GB2414663A

GB2414663A - A bath seat

Info

Publication number: GB2414663A
Application number: GB0500336A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Lyons
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-08
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Also published as: GB0500336D0

Abstract

A bath seat comprising a belt suspended between two opposing rollers that are supported over a bath that when rotated allows the user to be lowered into and raised out of the bath and moved horizontally left and right when the belt is tensioned between the two rollers allowing the user to be moved to the edge of the bath. Preferably the belt has a turntable seat 4 attached to the belt and the belt may be split 5 for storage. The rollers are supported in a frame that may be detachably attached to the rim of the bath eg. via suction devices or clamps; or permanently fixed to any part of the bath or any wall adjacent to the bath. The frame may also be attached to any wall via hinges to allow the device to be clear of the bath for storage. Preferably the length and width of the frame are telescopic to allow the frame to fit a variety of baths. The frame may have a safety handle 9 and a head rest 8 to support the head of the user.

Description

24 1 4663 ELEVATOR "F"

Technical Field

This invention relates in general but not exclusively to raising and lowering devices enabling disabled persons to more easily use existing baths.

Background

Within the prior art one sees powered seat-hammocks or the like slung by various means horizontally across a bath from side to side and said powered seat-hammocks lower and raise the disabled bather who may suffer any leg-power deficit or the like thus necessitating the assistance of said powered seat-hammock when either immersing himself and/or arising from said bath.

However, by way of non-exhaustive examples, there are a number of problems in the prior art which are now addressed inter alla by this present invention: (a) This invention does not need to be fixed permanently to the bath.

(b) This invention does not necessarily need to be fixed to any of the walls or like support surfaces surrounding the bath.

(c) This invention does not need to be an integral part of the existing bath.

(d) This invention is universally adjustable by reference to width and/or length so as to mate temporarily but safely with any relevant bath top surface.

(e) This invention, unlike the prior art, not only raises and lowers the bather vertically BUT also conveys the bather horizontally from side to side in order to centre said bather over the bath, for safety and comfort, before vertical immersion, and reverses the relevant operations upon arising from the bath.

Essential Technical Features According to the present invention there is provided one or more, in any relevant combination, of any of the following features: (i) A seat-hammock or the like slung by way of non-limiting example horizontally and transversally across any bath from side to side, with each side of the seat-hammock attached to a powered-roller (with said powered rollers contained in any relevant casings so as to satisfy health and safety), with relevant control switches, so that disabled bather can power-wind themselves in three planes, viz: (a) down; (b) up, and (c) left and/or right whilst under tension, thus respectively effecting: (a) immersion; (b) arising, and (c) centring of bather over the bath before immersion, with conveyance back to relevant bath side after bathing cycle is over, in any case as relevant, and known as the "seat-hammock".

(ii) There should be sufficient excess length of material slung between the two opposing powered-rollers in order to enable the Seat-Hammock to perform the necessary operations in any of the said relevant planes.

(iii) The two powered-rollers left and right as described above, are fixed, by way of non-limiting example, to a universally adjustable frame (the "Frame"), being rectangular or open at one end, in either case as non- limiting examples, which Frame may rest temporarily on the top-surfaces of any bath, without need to drill, tap into, or otherwise mutilate or similar the relevant surfaces of the bath.

(iv) The Frame may be adjustable telescopically or the like, by way of non- limiting example, transversally so as to safely place said Frame on the top- surfaces of any bath of diverse width.

(v) The Frame may be adjustable telescopically or the like, by way of non limiting example, longitudinally so as to safely place said Frame on the top-surfaces of any bath of diverse length.

(vi) In relation to "(v)" above the longitudinal end of the Frame closest to any end taps or like may have: (a) to fall short of the tap-end of the bath, and/or (b) to include cut-outs, diversions, and the like, by way of non-limiting

examples,

in either case to accommodate said taps.

(vii) Any universal adjustment of the Frame, as described nonexhaustively in "(iv)" and "(v)" above, in order to accommodate the relevant top surface dimensions of any diverse bath, needs to be lockable tight by relevant fastener(s) or the like once the Frame is matched dimensionally to any relevant bath.

