AU2023210554A1 - Shower commode seat - Google Patents

Abstract

A shower commode seat comprising: a rigid frame; an upper covering the top of the rigid frame and formed substantially of compressible resilient material, wherein the frame includes apertures able to at least partially receive some of the compressible resilient material of the upper and thereby provide a pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat.

Description

TITLE "SHOWER COMMODE SEAT" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower commode seat which minimises

pressure on skin for people who have limited mobility, and injuries to skin in contact

with a surface for a prolonged period.

[001] The invention has been developed primarily for use as a means for seating a

person for showering and toileting and will be described hereinafter with reference to

this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this

particular field of use.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Therapeutic seating is a necessity for numerous people for a variety of

reasons including disability and reduced mobility. A common item of therapeutic

seating is a shower commode. This type of chair provides seating for a person in a

wet area and also comprises an opening in the seat, allowing for the person's bodily

waste to be easily evacuated and disposed of through the opening when the person

is seated.

[0003] As is appreciated, patients requiring a commode including a showering

commode chair usually have restricted mobility. People with medical conditions that

limits their ability to change positions or spend most of their time in a bed or a chair

are disposed to suffering complications associated with lack of movement, such as

pressure ulcers which comprise injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from

prolonged pressure on the skin.

[0004] Conventional shower commode seats are constructed of a rigid board, a foam

rubber cushion superimposed on the board and a plastic skin covering the cushion.

These types of seats have a number of shortcomings including: the toilet seat can

feel very cold on contact; the foam material is too hard hence uncomfortable for a

user. In addition, areas of joining between the fabric and board are also susceptible

to contamination with bacteria, making these materials far less than ideal for the

construction of seats.

[0005] In an attempt to provide improved pressure care properties, gel cushions and

polyurethane foam material has been used whereby a stiff support base is covered

in a polyurethane foaming seat encapsulated in a layer of soft plastic, whereby the

polyurethane foam provides cushioning. Alternatively, the polyurethane foam is

processed separately and the PU foam and the seat support are bonded together.

These types of seats are however easily delaminated and cracked and constant use

leads to deformation by compression and fast deterioration of these softer

components, giving the seats a short life.

[0006] Other approaches have employed a so-called dry floatation technology which

provides a seat having an array of air cells which constantly adjust and conform to a

user's body shape. However, a problem with this type of cushioning is that when

cleaning an air cushion, all air valves need to be closed before the cushion comes

into contact with liquid. Any liquid entering the air cushion will damage the cells.

Therefore use is problematic in a water environment.

[0005] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the

aforementioned disadvantages of previous shower commode seats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a

shower commode seat comprising a rigid frame disposed within a single piece of

compressible resilient material, wherein the frame comprises apertures providing

optimal pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat.

[0007] The compressible resilient material may be polyurethane foam.

[0008] The seat may further comprise fixing means extending from a base of the

seat. The fixing means may comprise diabolo-shaped protrusions. The fixing means

can be suitable for removably securing the seat to a chair frame or other location as

needed. The fixing means are preferably attached to protrusions extending from the

frame. The fixing means can be attached using screws. Alternatively, the fixing

means can be attached using chemical or physical attachment means.

The frame of the shower commode seat can be substantially flat, and comprising

edges thicker than a centre portion. Preferably, the seat is U-shaped when viewed

from above. Alternatively, the seat can be a rectangular 0-shape when viewed from

above.

Preferably, the outer surface of the seat is substantially free of seams or joins.

In a related aspect of the invention, there is described a shower commode seat

comprising: a rigid frame; an upper covering the top of the rigid frame and formed

substantially of compressible resilient material; wherein the frame includes apertures

able to at least partially receive some of the compressible resilient material of the

upper and thereby provide a pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the

seat.

The apertures can be elongated. The apertures are preferably about 2 to 5cm wide.

The apertures are arranged so that they can extend substantially in the same

direction as the perimeter of the seat frame. The extension of the apertures are

preferably substantially normal to the radiating force on the upper provided by a user

sitting on the seat.

In one embodiment, the apertures can cover 20 to 50% of the area of the rigid frame.

The apertures can also be curvilinear following the perimeter of the seat frame.

