Patent ID: 12232661

DESCRIPTION

As shown inFIGS.1-4, the present bath seat apparatus is indicated by the reference number10. The bath seat apparatus10is engaged in an adult sized bath tub12having inner sides14and an inner bottom16.FIG.1shows a perspective view of bath seat apparatus10engaged in the bath tub12.FIG.2shows a top view of the bath seat apparatus10engaged in the bath tub12.FIG.3shows a section view of the bath tub12and a front view of the bath seat apparatus10.FIG.4shows a section view of the bath tub12and a section view of the bath seat apparatus10.

As shown in greater detail inFIG.5, bath seat apparatus10includes a frame18. Frame18includes a base or frame upper portion20from which a child receptacle22depends. Frame18includes a front end portion24and a rear end portion26. Frame end portions24,26are integral with frame upper portion or base20.

First and second arms28,30are engaged to and extend from the front frame end portion24. Third and fourth arms32,34are engaged to and extend from the rear frame end portion26. Each of the arms28,30,32,34includes a rack portion36and a suction cup portion38. Suction cup portion38is the distal end of each of the arms28,30,32,34. A pinion40is engaged to each of the rack portions36and further engaged to the frame18. The pinions40for first and second arms28,30are engaged to the front frame end portion24. The pinions40for the third and fourth arms32,34are engaged to the rear frame end portion26.

Pinion40may be referred to as a driver40or linear actuator40.

Base20or frame upper portion20supports the child receptacle22and further supports the front frame end portion24and the rear frame end portion26. Base20includes an annular opening42defined by an annular edge43. Base20extends laterally and longitudinally from the annular opening42. As the base20extends laterally and outwardly from the annular opening42, an arm rest portion41of the base20curves downwardly from a plane defined by the annular opening42of base20. This arm rest portion of the base20curves outwardly and downwardly and then terminates at a straight line edge44on each of the sides of the base20. One edge44extends longitudinally and has ends that terminate adjacent to arms28and32. The opposite edge44extends longitudinally and has ends that terminate adjacent to arms30and34on the other side of the base20. A front portion of the base20that extends longitudinally and forwardly from annular opening42terminates at the front frame end portion24. A rear portion of the base20that extends longitudinally and rearwardly from annular opening42terminates at the rear frame end portion26. Base20is one-piece and integral with front and rear frame end portions24,26.

FIG.15shows an inner plate section46that forms a portion of the front frame end portion24.FIG.5shows this inner plate section46of the rear frame end portion26. Inner plate section46is section of a guide for the rack portion36of the arms28,30,32,34.

Opposite of plate section46is an outer curved frame section48. Curved frame section48is shown in both ofFIG.5andFIG.15. Each of front frame end portion24and rear frame end portion26has this outer curved frame section48.

Child receptacle22depends from base20and is spaced from each of the front frame end portion24and the rear frame end portion26. Child receptacle22includes a sidewall that includes a U-shaped sidewall portion50that extends from annular edge43to a seat52. The U-shaped sidewall portion50extends about the rear and sides of a child's torso. The child's arms extend adjacent to and over the outer portions of the base20that extend laterally, outwardly, and downwardly from the annular edge43. The legs and rear end of a child are supported by the seat52. The legs of a child extend though respective leg openings54,56formed, respectively, by leg opening edges58,60. Depending from the seat52is a seat bottom62having a bottommost edge or portion64.

The sidewall of the child receptacle22further includes a T-shaped front portion66that depends from annular edge43and then narrows to run between the leg openings54,56. The T-shaped front portion66confronts the chest and stomach regions of the torso of a child. The T-shaped front portion66and U-shaped sidewall portion50are integral with each other and are integral portions of a sidewall of the child receptacle22.

Seat bottom62is an endless wall that depends from seat52. The endless wall of seat bottom62undulates at a front portion where the endless wall runs adjacent to the leg openings54,56. Endless wall of seat bottom62is set inwardly of U-shaped sidewall portion50and is further set inwardly of T-shaped front sidewall portion66. Endless wall of seat bottom62is vertically oriented so as to run parallel to an upright axis of opening42. The axis of arms28,30,32,34define a plane and the endless wall of seat bottom62runs at a right angle to this plane. The bottommost edge64of the endless wall of seat bottom62may be set on or may be adjacent to the inner bottom16of the bath tub12. The bottommost edge64and endless wall of bottom62spaces the seat52of the child receptacle22from the inner bottom16of the bath tub12to permit water flow or water drainage through perforations68formed in the child receptacle22. Some of the perforations68are in the seat52, which seat62defines a plane. Some of the perforations68are in a bottom portion of the U-shaped sidewall portion50, which portion curves upwardly and outwardly from the planar seat62. The entirety of the child receptacle22is found within imaginary vertical lines extending downwardly from the periphery of the base20. All of the child receptacle22is found between the front frame end portion24and the rear frame portion26, i.e., between planes defined by vertical plane sections46of the front and rear end frame portions24,26.

