latch slide knob  49  is used to slidably translate latch slide  47  to engage with anti-roll latch  100 .  
         [0038]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is seen a perspective view of an anti-roll latch  100  on bathtub portion  50 . Anti-roll latch  100  is shown coupled to bathtub portion  50  by pivot  102  and screw  104 , but it is to be recognized that anti-roll latch  100  can be coupled to bathtub portion  50  by other means as known in the art, as well as be incorporated into the design of bathtub portion  50 . As shown, anti-roll latch  100  is engaged with latch slide  47 , allowing upper chassis  71  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to slide along track member  42 . Also, pin accepting portion  48  has engaged pin  59  on bathtub portion  50 , preventing track member  42  from lifting and separating from bathtub portion  50 . Latch slide knob  49  is used to slidably translate latch slide  47  to engage with anti-roll latch  100 .  
         [0039]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , there is seen a perspective view of manual latch  110  in relation to upper chassis  71 , backrest support member receiving member  112 , and backrest support member receiving member  114 . Backrest support member receiving member  112  and backrest support member receiving member  114  are permanently joined to upper chassis  71 . Manual latch  110  includes one or more engagement ramps  116  attached to base component  60  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), continuous rod  118 , flap  120 , and lever handles  130 . Engagement ramps  116  can be permanently or removably attached to base component  60 . When engaged, manual latch  110  prevents upper chassis  71  from slidably translating with respect to base component  60 .  
         [0040]     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , there is a perspective view of bathtub portion  50  of the preferred embodiment of bath transfer system  10  with connector bridge portion  40  detached, illustrating by arrows how connector bridge portion  40  is connected to bathtub portion  50 . Bathtub portion  50  includes bathtub track members  52 , bathtub cross-members  54 , bathtub support members  56 , bathtub support stabilizers  58 , and pin  59 . Bathtub support stabilizers  58  are attached to the bottom of bathtub support members  56  to prevent slippage of bathtub portion  50  during use. An anti-roll latch  100  can be attached to one end of each of bathtub track members  52 . Pin  59  serves to engage or disengage with latch slide  48  to prevent or allow track member  42  and track member  44  (both shown in  FIG. 2 ) from lifting. It is to be recognized that bathtub portion  50  can be constructed rust corrosion and preventative material, including but not limited to aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.  
         [0041]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective view of bathtub support member  56  with outer tubular member  140  separated from inner tubular member  142 . Outer tubular member  140  contains a plurality of orifices  144  through which a conventional spring-loaded plunger  146  can be disposed. The plurality of orifices  144  are spaced apart at equal lengths and provide for a gross adjustment of the height of bathtub portion  50  (not shown). Plurality of orifices  144  can be spaced apart at a distance ranging from 0.50 inches to 1.0 inches. Inner tubular member  142  contains a helical slot  148  with detents  150 , through which spring loaded plunger  146  can be disposed. Helical slot  148  is diagonally positioned on inner tubular member  142 , such that, when inner tubular member  142  is rotated about its central axis, spring loaded plunger  146  will engage in a different detent  150 , and thus raising or lowering bathtub support member  56  depending on the direction of rotation. A user can rotate inner tubular member  142  in the direction of the arrow shown to finely adjust the height of bathtub support member  56  to ensure that bath transfer system  10  is not unevenly situated.  
         [0042]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , there is an enlarged detailed view of helical slot  148 , with spring-loaded plunger  146  disposed through a detent  150 . An incremental height adjustment is caused by the rotation of inner tubular member  142  from the shifting of one detent  150  to another detent  152 . This distance can vary depending on the number and size of detents  150 , as well as the vertical slope of helical slot  148 . For example, the distance can range from 0.060 inches to 0.250 inches, which means for each click-stop the change in height is up or down 0.060 inches to 0.250 inches. This makes fine height adjustments readily attainable.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 8A , there is seen a theoretical diagram of the rise over run proportions for the fine height adjustments realized with the present invention. As the spring-loaded plunger  146  arcs though space in a changing angle from center, here illustrated as angle theta (θ) there is a proportional change in height (Δh).  
         [0044]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , there is depicted a side view of a vertical cross-section of spring-loaded plunger  146  disposed within inner tubular member  142  and outer tubular member  140 , and through both one of plurality of orifice  144  and detent  150 .  
         [0045]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , there is depicted a perspective view of internal clamp lever arm  160  fully disposed within backrest support member receiving member  114  and backrest support member  84 .  
         [0046]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , there is depicted a perspective view of internal clamp lever arm  160  containing lever arm portion  162 , partially disposed within backrest support member receiving member  114  and fully disposed within backrest support member  84 , and standing freely outside backrest support member receiving member  114  and backrest support member  84 .  
         [0047]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10C , there is depicted a side view of internal clamp lever arm  160  containing lever arm portion  162 , partially disposed within backrest support member receiving member  114  and fully disposed within backrest support member  84 , and standing freely outside backrest support member receiving member  114  and backrest support member  84 .  
