Patent Publication Number: US-6340205-B1

Title: Foldable seating device

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/906,729, filed Aug. 5, 1997, which was abandoned on Aug. 4, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for supporting a user, such as benches, seats, stools or chairs, and in particular, but not by way of limitation, to foldable seating devices, and even more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to foldable benches for use in bathtubs, showers, or the like. 
     Many varieties of chairs, benches, seats, stools, or the like have been previously proposed. However, a relative dearth of seating devices for use in a bathtub or shower still remains. 
     Many people would benefit from a seating aid during bathing or showering, including elderly, handicapped, infirmed, injured, incapacitated or handicapped persons. The seating apparatus may be useful because of a condition of the user or of the bathing facility. 
     One primary consideration for such a seating aid is adequate support of the user. The seat should possess a construction which is adequate to at least support the weight of the user, both while the user remains stationary upon the seat and while getting on or off the seat. 
     Another primary consideration for such a seating aid is the space available in the bathing facility for maneuvering, positioning, and/or storing the device. Typically, bathing facilities are constructed with a minimum of open space or storage space. For example, if a user inside a bathroom were to attempt to maneuver a typical chair into and out of a bathtub or shower, the user would likely be quite restricted in the range of motion available with the chair. During such maneuvers, the user would likely collide with another fixture in the bathroom, and would likely have difficulty getting the chair into the bathtub or shower stall. The frequent transporting of the chair into and out of the bathing area becomes a necessity when other users of the bathing area cannot, or do not wish to, utilize the assistance of the seating aid. 
     Furthermore, such a seating device should be relatively self-contained in order to reduce or prevent excessive protruding or extending of various portions of the device, thereby minimizing unintentional contact between the device and the user and/or the often cramped surroundings. 
     Moreover, such a device should be capable of manipulation by a single user without the aid of tools. 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which is easy to use and maneuver. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which supports a user in a bathing or showering environment. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which is deployable by a single user without tools. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which is self-contained. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which is not unwieldy, and which is convenient to use in a cramped setting. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable seating device which can lie substantially flat when folded. 
     Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a foldable bench comprising a first leg means having a top portion and a bottom portion, a second leg means having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and attachment means for slidably attaching the top portion of the first leg means below the top surface of the seat and pivotally attaching the top portion of the second leg means below the top surface of the seat, thereby preventing the top portion of each of the leg means from separating from the seat. The seat allows the first and second leg means to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the first and second leg means are substantially disposed adjacent the seat, and in the second resting position, the first and second leg means generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat. The bench may include a means to prevent lateral movement of the second leg means with respect to the seat. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a foldable bench comprising two pairs of legs, each leg having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and attachment means for slidably attaching the top portion of a first pair of legs below the top surface of the seat and pivotally attaching the top portion of a second pair of legs below the top surface of the seat, thereby preventing the top portion of each of the legs from separating from the seat. The seat allows the first and second pairs of legs to move between a first resting position and a second resting position, wherein, in the first resting position, the two pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat, and in the second resting position, the two pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention concerns a foldable bench comprising a seat having a bottom surface and a stop means disposed on the bottom surface, a first pair of legs having an upper portion pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the seat opposite the stop means, a second pair of legs pivotally attached to the first pair of legs intermediate respective upper and lower portions, wherein the first and second pairs of legs are adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position, and at least one race disposed on the bottom surface of the seat, the race being adapted to allow at least a part of the upper portion of the second pair of legs to slide therein. In the first resting position, the first and second pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the first and second pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other, the second pair of legs releasably engage the stop means, and the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving in at least one direction. Thus, the bench assumes a folded state when the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
     In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a foldable bench comprising a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a stop means disposed on the bottom surface, a first pair of legs pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the seat opposite the stop means, and a second pair of legs pivotally attached to the first pair of legs, wherein the first and second pairs of legs are adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the first and second pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the first and second pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other, the second pair of legs releasably engage the stop means, and the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving in at least one direction. Thus, the bench assumes a folded state when the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. Preferably, the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving toward the outer periphery of the seat. The seat further preferably comprises at least one race disposed on the bottom surface of the seat, the race being adapted to allow at least a portion of the second pair of legs to slide therein. The race may substantially prevent the second pair of legs from moving perpendicular to the seat. The stop means may include means for releasably locking the second pair of legs to the stop means. The releasable locking means may include at least one clamp, and/or the releasable locking means may include at least one indentation formed in the stop means. 