Rack portion36includes an upper elongate wall70and a lower elongate wall72. The front edges of the walls70,72of the rack portions36of the rear arms32,34slide on plate section46of the rear frame end portion26. The rear edges of walls70,72of the rack portions36of the front arms28,30slide on the plate section46of the front frame end portion24.

Frame18includes front frame end portion24that in turn includes a pair of partially cylindrical frame portions74. Frame18includes rear frame end portion26that in turn also includes a pair of partially cylindrical frame portions74. Partially cylindrical frame portion74includes a receptor76for receiving rack portion36. The upper face of wall70and the lower face of wall72slides against edges that form the receptor76. The rear edges of walls70,72of the rack portion36of rear arms32,34slide against a rear edge of receptor76. The front edges of walls70,72of the rack portion36of front arms28,30slide against front edges of the receptor76. Elongate straight faces118,120also slide against front edges of the receptor76. Inner ends of the rack portions36slide between the inner and outer plate sections46,48of each of the front frame end portion24and rear frame end portion26.

As shown inFIG.15, each of the pinions40includes a base78having a circular outwardly extending peripheral lip80. Base78includes a central opening81with an outer frustoconical central portion82forming the central opening and extending outwardly from the base78. An undulating wall84endlessly undulates about the outer frustoconical central portion82, is spaced from the outer frustoconical central portion82, extends from the base78, and integrally engages the peripheral lip80. Undulating wall84provides surfaces for the thumb and fingers of a hand to pinch or grasp or engage when the thumb and fingers are rotating the pinion40clockwise or counterclockwise.

On one side of the base78, pinion40includes the peripheral lip80, undulating wall84, and outer frustoconical central portion82. On the other side of the base78, as shown inFIG.17, pinion40includes a pair of elongate spiral teeth or threads86,88extending from a flat planar face90and winding about each other on the face90. Flat planar face90includes a periphery having a peripheral radius92that leads into the outside face of peripheral lip80. Elongate spiral tooth or thread86includes an outer end94adjacent to the periphery of base78and an inner end96adjacent to central opening81having the axis about which the pinion40rotates. Elongate spiral tooth or thread88includes an outer end98adjacent to a periphery of base78and an inner end100adjacent to central opening81having the axis about which the pinion40rotates. All portions of elongate spiral tooth or thread86are spaced from all portions of elongate spiral tooth or thread88. A portion of elongate spiral tooth or thread86is disposed between the elongate spiral tooth or thread88and the periphery of the base78. A portion of the elongate spiral tooth or thread88is disposed between the elongate spiral tooth or thread86and the periphery of the base78.

It should be noted that one definition of spiral is: a winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either around a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone. Here all portions of the spiral elongate tooth or thread86or88are engaged on a flat plane, i.e., base surface90, with the central point being on an axis of opening81.

Each of the teeth86,88extends from the face90of base78a uniform distance from end to end, except at the absolute ends94,96,98,100where the absolute end includes a radius so as to guide an initial engagement with teeth of rack portion36. The height or depth of teeth86,88is the same for each of the main bodies of the teeth86and88.

As shown inFIG.15, outer plate section48includes an inner frustoconical portion102that is stationary. Outer frustoconical portion82of pinion40rotatably engages inner frustoconical portion102. Inner frustoconical portion102includes an inwardly extending lip disposed at the outer end of the outer frustoconical portion102. Barbs of a retaining cap104engage this inwardly extending lip of the outer frustoconical portion102. Retaining cap104includes a disk shaped end. Extensions protrude from the inner face of this disk shaped end of retaining cap104into the inner frustoconical portion102. The barbs extend laterally from these extensions. If desired, such an extension may be a singular cylindrical structure and the barb may be a singular annular barb that engages the inwardly extending lip of the frustoconical portion102. The periphery of the disk shaped end of the retaining cap104covers the outer circular end of the outer frustoconical structure82to lock the pinion40on to the inner frustroconcial portion102as the barbs of the retaining cap104lock under the inner peripheral lip of the inner frustoconical portion102.

Rack portion36includes a base106with first and second flat, smooth, planar sides. A first of these sides is a top side108shown inFIG.7and further shown inFIG.5. A second of these flat, smooth, planar sides is bottom side110shown inFIG.9.

