Patent Publication Number: US-11647869-B2

Title: Hinged bathtub bench

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/937,608, filed Nov. 19, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to seating in a bathtub and, in particular, to pivotal platforms for enabling a user to access the seating in the bathtub. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals use a bench in the shower, whether for safety or out of necessity. In a typical combination bathtub/shower, an individual must climb (often, from a wheelchair) over the rim of the bathtub to access the bench. Conventional platforms are sometimes used to assist the individual in traversing the rim of the bathtub in order to enable the individual to access the bench. One such example conventional platform is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,787 to Wechter. The platform is pivotably attached to the bench and comprises a pair of legs that fold down to rest against the ground/floor outside the bathtub. However, when the platform is in a lowered position, the shower curtain cannot be in a closed position. When the platform is in a raised position to allow the shower curtain to close, the platform acts as a vertical barrier that limits movement of the individual&#39;s arm. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein, in various aspects, is a bench assembly for use in a bathtub for showering. The bench assembly can comprise a frame that is configured to sit within a bathtub. A bench can be coupled to the frame. A pivotable platform assembly can comprise a platform support structure pivotably coupled to the frame and a platform coupled to the platform support structure. The pivotable platform assembly can be configured to bias against an upper rim of the bathtub. 
     A method of using the bench assembly can comprise using the platform to access the bench within the bathtub when the platform is in a lowered position and the pivotable platform assembly is biasing against an upper rim of the bathtub. The platform can be raised to allow a shower curtain to be positioned between the platform support structure and an upper rim of the bathtub. The shower curtain can be closed so that the shower curtain is positioned between the platform support structure and the upper rim of the bathtub. The platform can be lowered to the lowered position so that the platform support structure is resting on, and supported by the upper rim of the bathtub, with the shower curtain disposed between the pivotable platform assembly and the upper rim of the bathtub. 
     Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a bench configured for use in a bathtub, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the bench has a pivotal platform in a raised position. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the bench as in  FIG.  1   , wherein the pivotal platform is in the raised position. 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of the bench as in  FIG.  1   , wherein the pivotal platform is in a lowered position. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the bench of  FIG.  1   , wherein the pivotal platform is in the lowered position. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the bench as in  FIG.  1    with the pivotal platform in a raised position. 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of the bench as in  FIG.  1    with the pivotal platform in a lowered position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 
     As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a hinge” can refer to one or more of such hinges, and so forth. 
     All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, use of “substantially” (e.g., “substantially parallel”) or “generally” (e.g., “generally planar”) should be understood to include embodiments in which angles are within ten degrees, or within five degrees, or within one degree. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. 
     It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification. 
     The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. 
     Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , is a bench assembly  100  that is configured for use in a bathtub  200  having an interior  202 , an upper rim  204 , an inner wall  206 , and an outer wall  208 . The bench assembly  100  can be used to enable an individual (user) to safely and without difficulty traverse the upper rim of the shower as well as comfortably shower when seated on the bench assembly. The bench assembly  100  can comprise a frame  102  that can comprise a plurality of (e.g., four) legs  104 . The legs  104  can be adjustable in length in order to configure the bench assembly  100  for various bathtub heights. In some aspects, the legs  104  can comprise telescoping components. In some exemplary embodiments, the legs  104  can each have an inner portion and an outer portion that are slidable relative to each other and lockable in different axial positions relative to each other via, for example, a fastener or detent. In these aspects, optionally, the inner portion can have one or more detents that engage through-holes along the length of the outer portion to lock the inner portion with respect to the outer portion to provide a leg having a desired length. Non-slip feet  106  can attach to bottoms of the legs  104 . Optionally, the non-slip feet  106  can be removably attached to the legs  104 . Alternatively, the feet  106  can be permanently secured to the legs. It is contemplated that the feet  106  can comprise any conventional non-slip or slip resistant material (e.g., polymer). 
     A bench  110  can attach to the frame  102  so that the frame supports the bench. The bench  110  can define a horizontal or generally horizontal upper surface. The bench  110  can optionally define contours that are shaped to ergonomically receive portions of a user&#39;s body (e.g., portions of the user&#39;s legs and buttocks). Optionally, the bench  110  can be padded or unpadded. The bench  110  can optionally define one or more through-holes that enable water to drain therethrough. A backrest  112  can couple to (optionally, be fixedly attached to) the frame  102  and/or the bench  110 . Optionally, the backrest  112  can be coupled to the frame  102  and/or the bench  110  via one or more support members  114 . The backrest  112  can optionally be perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the bench. The backrest  112  can engage a portion of the back to aid in trunk support. The backrest  112  can optionally be adjustable to various heights. For example, the one or more support members  114  can define vertically spaced holes that are configured to receive fasteners to couple the backrest  112  to the support members  114  in different vertical positions. In further aspects, a quick-disconnect clamp can enable decoupling and adjustment between the backrest  112  and the support members  114 . In some optional aspects, the backrest  112  can comprise polymer or washable canvas. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the backrest can be removable for washing. 