     The foldable bench may further comprise a backrest attached to the seat. Preferably, the backrest is pivotally attached to the seat. The backrest may be adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed away from the seat. Thus, the bench may assume a fully folded state when the backrest and the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures, submitted for purposes of illustration only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, in which: 
     FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first particular embodiment a foldable bench having a backrest according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric side view of a foldable bench having a backrest according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the underside of the foldable bench of FIG. 1 wherein the backrest is in a folded position. 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric close-up view of the rear of the foldable bench of FIG. 1 wherein the backrest is in an unfolded position. 
     FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the foldable bench of FIG. 1 in a fully closed position, showing the top surface of the seat. 
     FIG. 5 is another isometric view of the foldable bench of FIG. 1 in a fully closed position showing the bottom surface of the seat. 
     FIG. 6 is an isometric side view of a foldable bench, sans backrest, according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the underside of a foldable bench according to a particular embodiment of the present invention wherein the first leg means comprises two separate legs. 
     FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the underside of a foldable bench according to another particular embodiment of the present invention wherein the second leg means comprises two separate legs. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a seat according to the present invention wherein the attachment means is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces of the seat. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a seat according to the present invention wherein the attachment means is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces of the seat and the stop means includes a clamp for releasably engaging the top portion of the second leg means. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a seat according to the present invention wherein the attachment means is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces of an integral seat body. 
     FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a front and top isometric view of a foldable bench according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the seat of the foldable bench of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the foldable bench of FIG. 12 with the legs in a first, fully closed, resting position. 
     FIG. 15 is an isometric side view of the foldable bench of FIG. 14 in a first, fully closed, position. 
     FIG. 16 is an isometric bottom view of the foldable bench of FIG. 12 in a second, fully open, position. 
     FIG. 17 is an isometric bottom view of the foldable bench of FIG. 12 in a partially closed position. 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional cutaway side view of a part of one embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference should now be made to the drawing figures, on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references to figure numbers direct the reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s) may also be seen on other views. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a foldable bench comprising a first leg means having a top portion and a bottom portion, a second leg means having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and attachment means for slidably attaching the top portion of the first leg means below the top surface of the seat and pivotally attaching the top portion of the second leg means below the top surface of the seat, thereby preventing the top portion of each of the leg means from separating from the seat. The bench may include means for preventing lateral movement of the second leg means with respect to the seat. 
     The seat allows the first and second leg means to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the first and second leg means are substantially disposed adjacent the seat, and in the second resting position, the first and second leg means generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat. 
     Preferably, the first and second leg means are pivotally attached to one another intermediate respective top and bottom portions. 
     The seat further comprises a stop means disposed below the top surface of the seat for limiting the sliding movement of one of the leg means. The stop means may be disposed between the top and bottom surfaces of the seat, or the stop means may be disposed at the bottom surface of the seat. 
     The attachment means may be disposed at the bottom surface of the seat, or the attachment means may be disposed between the top and bottom surfaces of the seat. 
     At least one of the leg means preferably comprises a substantially U-shaped leg member having a bight portion engaged by the attachment means. 
     The foldable bench may further comprise a backrest attached to the seat. Preferably, the backrest is pivotally attached to the seat. Thus, the backrest may be adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed adjacent the seat, and in the second resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed away from the seat. The bench may thus assume a fully folded state when the backrest and the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a foldable bench comprising two pairs of legs, each leg having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and attachment means for slidably attaching the top portion of a first pair of legs below the top surface of the seat and pivotally attaching the top portion of a second pair of legs below the top surface of the seat, thereby preventing the top portion of each of the legs from separating from the seat. The seat allows the first and second pairs of legs to move between a first resting position and a second resting position, wherein, in the first resting position, the two pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat, and in the second resting position, the two pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention concerns a foldable bench comprising a seat having a bottom surface and a stop means disposed on the bottom surface, a first pair of legs having an upper portion pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the seat opposite the stop means, a second pair of legs pivotally attached to the first pair of legs intermediate respective upper and lower portions, wherein the first and second pairs of legs are adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position, and at least one race disposed on the bottom surface of the seat, the race being adapted to allow at least a part of the upper portion of the second pair of legs to slide therein. In the first resting position, the first and second pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the first and second pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other, the second pair of legs releasably engage the stop means, and the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving in at least one direction. Thus, the bench assumes a folded state when the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
     In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a foldable bench comprising a seat having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a stop means disposed on the bottom surface, a first pair of legs pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the seat opposite the stop means, and a second pair of legs pivotally attached to the first pair of legs, wherein the first and second pairs of legs are adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the first and second pairs of legs are substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the first and second pairs of legs generally criss-cross each other, the second pair of legs releasably engage the stop means, and the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving in at least one direction. Thus, the bench assumes a folded state when the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
     Preferably, the stop means substantially prevents the second pair of legs from moving toward the outer periphery of the seat. 