Rack portion36further includes a ribbed, third side112. This ribbed side112, having edges of exposed ribs, is an inner side and runs at a right angle to the top and bottom sides108,110. The ribs and the edges of the ribs run at right angles to each other. This ribbed side112is shown inFIG.5.

As shown inFIG.11, rack portion36further includes a toothed, fourth side114. Toothed fourth side114includes a straight row of teeth116. Toothed fourth side114further includes a pair of upper and lower straight elongate faces118,120running on either side of the straight row of teeth116. Teeth116are exposed and extend from a plane defined by the pair of upper and lower straight elongate faces118,120. The teeth116of first and second arms28,30extend forwardly and outwardly away from the child receptacle22. The teeth116of the third and fourth arms32,34extend rearwardly and outwardly away from the child receptacle22.

As indicated above, 1)FIG.15shows the inner plate section46that forms a portion of the front frame end portion24, 2)FIG.5shows this inner plate section46of the rear frame end portion26, and 3) inner plate section46is a section of a guide for the rack portion36of the arms28,30,32,34. Inner plate section46is a guide for the ribbed third side112. The opposite side of the ribbed third side112is the fourth side having the straight row of teeth116and the elongate straight faces118,120. A guide for this fourth side includes a vertical frame portion124, as shown inFIG.15. Vertical frame portion124opposes inner plate section46.

There are four straight receptors122formed in frame18, two opposing receptors122formed in the front end frame portion24for arms28and30and two opposing receptors122formed in the rear end frame portion26for arms32,34.

Receptor122is further formed in part by a horizontally extending frame portion or platform126shown inFIG.21.

As shown inFIG.15, only a portion of each of the pinion teeth86,88engage the teeth116of the rack portion36. Such portion of the pinion teeth86,88continually changes as the pinion40is being rotated. When pinion teeth86,88are not engaging rack teeth116, pinion teeth86,88ride on a disk like platform128, a portion of which is shown inFIG.15, and front views of which are shown inFIGS.26,27, and28. Disk like platform128is found in the interior of partially cylindrical frame portions74and has a slot206formed therein for receiving the straight row of rack teeth116.

FIG.15shows that the base78and its under face90are obliquely disposed relative to the axis on which the rack portion36slides.FIG.15shows that the rotation axis of the pinion40, defined by a central axis of the frustoconcial portions82,102, is oblique to the axial axis of the rack portion36.FIG.15shows that, when a portion of each of the spiral teeth86,88engages the rack portion36, another portion of each of the spiral teeth86,88is disposed directly over the rack portion36in a position where such other portion of the spiral teeth86,88is disengaged from the rack teeth86,88.

Platform128defines a first plane. Base78of pinion defines a second plane. These first and second planes are oblique to the axis of its respective adjacent arm28,30,32,34.

Pinion40includes an axis about which the pinon40rotates. This axis of rotation lies obliquely to the axis of its respective adjacent arm28,30,32,34.

As shown inFIG.18B, rack teeth116run obliquely to the axis of the rack portion36. Rack portion36includes a space129between adjoining rack teeth116. This space129is what the top130of pinion teeth86,88confronts. This space129is arcuate or curved as it runs in the direction from elongate face118to elongate face120or from one tooth end116to the other end of the same tooth116. Each of the rack teeth116includes a rack tooth top132. This rack tooth top132is arcuate or curved as it runs in the direction from elongate face118to elongate face120. Each of the rack teeth116includes a rack tooth outer side134. This rack tooth outer side134is arcuate or curved as it runs in the direction from elongate face118to elongate face120. Each of the rack teeth116includes a rack tooth inner side136. This rack tooth inner side136is arcuate or curved as it runs in the direction from elongate face118to elongate face120. Such curving or arcuate structures of the rack teeth116match the spiral curvature of the pinion spiral teeth86,88.

It should be noted that the pinions40operate as a lock against the rack portions36sliding axially in and out of the frame18. In other words, pushing or pulling on the arms28,30,32,34does not rotate the pinions40. Rack teeth116, while arcuate from end to end, have a tangential relationship to the axial axis of the rack teeth116that does not deviate far from a right angle relationship with the axial axis. In fact, a tangent to one point on the arcuate teeth may be at a right angle or substantially at a right angle to the axial axis. At the same time the spiral teeth86,88define gently curving spirals. One way to understand how the pinion40operates as a lock is the following hypothetical: 1) let us presume that the rack teeth116define a straight line perfectly set at a right angle to the axial axis of the rack portion36; 2) then when pushing in on the rack portion36against the spiral teeth86,88that have an axis intersecting the axis of the rack portion36would be pushing straight right angled rack teeth116against a substantially circular structure, which would result in equal forces pushing the circular structure to rotate both ways at the same time, with the result being no rotation at all. Thus, in practice, with the present pinion and rack portion36, rack portion36does not slide by a manual hand pulling or manual hand pushing upon the rack portion36or any portion of the arms28,30,32,34. In practice, rotating the pinion40is the only force or operation that drives a sliding of the arms28,30,32,34in and out relative to the frame18.