     It can be understood that showers can be configured with the shower head on either longitudinal end of the bathtub. In other words, when facing the wall opposite the rim  204  that the individual must climb over to enter the bathtub, the shower head can be positioned on either the left or the right side. The bench assembly  100  can be selectively configured to face in either direction. For example, according to some optional aspects, the backrest  112  can be reversibly attached (e.g., via bolts and nuts) to extend upwardly from either end of the bench  110  (i.e., on the opposite ends with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the bathtub). In some optional embodiments, the backrest  112  and frame  102  can be coupled in rotationally symmetric fashion so that the backrest  112  can be swapped to the opposite end, thereby allowing the bench  110  to be configured for use with the user facing in either direction (i.e. toward either longitudinal end of the bathtub). 
     The bench assembly  100  can further comprise a handrail  190 . The handrail  190  can couple to, for example, the frame, the bench, or both. Optionally, the handrail  190  can couple to the frame  102  or bench  110  below the upper surface of the bench. The handrail  190  can extend above the upper surface of the bench  110  and can optionally be positioned for use as an armrest and/or for the user to grip for support when moving into and out of the bathtub  200 . The handrail  190  can optionally comprise a length of bent tubing. The handrail  190  can be configured to support the weight of the user, thereby enabling the user to grip the handrail when climbing onto and off of the bench  100 . The handrail  190  can be positioned on the side of the bench opposite the platform  130  (i.e., on the side adjacent the wall that runs the longitudinal length of the bathtub). Accordingly, it is contemplated that the handrail  190  can be selectively removed and reattached on each side of the bench  110  (e.g., the left or right side relative to the user sitting on the bench and facing longitudinally in the bathtub). Optionally, the handrail  190  can be detachable (e.g., via removing bolts or via a quick-release). 
     A pivotable platform assembly  132  can be coupled to the frame  102 . The pivotable platform assembly  132  can comprise a platform  130  that is pivotably coupled to the frame  102 . The platform  130  can be configured to be selectively positioned across the rim  204  of the bathtub  200 . For example, optionally, one or more arms  120  (e.g., a pair of arms) can pivotably couple to the frame  102  about an axis  122  by one or more hinges  124 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , it is contemplated that the arms  120  can be configured for pivotal motion relative to the axis  122 , which can extend parallel or generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bathtub  200 . The platform  130  can couple to the arms  120 . In this way, the platform  130  can be pivotably coupled to the frame  102  about the axis  122 , and the pair of arms  120  can define a platform support structure. In various optional embodiments, the platform  130  and one or more arms  120  can comprise separate components that are coupled together or can be integrally formed as a unitary, monolithic component. Optionally, the pivotable platform assembly  132  can include only one single arm  120 . 
     In some optional aspects, each of the arms  120  can pivotably couple to respective legs  104  positioned on the side of the frame  102  proximate to the outside of the bathtub. For example, in some optional aspects, a respective pin can be received through corresponding through-holes in each arm  120  and a respective legs  104 , with the pin being aligned with axis  122  so that the pins define at least a portion of the hinges  124  and form respective pivotal couplings between the arms  120  and the frame  102 . In further optional aspects, the arms  120  can be pivotably coupled to the bench  110  or other portions of the frame  102 . 
     Optionally, an engagement member  140  can couple to at least one of the platform  130  or the arms  120  for engagement with (e.g., biasing against) the upper rim  204  of the bathtub  200 . In some optional embodiments, the engagement member  140  can comprise, or be embodied as, a compressible pad that is configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the upper rim of the bathtub. The pad can optionally comprise a water resistant, compressible, resilient material, such as, for example, foam, rubber, latex, polymer padding, or combinations thereof. The compressible pad can desirably reduce the amount of noise caused by engagement between the pivotable platform assembly  132  and the bathtub as well as distribute pressure across the upper rim to inhibit scratching or breaking of the bathtub. Optionally, the engagement member  140  can comprise opposing, downwardly facing projections  142  that define a receiving space  144  (in between the projections) for receiving at least a portion of the rim of the bathtub. It is contemplated that the depth of the receiving space (corresponding to the distance that the downwardly facing projections extend downwardly) can be minimized in order to limit the amount of shower curtain held outside the bathtub. For example, optionally, the downwardly facing projections can extend downwardly less than two inches or less than one inch in order to minimize the length of shower curtain outside of the tub, thereby allowing a lower edge of the shower curtain to be within the bathtub when the engagement member  140  is resting on the shower curtain. In further aspects, the engagement member  140  can be flat or convex. The engagement member  140  is optionally adjustably positionable along the longitudinal dimension of the arms  120  in order to accommodate bathtubs having varying widths. For example, according to optional aspects, the arms  120  can comprise a plurality of holes along their respective lengths, wherein the holes are configured to receive bolts (or other fasteners) therethrough, and the engagement member can be bolted (or otherwise fastened) to the arms  120  at select holes of said plurality of holes along the lengths of the arms. In various optional aspects, it is contemplated that the engagement member  140  can be adjustably coupled to the platform  130  (or the arms  120 ) so that the spacing between the underside of the engagement member  140  and the upper surface of the platform  130  can be adjusted. For example, an adjustable-length coupling  146  can couple the engagement member  140  to the platform  130 . For example, in some optional aspects, the adjustable length-coupling  146  can comprise a spring detent that can be selectively positioned within a hole of a plurality of holes spaced longitudinally along a support member in order to select the length of the adjustable length-coupling  146 . In this way, the pivotable platform assembly  132  can be adapted for bathtubs having different depths. 