However, none of this precludes the bather taking this present invention with him to another bath of different dimensions and thus loosening, readjusting and re-tightening the relevant fastener(s) upon matching dimensionally the Frame to any new bath wheresover situate.

(viii) The Frame may comprise a horse-shoe shape or the like, by way of non- limiting example, comprising two longitudinal sides connected by one transversal beam or the like.

(ix) The Frame may comprise a rectangular shape or the like, by way of non- limiting example, comprising two longitudinal sides and two connective transversal cross-members or the like.

(x) As in any of the other features, except that as a non-preferred embodiment the Frame may be permanently attached in whole or in part to any of the relevant top-surfaces of the bath by drilling; bolting; gluing; welding; tapping and the like of any thereof by way of non-limiting examples.

(xi) The underside of any part of the Frame may carry one or more downward facing stops and wings or the like, by way of non-limiting example, intended by design to stabilize the Frame by gripping; leaning, compressing and the like by way of non-limiting example, against any relevant vertical surfaces of the bath, at the same time as the remainder of the underside of the Frame sits on the top-surfaces of the bath.

Thus, the Frame may be mated temporarily, by way of non-limiting example, horizontally and/or partly vertically by both gravity and compression in order to stabilize Frame in situ.

(xii) The underside of any rigid Frame and any relevant stops, wings or the like thereof described in "(xi)" above, may require by way of nonlimiting example a soft-gasket or the like so as to successfully mate temporarily with the relevant top and/or upper surfaces of any bath, provided that: (a) said gasket or the like is mouldable to the contours of the relevant top and/or upper surfaces of any bath; (b) said mating does not scratch or otherwise damage any relevant damageable surfaces; (c) said gasket or the like may require any relevant anti microbiological and/or relevant anti-fungicidal coating so as to prevent deterioration of dilapidations, including mould, and (d) said gasket is mouldable to any relevant vertical upper reaches of the bath.

(xiii) The gasket in "(xii)" above may, by way of non-limiting example, comprise any suitable laminated layers or the like in order to better mate with the contours of any relevant surfaces of any bath.

(xiv) The underside of any relevant Frame, or part thereof, designed to mate with the relevant bath, may incorporate relevant suction device(s), such as by non-limiting examples: (a) suction press cups or the like, (b) suction channel similar to that used in refrigerators, or the like, (c) suctionable sandwich where air is extractable by valve and power, with facility for subsequent valve release.

(xv) As in "(xii)"; "(xiii)" and "(xiv)" above, by way of non-limiting example, in so far as it is logical and synergistic to conjoin any relevant suction device with the soft mouldable gasket.

(xvi) Regarding "(x)" above, even where the Frame is permanently attached to any relevant surface then for the avoidance of doubt this is deemed not to preclude the inclusion of any one or more of any of the relevant technical features explained elsewhere as part(s) of this invention in other embodiments even if not preferred.

(xvii) The Frame may be hinged by suitable relevant attachment(s) to any relevant vacant wall contiguous with the surfaces of the bath, so that said Frame, including twin opposing roller casings, may be swung upwards away from bath top surface so as to stand vertically clear of the bath.

This embodiment is designed to facilitate "clearing the deck" when both able-bodied and disabled use the same bathroom by way of non-limiting

example.

(xviii) Where any Frame is hinged or the like, as in "(xvii)" above, by way of non-limiting example, then gas-struts or the like, themselves by way of non-limiting example, may be incorporated by design so as to facilitate easier upward swinging through an arc the said Frame by any disabled person of limited physical strength.

(xix) The operation in "(xviii)" above may be motorised.

(xx) Where any Frame is hinged as in "(xviii)" above, or the like, then by way of non-limiting example said Frame when in vertical "clear the deck" position may be attachable by securing device to relevant vacant wall by any fixing device designed for such a purpose.

(xxi) Regarding "(iv)" and "(v)" above, by way of non-limiting example, and the relevant Frame adjustments transversally and/or longitudinally requisite, each will need to be covered externally by an overlength sleeve or the like, so as to conceal the adjustment mechanism and prevent water ingress or like dilapidation and/or deterioration.