As shown inFIGS.18A,18B,19A, and19B, each of the arms28,30,32,34includes a suction cup assembly138. Suction cup assembly138includes a suction cup140formed of a material having one or more of resilient, elastomeric, or rubber like qualities such that the suction cup140adheres or sticks to a singular location on the inner side14of the bath tub12. Suction cup140is pivotable on a horizontal axis that extends at a right angle to the axis of the rack portion36. This horizontal axis is provided by a horizontal pin142. Pin142is engaged by an outer end143of rack portion36and is further engaged by a base144pivotally engaged to or pivotally set in an outwardly opening cavity145formed in the outer end143of the rack portion36. Base144extends out of the outwardly opening cavity145to extend out of the outer end143of the rack portion36. Base144further extends into a rear central portion of the suction cup140where a distal end148of the base144is fixed. The distal end148of the base144extends integrally in a radial direction to minimize the suction cup140and the base144from being disengaged from each other. The width or diameter of the suction cup140is greater than a height of the end143of the rack portion36. The amount of pivoting provided by base144is restricted by the outwardly opening cavity145to preferably less than a degree arc, still more preferably less than a 20 degree arc, and most preferably about a ten degree arc. With such an assembly, suction cup140pivots up and down. With such an assembly, suction cup140is restricted from pivoting right and left. However, if desired, a suction cup assembly can be provided that provides a ball joint type of motion where pivoting of the suction cup140can occur up and down such as on a horizontal axis, right and left such as on a vertical axis, and obliquely such as on an axis positioned obliquely.

FIG.1shows that the bath seat apparatus10can be set relatively deeply in an adult sized bath tub12. Suction cups30are spaced from a top of the bath tub12and are spaced from the inner bottom16of the bath tub12.FIG.1further shows that bath seat apparatus10is spaced from both ends of the bath tub12. However, since the arms28,30,32,34are independently extendable and independently retractable, the bath seat apparatus10can be set relatively close to the end of the bath tub12where opposing inner sides14of the bath tub12start to curve or taper toward each other such that arms28,30can extend to a first distance apart from each other as measured by the distance between their respective suction caps30and such that arms32,34can extend to a second distance apart from each other as measured by the distance between their respective suction caps30. In other words, arms28,30may engage straight sides of the bath tub12while, at the same time, arms32,34may engage curved sides of the bath tub12, where curved sides of the bath tub12are closer to each other than are straight sides of the bath tub12, where the arms engaging the curved sides of the bath tub12may have a ball joint type of engagement with their respective suction cups140.

FIG.2also shows that, if desired, the bath seat apparatus10may be set closer to either of the ends of the bath tub12. Also, as indicated above, the bath seat apparatus10may have arm pair28,30or arm pair32,34engaging an end of the bath tub12having curved sides.FIG.3also shows that the bath seat apparatus10can be set relatively deeply in an adult sized bath tub12. Suction cups30may be spaced from a top of the bath tub12and may be spaced from the inner bottom16of the bath tub12.FIG.3further shows that the bottommost edge64of the bottom62or bottom wall62may rest on the bottom16of the bath tub12.FIG.3further shows the up and down pivoting of the suction cup assembly138, the suction cup140of which is pivoted downwardly to grab the oblique side14of the bath tub12, which oblique side14extends inwardly and downwardly. It is to be noted that, if desired, bath seat apparatus10can be engaged to bath tub12such that bottommost edge64is spaced from bath tub bottom16such that bath seat apparatus10may be suspended in the bath tub10by the engagement of arms28,30,32,34with the inner sides14of the bath tub12.

FIG.4shows that leg opening54, and thus also leg opening56, are adjacent to the inside bottom16of the bath tub12. Hence the feet of the child may rest upon or be disposed adjacent to the inside bottom16of the bath tub12. This is in contrast to the feet of the child being suspended in the water.

FIG.5shows the bath seat apparatus10having arms28,30,32,34extended. Here the distal ends143of the rack portions36are spaced apart from their respective pinions40.

