Patent Publication Number: US-7213276-B2

Title: Shower body support

Description:
This invention pertains to a system for providing support in the shower. This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/651,344 which was filed on 28 Aug. 2003, and which issued on 2 Aug. 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,922,857. 

   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale. 
     FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment with the body support in a raised position. 
     FIG. 2  is a side view in one simulated environment, with the body support shown in a horizontal position, and in a raised position in phantom. 
     FIG. 3  is a partial rear view, showing parts of the spine, the collar and the catch of one embodiment. 
     FIG. 4  is a partial side view, showing parts of the spine, the collar and the catch of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the part of the catch enclosed in the collar shown in phantom, the rotated catch and paddle also shown in phantom. 
     FIG. 5  is a partial top view, showing parts of the collar and catch of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , with the spine in cross-section. 
     FIG. 6  is a partial side view on one embodiment, showing the body support in cross-section, with the yoke shown for a horizontal position and for a raised position in phantom. 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the yoke and spring coil of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
     FIG. 8  is a partial side view of the upper spine cap and mounting track of one embodiment, with some of the coupling elements in cross-section. 
     FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment. 
     FIG. 10  is a partial side view view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
     FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional top view taken along line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
     FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the body support. 
     FIG. 13  is a partial side view on another embodiment, showing the body support in cross-section. 
     FIG. 14  is a partial side view on another embodiment, showing the body support and the cable and housing in cross-section. 
     FIG. 15  is a partial side view of the upper spine cap and mounting track of another embodiment in one simulated environment, with some of the coupling elements in cross-section. 
     FIG. 16  is a partial side view of the lower spine cap and mounting track of another embodiment in one simulated environment, with some of the coupling elements in cross-section. 
     FIG. 17  is a partial side view of the slide block and upper mounting track of another embodiment. 
     FIG. 18  is a partial cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , with the angle of the sliding block relative to the mounting track changed. 
     FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of another emodiment. 
     FIG. 20  is a partial top view, showing part of the catch of the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , with the spine in cross-section. 
     FIG. 21  is a partial side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 19 . 
     FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment. 
     FIG. 23  is a partial top view of another embodiment, in one simulated environment. 
     FIG. 24  is a front view of a single point attachment device of  FIG. 23 . 
     FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a single point attachment device of  FIG. 23 . 
     FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a link, with adjoining elements. 
     FIG. 27  is similar to  FIG. 2 , with the body support surrounding a person shown in phantom. 

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS 
   While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the invention. In the example of  FIG. 1 , a generally toroidal body support  95  can be mechanically coupled to a structure, such as a wall or other parts of structure, enclosing a shower. For example, the body support can be used by elderly persons, special education children, or others who are physically capable of standing and using their arms, but who can use the body support to reduce the likelihood of injury if they slip in the shower. A “shower” can be any space in which one showers, such as a bath tub, a shower stall, a shower room, etc. 
   A bather should be able generally to wrap the body support  95  around at about chest level under the bather&#39;s arms, as shown in  FIG. 27 . Body support  95  can be, for example, closed cell foam around reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement can be a metal reinforcement such as metal tube  97  as in  FIG. 1 , steel cable  97   a  as in FIG  2 , or flexible steel ribbon  97   b  as in  FIG. 12 , or it can be other materials known in the art. The foam can comprise a waterproof coating. In the example of  FIG. 12 , body support  95   c  comprises steel ribbon  97   b  surrounded by closed cell foam  95   d  with a waterproof coating or finish  95   e . Also in the example of  FIG. 12 , plastic guards  97   c  protect against the edges of steel ribbon  97   b  cutting through the foam  95   d . These are only examples, and other materials can be used as is well known in the art. 
   In the example of  FIG. 1 , body support  95  includes regions  95   a  and  95   b  which can be separated from each other to allow a bather to enter or to leave. In the example of  FIG. 1 , regions  95   a  and  95   b  can be secured to each other to enhance the support provided by body support  95 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , regions  95   a  and  95   b  are secured to each other with VELCRO® (or a nylon fabric that can be fastened to itself) fastening  96 , but other fasteners (or means for fastening) can be used, such as hooks, snaps, zippers, and so forth, as is well known in the art. 