The compressible resilient material is polyurethane foam. The seat can further

comprise fixing means extending from a base of the seat. The fixing means can

comprise diabolo-shaped protrusions. The fixing means are preferably of a form

suitable for removably securing the seat to a chair frame or other location as needed.

The fixing means can be attached to protrusions extending from the frame. The

fixing means can be attached using screws.

In a related aspect of the invention, there is described a method of forming a shower

commode seat to provide pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the

seat including the steps of: providing a rigid frame; providing an upper of resilient

material; having apertures formed into the rigid frame with a size able to receive at

least part of the resilient material of the upper.

The method of forming a shower commode seat can further include forming

elongated apertures substantially in the same direction as the perimeter of the seat

frame wherein the extension of the apertures are substantially normal to the radiating

force on the upper provided by a user sitting on the seat.

A benefit of the shower commode seat of the present invention is that pressure is

distributed and indeed dispersed so that people having restricted mobility have a

lower risk of developing pressure ulcers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with

reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a shower commode seat in accordance with

a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the shower commode seat of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of a shower commode seat in accordance with

a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of a frame of the shower commode seat of

Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of the frame of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a photograph of a shower commode frame for pressure mapping of the

commode seatframe;and

Figure 7 is a photograph of a test subject seated on a cushion seat having an insert

seat frame, which cushion seat is supported on a shower commode frame;

Figures 8 and 9 represent a pressure map for subject 1 on cushion sample 1 which

has a conventional solid internal base;

Figures 10 and 11 represent a pressure map for subject 1 on cushion sample 2

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention;

Figures 12 and 13 represent a pressure map for subject 1 on cushion sample 3

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention;

Figures 14 and 15 represent a pressure map for subject 1 on cushion sample 4

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention;

Figures 16 and 17 represent a pressure map for subject 2 on cushion sample 1

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention;

Figures 18 and 19 represent a pressure map for subject 2 on cushion sample 2

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention;

Figures 20 and 21 represent a pressure map for subject 2 on cushion sample 3

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention; and

Figures 22 and 23 represent a pressure map for subject 2 on cushion sample 4

which has a seat frame insert corresponding to one embodiment of the present

invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a shower commode seat 10

comprising a rigid frame 20 disposed within a single piece of compressible resilient

material, wherein the frame 20 comprises apertures 26 which disperse the pressure

of a person's weight applied to the seat 10.

The apertures can be elongated. The apertures are preferably about 2 to 5cm wide.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a shower commode seat 10 in

accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The seat 10 is

somewhat rectangular U-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a rounded

upper 12 covering the top of the rigid frame 12 and formed substantially of

compressible resilient material.

The width and length of the seat 10 generally correspond to the dimensions of a

seat, being about 46 cm by about 40 cm, but the dimensions are variable according

to the demands of the user.

[0012] The upper 12 is constructed of a compressible resilient material, preferably

polyurethane foam. When weight is applied to the upper 12, the foam compresses

to cushion the weight, and returns to its original form when the weight is removed or

shifted.

[0013]With reference to Figure 2, the underside of the seat 10 is shown and the

base 14 can be seen. The base 14 is substantially flat and is rigid. The rigidity of the

base is provided by the frame 20 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). The base is covered

with the material from which the upper 12 is constructed. Accordingly, the seat 10 is

constructed as a unitary complete piece of polyurethane foam, with the frame 20

disposed therein.

[0014]As seen in Figure 2, a number of fixing means 16 extend from the base 14 of

the seat 10. The fixing means 16 provide a means for removably securing the seat

to a chair frame or other structure as required. As is shown, it is preferred that the

fixing means 16 comprise somewhat diabolo-shaped protrusions mounted upon the

base 14. The fixing means 16 are securely attached to the base 14 and as shown in

Figure 2, the secure attachment is achieved using screws 18.

[0015] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a shower commode seat 100 in

accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The seat 100 is in

most ways similar to the first embodiment 10, also comprising a rounded upper 112.

The shape of the seat 100 does differ from that of seat 10, lacking the opening in

one of the sides of the seat 10 and hence being a somewhat rectangular O-shape.

[0016]With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a frame 20 of the seat 10 is shown from

below and above. It is clear that the shape of the frame 20 corresponds to that of the

seat 10, being a somewhat rectangular U-shape. The frame 20 is disposed within the

seat 10 inside the base 14 and is what lends rigidity to the base 14, as previously

mentioned.