     The seat further preferably comprises at least one race disposed on the bottom surface of the seat, the race being adapted to allow at least a portion of the second pair of legs to slide therein. The race may substantially prevent the second pair of legs from moving perpendicular to the seat. 
     The stop means may include means for releasably locking the second pair of legs to the stop means. The releasable locking means may include at least one clamp, and/or the releasable locking means may include at least one indentation formed in the stop means. 
     The first pair of legs may be attached to each other. In a particular embodiment, the first pair of legs is integrally attached. The first pair of legs may include a connecting portion which connects each of the first pair of legs. In a particular embodiment, the first pair of legs has a substantially U-shape. 
     Similarly, the second pair of legs may be attached to each other. In a particular embodiment, the second pair of legs is integrally attached. The second pair of legs may include a connecting portion which connects each of the second pair of legs. In a particular embodiment, the second pair of legs has a substantially U-shape. 
     The foldable bench may further comprise a backrest attached to the seat. Preferably, the backrest is pivotally attached to the seat. The backrest may be adapted to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. In the first resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed adjacent the seat. In the second resting position, the backrest is substantially disposed away from the seat. Thus, the bench may assume a fully folded state when the backrest and the first and second pairs of legs are in the first resting position. 
     FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first particular embodiment of the present invention. A foldable bench  10  includes a first leg means  12  having a top portion  14  and a bottom portion  16 , a second leg means  18  having a top portion  20  and a bottom portion  22 . 
     A seat  24  has a top surface  26 , a bottom surface  28 , and attachment means  30  for slidably attaching the top portion  14  of the first leg means  12  below the top surface  26  of the seat  24  and pivotally attaching the top portion  20  of the second leg means  18  below the top surface  26  of the seat  24 . Thus, the attachment means  30  prevents the top portion  14 ,  20  of each of the leg means  12 ,  18  from separating from the seat  24 . 
     The seat  24  allows the first and second leg means  12 ,  18  to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, in the first resting position, the first and second leg means  12 ,  18  are substantially disposed adjacent the seat  24 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 1-3, in the second resting position, the first and second leg means  12 ,  18  generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat  24 . 
     The seat  24  may be provided with one or more througholes  32  for allowing liquids such as water to drain off the top surface  26  of the seat  24  and to pass therethrough. Such openings  32  are particularly preferred for bathing or showering applications. Large througholes  34  may be provided near the periphery of the seat  24 , while smaller througholes  36  may be provided proximate the interior portion of the seat  24 . The larger througholes  34  may be adapted to provide finger or thumb holds or hand holds for providing additional support to the user. Similarly, slots may also be provided. 
     Preferably the seat  24  is made from a lightweight material which is strong enough to support the weight of the intended user. Water resistant material is preferably used, particularly for bathing or showering applications. Aluminum, wood, or various plastics, such as polyethylene, may be suitably utilized. Plastic material may be injection molded into the desired shape of the seat  24 . Aluminum may be stamped into a desired shape. The seat  24  may also be fabricated from a combination of materials, such as aluminum and plastic. The seat  24 , as well as all exposed parts of the bench  10 , is preferably formed or finished to avoid sharp points or edges. 