   There can be various means for allowing separation of regions  95   a  and  95   b . For example, in the example of  FIG. 1 , spring connection  98  couples two parts of metal tube reinforcement  97  to facilitate movement of regions  95   a  and  95   b  relative to each other. In other examples, there can be another type of connection, or the reinforcement can be sufficiently flexible that there is no need for it to have two parts which are coupled. 
   The body support, such as body support  95  of  FIG. 1 , can be coupled to a structure via different coupling elements (and different combinations of those elements) between the body support and the structure (various examples of means for coupling the body support to the structure being illustrated in  FIGS. 1–11  and  13 – 27 ), and in different ways which permit different movements relative to the structure. For example, it could be fixed to a single location on a wall or it could be allowed to move horizontally along a wall. In preferred embodiments, the body support is coupled to a vertical spine such as spine  65  of  FIG. 1 , and the height of that coupling can be adjusted such as to accommodate persons of different heights. 
   A system contemplated by the invention can be designed into new construction showers or can be built into already existing showers. A method contemplated by the invention can be an implementation or a use of the system. In some embodiments, a vertical spine can be secured to a structure enclosing a shower such as to a wall adjacent a column behind the wall. In other embodiments, upper and lower horizontal mounting bars can be secured to a wall such as spanning the distance between two columns behind the wall, and a vertical spine can be coupled to the mounting bars at a location which is desirable relative to a shower head for example. In some embodiments, there can be covers over attachments to the wall. For example, there can be plastic covers which can, for example, snap over the attachments. 
   Various examples of means for adjusting the lateral position of a vertical spine are discribed in the next few paragraphs. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , spine  65  includes upper and lower spine caps  66  and  67 , respectively. Spine caps  66  and  67  are movingly coupled to upper and lower mounting tracks  55  and  56 , respectively. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the height of body support  95  can be adjusted along vertical spine  65 , and spine  65  can move laterally along mounting tracks  55  and  56 . End blocks, such as caps  55   a  and  56   a , pegs, or other similar mechanisms well known in the art, can prevent moving spine  65  beyond the ends of mounting tracks  55  and  56 . 
     FIG. 8  shows a partial side view of upper spine cap  66  with upper mounting track  55  and certain coupling elements in cross-section. In the example of  FIG. 8 , mounting track  55  can be secured ot a wall by screws  56   d . Mounting brackets (not shown) can also be used. In other embodiments, other fasteners can be used as is well known in the art. Spine cap  66  is coupled to slide block  57  and backing plate  58  with integral nut  59  by screws  54  with reinforcements  53 . In other embodiments, other fastening mechanisms can be used as is well known in the art. As seen in  FIG. 8 , slide block  57  can slide in mounting track  55 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  show an alternate embodiment. In the example of  FIG. 15 , upper mounting track  55   b  can be secured to wall  40 , such as with screws or other fasteners. Upper spine cap  66   a  is coupled to slide block  57   a  with countersunk machine screw  54   a , but other fasteners can be used as is known in the art. Slide block  57   a  includes rollers  57   b  for moving engagement with mounting track  55   b . In the example of  FIG. 15 , slide block  57   a  can be formed of metal and can include anti-friction block  57   c , which may be formed of nylon, for example. Other suitable materials can be used as is known in the art. In the example of  FIG. 15 , there is a cover  55   c  over these coupling elements. The cover  55   c  may be formed of plastic or other materials as is known in the art. 
   In the example of  FIG. 16 , lower mounting track  56   b  can be secured to wall  40 , such as with screws or other fasteners. Lower spine cap  67   a  is coupled to slide block  51  with countersunk screws  53 , but other fasteners can be used as is known in the art. Slide block  51  can be formed of metal or other materials as is known in the art. Slide block  51  can include rollers  52  for moving engagement with mounting track  56   b . In the example of  FIG. 16 , there is a cover  56   c  over these coupling elements. The cover  56   c  may be formed of plastic or other materials as is known in the art. 
