GB2575465A

GB2575465A - A shower seat

Info

Publication number: GB2575465A
Application number: GB1811296.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carver Jeff
Original assignee: Contour Showers Ltd
Current assignee: Contour Showers Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-10
Filing date: 2018-07-10
Publication date: 2020-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-10
Also published as: GB201811296D0; GB2575465B

Abstract

The shower seat 1 comprises a seat portion 2 with at least one drainage hole 3 and a supporting frame 4 having mounting means 5 for mounting the shower seat to a wall so the seat portion extends away from the wall, and at least one attachment means 7 perpendicular to the seat portion for adjustably attaching a lumbar support pad 8 so the position of the pad can be varied. The pad may be removable. The attachment means may comprise apertures that engage with complementary projections on the pad such that the position of the pad relative to the seat portion is adjusted by varying the apertures used to engage the projections. The attachment means may comprise a track or rail with a carriage to which the pad is attached and then slid to adjust its position. The attachment means may be magnet-based. The seat portion may be pivotable between storage and operating positions. The seat may comprise legs 10 and armrests 17. Also claimed is a shower cubicle comprising the seat. The seat may be used by wheelchair users, elderly, infirm and disabled people.

Description

A SHOWER SEAT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shower seats, and in particular to shower seats that can be adjusted for use by different users.

Background of the Invention

Shower seats are widely used to increase comfort while showering, by allowing a user to sit rather than stand while they are showering. Shower seats can also improve safety, by providing a more secure environment for those with limited balance, strength or mobility.

Shower seats are particularly useful for people who are unable to stand for extended periods of time. For example, shower seats can promote independence for wheelchair users, the elderly and infirm, or people with other disabilities. People who are likely to feel faint in warm environments may also benefit from using a shower seat.

People who typically use shower seats may also suffer from various back conditions, or suffer from back pain when sitting for extended periods of time. Ergonomic chair designs can be used to reduce back pain, by minimising strain on the muscles surrounding the spine. The lumbar region of the back is of particular importance, since it suffers from additional stresses due to its flexibility and the increased body weight that it supports.

To reduce stresses on the lumbar region, certain users find it advantageous to use seats provided with lumbar support. Seats with lumbar support can conform to the shape of the spine, thereby relieving stresses and re-establishing the natural spinal curvature. Lumbar support may therefore be beneficial for users looking to improve their posture, or to users suffering from acute or chronic back pain.

It is not uncommon for multiple people to have shared use of a bathroom and shower, for example in a care home or a sporting facility. In the case of shared access bathrooms/shower rooms, the same shower seat can therefore be used by different people, each of whom can have different specific needs.

Summary of the Invention

In view of this need for flexible shower seating, the present invention provides a wallmountable shower seat, to which a lumbar support pad may be adjustably attached. In particular, the present invention provides a wall-mountable shower seat as claimed in claim 1.

It is envisioned that the shower seat of the present invention may be particularly useful in facilities with shared access washrooms (e.g. care homes, sporting or medical centres), where bathrooms must be suitable for use by a variety of users, each with differing needs.

The shower seat of the claimed invention comprises a seat, or seat portion, with at least one drainage hole and a supporting frame. The frame comprises mounting means for mounting the shower seat to a wall so that, in use, the seat portion extends away from the wall.

The shower seat further comprises at least one attachment means configured to adjustably attach a lumbar support pad to the shower seat, wherein the attachment means is provided in a plane perpendicular to the seat portion when the shower seat is in use.

The attachment means provides points at which a lumbar support pad may be connected to the shower seat.

Although not essential, preferably the shower seat of the present invention may further comprise a lumbar support pad that is attachable to the attachment means. Further preferably, the lumbar support pad may be removable.

In this way, the shower seat may be modified between a first arrangement, in which no lumbar support pad is attached, and a second arrangement, in which a lumbar support pad is attached in a first position. Therefore, the shower seat is suitable for users who require lumbar support, and users who do not require lumbar support.

The attachment means may comprise one or more fixed connection points that engage with at least one complementary connection point on the lumbar support pad such that the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be adjusted by varying the fixed connection point(s) used to engage the complementary connection point(s) on the lumbar support pad.

For example, the lumbar support pad may comprise one or more protrusions which are received in complementary apertures or recessions on the shower seat. It is envisioned that other arrangements suitable for securely mounting the lumbar support pad on the attachment means can be employed without departing from the general teaching of the present invention (e.g. a magnet-based connection system could be employed).

The shower seat may preferably comprise a plurality of connection points at varying positions relative to the seat portion. In this way, the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion may be varied by engaging different connection points, such that the height of the lumbar support pad can be adjusted.

Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise at least one moveable connection point that engages with at least one complementary connection point on the lumbar support pad such that the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be adjusted by moving the connection point that engages the lumbar support pad.

For example, the lumbar support pad may be attached to a connection point such that the lumbar support pad can move between a first position and a second position by sliding it on a track or a rail.

It will be appreciated that by way of the claimed shower seat, a user can vary the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion based on their individual needs. For example, a taller user may require a lumbar support pad to be provided at a greater distance from the seat portion, whereas a shorter user may require a lumbar support pad to be provided closer to the seat portion.

The adjustability of the shower seat of the present invention therefore allows users of a range of heights and body shapes to use the same shower seat by simply varying the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion of the shower seat.

Preferably, the shower seat may comprise a back portion mounted relative to the seat portion, either on the supporting frame or on the wall. The back portion may be shaped to increase comfort for the user. For example, the back portion may be curved to support the shape of the user’s back. Further preferably, the attachment means may be provided on the back portion of the supporting frame.

Alternatively, the attachment means may be configured such that, in use, they are mounted in or on a wall. Typically, this would be the same wall that the shower seat is attached to by way of the mounting means, so that the seat portion and the lumbar support pad can be appropriately aligned.

In is therefore envisaged that, in embodiments where the attachment means is provided directly on or in a wall, the shower seat may not be provided with a back portion (i.e. in the style of a shower stool).

Therefore, it will be appreciated that the lumbar support pad can be attached relative to the seat portion of the shower seat either by connecting to a back portion of the shower seat or by attaching it directly to a wall.

Preferably, the supporting frame may be further configured to facilitate a pivoting of the seat portion between an operating position, in which the seat portion is arranged substantially parallel to the floor and is ready for use, and a storage position, in which the seat portion is arranged substantially parallel to a wall.

It is envisioned that this feature could be useful in shower cubicles with limited space or in showers where not all users require the use of a shower seat. The shower seat can therefore be pivoted to a storage position when not in use.

Preferably, the shower seat may comprise at least one leg arranged on the supporting frame to support the seat portion when a user is sat on it. In this regard, the shower seat may comprise a pair of legs, which are substantially parallel. A crossbar may also be provided to give structural support to the legs and prohibit their relative movement.

Optionally, the at least one leg may be telescopic, such that the shower seat can be mounted to the wall at any suitable height.

Preferably, the at least one leg may be pivotally mounted relative to the seat portion. The leg may therefore pivot into the storage position along with the supporting frame.

Each leg may further be provided with stoppers to prevent the leg from slipping on the wet floor of the shower cubicle.

Alternatively, it is envisioned that provided that the shower seat is adequately attached to the wall, it may not require legs, and, in use, the seat portion may be supported solely by its connection to the wall.

Preferably, the shower seat may comprise at least one armrest arranged relative to the seat portion, either on the supporting frame or on the wall. The armrest can improve both comfort and security for the user. Optionally, the position of the armrest may be variable, and/or the armrest may be extendable in length. In this way, the shower seat could be further adjusted to suit a particular user’s needs.

Preferably, the armrest may be pivotally mounted relative to the seat portion. The armrest may therefore pivot into the storage position along with the seat portion.

Preferably, the shower seat may comprise at least one further padded member that is attachable, possibly in a removable manner, to the shower seat. Each further padded member can increase comfort for the user. It is appreciated that making each padded member removable allows for easier cleaning of the shower seat, and further adaptability for different users.

The at least one further padded member may be selected from: a seat pad, a back pad, an armrest pad, or a combination thereof. The further padded members may be connected to the shower seat by way of any suitable connection means.

Preferably, the seat pad may comprise at least one hole for water drainage. When in use, water can drain through the drainage hole to eliminate pooling on the seat pad.

The back pad may be provided with connection points for the lumbar support pad, which correspond to the connection points in the back portion of the supporting frame.

In this way, the protrusions of the lumbar support pad may be received in both the back pad and the back portion of the supporting frame. This arrangement ensures that the lumbar support pad is securely received on the shower seat.

However, it is also appreciated that the lumbar support pad may alternatively be received on only the back pad, only the back portion of the supporting frame, or in the wall to which the shower seat is mounted.

Additionally, or alternatively, at least one further padded member may be at least one armrest pad, which is attached to the armrest.

Preferably, the lumbar support pad and/or the at least one further padded member may be treated with an anti-bacterial additive to improve hygiene.