(xxii) Further to "(xxi)" above, by way of non-limiting example, said sleeve at the head of any bath may by design be shaped ergonomically to support the head of any disabled bather.

(xxiii) The powered-rollers as described above and the means of controlling them and consequentially the Seat-Hammock will require a power-source, by way of non-limiting example, being electrical with relevant control-box, and any necessary practical embodiment(s) being deduced by any average competent engineer by his looking at any relevant diverse prior art examples which are not themselves protected by other persons patents, provided that any other features of this present invention and their inovation are not thereby undermined by this feature "(xxiii)".

(xxiv) As in "(xxiii)" above, except that additional novel switchgear may be required because, unlike the prior art, the relevant Seat-Hammock whist under tension may act as a horizontal conveyer belt moving the bather from left to right, or right to left, in order to centre the bather over the bath: (a) before the descent switch is engaged, and (b) after the ascent switch is engaged, as the relevant case may be.

(xxv) An ergonomically shaped headrest or the like may: (a) be positioned as relevant at the head of the Frame and/or (b) said headrest or the like may be integral with any relevant sleeve concealing the adjustable universal width feature.

(xxvi) Any safety grab-handle or the like, by way of non-limiting example, running vertically above and across the Frame as in Figure 1 item 9.

The logic for this handle in engineering terms follows on from the logic of the zimmer Frame.

(xxvii) Any relevant fold-flat lockable hinge(s) or the like, by way of non-limiting example, as in Figure 1 item 10, so that Frame may occupy minimum space when not in use by disables bathers.

(xxviii)Figure 1 is a non-limiting simplified drawing showing a possible basic embodiment of this invention, where: "1"=a longitudinal frame member.

"2"=a transversal frame member.

"3"=a sleeve to conceal telescopic or otherwise adjustable universal fitment.

"4"=an internal vertical stop or wing.

"5"=an external vertical stop or wing.

"6"=a slot or the like in the relevant casing, leading the left or right side of the Seat-Hammock to the hidden motorised roller.

"7"-seat-hammock.

"8"=ergonomically shaped head rest for bather's head "9"=upright grab handles.

" 1 O"=drop-flat hinges for "9" above, although mainly hidden from view.

Provided that, any relevant gasket as above may be on the underside of the Frame and/or on the relevant face of any vertically descending stop or wing and provided further that, given the nature of the Frame it is deemed where necessary that any feature visible on one side may be repeated if necessary, even if hidden from view, on any opposing corresponding other side of the drawing.

(xxix) A variant of "(xxvi)" above, where there is a folding transversal beam or the like incorporating a suitable grab handle, by way of nonlimiting example, which serves a multitude of purposes according to design configurations as follows: (a) when drawn down horizontally across the bath said transversal beam will temporarily turn any horse-shoe shaped frame (as in "(viii)" above) into a rectangle and increase the rigidity of the invention by securely gripping the two longitudinal members of the frame, and (b) when raised vertically from one side of the longitudinal frame member, this will facilitate easier entry to the seat-hammock when bather swings over his legs, or easier egress upon completion of the bathing cycle, and (c) said folding transversal beam may be used as a grab handle by any disabled bather.

(xxx) In case further description is required of the operation in three planes of the seat-hammock (also see "(i)" above) the following nonlimiting examples are described: (a) down vertically, which requires the seat-hammock belt to be played- out uniformally from the two opposing powered-rollers; (b) up vertically, which requires the seat-hammock belt to be wound-in uniformally from the two opposing powered-rollers, and (c) horizontally left or right, which requires the two opposing poweredrollers to keep said belt taut under tension whilst simultaneously turning in same direction, so as to act like conveyor belt or the like, by way of non-limiting

example,

provided that there should be sufficient free play in the length of the seat hammock belt to accommodate the full extent of the relevant operations.

Provided further that any simultaneously turning as described in "(xxx)(c) " above may be either clockwise or anti-clockwise, so as to effect conveyance under tension of the bather to the relevant side of the bath, or the centre; with relevant switchgear included, and controllable by said bather or their cater.

(xxx)) Frame may include in moulding or the like, by way of non-limiting example, such rails grooves notches lugs and the like running vertically and positioned so as to mate with any removeable back-rest board or the like of matching end profile which can be dropped in and out immediately behind seat-hammock in order that a floppy disabled bather does not fall backwards uncontrollablly as seat-hammock is immersed into water.