     The first and second leg means  12 ,  18  are pivotally attached to one another intermediate respective top  14 ,  20  and bottom  16 ,  22  portions at pivot points  34 . A pivot connection means  36  such as a rivet, rod, bolt, or some other type of connector may be used to connect the first and second leg means  12 ,  18 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 2, the seat  24  further comprises a stop means  40  disposed below the top surface  26  of the seat  24  for limiting the sliding movement of the first leg means  12 . The stop means  40  may be disposed between the top and bottom surfaces  26 ,  28  of the seat  24 , as discussed below, or the stop means  40  may be disposed substantially at the bottom surface  28  of the seat  24 , as represented by FIGS. 1-5. The stop means  40  may be a cross-piece  42  which is attached to the remainder of the seat  24 , for example by screws, bolts, or rivets, or the stop means  24  may be integrally formed with the remainder of the seat  24 . 
     In FIGS. 1-5, the attachment means  30  is disposed at the bottom surface  28  of the seat  24 . In other embodiments, such as those discussed below, the attachment means  30  may be disposed between the top  26  and bottom  28  surfaces of the seat  24 . 
     Preferably, at least one of the leg means, i.e. the first leg means  12  or the second leg means  18 , comprises a substantially U-shaped leg member  44  having a bight portion  46 , which is engaged by the attachment means  30 , and which connects two legs  48 . In a particularly preferred configuration, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first leg means  12  and the second leg means  18  each comprise a substantially U-shaped leg member  44  having a bight portion  46  and two legs  48 . The free distal ends of each of the legs  48  may preferably be provided with an anti-skid cap  50  made from rubber or a rubber-like plastic or some other material which retards slipping between the distal ends of the legs  48  and the supporting surface upon which the bench  10  is placed. 
     In a particularly preferred configuration, the distal ends of the first leg means  12  has a bent portion  52  which is generally angled or curved toward the seat  24 . Such a configuration assists providing support and in preventing slippage between the bench  10  and a supporting surface. 
     As best seen in FIG. 2, the attachment means  30  comprises first and second races  56  disposed on the bottom surface  28  of the seat  24 . Each race  56  is formed from a longitudinal rod  58  attached to and spaced apart from the bottom surface  28  of the seat  24  so that each race  56  is adapted to allow at least a part of the upper portion of the second pair of legs  18  to slide therein. The longitudinal rods  58  are shown mounted on the stop cross-piece  42  which forms the stop means  40  and a second cross-piece  60  disposed opposite the stop cross-piece  42 . The construction of the second cross-piece  60  may be similar to the stop cross-piece  42 , wherein the second cross-piece  60  may be attached to the bottom surface  28  of the seat  24  or may be integrally formed with the remainder of the seat, as discussed above. A clamp or clip  62  may be attached to the second cross-piece  60  and over the top portion of the second leg means  18 , such as the bight portion  46  of the U-shaped second leg member  18  which has a pair of projections  63  which straddle the clamp  62  and prevent lateral movement of the second leg means  18  with respect to the seat  24 . The second leg means  18  may then pivot therein but otherwise be substantially prevented from moving in any other direction, thereby providing a pivotal connection means  64 . Thus, the top portions of each leg means  12 ,  18  are contained by the attachment means  30  whether in the first resting position, the second resting position, or anywhere therebetween. Alternately, or in addition, the clamp or clip  62  or pivotal connection means  64  may be attached to the bottom surface  28  of the remainder of the seat  24 . Thus, the second leg means  18  may pivot away from the seat  24  from a resting position. 
     The foldable bench  10  may further comprise a backrest  70  attached to the seat  24 . Preferably, the backrest  70  is pivotally attached to the seat  24 . 
     The backrest  70  may be adapted to move between a first resting position, as seen in FIGS. 2,  4 , and  5 , and a second resting position, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the first resting position, the backrest  70  is substantially disposed adjacent the seat  24 , and in the second resting position, the backrest  70  is substantially disposed away from the seat. As best seen in FIGS. 4-5, the bench  10  may thus assume a fully folded state when the backrest  70  and the first and second pairs of legs  12 ,  18  are in the first resting position. 
     The backrest  70  shown in FIGS. 1-5 comprises a horizontal member  72  and a pair of support members  74 . The horizontal member  72  may be provided with one or more holes which are adapted to receive the top portion of the support members in order to provide a secure connection between the horizontal member and the support members. 