The lumbar support pad and/or the at least one further padded member may be manufactured using polyurethane or any suitable alternative material. Preferably, the supporting frame may be a metal construction. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the supporting frame could be manufactured using plastic, or any other suitably rigid material.

It is envisioned that the shower seat of the present invention could be of standard size, or of bariatric size.

The present invention also provides a shower cubicle comprising a shower seat as described above, wherein the shower seat is mounted to a wall of the shower cubicle by the mounting means so that, in use, the seat portion extends away from the wall of the shower cubicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the shower seat according to the present invention in an ‘operating’ position;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the shower seat;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a back pad of the preferred embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the back pad, with a lumbar support pad attached in a first position;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the back pad, with a lumbar support pad attached in a second position;

Figure 6 shows a reverse view of the lumbar support pad; and

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the shower seat according to the present invention in a ‘storage’ position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention provides a wall-mountable shower seat that can be adjusted for use by different shower users with different needs and requirements. A preferred embodiment of the shower seat is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The shower seat 1 of the preferred embodiment comprises a seat, or seat portion, 2 with a plurality of drainage holes 3 and a supporting frame 4.

The shower seat 1 comprises mounting means 5 for mounting the shower seat 1 to a wall so that, in use, the seat portion 2 extends away from the wall. In the preferred embodiment, the shower seat 1 is provided with two parallel mounting means 5 provided on opposing ends of the side of the seat portion 2 that is closest to the wall.

However, it is envisioned that the shower seat could be provided with a single mounting means positioned more centrally, or even multiple mounting means attached to the seat portion in various positions.

It is envisaged that the mounting means 5, which are provided in the form of plate elements that better spread the load of the shower seat across the wall upon which it is mounted, are attachable to a wall by way of conventional fixing means (i.e. screws, bolts, etc...).

The illustrative shower seat 1 is further provided with a back portion 6, which is mounted on the mounting means 5 of the supporting frame 4. However, it is envisioned that the back portion may alternatively be mounted directly to the wall by way of separate connection means rather than via the supporting frame.

In either arrangement, however, it will be appreciated that when the shower seat 1 is in the operating position (i.e. in use) the back portion 6 is both substantially parallel to the wall and substantially perpendicular to the seat portion 2.

The back portion 6 is preferably curved in order to support the shape of a user’s back. However, it is appreciated that the back portion could have any suitable shape without departing from the general concept of the present invention.

The back portion 6 of the shower seat 1 comprises a plurality of attachment means 7 configured to enable the adjustable attachment of a lumbar support pad 8 to the shower seat 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the attachment means 7 comprise fixed connection points in the form of slot shaped apertures that are capable of receiving complementary shaped connection points 8a on the lumbar support pad 8 (see Figure 6). The illustrative shower seat comprises five slotted connection points, which are provided at varying distances from the seat portion 2, as shown in Figure 2. It is envisioned that different shaped apertures could alternatively be employed.

It is also envisaged that the number of apertures could be increased or decreased without departing from the general concept of the present invention. With that said, it will be appreciated that in those embodiments where multiple positions of the lumbar support pad are required, the back portion should comprise at least two separate fixed connection points.

It will be appreciated that by providing a plurality of apertures, it is possible to vary the location at which the lumbar support pad is mounted to the back portion of the shower seat.

In this way, the position of the lumbar support pad 8 relative to the seat portion 2 can be adjusted.

This enables the shower seat 1 to be used by multiple users of different heights and body shapes, since the lumbar support pad 8 could be moved to a different position for each user. The shower seat 1 could also be used by a single user as their lumbar support needs change, for example during rehabilitation.

Although the attachment means 7 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are apertures, in which a corresponding protrusion on the lumbar support pad can be received, it is envisioned the lumbar support pad 8 could be attached to the back portion 6 of the shower seat 1 by any attachment means that is capable of forming a secure, but preferably removable, connection between the two components.

For example, in an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the adjustable positioning of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be achieved by attachment means that comprise at least one moveable connection point that engages with at least one complementary connection point on the lumbar support pad. In this way, the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be adjusted by moving the connection point that engages the lumbar support pad.

In particular, the attachment means of this alternative arrangement may comprise a track or a rail with a carriage, to which the lumbar support pad would be attached. The lumbar support pad could therefore be mounted in such a way that it can be moved between at least a first position and a second position by sliding the carriage along a track or rail.

As mentioned above, the illustrated lumbar support pad 8 is removable. Since the lumbar support pad 8 is removable, the shower seat 1 can be used by users who require lumbar support, and by users who do not require lumbar support.