FIG.6shows the bath seat apparatus10having arms28,30,32,34retracted. Here the distal ends143of the rack portions36are adjacent to or confront the pinions40.FIG.7shows that the axis of each of the pinions40is disposed obliquely relative to the axis of its respective rack portion36. This obliqueness provides that only a portion of the teeth86,88engage the rack portion at one time.FIG.7also shows that the axis of the front pinions40are disposed obliquely relative to each other.FIG.7also shows that the axis of the rear pinions40are disposed obliquely relative to each other.FIG.7shows the arms28,30,32,34in an extended position where the distal ends143of the rack portions36are spaced apart from their respective pinions40.FIG.7shows that the teeth116of the rack portion36stop at the distal end143, which may be defined as the section of the rack portion36that has no teeth116. This distal end143includes the outwardly extending cavity145that houses the base144of the suction cup assembly138.FIG.7further shows that arms28and30includes first and second respective straight axis and that such straight axis are coaxial.FIG.7further shows that the arms32,34includes third and fourth respective straight axis and that such straight axis are coaxial.

FIG.8shows the retracted positions of the arms28,30,32,34where the distal ends143of the rack portions36are adjacent to or confront their respective pinions40. Arms28,30,32,34are retractable until pinion teeth86,88no longer have rack teeth116to engage. In other words, teeth86,88draw in rack portion36until the outward most rack tooth116is engaged, whereupon such retraction stops.FIG.9shows a bottom view of the bath seat apparatus10.FIG.9shows a set of three ribs150extending from the outside rear of the sidewall portion50to inner plate section46of frame rear end26. Ribs150extend vertically and engage the sidewall50, the underside of the base20, and the inner plate section46of frame rear end26.FIG.9further shows a set of three ribs152extending from the T-shaped portion66of the sidewall of the child receptacle22to inner plate section46of frame front end24. Ribs152extend vertically and engage the front T-shaped portion66of the child receptacle sidewall50, the underside of the base20including annular edge43, and the inner plate section46of frame front end24.FIG.9further shows a first set of three vertically extending ribs154extending from U-shaped sidewall portion50to the underside of base and further to edge44.FIG.9further shows a second set of three vertically extending ribs156extending from U-shaped sidewall portion50to the underside of base20and further to edge44. Ribs154are on one side of the receptacle22and ribs156are on the opposite side of the receptacle22than ribs154. Ribs150,152extend longitudinally. Ribs154,156extend laterally.FIG.9further shows a lateral rib158engaging the bottom of seat52and further engaging opposite sides of bottom62or bottom wall62.FIG.9further shows a pair of longitudinal ribs160engaging the bottom of seat52and further engaging opposite sides of bottom62or bottom wall62. Rib158engages ribs160. Ribs158,160have bottom edges that define a common plane, and bottommost edge64also defines this common plane. Where it is desirable that bath seat apparatus10rests on the inner bottom16of bath tub12, bottommost edge64and the bottommost edges of ribs158,160provide a stable platform. Arms28,30,32,34are in an extended position inFIG.9.

FIG.10shows a bottom view of the bath seat apparatus10with the arms28,30,32,34in a retracted position, where the retracted position is the same retracted position shown in the top view of the bath seat apparatus10ofFIG.8.

FIG.11is a front view of the bath seat apparatus10and shows that arms28,30,32,34define a plane as arms32,34are hidden behind arms28,30.FIG.11further shows pinion retaining cap104, pinion outer frustoconical portion82, pinion undulating wall84, and pinion base78. All of such features104,82,84,78of pinion40rotate with one another at the same time and when pinion40rotates, and the threads or teeth86,88rotate as such features rotate and as such pinion40rotates.FIG.11further shows plus and minus markings162that show rotation of pinion40for arm28in the clockwise direction extends the arm28and that rotation in the counter-clockwise direction retracts the arm28.FIG.11further shows plus and minus markings164that show rotation of pinion40for arm30in the clockwise direction extends the arm30and that rotation in the counter-clockwise direction retracts the arm30. Pinion40is a hand control that is rotatable for driving the arms28,30,32,34back and forth. The undulating wall84provides surfaces for the fingers and thumb to easily rotate the pinion40with the hand.

FIG.12shows the same view asFIG.11except that the arms28,30are in a retracted position.FIGS.11and12further show that the perforations68formed in the child receptacle22are formed in portions of the seat52that are disposed below uppermost portions of bottom wall62. Uppermost portions of bottom wall62define a plane and further define a preferred water line for bath water in the bath tub12such that arms28,30,32,34and their respective suction cups140operate above a preferred water line for bath water in the bath tub12. However, bath seat apparatus10, pinons40, rack portions36, rack teeth116, pinion teeth86,88, and suction cups140may operate submerged in water, may operate out of water when dry, and may operate out of water when wet.