[0017] The frame 20 is substantially flat, with slightly thicker edges 28 than the body

they surround. The frame 20 is constructed of a lightweight, rigid material and a

number of elongate apertures 26 are included throughout the frame 20.

[0018]The underside 22 of the frame 20 can be seen in Figure 4. The underside

comprises a corresponding number of mounts 24 protruding therefrom, to which the

fixing means 16 are attachable.

[0019] In use, the seat 10 is mounted upon a chair frame and is removably secured

thereto using the fixing means 16. The securing is achieved through careful placement of the fixing means 16 on the base 14 such that they are positioned proximal to cross-bars of the frame. The outer half of the diabolo of the fixing means

16 is forced past the cross-bar so that the seat 10 is positioned with the cross-bar of

the frame resting at the narrow mid-point of the fixing means 16.

Other embodiment shower commode seats 10 are contemplated within the scope of

the present invention. For instance, the aforementioned fixing means 16 may,

instead of being provided as diabolo-shaped protrusions, take on any form suitable

for removably securing the seat 10 to a chair frame or other location as needed.

Similarly, the fixing means 16 may be attached to the base 14, or even moulded

therewith as a single piece, using any suitable chemical or physical attachment

means other than the exemplified screws 18.

[0020] Once the seat 10 is secure in the desired place, a patient is positioned

thereon in a manner as would be understood. It has been advantageously found that

the apertures 26 within the frame 20 cause optimal pressure dispersion of a patient's

weight applied to the seat 10. Accordingly, ideal pressure care is afforded to a patient

using the seat 10 and the incidence of pressure-related wounds and other affects are

significantly reduced.

When no longer required, the patient can alight from the seat 10. If desired, the seat

can be removed from the chair frame or whatever its location by simply forcing

the seat 10 upwards therefrom. In a manner opposite to how the seat 10 was

mounted, it is easily removed from the chair frame by passing the cross-bar from the

mid-point back past the outer half of the fixing means 16 to release the seat 10.

Pressure mapping has been undertaken on the seat 10 to confirm these advantages.

EXAMPLES

Details of seat to be tested

200kg user weight limit. Seat cushion samples 1, 2, 3, and 4 supplied as alternatives

to a standard cushion for comparison.

Seat cushion. Seat Seat Seat

Sample 1. cushion. cushion. cushion.

Sample 2. Sample 3. Sample 4.

Width (mm) 458 458 458 458

Length (mm) 442 442 442 442

Thickness 55 at rear of centre 55 at rear of 55 at rear of 55 at rear of line, 67 at sides centre line, 67 centre line, 67 centre line, 67 (mm) at sides at sides at sides Aperture (mm) 205 wide, 79 at 205 wide, 79 at 205 wide, 79 at 205 wide, 79 at open front. 338 open front. 338 open front. 338 open front. 338 long long long long Construction Solid flat internal Seat frame Seat frame Seat frame base Moulded insert of Fig. 5 insert of Fig. 5 insert of Fig. 5 foam upper (grade between between between unknown) Moulded PU Moulded PU Moulded PU Moulded, fully foam upper foam upper foam upper sealed, smooth, fully sealed, fully sealed, fully sealed, flexible plastic smooth, smooth, smooth, cover flexible plastic flexible plastic flexible plastic cover, and cover, and cover, and solid base solid base solid base Top view

Underside view

Identifying No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. numbers 2313 2366 2400 2132

TESTING METHOD

The two seat cushions were tested in the supplied shower/commode chair. Two

healthy human test subjects were recruited for the test.

Test Subject 1 Test Subject 2

Age 55 32

Sex Male Female

Weight 83 Kg 69 Kg

Height 1.87m 1.64m

Body MassIndex 23.7 25.7

For each combination of seat cushion and test subject, the pressures between

subject and cushion were recorded, as a colour coded 'map', via a pressure

measuring mat, with the resulting map shown on a computer screen, and recorded

as an fsa file.

Pressure mapping is performed by placing a pad with in-built sensors underneath a

person, and on the upper 12 of the seat. The sensors in the pad measure downward

pressure. The pressure under the person is assessed by colour coding where least

pressure is indicated by a blue colour and levels of high pressure indicated by a red

colour.