     The platform  130  can be pivoted between a lowered position  180  ( FIG.  3   ) and a raised position  182  ( FIG.  1   ). In the raised position  182 , the platform  130  can be above and pivoted away from the upper rim  204  of the bathtub  200  so that a shower curtain can be drawn between the bathtub and the bench assembly  100 . When in the lowered position  180 , the pivotable platform assembly  132  can bias against the upper rim of the bathtub. For example, for embodiments comprising an engagement member  140 , the engagement member can bias against the upper rim of the bathtub. In further aspects, the arms  120  or the platform  130  can bias directly against the upper rim of the bathtub. Optionally, the platform  130  can be horizontal or substantially horizontal when in the lowered position  180 . The platform  130  can be spaced from the bench  110  in order to provide sufficient clearance for the platform to pivot with respect to the bench. Optionally, this spacing can be minimized and selected based on the dimensions of the bench and platform. 
     In some optional aspects, when in the lowered position  180 , portions of the arms  120  can be configured to bias against an underside of the bench  110  or frame  102  in order inhibit further pivoting of the pivotable platform assembly  132 . For example, when the platform  130  is in the lowered position  180  ( FIG.  3   ), the ends  126  of the arms  120  that are opposite the platform  130  can bias against the underside of the bench  110  and/or the frame  102 . Simultaneously, the engagement member  140  can bias against the upper rim  204  of the bathtub  200 . Thus, in the lowered position, the downward force provided by engagement member  140  can oppose (and, optionally, balance) the upward force provided by the ends  126  of the arms to result in a stable structure. Optionally, the ends  126  of the arms  120  can define an upward projection or define an L- or J-shape that is configured to engage the underside of the bench  110  and/or the frame  102 . When the platform  130  is in the raised position  182  ( FIG.  1   ), ends  126  of the arms  120  opposite the platform  130  can be spaced from the bench  110  and the frame  102  and can, optionally, be positioned underneath the bench  110 . 
     In various optional aspects, some or all of the materials used in the bench assembly  100  can be water resistant and/or have a water resistant coating. For example, the materials of the bench assembly  100  (e.g., the frame, bench, platform, backrest, arms, etc.) can comprise non-corrosive, water-resistant materials, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, polymer, etc. 
     From outside the bathtub (e.g., in a wheelchair), a user can lower the platform  130  to the lowered position  180 . When in the lowered position, the platform can extend across some or all of the upper rim  204  of the bathtub  200 . In some optional embodiments, no part of the bench assembly  100  (e.g., no part of the pivotable platform assembly  132 ) can extend beyond the outer wall  208  of the bathtub  200  when the platform  130  is in the lowered position  180 . In further optional embodiments, when the bench assembly  100  is disposed in the bathtub and the platform  130  is in the lowered position  180 , no part of the bench assembly  100  (e.g., no part of the pivotable platform assembly  132 ) can extend beyond the outer wall  208  of the bathtub  200  by more than about two inches, more than about four inches, or more than about six inches, or more than about eight inches. In this way, the shower curtain can be positioned to extend around the distal-most portion of the platform assembly  132  and still have its lower edge positioned within the interior  202  of the bathtub  200 . Optionally, in these embodiments the engagement member  140  (e.g., pad) can extend beyond the outer wall  208  of the bathtub  200  by about 2 inches to about 4 inches, and the platform can extend beyond the outer wall of the bathtub by about 0 inches to about 8 inches. The user can use the platform  130  (e.g., sliding across it and onto the bench  110 ) to traverse the upper rim of the bathtub. Once seated on the bench  110 , the user can raise the platform to the raised position  182  in order to permit closing of the shower curtain. The user can then lower the platform  130  back to the lowered position  180  so that a portion of the closed shower curtain is between the upper rim of the bathtub and the engagement member  140 . In this way, the platform can be lowered and out of the way of the individual on the bench, while allowing the shower curtain to remain closed during use of the shower. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.