FIG.13is a side view of the bath seat apparatus10andFIG.14is a side view of the side opposite of that shown inFIG.13.FIGS.13,14show that the leg openings56are disposed entirely above the bottommost edge64of the seat bottom62, that the seat bottom62is disposed between the suction cups140, that the rearward-most portion of the U-shaped portion50of the sidewall of the receptacle22extends downwardly and inwardly to the seat bottom62, that the uppermost portions of the suction cups140are disposed above the uppermost portion of the frame portion20, and that the axis of the pinions40are disposed obliquely to a plane defined by the rack portions36of the arms28and32(inFIG.13) and obliquely to a plane defined by the rack portions36of the arms30,34(inFIG.14), where the axis of the rack portions36are coaxial with center points of the suction cups140shown inFIGS.13and14.

FIG.15shows that the axis of the pinion40is defined by the axis of outer frustoconical portion82and axis of the inner frustoconical portion102, which axes are coaxial. Opening81shares this axis. The shared axis of outer frustoconical portion82, inner frustoconical portion102, and opening81is oblique to the axial axis of rack portion36.FIG.15shows that rack teeth116are disposed obliquely, and not at a right angle, to a vertical plane having therein the axis of the rack portion36.FIG.15further shows that rack portion36may include ribs166and cavities168, where the cavities168open inwardly and away from the rack teeth116.

FIGS.16and17show that the top faces or outer faces of the elongate spiral teeth86,88have a lesser width than the bottoms of the elongate spiral teeth86,88, where the bottoms of the elongate spiral teeth86,88are defined by the portions of the elongate spiral teeth86,88that engage the face90of the pinion base78.FIGS.16and17show that each of the elongate spiral teeth86,88have an inner side that faces toward the opening81and an outer side that faces away from the opening81. Each of such outer and inner sides of the elongate spiral teeth86,88tapers from such top face to such bottom of such elongate spiral teeth86,88where the bottom meets the face90.FIG.18Bshows an isolated front view of arm28and shows an elevation view of the rack teeth116where rack teeth116curve from upper flat face118to lower flat face120.FIG.18Ais a section taken at lines18A-18A ofFIG.18Band shows that each of the rack teeth116tapers from where it meets the base of the rack portion36to the outer face or top132. In other words, the sides of the rack teeth116taper so as to decrease the thickness of the tooth116as the tooth116extends away from the rack base.FIG.19Ashows an isolated bottom view of arm28.

FIG.19Ashows the rack teeth116are oblique relative to an axis of the rack portion36. The rack portion36slides into and out of the frame18along such axial axis. This axis lies in a vertical plane and the oblique teeth116extend obliquely relative to such vertical plane.FIG.19Ashows the distal or outer end143of the rack portion36and also shows the proximal end170of the rack portion36. The rack portion36is straight from the proximal end170to the distal end143.FIG.19Ashows that the rack teeth116terminate short of the vertical extending end faces of the rack portion36.

FIG.19Bshows the arm assembly at lines19B-19B ofFIG.19Aand shows that the ribs166and cavities168of the rack portion36extend from the proximal end170to the distal end143. The cavities168open inwardly, as shown inFIG.5. The ribs166extend both horizontally and vertically.FIG.19Bshows that one end of each of the cavities168is closed by base of the rack teeth116and the inner surfaces of upper and lower faces118,120.

FIG.20shows an isolated view of the pinion40without the retaining cap104.FIG.20shows the pinion base78, the outer frustoconical portion102, the pinion undulating wall84, and the pinion lip80.

FIGS.21and22show exploded views of the front end24of the bath seat apparatus10with arms28,30out of the receptors122. Receptor122is formed in part by the lower horizontally extending frame portion or lower plate126. Receptor122is further formed in part by an upper horizontally extending frame portion or upper plate174that opposes the lower horizontally extending frame portion or lower plate126. The bottom side110of the rack portion36rides on the lower plate126. The upper side108of the rack portion36is confronted by and guided by the upper plate174. The inner exposed rib side112of the rack portion36confronts and is guided by the inner plate section46. The toothed side114of the rack portion36is confronted by the face78of the pinion40and further by a vertically extending frame portion124that is integral and one-piece with the front end24.

Lower plate126is supported by a set of five integral U-shaped ribs176that engage the inner surface of outer plate section48and that further engage the lower surface of lower plate126. Upper plate174is supported by a set of five integral U-shaped ribs178that engage the inner surface of outer plate section48and that further engage the upper surface of upper plate174.