     FIGS. 17 and 18  show an alternate embodiment of a slide block and a mounting track. Protrusions are included to inhibit lateral sliding if the angle of the slide block relative to the mounting track changes, such as might occur if a bather slips. That is, the protrusions can act as stopping surfaces to inhibit the slide block from moving as discussed in the next paragraph. For example, such protrusions can be included on the slide block, the mounting track, or both. 
   In the example of  FIGS. 17 and 18 , upper mounting track  155  includes a series of protrusions  155   b  extending down from front rail  155   a . For example, protrusions  155   b  could be spaced apart about ¾″ or more, and could extend down about ⅛″ from the bottom of rail  155   a . In the example of  FIGS. 17 and 18 , slide block  157  includes two protrusions  157   a  at or near the lateral edges, respectively, of slide block  157  and positioned close to the bottom of rail  155   a . When slide block  157  is level, rollers  157   b  can travel freely and slide block  157  can move smoothly along mounting track  155 . In the example of  FIG. 18 , the angle of slide block  157  is changed relative to mounting track  155 , and one protrusion  157   a  and one protrusion  155   b  can engage to inhibit lateral sliding of slide block  157 . 
   Spine  65  can be formed of hard rubber, steel, fiberglass, urethane or other plastic, or other materials. Spine caps  66 ,  66   a ,  67  and  67   a  can be formed of hard rubber with steel inserts, urethane with steel inserts, cast metal, or other materials. Mounting tracks  55 ,  55   b ,  56 ,  56   b , and  155  can be aluminum extrusions or can be formed of other materials or in other ways. End caps  55   a  and  56   a  can be formed of hard rubber, plastic, or other materials. Slide blocks  57  and  157  can be formed of TEFLON® (or synthetic flourine-containing resins), nylon, or other materials. Backing plate  58  can be formed of steel or other materials. Reinforcement  53  can be formed of steel or other materials. 
   A body support, such as body support  95 , can be coupled to a vertical spine, such as spine  65 , in different ways. Various examples of means for adjusting the height of a body support are described in the next few paragraphs. For example, in the example of  FIG. 1 , body support  95  is coupled to a collar  75 . Collar  75  can be adjusted up and down spine  65 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 6  for example. In that example, part of the surface of spine  65 , and particularly the part of spine  65  facing the wall in the example of  FIGS. 3 through 6 , is molded with or otherwise includes successive catch areas  68 . A catch  76  is rotatably coupled to collar  75 , such as about pivot shaft  78 . A spring such as axial spring  79  biases the orientation of catch  76  relative to collar  75 , to engage catch  76  in a catch area  68  and to prevent collar  75  from moving along spine  65  in at least one direction. 
   In the example of  FIGS. 3 through 6 , catch  76  includes a catch release paddle  77 . Paddle  77  can be integral with the rest of catch  76 , or can be formed separately and can be coupled to the rest of catch  76  such as, for example, by screwing into the rest of catch  76 . Paddle  77  can be rotated about pivot shaft  78  against the bias of spring  79  to move catch  76  out of a catch area  68 , and to allow collar  75  to be adjusted up or down along spine  65 . 
   This arrangement can be a rachet mechanism in some embodiments. As best seen in the example of  FIGS. 4 and 6 , collar  75  can be raised higher along spine  65  simply by pushing it up. The upward force will push catch  76  against a surface of spine  65  which is at an angle with catch area  68 , rotating catch  76  against the bias of spring  79  and allowing collar  75  to rise. However, the weight of body support  95  and the various coupling elements (or even pushing collar  75  down) will push catch  76  into catch area  68 , will not rotate catch  76 , and will not allow collar  75  to fall—unless paddle  77  is rotated about pivot shaft  78  releasing catch  76 . 
