CA2868010A1 - Shower chair/walker combination - Google Patents

Shower chair/walker combination Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2868010A1
CA2868010A1 CA2868010A CA2868010A CA2868010A1 CA 2868010 A1 CA2868010 A1 CA 2868010A1 CA 2868010 A CA2868010 A CA 2868010A CA 2868010 A CA2868010 A CA 2868010A CA 2868010 A1 CA2868010 A1 CA 2868010A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
frame member
seat
front frame
shower chair
walker
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2868010A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gary M. STAGGS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/452,683 external-priority patent/US8480100B2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2868010A1 publication Critical patent/CA2868010A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47KSANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/28Showers or bathing douches
    • A47K3/281Accessories for showers or bathing douches, e.g. cleaning devices for walls or floors of showers
    • A47K3/282Seats specially adapted for showers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47KSANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/005Auxiliary or portable seats
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/08Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable
    • A61G5/0808Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable characterised by a particular folding direction
    • A61G5/0833Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs foldable characterised by a particular folding direction folding front to back, e.g. reducing or expanding the overall depth of the wheelchair
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1043Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
    • A61G5/1045Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs for the seat portion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/04Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1002Parts, details or accessories with toilet facilities
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1005Wheelchairs having brakes
    • A61G5/1013Wheelchairs having brakes engaging the wheel
    • A61G5/1018Wheelchairs having brakes engaging the wheel on the running surface
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1005Wheelchairs having brakes
    • A61G5/1035Wheelchairs having brakes manipulated by wheelchair user
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/04Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
    • A61H2003/046Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons with braking means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0161Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1628Pelvis
    • A61H2201/1633Seat
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes

Abstract

The shower chair/walker combination (10) incorporates the features of a walker and a shower chair into a single appliance (10). The appliance (10) includes a folding walker having a pivoted seat (36) thereon. The seat (36) is of a split toilet seat design, having a gap at its front end. This feature allows a caregiver to have access to all parts of the patient's body to assure complete bathing. The appliance (10) is provided with brakes (22) and controls (24) therefor, as is conventionally provided for walkers. All moving parts are either covered to prevent rusting or fabricated from rust-resistant materials.