Inner plate46is oblong shaped so as to have an oblong periphery180. This oblong periphery180confronts and engages an oblong periphery182of the front end frame portion24. Oblong periphery182is broken by the receptors122. Oblong periphery180is continuous and unbroken.

Ends of lower plate126are supported by and integral with partially cylindrical frame portions74. Ends of upper plate174are supported by and integral with partially cylindrical frame portions74.

A set of six pin connectors184are received in pockets186formed in the front end frame portion24. Pockets186have pin openings in their rear faces through which the pin connectors184extend to then engage the inner plate section46.

FIG.23Ashows the arms28,30in the receptors122and somewhat extended out of the front end frame portion24.FIG.23Bshows the arms28,30in the receptors122and somewhat retracted into the front end frame portion24. A U-shaped vertically extending stop portion188separates the receptor122for arm28from the receptor122for arm30.FIG.23Afurther shows that an inner horizontally extending straight edge190of a horizontally extending rib192guides and confronts the lower elongate face120of the rack portion36. This inner straight edge190and horizontally extending rib192is also shown inFIG.21.FIG.22shows a horizontally extending straight edge194of a horizontally extending rib196that guides and confronts the upper elongate face118of the rack portion36.

FIG.23Afurther shows horizontally extending ribs198,200having respective straight horizontally extending inner edges202,204. These inner edges202,204confront the rack teeth116as the rack portion36slides back and forth in the receptor122.

FIG.23Bshows the arms28and30having been drawn in by the pinions40to where the distal ends of the arms28,30are adjacent to, but not yet making contact with, the U-shaped stop portion188. This U-shaped stop portion188has an upper rearwardly extending plate portion and a lower rearwardly extending plate portion, which plate portions are disposed in a common vertical plane.

FIGS.24A,24B, and24Care slightly perspective views and show the front end frame portion24as the front end frame portion24rotates fromFIG.24AtoFIG.24BtoFIG.24C.FIG.24Bshows that the axis of rotation of the pinion40, and the axis of the frustoconical portion82, which axes are coaxial, are oblique to the axial axis of the rack portions36that such pinions40engage.FIG.24Cshows the set of five vertically extending lower ribs176, the set of five vertically extending upper ribs178, and the two horizontally extending ribs198,200, the inner edges202,204of which confront the tips of the rack teeth116.

FIG.25Ais a perspective view of the bath seat apparatus10with arm28removed so as to show the open end of one receptor122. It should be noted that the arms28,30,32,34do not wobble when in their respective receptor122. Each of the arms28,30,32,34is captured and restrained from wobbling by the frame18confronting all sides of the rack portion36. In other words, top side108of rack portion36confronts horizontally extending frame portion174, bottom side110of rack portion36confronts horizontally extending frame portion126, vertical plate portion46confronts the exposed rib side122, ribs198,202confront the rack teeth116, horizontally extending lower rib192confronts the lower elongate face120extending along the rack teeth116, and horizontally extending upper rib196confronts the upper elongate face118running along the rack teeth116. Further, the edges of the opening of the receptor122, which opening is formed in partially cylindrical portion74, act to guide all seven faces of each of the arms28,30,32,34.

FIG.25Bshows a rear view of the front end frame portion24with the arms28,30partially drawn in.FIG.25Brelates toFIG.24Cthat also shows a rear view of the front end frame portion24but with the arms28,30partially extended out.FIG.25Bshows the horizontally extending ribs198,200that confront the rack teeth116.

FIG.26shows that the platform128, upon which the teeth86,88of the pinion40ride, includes a slot206for receiving the rack teeth116. Platform128is one-piece and integral with partially cylindrical portion74, which is one-piece and integral with outer frame section48of front end frame portion24. Platform128is formed in the shape of a disk and defines a plane that is oblique to the axial axis of the rack portion37, that is at a right angle to the axis of rotation of pinion40, and that is at a right angle to frustoconical portions82,102, where frustoconical portion82of pinion40rides up upon and rotates on frustoconcial portion102. Frustoconical portion102is one-piece and integral with platform128. Slot206has an outward portion208disposed outwardly of frustoconical portion102and an inward portion210disposed inwardly of frustoconcial portion102. Rack teeth116extend through such outward portion208and are engaged by the pinion teeth86,88. Rack teeth116do not extend sufficiently through the inward portion210to be engaged by the pinion teeth86,88, which rotate over the rack teeth116. At the innermost end of the slot206, the slot206is no longer required because of the cant or obliqueness of the platform128. If the inward portion210not provided, the rack teeth116would scrape away at the bottom face of the platform128.