Essential Technical Features (Splmnt A) Also, according to the present invention there is provided one or more, in any relevant combination, of any of the following features: A.(i) A universal mating device on the underside of the box or the like containing the relevant roller, so that said box or boxes may be mateable with the gunwale(s) or the like of any relevant bath or the like of any other relevant surface(s).

A.(ii) Said box or boxes may be conjoined transversally and the roller(s) therein operable as described in U.K. Patent Application No. 0400279.6 in any case by way of non-limiting example(s).

A.(iii) Any universal mating device in "(i)" above may by way of nonlimiting examples have the following features: (a) an upturned channel running longitudinally along the bottom surface of any relevant roller box or the like, so as to mate with any relevant bath gunwale; (b) any relevant soft gasket lining said upturned channel, or the like, so as not to damage the relevant bath; (c) internal profile of said upturned channel and gasket designed to match relevant external profile of relevant bath.

A.(iv) As in "(iii)" above, except that in order to systemically mate with a multitude of diverse bath gunwale profiles or the like, said upturned channel or the like may be an interchangeable component: (a) with different upturned channels corresponding to different baths; (b) any selectable upturned channel attachable to underside of relevant roller box; (c) with relevant gasket and relevant upturned channels regarded intellectually as conjoining to better create relevant desirable internal profile, and (d) as in "(iv)(a)" above, but reinforcing the point that different gaskets may correspond to different baths.

A.(v) It is hereby provided that one may split or the like, any seathammock or the like slung transversally across a bath or the like between two opposing powered rollers, so that any bath may be used by able-bodied and disabled bathers. Said line of split may by design be temporarily joinable and/or disconnectable according to user.

A.(vi) Any relevant turntable-seat, with or without backrest, may be incorporated in centre of relevant seat-hammock. Said turntable-seat, or the like, may enjoy facility of "(v)" above on either one or both sides of said turntable-seat.

A.(vii) One does not preclude hereby anything enjoying the facility of"(v) " above, and also having the qualities of a seat, but not necessarily as sophisticated as "(vi)" above.

A(viii) The problem with a seat-hammock or the like is that the bather may be floppy or the like and dropping their head or legs in the bath could injure floppy bather.

Nursing and caters are well used to transferring patients from bed, to bed or the like, horizontally, however.

In this paragraph it is described how by running two opposing rollers longitudinally the whole length of each side of the bath, and running the powered hammock between said rollers, then the top surface of said bath becomes like a bed or trampoline with sheet stretched across it and with no possibility of falling into said bath cavity.

However, this whole-body powered sheet-hammock, as opposed to seathammock, may require, specially, hammock material with holes; perforations; open-weave; lattice-work; netting, by way of non-limiting examples so as not to lift a mass of bath water or displace a mass of water, in either case over the gunwales.

A.(ix) As in "(viii)" above, and for the avoidance of doubt incorporating all the provisions of this "Elevator II", and differentiating any powered seat- hammock from any powered sheet-hammock inter alla by the substantive fact that a floppy disabled bather may descend and ascend safely Iying-down with no danger of falling, in a manner which might be impossible or impracticable using a powered seat-hammock which only supported the buttocks, and not the back, head and feet as supported by a sheet-hammock.

A(x) Figure IA is a non-limiting simplified drawing showing a possible embodiment of this invention in plan, where: " 1 " = Box or casing within which is contained a powered-roller.

"2" = "letterbox" from which emerges hammock.

"3" = Hammock extended from side-to-side of bath.

"4" = Optional turntable.

"5" = Split hammock connectors.

"6" = Transversal connective bar joining left and right boxes and shaped and padded, optionally, as an ergonomic back and/or head-rest.

"13" = Sleeved universal adjustable width connective bar fitment as explained in UK Patent Application No. 0400279.6.

A (xi) Figure 2B is a non -limiting simplified drawing, without optional turntable, showing a possible embodiment of this invention, in Elevation, Where: "1" = Box or casing within which is contained a powered-roller.

"2" = "Letterbox" from which emerges hammock.