Description

SHOWER CHAIR/WALKER COMBINATION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to medical appliances, and particularly to a shower chair/walker combination that provides a walker that is also usable as a shower chair for the disabled.
BACKGROUND ART
In hospitals, nursing facilities and even in the private home, it is often necessary for a disabled and/or elderly patient to have a shower for adequate cleansing.
Often, this endeavor requires the use of two appliances. One appliance (a walker or wheelchair) is needed to transport the patient to the shower area. A second appliance is needed to provide support while the patient is actually taking the shower. The use of walkers or wheelchairs for providing mobility for disabled people is a well-known concept in the related medical arts.
So to is the use of shower chairs for people who find it difficult to stand while taking a shower. A variety of walkers, wheelchairs and shower chairs are disclosed in the related arts and are commercially available. It would certainly be advantageous if these appliances could be combined into a single appliance for accomplishing the task as described above. Thus, a shower chair/walker combination solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The shower chair/walker combination incorporates the features of a walker, a shower chair and a toilet seat. The combination comprises a folding walker having a pivoted seat thereon. The seat is of a split toilet seat design having a gap at its front end. This feature allows a caregiver to have access to all parts of the patient's body to assure complete bathing.
The appliance is provided with brakes and controls therefor as is conventionally provided for walkers. All moving parts are either covered to prevent rusting or fabricated from rust-resistant materials.
Accordingly, the invention presents a medical appliance that can be employed as a walker or a shower chair. The appliance is provided with wheels for easy movement. The appliance is also foldable to enhance storage capability. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a first embodiment of a shower chair/walker combination according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective, rear view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig.1, shown in a folded position.
Fig. 4 is a perspective, side view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig.
1, shown in a folded position.
Fig. 5 is an environmental, perspective view of a second embodiment of a shower chair/walker combination according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig. 5, shown with the lid folded down for use as a walker.
Fig. 7 is a perspective, front view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig.
5, shown in a folded position.
Fig. 8 is a partial perspective, side view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig. 5, showing details of the folding bar support structure.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the shower chair/walker combination of Fig. 5, shown with the backrest detached and the lid folded back.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the shower walker/chair 10 comprises a pair of tubular front frame members 12 and a pair of tubular rear frame members 14. Front frame members are pivotally attached to rear frame members 12 at pivot connections 15. First and second handle members 16 and 18 are disposed in front frame members 12 and are telescopically adjustable therein to accommodate patients of different heights. The lower ends of frame members 12 and 14 are provided with respective front casters 20 and rear casters 20a to facilitate movement.
Braking elements 22 are positioned adjacent rear casters 20a. Brake controls are mounted on handle members 16 and 18 and function to operate braking elements 22 via control lines 24a. A padded detachable backrest member 26 is mounted to front frame member 12 to enhance the comfort of the patient when seated. Side support members 30 and 32 are attached to the front and rear frame members to provide stability. Side support members 30 and 32 are hinged at their respective centers 30a and 32a to accommodate folding.
A front cross-brace 34 is attached to front frame members 12 and is adapted to secure a seat 36 pivotally attached thereto. The seat 36 has a configuration similar to that of a split toilet seat, which split toilet seat has a gap at its front end. A rear cross-brace member 35 is attached to rear frame members 14. The front end of seat 36 is supported on rear cross-brace member 35 when the seat is pivoted to an in use or downward position.
The seat design permits a caregiver to have access to the patient's entire body thereby ensuring thorough cleansing. As best seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the appliance is easily folded for storage when desired.
In use, a patient P (shown in phantom lines) can employ the appliance as a walker or, alternatively, be transported to the shower area while seated on the appliance. The appliance and the seated patient are positioned in the shower thereby affording an opportunity for through bathing by a caregiver or the like.
In the embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 5-9, rear casters 20a are positioned on the inside surfaces 14a of respective rear tubular frame members 14. This positioning permits the casters 20a to easily clear conventional bathroom doorframes and provides for easy access and egress to and from bathrooms. Cross-brace member 35 is positioned at a height sufficient to clear the top of a commode C (conventional and for handicapped users).
A lid or cover 40 is mounted to hinged lever mechanism 42 to permit the cover to pivot completely behind the seat 36 (Fig. 9), if desired. An opening 40a is provided in the lid whereby the lid may be grasped and pivoted as needed. The lid provides for a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement when the appliance is employed as a walker in public, and also provides a more comfortable seat for the user if needed.
As best seen in Figs. 7 and 8, folding bar support members 44 and 46 are provided with respective reversed one-way hinge structures at 44a and 46a.
This arrangement allows one support member 44 to fold in an upward direction, while preventing folding in a downward direction. Simultaneously, the other support member 46 is folded in a downward direction and is prevented from folding in the upward direction. This arrangement allows the device to be easily folded with a slight upward pressure on the handles. A
mechanical locking assembly 49 functions to lock the appliance in the unfolded position and allows the appliance to be lifted up to clear obstructions (curbs, steps, etc.) without folding.
The handle of the safety assembly must be lifted to unlock the assembly to allow folding.
This arrangement enhances safety in that it prevents an inadvertent collapse of the appliance.
As shown in Fig. 7, a spring 48 is attached to member 46 and to member 12 to provide a mechanical assist to enhance folding.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. A shower chair/walker combination, comprising:
a front frame member;
a rear frame member pivotally attached to the front frame member;
a front cross-brace member attached to the front frame member;
a rear cross-brace member attached to the rear frame member;
a seat pivotally mounted on the front frame member, the seat having a front end, the seat being configured as a split toilet seat having a gap at the front end;
and a lid pivotally mounted on the front frame member, the lid overlying the seat for optionally covering the seat.
2. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 1, further including a padded backrest removably attached to said front frame member.
3. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 1, wherein said front frame member has a lower end, the combination further including casters mounted on the lower end.
4. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 1, wherein said rear frame member has a lower end, the combination further including casters mounted on the lower end of said rear frame member.
5. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 1, further including a pair of handles telescopically mounted on said front frame member.
6. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 1, wherein the combination is fabricated from lightweight, rust resistant materials.
7. A shower chair/walker combination, comprising:
a front frame member having lower ends;
a rear frame member pivotally attached to the front frame member, the rear frame member having lower ends the lower ends of the rear frame member having inside surfaces;
a first pair of casters mounted on the lower ends of the front frame member;
a second pair of casters mounted on the inside surfaces of the lower ends of the rear frame member;
a front cross-brace member attached to the front frame member;
a rear cross-brace member attached to the rear frame member;