FIG.26further shows that inner plate section46includes a set of six pin receptors212for pin connectors184. Pin receptors212are one-piece and integral with inner plate section46. An upper straight ridge214interconnects a set of three upper pin receptors212and a lower straight ridge214interconnects a set of three lower pin receptors212. Each of the straight ridges214may act as a locator that engages a groove or other frame part on the front end frame portion24.

FIG.27shows the rack teeth116extending through the outer portion208of the slot206to engage the pinion teeth86,88, which rack teeth116are visible through the inner portion210of slot206but which rack teeth116do not extend fully through the slot206.

FIG.27further shows the pin pockets or receptors186that permit the pin connectors184to be inset in the platform128, which pin connectors184then engage pin receptors212on the inner plate section46.

FIG.27further shows that the platform128includes a frontwardly or outwardly extending cylindrical peripheral lip218. The base78of the pinion40rides on this peripheral lip218while portions of the pinion teeth86,88engage rack teeth116, while portions of the pinion teeth86,88ride on the face216of platform128, and while portions of the pinion teeth86,88slide over the inner portion210of slot206to move over rack teeth86,88without engaging such rack teeth116. Outer portion208of slot206is partially formed in the sidewall of cylindrical portion74such that peripheral lip218does not extend continuously about the platform128.

FIG.28shows the front end frame portion24engaged to the inner plate section46, with one pinion40broken away to show the platform128upon which the pinion teeth86,88ride when the pinion teeth86,88are not engaging the rack teeth116. The platform128includes a face216that is smooth and flat. The heads of pins184are set inwardly of the face216when the pins184are in the pin pockets or receptors186.

In operation, unless already in a retracted state, the arms28,30,32,34of the bath seat apparatus10are retracted prior to the bath seat apparatus10being placed in the bath tub12. The arms28,30,32,34are retracted by rotating the pinions40. Since the pinions40operate as a lock when in a nonrotating state, the arms28,30,32,34may not be retracted or extended by, for example, the caretaker pushing in on the arms28,30,32,34or by the caretaker pulling out on the arms28,30,32,34. Then, without the child in the bath seat apparatus10, the bath seat apparatus10is set in the bath tub12. Water may or may not already be in the bath tub12at this point in time. The bath seat apparatus10is set in the bath tub12such that the bottommost edge64and bottommost edges of the ribs158,160rest upon the inside bottom16of the bath tub12. Then the pinions40are rotated to extend the arms28,30,32,34until the suction cups140are adjacent to the sides14of the bath tub12. At this point in time the arms28,30,32,34have been extended about the same distance. Then the pinions40of opposite arms28,30are rotated at the same time or different times such that their respective suction cups140engage in an operative suction manner the bath tub inner sides14, where air is expelled from the suction cups140, such that the suction cups140and their respective arms28,30are engaged to the bath tub12, where the bottommost edge64and bottommost edges of the ribs158,160continue to rest upon the bath tub inside bottom16. Then this same operation is carried out with opposite arms32,34such that bath seat apparatus10is fully engaged with the bath tub10. Then a child may be placed in the child receptacle22. When in the child receptacle22, the child may have difficulty reaching the pinions40that are facing away from the child. The child will further have difficulty in disengaging the arms28,30,32,34and their respective suction cups140from the sides14of the bath tub12by his or her movements in the child receptacle22because of the five regions of contact that the bath seat apparatus10has with the bath tub12, where such five points of contact are 1) arm28, 2) arm30, 3) arm32, 4) arm34, and 5) the bottommost edge64and the bottommost edges of the ribs158,160. When in the child receptacle22, the child's legs extend through the leg openings54,56and the feet of the child are on or adjacent to the inside bottom16of the bath tub12. When the bath is complete, the child is lifted out of the child receptacle22. Then the suction cups140are disengaged from the inside walls14by pulling on the tabs172of the suction cups140and/or rotating the pinions40the opposite way to retract the arms28,30,32, and34to disengage the suction cups140from the inside walls14of the bath tub12. If desired, the suction cup tabs172may be pulled first to disengage the suction cups140from the inside sides of the bath tub12and then, subsequently, the pinions40may be rotated to retract the arms28,30,32,34. Then the bath seat apparatus10may be lifted up but not laterally out of the bath tub12such that water drains through the perforations68and flows downwardly back into the bath tub12. Then the bath seat apparatus10may be lifted out of the bath tub12laterally or longitudinally and stored with the arms28,30,32,34fully retracted by rotating the pinions40to a position where the distal ends143are adjacent to their respective pinions40.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.