         [0048]     Referring now to  FIG. 10D  there is shown a lower end of the backrest support member clearly illustrating the orifices  161  and  163  there through. Orifice  161  accepts the threaded portion of internal clamp lever arm  160 , and orifice  163  accepts the lever arm portion  162 . In this way, there exists an important redundant securing system for stabilizing the chair from tipping and preventing the chair back from unexpectedly detaching or collapsing.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 11A , there is seen a perspective view an alternate embodiment of the bath transfer system  200  in position adjacent to a bathtub  210 . Bath transfer system  200  comprises a chair portion  220 , a connector bridge portion  230 , and a bathtub portion  240 . Chair portion  220  includes a base portion  250  and an upper portion  260 . Base portion  250  contains similar elements and is constructed similarly to base portion  60  of bathtub transfer system  10 . Upper portion  260  contains similar elements and is constructed similarly to upper portion  70  of bathtub transfer system  10 . Connector bridge portion  230  contains similar elements and is constructed similarly to connector bridge portion  40  of bathtub transfer system  10 . It is to be recognized that connector bridge portion  230  can be constructed of rust corrosion and preventative material, including but not limited to aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. As shown, upper portion  260  is positioned over base portion  250 .  
         [0050]     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , there is seen a perspective view of bathtub portion  240  of bath transfer system  200 , with connector bridge portion  230  connected to bathtub portion  240  and upper portion  260  positioned over base portion  250 . Bathtub portion  240  includes a base section  270 , a backrest section  280 , a stabilizing mechanism  290 , and a lowering mechanism  300 . Base section  270  includes base track member  272 , base track member  274 , base support member  276 , and base support member  278 . Base track member  272  and base track member  274  are attached to base section  270  by conventionally recognized methods. Backrest section  280  includes backrest support  282  and reclining mechanism  284 . Base support member  276  and base support member  278  are connected to stabilizing mechanism  290  to provide traction and support for bathtub portion  240  within bathtub  210 . Stabilizing mechanism  290  can contain a plurality of grooves  292  to allow for the controlled lowering or raising of base section  270  and upper portion  260 . Lowering mechanism  300  is located behind backrest section  280 . Lowering mechanism  300  can be comprised of an electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic powered motor or a mechanically operated mechanism such as a hand crank. Lowering mechanism  300  can be used to turn a screw shaft to raise or lower upper portion  260 , such raising or lowering is accomplished by base support member  276  and base support member  278  functioning in a scissor-like manner with respect to stabilizing section  290 . It is to be recognized that bathtub portion  240  can be constructed rust corrosion and preventative material, including but not limited to aircraft grade aluminum, stainless steel, and fiber-reinforced plastic.  
         [0051]     As illustrated in  FIG. 11B , there is seen a perspective view of bath transfer system  200 , with upper portion  260  positioned over bathtub portion  240 .  
         [0052]     As illustrated in  FIG. 11C , there is seen a perspective view of bath transfer system  200 , with upper portion  260  positioned within bathtub  210  and connector bridge portion  230  removed. When upper portion  260  is in this position, a user can soak in bathtub  210  with a curtain (not shown) fully enclosed around bathtub  210  to provide maximum privacy.  
         [0053]     Bath transfer systems  100  and  200  enable a user who desires to utilize the bathroom facilities to do so without having to transfer apparatus. For illustration purposes, the operation of the bath transfer system will primarily be explained using bath transfer system  100 . To use bath transfer system  100 , chair portion  30  can be rolled to a bedroom or other location where a user may reside. The user is then seated on chair seat  90 , against backrest portion  80 , and can place his or her arms on locking arms  72 . Manual latch  110  is engaged to prevent the user from sliding off chair portion  30  during transport. The user is then transported into the bathroom where the user can utilize the toilet or sink while remaining within chair portion  30 .  
         [0054]     If the user desires to take a bath, chair portion  30  can then be positioned adjacent to a bathtub containing bathtub portion  50  located therein. Connector portion  40  can then be attached to chair portion  30  and bathtub portion  50  to provide a bridge for upper chassis  70  to slidably translate over bathtub portion  50 . Before a user is positioned over bathtub portion  50 , latch slides  47  are engaged with anti-roll latches  100  to prevent connector portion  40  from lifting or separating from bathtub portion  50  or chair portion  30 . Additionally, if chair portion  30  is not vertically level with bathtub portion  50 , bathtub support members  56  can be adjusted to provide a level and controlled transition. Manual latch  110  can then be released and upper chassis  70  can slidably translate the user along connector portion  40  to be positioned over bathtub portion  50 , wherein manual latch  110  can be engaged to prevent further sliding.  
         [0055]     Once a user is positioned over bathtub portion  50 , connector portion  40  can be removed from bathtub portion  50  and chair portion  30 , allowing the bathtub curtain to be closed around the user for privacy during bathing. Further, with regard to bath transfer system  200 , a user positioned over bathtub portion  240  can be lowered into a bathtub to allow the user to soak within the bathtub. The user can be lowered within the bathtub via lowering mechanism  300 , which is located behind backrest section  280  and can be either an electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic powered motor or a mechanically operated mechanism such as a hand crank. When a user is finished bathing, the user can then be raised out of the bathtub, dried off, the connector portion can then be reattached, and the user can slidably translate from the bathtub portion over the connector portion and back to the chair portion, wherein the user can then be transported to a different location.  
         [0056]     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.