     The horizontal member  72  may be made from the same material as the seat. Preferably, the horizontal member  72  is made from a rigid material such as hard plastic or aluminum or wood. Alternately, the horizontal member may be made from a material which differs from the seat material. For example, the seat  24  may be made from a hard plastic while the horizontal member  72  may be made from a fabric, such as woven plastic or canvas. However, less rigid materials may require an additional horizontal support between the support members  74  to allow ease of actuation of the bench  10  between resting states. 
     As best seen in FIG. 1, each support member  74  may include a top portion  76 , a curved portion  78 , and a bottom portion  80 . The curved portion  78  may generally place the top  76  and bottom  80  portions approximately 90 degrees apart. Furthermore, the curved portion  78  extends generally backward from the top portion  76 . The bottom portion  80  of each support member  74  is pivotally attached to a respective bracket  82  which is attached to a protruding portion  84  of a respective longitudinal rod  58 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 3, when the backrest  70  is in the second resting position, the bottom portion  80  of the support members  74  abuts a horizontal surface of the bracket  82 , wherein backward movement of the backrest  70  with respect to the seat  24  is arrested. 
     FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a foldable bench  10 ′ of the present invention which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 but which does not possess a backrest. Accordingly, if no backrest is to be provided, brackets or protruding portions of the longitudinal rods need not be included. Of course, if a backrest may be optionally provided, such elements may be included, wherein the backrest may be adapted to be removably attached. 
     FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of a foldable bench  10 ″ of the present invention wherein the first leg means  12  comprises a U-shaped leg member  44 , while the second leg means  18  comprises two separate legs  48 . Each leg  48  is pivotally attached by a respective clamp or clip  62 . 
     FIG. 8 shows yet another alternate embodiment of a foldable bench  10 ′″ of the present invention wherein the second leg means  18  comprises a U-shaped leg member  44 , while the first leg means  12  comprises two separate legs  48 . The top portion of each leg  48  comprises a loop portion  86  which slidably engages respective longitudinal rods  58 . The loop portion  86  may be a reduced friction element, such as made from a plastic material, which can slide over the rods  58 . If the legs  48  are hollow tubes, a loop member such as an eyelet may be inserted into a leg  48  and attached thereto. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a seat  90   a  according to the present invention wherein the attachment means  30  is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces  26 ,  28  of the seat  90   a . The seat  90   a  comprises a top portion  94   a , a bottom portion  96   a , a stop portion  98   a , and first and second pivot portions  100   a ,  102   a . The top and bottom portions  94   a ,  96   a  sandwich the stop portion  98   a  and the first and second pivot portions  100   a ,  102   a . The top portion  14  of the first leg means  12  is pivotally disposed between the top portion  94   a , bottom portion  96   a , and first and second portions  100   a ,  102   a . The top portion  20  of the second leg means  18  abuts the stop portion  98   a  in the second resting position or state. The bottom portion  96   a  may be a single, for example generally planar, member which extends longitudinally over at least part of the first and second pivot portions  100   a ,  102   a  and the stop portion  98   a , or the bottom portion  96   a  may comprise a plurality of longitudinal members similarly disposed. Furthermore, some or all of the top portion  94   a , bottom portion  96   a , stop portion  98   a , and first and second pivot portions  100   a ,  102   a  may be integrally formed with the remainder of the seat  90   a , or one or more portions may be attached to other portions, e.g. by bolts, rivets, adhesives, etc. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a seat  90   b  according to the present invention wherein the attachment means  30  is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces  26 ,  28  of the seat  90   b . The seat  90   b  comprises a top portion  94   b , a bottom portion  96   b , a stop portion  98   b , and first and second pivot portions  100   b ,  102   b . The stop portion  98   b  includes a clamp  104  for releasably engaging the top portion  20  of the second leg means  18  when in the second resting position. Thus, the clamp  104  releasably locks the second leg means  18  in position. Preferably, the clamp  104  is constructed of sufficient size and strength so that a user may engage and disengage the clamp  104  using only manual power, i.e. without the assistance of tools or another person. The second pivot portion  102   b  may comprise a clip or clamp  62  for pivotally mounting the top portion  14  of the first leg means  12 . Some or all of the top portion  94   b , bottom portion  96   b , stop portion  98   b , and first and second pivot portions  100   b ,  102   b  may be integrally formed with the remainder of the seat  90   b , or one or more portions may be attached to other portions. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a seat  90   c  according to the present invention wherein the attachment means  30  is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces  26 ,  28  of the seat  90   c . The seat  90   c  comprises a single integral body  110  provided with a transversely disposed borehole  112 , adapted to pivotally accept the top portion  14  of the first leg means  12 , and a generally planar cavity  114  having open transverse ends and extending longitudinally and which serves as a race  56 , wherein the cavity  114  is adapted to slidingly receive the top portion  20  of the second leg means  18  between the first and second resting positions. The seat  90   c  may optionally be provided with at least one indentation  116  formed in the stop portion  98   c  for releasably locking the top portion  20  of the second leg means  18  in the second resting position. Such locking and unlocking should be achievable by the intended user without further assistance. 