a seat pivotally mounted on the front frame member, the seat having a front end, the seat being configured as a split toilet seat having a gap at the front end;
a lid pivotally mounted on the front frame member, the lid overlying the seat for optionally covering the seat; and a locking assembly connected to said front frame member and said rear frame member for preventing an inadvertent collapse of the shower chair/walker combination.
8. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 7, wherein said seat is pivotally mounted on said front cross-brace member.
9. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 7, further including braking elements positioned adjacent said second pair of casters.
10. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 7, further including a padded backrest removably attached to said front frame member.
11. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 7, further including a pair of handles telescopically mounted on said front frame member.
12. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 7, wherein the combination is fabricated from lightweight, rust resistant materials.
13. A shower chair/walker combination, comprising:
a front frame member having lower ends;
a rear frame member pivotally attached to the front frame member, the rear frame member having lower ends, the lower ends of the rear frame member having inside surfaces;
a first pair of casters mounted on the lower ends of the front frame member;
a second pair of casters mounted on the inside surfaces of the lower end of the rear frame member;
a pair of folding bar support members connecting the front frame member to the rear frame member, each of the folding bar support members having a respective one-way pivoting hinge, whereby the folding bar support members fold in opposite directions;
a spring connecting one of the folding bar support members to the rear frame member;
braking elements positioned adjacent the second pair of casters a front cross-brace member attached to the front frame member;
a rear cross-brace member attached to the rear frame member;
a seat pivotally mounted on the front cross brace member, the seat having a front end, the seat being configured as a split toilet seat having a gap at the front end;
a lid pivotally mounted on the front frame member, the lid overlying the seat for optionally covering the seat; and a locking assembly connected to said front frame member and said rear frame member for preventing an inadvertent collapse of the shower chair/walker combination.
14. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 13, wherein said lid has an opening therethrough, whereby said lid may be grasped for pivoting, the combination further including a pair of handles telescopically mounted on said front frame member.
15. The shower chair/walker combination according to claim 14, wherein the combination is fabricated from lightweight, rust resistant materials.
CA2868010A 2012-04-20 2013-03-18 Shower chair/walker combination Abandoned CA2868010A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/452,683 2012-04-20
US13/452,683 US8480100B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2012-04-20 Shower chair/walker combination
PCT/US2013/032814 WO2013158321A1 (en) 2012-04-20 2013-03-18 Shower chair/walker combination

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2868010A1 true CA2868010A1 (en) 2013-10-24

Family

ID=49383944

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2868010A Abandoned CA2868010A1 (en) 2012-04-20 2013-03-18 Shower chair/walker combination

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN104244784A (en)
CA (1) CA2868010A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013158321A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9730855B2 (en) * 2015-11-02 2017-08-15 Medline Industries, Inc. Collapsible personal wheeled conveyance having a selectively adjustable width
CN105662791B (en) * 2016-01-26 2018-08-21 金政策 Can turn on one's side the Multifunctional walking acid of operation

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5163188A (en) * 1991-08-06 1992-11-17 Munroe Thomas S Invalid seat apparatus
JPH1156680A (en) * 1997-08-14 1999-03-02 Keiichiro Yamazaki Movable toilet
US6338493B1 (en) * 2000-04-19 2002-01-15 Eli Wohlgemuth Walker chair
US7837208B2 (en) * 2003-10-07 2010-11-23 Phillip Minyard Willis Mobile support assembly
US20110187067A1 (en) * 2010-02-01 2011-08-04 Staggs Gary M Shower chair/walker combination

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2013158321A1 (en) 2013-10-24
CN104244784A (en) 2014-12-24

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20140919

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20170123

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20170123