"3" = Hammock extended from side to side of bath.

"5" = Split hammock connector(s).

"6" = Upturned channel or the like.

"7" = Mouldable soft gasket.

"8" = Connector permitting a choice of systemized standard profile diverse channels to be fitted to underside of one type of box.

"9" = Upturned channel of L configuration used on wall-side of bath.

" 10" = Surface of bath.

" I I " = Bathroom wall.

"12" = Connector optionally attaching box to wall.

A.(xii) As in "(iii)" above, EXCEPT by way of non-limiting example said upturned channel is an expression used only figuratively speaking and actually is extended to include any means of containing in situ, or securely capturing, the gunwales and upper-part of any relevant bath surfaces.

A (xiii) None of this precludes as a non-preferred embodiment more permanently attaching any of these to the bath and/or wall in part and/or in whole.

B. Essential Technical Features (Splmut. B! Also, according to the present invention there is provided one or more, in any relevant combination, of any of the following features: B(i) Any tightenable compression fitting connecting relevant seat-hammock to the bath gunwale or the like and/or any vertical surface just below said gunwale.

B(ii) With reference to UK Patent Application No. is 0400279.6 and 0402454.3 for the avoidance of doubt said compression fitting may go beyond any therein described and this present invention provides by way of non-limiting example for any prior described wings, upturned channels, internal gaskets and the like, plus horizontal strip with compression screws or the like which may be tightened below the lip(s) of the bath gunwale(s) and against the outside vertical face(s) of said bath in order to better resist any undesirable vectors of force invoked by the changing geometric shape of said seat-hammock as it goes up and down laden with disabled bather, or the like of any of these.

B (iii) Paragraph "(ii)" above represents a non-permanent or non-invasive attachment notwithstanding that it uses screws or the like.

B (iv) In a non-preferred embodiment, Paragraph "(i)" et seq. may apply by way of non-limiting example to any single powered roller bath seathammock where it is impracticable to otherwise attach the free end of said bath seat-hammock to any relevant floor and/or wall.

B (v) Figures IA and 2B are both non-limiting simplified drawings, showing a possible embodiment of this invention, respectively in plan and elevation, and mainly as shown in UK Patent Pending No. 0402454.3 Except that some new numbers are included here, viz: "14" = Horizontal strip or the like running along the outside of the upturned channel "6" in fig 2, drilled to accept.....

" I S" = Relevant compression screw or bolt, and the like of any thereof, tightenable below the lip of the bath and up against any relevant external surface, preferably with bath frame behind, and pushing against..

....DTD: "16" = Relevant compression plate between " 15" and "7" (gasket).

B(iv) In a non-preferred embodiment, paragraph "(i)" et seq. may apply by way of non-limiting example to any single powered roller bath seathammock where it is impracticable to otherwise attach the free end of said bath seat-hammock to any relevant floor and/or wall.

B (v) Figures LO and 2B are both non-limiting simplified drawings, showing a possible embodiment of this invention, respectively in plan and elevation, and mainly as shown in UK Patent Pending No. 0402454.3 except that some new numbers are included here, viz: "14" = Horizontal strip or the like running along the outside of the upturned channel "6" in Fig 2, drilled to accept.....

"15" = Relevant compression screw or bolt, and the like of any thereof, tightenable below the lip of the bath and up against any relevant external surface, preferably with bath frame behind, and pushing against..

....DTD: "16" = Relevant compression plate between "15" and "7" (gasket).

Claims

1. A twin-rollered bath belt elevator of universal after-market fittability to any rectangular normal bath, utilising extending longitudinal and/or transversal arms of concertina effect, resting on said bath gunwales.

2. As in claim 1, but with multi-choice of relevant channels with gaskets which can be added on site to underside of bath elevators arms and effect good mating with profile of any bath gunwales of diverse profiles.

3. Compression unit to tighten (without destroying) said channels in claim 2 to bath gunwales of bath.

4 A means of splitting the hammock between bath rollers, temporarily.

5. As in claim 4, incorporating a turntable also.

6. The means of moving the patient in a horizontal plane left or right to and from bath centre before descending and/or descending like an industrial conveyor.