     Preferably, one or more of the first and second leg means  12 ,  18 , support members  74  for the backrest  70 , and longitudinal rods  58  is made from a lightweight, but strong, construction. It is particularly preferable to fabricate such members from tubular aluminum or steel stock. Alternately, such members could be made from other materials such as plastic, wood, or other metals, which may or may not utilize tubular construction, depending upon a particular application. 
     FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. A foldable bench  210  is shown which includes a first leg means  212  having a top portion  214  and a bottom portion  216 , a second leg means  218  having a top portion  220  and a bottom portion  222 . 
     A seat  224  has a top surface  226 , a bottom surface  228  as seen in FIG. 13, and attachment means  230  as seen in FIG. 14 for slidably attaching the top portion  214  of the first leg means  212  below the top surface  226  of the seat  224  and pivotally attaching the top portion  220  of the second leg means  218  below the top surface  226  of the seat  224 . Thus, the attachment means  230  prevents the top portion  214 ,  220  of each of the leg means  212 ,  218  from separating from the seat  224 . 
     The seat  224  allows the first and second leg means  212 ,  218  to move between a first resting position and a second resting position. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the first resting position, the first and second leg means  212 ,  218  are substantially disposed adjacent the seat  224 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 12 and 16, in the second resting position, the first and second leg means  212 ,  218  generally criss-cross each other and generally extend away from the seat  224 . 
     FIG. 17 shows the top portion  214  of the first leg means  212  disposed approximately midway between the first and second positions, wherein the top portion  214  is confined by the attachment means  230  and slides therein adjacent the seat  224 . 
     The seat  224  is provided with througholes  232  for allowing liquids to drain off the top surface  226  of the seat  224  and to pass therethrough. Such openings  232  are particularly preferred for bathing or showering applications. Large througholes  234  may be provided near the periphery of the seat  224 , while smaller througholes  236  may be provided proximate the interior portion of the seat  224 . 
     Preferably the seat  224  is made from a lightweight, water resistant material which is strong enough to support the weight of the intended user. Preferably plastic material is injection molded into the desired shape of the seat  224 . The seat  224 , as well as all exposed parts of the bench  210 , are preferably formed or finished to avoid sharp points or edges. 
     The bottom surface  228  of the seat  224  is provided with a recess  238  adapted to accommodate the top portions  214 ,  220  of the first and second leg means  212 ,  218 . 
     The first and second leg means  212 ,  218  are pivotally attached to one another intermediate respective top  214 ,  220  and bottom  216 ,  222  portions at pivot points  234 . A pivot connection means  236  such as a rivet, rod, bolt, or some other type of connector may be used to connect the first and second leg means  212 ,  218 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 13,  14 ,  16  and  17 , the seat  224  further comprises a stop means  240  disposed below the top surface  226  of the seat  224  for limiting the sliding movement of the first leg means  212 . The stop means  240  is integrally formed from the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224 . The stop means  240  comprises a first transverse downwardly extending projection  242  preferably formed integrally with main body of the seat  224 . 
     In a similar fashion, a second transverse downwardly extending projection  242 ′ forms part of the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224  opposite the first transverse downwardly extending projection  242 . Thus, the two downwardly extending projections  242 ,  242 ′ define the longitudinal edges of the recess  238 . The portions  229  of the bottom surface  228  formed by the downwardly extending projections  242 ,  242 ′ are preferably substantially flat, and are preferably coplanar. A transverse ridge  243  is longitudinally spaced apart from the first downwardly extending projection  242  by a distance which allows the top portion  220  of the second leg means  218  to be pivotally disposed between the second transverse downwardly extending projection  242 ′ and the transverse ridge  243 . As shown in FIG. 13, preferably, the transverse ridge  243  extends substantially transversely across the recess  238 . The height of the ridge should be sufficient to prevent the top portion  220  of the second leg means  218  from translating further into the recess  238 . Both the downwardly extending projections  242 ,  242 ′ and the transverse ridge  243  are preferably integrally formed with the remainder of the seat  224 . 