An example of a pressure map using a conventional seat is shown in figure 8 where

yellow and red colours represent areas where greater seated pressures are present,

and the areas of green and blue are areas where there is less pressure. As can be

seen, a red colour is concentrated in a central region of the prior art seat.

The pressure measuring mat was a Boditrak Force Sensing Array (FSA) system, an

array of 256 pressure transducers (16 x 16), within a flexible mat, each transducer

capable of measuring up to 200 mmHg.

The sequence of testing was as follows:

• The cushion sample was positioned in the shower/commode chair (see figure

6)

• The foot supports of the shower commode chair were adjusted to a

comfortable height for the subject, ensuring that there was contact between

subject and cushion from front to back

• The pressure measurement mat was positioned on top of the cushion,

orientated in line with the edges of the cushion, and with sufficient allowance

to accommodate the test subject

• The subject transferred onto the seat, and the pressure measurement mat

was checked for position, orientation, and folds and wrinkles

• The height of the footrests was adjusted to maximise the area of contact

displayed via the Boditrak FSA system

• The subject sat in a midline and balanced position (see figure 7), comfortably

positioned on the commode cushion, with minimal support from the backrest

• The load was allowed to settle for at least 30 seconds and the resulting map

was saved

• The thickness of the cushion was checked after the pressure maps were

recorded

RESULTS

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4

Average pressure 56 52 55 58 Test Subject mmum pressure 200+ 174 184 169 (Male,83kg) (mm Hg) Sensing Area 1351 1197 1221 1253 2 (cm )

Average pressure 44 42 48 44 Test Subject (mm Hg) 2 Maximum pressure 135 113 114 126 (Female, (mm Hg) 69kg) Sensing Area 1100 1067 1043 1092 2 (Cm ) I

In comparison to figure 8, figure 14 shows the regions previously coloured red has

dispersed away from the central region further towards the periphery of the seat. It is

postulated that the apertures in the insert seat frame 20 are arranged so that they

extend in the same direction as the perimeter of the seat frame. In this way, areas of

high pressure upon weighted contact with the seat, radiant towards the periphery.

The extension of the apertures is arranged substantially normal to the radiating force

on the upper provided by a user sitting on the seat.

- Test subject 1 (male, heavier, though lower BMI) recorded high maximum

pressures (exceeding the 200mmHg limit of the equipment) on sample 1, whilst at

the same time recording a higher sensing area. It may be that depth of 'immersion'

on this test sample was sufficient to partially 'bottom out'against the solid insert and

base.

- Differences between samples 2, 3, and 4 were minimal for Test Subject 1.

- Test subject 2 (female, lighter, though higher BMI) recorded higher maximum

pressure on sample cushion 1, whilst at the same time recording a slightly higher

sensing area. It may be that depth of 'immersion' on test sample 1 was sufficient to

partially 'bottom out'against the solid base, though the effect was very much less

marked than for Test Subject 1.

- Differences between samples 2, 3, and 4 were minimal for Test Subject 2.

- The two healthy test subjects may not be typical of the range of users envisaged for

these products.

- During testing it was clear that positioning of the subject on the cushion can have

an effect on pressure distribution. The pressure maps presented represent the

subject sitting in a self-chosen comfortable, upright position.

- During testing it was clear that height of footplates of the shower commode chair

can have a marked effect on pressure distribution. The results presented are with

footplate height optimised for maximum sensing area.

- In particular, excessively high footplate position can result in obvious high pressure

points. Excessively low footplate position does not appear to have a marked effect

on pressure distribution.

- The Boditrak pressure mapping system allows a changing pressure distribution to

be viewed. The pressure maps presented represent 'snapshots' of a changing

situation. Relatively small changes in upper body position can noticeably alter

pressure distribution.

- No variation in the thickness of any of the cushion samples was observed during

the testing process.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that, as previously mentioned,

the seat 10 is constructed as a unitary complete piece of the compressible resilient

material. Resultantly, there are no seams, joins or connections within which microbes

can grow and the seat 10 is easily cleaned and disinfected. Further, the polyurethane

material is hardy, and the seat 10 is long-lasting, even with frequent use.