   The embodiment of  FIGS. 19 through 21  can operate similarly to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . However, in the example of  FIGS. 19 through 21 , a catch  176  extends around to the front of spine  165  for easy accessibility and operability. Catch  176  is rotatably coupled to collar  175 , such as about pivot  178 . A spring  179  biases the orientation of catch  176  relative to collar  175 , to engage catch  176  in a catch area  168  and to prevent collar  175  from moving along spine  165  in at least one direction. Catch  176  can be rotated about pivot  178  against the bias of spring  179  to move catch  176  out of a catch area  168 , and to allow collar  175  to be adjusted up or down along spine  165 . In the example of  FIGS. 19 through 21 , catch  176  includes extensions  177  as one example of a shaped surface, such as a protrusion or an indentation, that can be used by the bather when rotating catch  176 . A wing, a button, a handle, a knob, and a grip are other examples of such a protrusion or indentation. 
   A body support, such as body support  95 , can be coupled collar  75  in different ways. Some those ways provide for adjusting an angular orientation of a body support relative to a spine. Various examples of means for adjusting that angular orientation are described in the next few paragraphs. For example, as shown in the example of  FIGS. 2 and 6 , body support  95  is coupled to a yoke  85 .  FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of one example of a yoke  85  and spring coil  87 . As best seen in the example of  FIG. 6 , yoke  85  can be rotatably coupled to collar  75 . For example, yoke  85  can be coupled to collar  75  with riveted pins  86  which allow rotation. Other fasteners can be used in other embodiments, as is well known in the art. The example of  FIGS. 19 and 21  also shows a yoke  185  coupled to collar  175  about fasteners  186 . A body support can be attached to yoke  185  at point  185   a , possibly using a spring coil. 
   In the example of  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the relationships of body support  95 , yoke  85  and spine  65  permit yoke  85  to rotate only about 90°. In other examples, different ranges of rotation can be permitted. In the example of  FIGS. 2 and 6 , yoke  85  can be rotated down until it meets spine  65 . At that point, body support  95  is in a generally horizontal position suitable for use during bathing. Body support  95  can be rotated up to a generally vertical position, which may be more desirable when body support  95  is not being used. Body support  95  is shown in the raised, generally vertical position, in the example of  FIG. 1  (and in phantom in  FIG. 2 ). 
   Yoke  85 , collar  75  and catch  76  can be formed of high strength plastic, cast metal such as aluminum or steel, or some other materials. In some examples, there can be an interface, such as a TEFLON® (or synthetic flourine-containing resins) interface, between the collar and the spine to facilitate sliding adjustment of the collar along the spine. 
   In other embodiments, rotation of a body support relative to a collar can release a catch permitting the collar to move along the spine. For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 through 11 , part of the surface of vertical spine  101  facing away from a wall is molded with or otherwise includes successive catch areas  107 . A collar  102  can be adjusted up and down spine  101 . A catch  106  is rotatably coupled to collar  102  about pivot point  103 . A body support (not shown) can be coupled to a connector  105  which is rotatably coupled to collar  102  about pivot point  104 . 
   In the example of  FIGS. 9 through 11 , catch  106  can be released when connector  105  is in one orientation with respect to collar  102 . For example, catch  106  can be released when connector  105  is rotated down and a coupled body support is hanging in a generally vertical position. In that position, collar  102  can be adjusted along spine  101 . When connector  105  is rotated up and a coupled body support is in a generally horizontal position suitable for use during bathing, catch  106  is pushed into a catch area  107  along spine  101  preventing collar  102  from sliding down spine  101 . In that position, collar  102  can be prevented from sliding up or down in some examples. In other examples, the elements can be arranged as a ratchet mechanism, permitting collar  102  to be raised but not lowered until the connector is rotated relative to the collar. 
     FIG. 22  shows an example of a simplified embodiment without collar and catch components. In the example of  FIG. 22 , spine  265  is a rectangular section without the need for catch areas, but with a series of openings  266 . Yoke  285  has openings  286  that can be aligned with openings  266  at a selected height. A latch pin  287  can be inserted through openings  286  and  266  to secure yoke  285  to spine  265  at the selected height. A releasable captive ball catch  288  near one end of latch pin  287  restrains latch pin  287  from falling out, and yoke  285  can pivot about latch pin  287 . A body support can be attached to yoke  285  at point  285   a , possibly using a spring coil. In other examples, other releasable fasteners, or other releasable mechanisms, can be used to secure the yoke to the spine. Preferably, such mechanisms permit rotation of the yoke relative to the spine. 