     Thus, the attachment means  230  is disposed at the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224 . In particular, the attachment means  230  is attached to the flat portions  229  of the bottom surface  228 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 14, both the first leg means  212  and the second leg means  218  comprise a substantially U-shaped leg member  244  having a bight portion  246 , which is engaged by the attachment means  230 , and which connects two legs  248 . The free distal ends of each of the legs  248  are preferably provided with an anti-skid cap  250  made from rubber or a rubber-like plastic or some other material which retards slipping between the distal ends of the legs  248  and the supporting surface upon which the bench  210  is placed. 
     As seen in FIG. 13, the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224  is provided with a longitudinal recess  245  which extends into the portion  229  adjacent the transverse ridge  243  and into the seat  224  deeper than the recess  238 . As seen in FIG. 14, the bight portion  246  of the second leg means  218  includes a projection  247  which passes through the longitudinal recess  245  along an arc when said second leg means  218  is pivoted. 
     The portions of the seat  224  which form the sides of the longitudinal recess  245  are adapted to allow the projection  247  to move therewithin but importantly substantially prevent transverse or lateral movement of the projection  247  and hence the second leg means  218 , thereby preventing misalignment of the first and second leg means  212 ,  218  which might lead to premature wear or difficulty folding and unfolding the bench. In particular, the prevention of lateral movement of the second leg means  218  also reduces wear on the pivot means  236 , thus maintaining the moving parts of the bench in proper alignment for optimal operation and long life. The projection  247  may take the form of a rivet or screw head attached to the bight portion  246 , or may be formed integrally therewith. A clamp, such as clamp  62  as shown in FIG. 2, may optionally be used instead, or in addition if more support is desired. Mating projections may also be used with such clamp. 
     The distal ends of the first leg means  212  has a bent portion  252  which is generally angled or curved toward the seat  224 . Such a configuration provides additional stability and assists in preventing slippage between the bench  10  and a supporting surface. 
     As best seen in FIG. 14, the attachment means  230  comprises first and second races  256  disposed on the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224 . Each race  256  is formed from a longitudinal plate  258  attached to and spaced apart from the bottom surface  228  of the seat  224  so that each race  256  is adapted to allow the bight portion  246  of the second leg means  218  to slide therein. The longitudinal plates  258  are shown mounted on the surface portions  229  of the first and second transverse downwardly extending projections  242 ,  242 ′. As seen in FIG. 14, the second U-shaped leg means  218  is wider than the first U-shaped leg means  212 , i.e. the bight portion  246  of the first leg means  212  is shorter than the bight portion  246  of the second leg means  218 . Thus, the first leg means  212  can nestle within the second leg means  218  when in the first resting position, i.e. adjacent the seat  224  when the device  210  is not in use. 
     Thus, as seen in FIG. 15, the device  210  can lie substantially flat when not in use. Furthermore, the bight portion  246  of the first leg means  212  is always entrapped by, but slidably disposed within, the race or races  256  formed by the recess  238  of the seat  224 , and the plates  258 . The race  256  is oriented generally parallel to the seat  224 . The bight portion  246  of the U-shaped second leg means  218 , pivots but otherwise is substantially prevented from moving in any other direction, thereby providing a pivotal connection means  264 . Thus, the top portions of each leg means  212 ,  218  are contained by the attachment means  230  whether in the first resting position, the second resting position, or anywhere therebetween, as shown, for example, in FIG.  17 . Thus, bottom portion  222  of the second leg means  218  may pivot away from the seat  224  from a resting position. 
     FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional cutaway side view of a part of one embodiment of the present invention, simplified to show the longitudinal recess  245  and the projection  247 . 
     The foldable bench  210  may further comprise a backrest attached to the seat  224 . Preferably, the backrest is pivotally attached to the seat  224 . 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.