[0024] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are

deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"

means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with

the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,

appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various

places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same

embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or

characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one

of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example

embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes

grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose

of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the

various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted

as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are

expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other

features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different

embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different

embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the

following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first",

"second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different

instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the

objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in

ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However,

it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these

specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques

have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this

description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings,

specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention

is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood

that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar

manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward",

"rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used

as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as

limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary

implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are

used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not

to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the

invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is

also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow

the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means

comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred

embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and

further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the

invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within

the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely

representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted

from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional

blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the

present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will

be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many

other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the

allied health industry, aged care and invalid care, and particularly shower commode

seats.

Claims (33)

1. A shower commode seat comprising a rigid frame disposed within a single piece of compressible resilient material, wherein the frame comprises apertures providing optimal pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat.

2. A shower commode seat according to claim 1, wherein the compressible resilient material is polyurethane foam.

3. A shower commode seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat further comprises fixing means extending from a base of the seat.

4. A shower commode seat according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means comprise diabolo-shaped protrusions.

5. A shower commode seat according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means are of a form suitable for removably securing the seat to a chair frame or other location as needed.

6. A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fixing means are attached to protrusions extending from the frame.

7. A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fixing means are attached using screws.

8. A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fixing means are attached using chemical or physical attachment means.

9. A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame is substantially flat, and comprising edges thicker than a centre portion.

10.A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the seat is U-shaped when viewed from above.

11.A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat is a rectangular O-shape when viewed from above.

12.A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an outer surface of the seat is substantially free of seams or joins.

13.A method of using a shower commode seat, the seat comprising a rigid frame disposed within a single piece of compressible resilient material, wherein the frame comprises apertures providing optimal pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat, and the method comprising the following steps:

a. mounting the seat upon a chair frame or other location, and removably securing thereto using the fixing means, b. positioning a patient upon the seat in a manner as would be understood, c. carrying out the duties required of the commode seat, d. the patient alighting from the seat, e. if desired, removing the seat from the chair frame or whatever its location by simply forcing the seat upwards therefrom.

14.A shower commode seat comprising: a. a rigid frame b. an upper covering the top of the rigid frame and formed substantially of compressible resilient material, c. wherein the frame includes apertures able to at least partially receive some of the compressible resilient material of the upper and thereby provide a pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat.

15.A shower commode seat according to claim 1, wherein the compressible resilient material is polyurethane foam.

16.A shower commode seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apertures are elongated.

17.A shower commode seat according to claim 3, wherein the apertures are about 2 to 5cm wide.

18.A shower commode seat according to any preceding claim, wherein the apertures extend substantially in the same direction as the perimeter of the seat frame.

19.A shower commode seat according to any preceding claim, wherein the apertures cover 20 to 50% of the area of the rigid frame.

20.A shower commode wherein the apertures are curvilinear following the perimeter of the seat frame.

21.A shower commode seat according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension of the apertures are substantially normal to the radiating force on the upper provided by a user sitting on the seat.

22.A shower commode seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat further comprises fixing means extending from a base of the seat.

23.A shower commode seat according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means comprise diabolo-shaped protrusions.

24.A shower commode seat according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means are of a form suitable for removably securing the seat to a chair frame or other location as needed.

25.A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fixing means are attached to protrusions extending from the frame.

26.A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fixing means are attached using screws.

27.A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fixing means are attached using chemical or physical attachment means.

28.A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame is substantially flat, and comprising edges thicker than a centre portion.

29.A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the seat is U-shaped when viewed from above.

30.A shower commode seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat is a rectangular O-shape when viewed from above.

31.A shower commode seat according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an outer surface of the seat is substantially free of seams or joins.

32.A method of forming a shower commode seat to provide pressure dispersion of a patient's weight applied to the seat including the steps of:

a. Providing a rigid frame b. providing an upper of resilient material c. having apertures formed into the rigid frame with a size able to receive at least part of the resilient material of the upper

33.A method of forming a shower commode seat according to claim 19 including forming elongated apertures substantially in the same direction as the perimeter of the seat frame wherein the extension of the apertures are substantially normal to the radiating force on the upper provided by a user sitting on the seat.