   Various examples of means for flexing different coupling elements are described in the next few paragraphs. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , body support  95  is coupled to collar  75  by a connector comprising yoke  85  and spring coil  87 . Spring coil  87  permits some flexibility and, in some examples, can add to any flexibility inherent in spine  65 . In some examples, spring coil  87  can be welded to spring connection  98  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , body support  95   f  is coupled to collar  75  by a connector comprising yoke  85  and spring coil  87 . Spring coil  87  is shown fastened to yoke  85  by a countersunk flathead machine screw, and is welded to steel ribbon  97   b . In some examples, spring coil  87  can be surrounded by a foam cover. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , body support  95   g  is coupled to collar  75  by a connector comprising yoke  85  and a cable system. In the example of  FIG. 14 , the cable system comprises a cable  81  passing through a two-part housing  84 . Housing  84  can be integral with yoke  85 , or can be secured to yoke  85  by screws or other fasteners as is known in the art. A cable attachment  81   a prevents one end of cable  81  from pulling through steel ribbon  97   b  which reinforces body support  95   g . In the example of  FIG. 14 , cable  81  passes over a pulley  83 , and the second end of cable  81  is attached to inertial reel  82 . Inertial reels, which are known in the art, are spring-loaded and work like seat belt retractors, for example. The cable and reel of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  allow the bather to extend the body support for a limited distance away from the spine, and constitute one example of a means for moving a body support a limited distance from a wall. 
   In other embodiments, other connectors can be used to couple a body support to a collar. For example, connector  105  shown in  FIGS. 9 through 11  can be a steel cable in some examples. In some examples, the joint between connector  105  and collar  102  can be a heim-type joint to increase flexibility. 
     FIGS. 23 through 25  show an example of an embodiment in which a body support (not shown) can be fixed to a single location on a wall. In the example of  FIG. 23 , a single point attachment device  120  is secured to a column  41 , such as a wood stud, through a small opening in a wall  40 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , two wood lag screws  121  can be used to secure single point attachment device  120  to a column  41 . 
   In the example of  FIGS. 23 through 25 , single point attachment device  120  includes a front  124  and two sides  125 , and is dimensioned to fit around the front of a wood stud behind a wall. Each of two sides  125  includes, at point  125   a , an angled opening, through which fasteners such as screws can be inserted to secure single point attachment device  120  to the wood stud. In the example of  FIGS. 23 through 25 , front  124  includes an integral threaded shaft  123 . As seen in  FIG. 23 , a cover  122  can fit around shaft  123  and cover the opening in the wall. Single point attachment device  120  can be constructed of  18  gauge stamped steel, or of other materials, thicknesses, and manufacturing methods, as is known in the art. 
   In the example of  FIGS. 23 and 26 , a nut  123   a  secures a link  130  to shaft  123 . In that example, link  130  has a heim-type joint  131  at the end secured to single point attachment device  120 . A body support can be attached to the other end of link  130 . In various embodiments, a semi-flexible connector can attach a body support to a single point attachment device. In some embodiments, for example, a body support can be attached to link  130 , such as through a spring coil  187  as seen in the example of  FIG. 26 . In some embodiments, link  130  can be semi-flexible, and can be composed of hard rubber or other materials known in the art. 
   As mentioned above, a method contemplated by the invention can be an implementation or a use of any of the different systems or features of those systems, such as those systems and features described above. For example, supporting a person in a shower may include adusting a lateral position of a vertical spine  65 , such as for example by moving a slide block  57  in a mounting track  55  that is coupled to a wall of the shower (see e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  8 ). For example, it may include adjusitng a height of a body support  95  along vertical spine  65  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and possibly engaging a catch  76  in a catch area  68  of the spine  65  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 3–6 ). For example, it may include adjusting an angular orientation of body support  95  relative to vertical spine  65 , such as for example by rotating a yoke  85  or other connector  105  (see e.g.  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  9 ). For example, it may include separating regions  95   a  and  95   b  of body support  95  to allow entry of the person, positioning body support  95  around the person&#39;s chest, and fastening regions  95   a  and  95   b  to each other (see e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 17 ). 
   From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.