However, it is envisioned that the lumbar support pad 8 could be fixed to the shower seat, particularly if the shower seat comprises a moveable connection point, as described above. In this way, the shower seat could be adapted for different users by moving the lumbar support pad between at least a first position and a second position.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the illustrative lumbar support pad 8 is a rounded triangular shape. However, it is envisioned that any other suitable shape may be used, for example a substantially rectangular or circular shape.

The shower seat 1 further comprises a pair of substantially parallel legs 10 provided on the supporting frame 4, to support the seat portion 2 when in use. A crossbar 11 is provided to structurally support and strengthen the legs 10 by prohibiting their relative movement.

The legs 10 are provided with stoppers 12, to prevent the legs 10 from slipping on the wet floor of the shower cubicle.

It should be appreciated that the shower seat could comprise any suitable number of legs. It should be further appreciated that the shower seat 1 could be provided with no legs without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this arrangement, the seat portion 2 could be supported solely by the wall to which it is mounted.

The shower seat 1 is provided with a pair of armrests 13 which extend from opposing ends of the back portion 6.

However, it should be appreciated that the armrests could alternatively extend from the seat portion, or from the wall to which the shower seat is mounted.

The supporting frame 4 of the shower seat 1 is configured to facilitate the pivoting of the seat portion 2 between an operating position, in which the seat portion 2 is arranged substantially parallel to the floor and is ready for use, and a storage position, in which the seat portion 2 is arranged substantially parallel to the wall. In this way, the shower seat 1 can be stored in a storage position when it is not required, so as to maximise space within the shower for other users.

As will be appreciated from Figure 7, the shower seat 1 is pivotable by way of a hinge arrangement 9 attached between the seat portion 2 and the mounting means 5. It will be appreciated that alternative hinging mechanisms might be adopted without departing from the general concept of the present invention.

As will also be appreciated from Figure 7, the legs 10 are pivotally mounted relative to the seat portion 2, such that the legs 10 can pivot to a storage position along with the supporting frame 4.

Similarly, the armrests 13 are pivotally mounted to the relative to the seat portion 2, such that the armrests 13 can pivot to a storage position along with the supporting frame 4.

Although it is envisaged that the shower seat 1 of the present invention does not necessarily require cushioning, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with cushioning in the form of padded members: back pad 15, seat pad 16 and armrest pads 17.

The padded members are removable so that the shower seat 1 is easily cleanable and further adjustable. Further, the padded members may be treated with an anti-bacterial agent to improve hygiene over time.

The supporting frame 4 is provided with pad connection means for attaching these padded members, as shown in Figure 2. In particular, the back portion 6 of the supporting frame 4 shown in Figure 2 is provided with four pad connection means 14.

It is also envisaged that the drainage holes 3 in the seat portion 2 may be used to align the seat pad 16 such that drainage holes 3a in the seat pad 16 match up with the drainage holes 3 in the seat portion 2 to ensure adequate drainage is maintained whilst also securing the seat pad in position.

It will be appreciated that the back pad 15 is provided with attachment means 7a, which align with the attachment means 7 in the back portion 6 of the supporting frame 4 when the back pad is mounted to the back portion by way of the pad connection means 14.

When aligned with the attachment means in the back portion 6, the back pad attachment means 7a, which are also complementary to the protrusions of the lumbar support pad 8, allow the lumbar support pad to be received in both the back pad 15 and the back portion 6 of the supporting frame 4.

This arrangement ensures that the lumbar support pad 8 is secured to the shower seat 1. However, it is appreciated that the lumbar support pad could be received in only the back pad, only the back portion of the supporting frame, or in the wall to which the shower seat is mounted.

The illustrative seat pad 16 and back pad 15 are curved in order to increase comfort for the user. However, it is envisioned that any suitable shape of padded member(s) may be used.

The shower seat 1 further comprises armrest pads 17, which are removably attachable to the armrests 13.

Figures 3 to 5 show three alternative arrangements of the back pad 15 of the present invention with the back portion and the rest of the supporting frame omitted for the sake of clarity, thus demonstrating the adaptability of the lumbar support on the shower seat 1.

Figure 3 shows a first arrangement, wherein no lumbar support pad is attached to the back pad 15. It is envisioned that this arrangement is particularly suitable for users who do not require the use of a lumbar support pad.

Figure 4 shows a second arrangement, wherein a lumbar support pad 8 is attached to the back pad 15 in a first position.

Figure 5 shows a third arrangement, wherein a lumbar support pad 8 is attached to the back pad 15 in a second position.

The user can alter the shower seat 1 between the arrangements of Figures 3, 4 and 5, since the lumbar support pad 8 is attachable to the back pad 15 and the back portion 6 at a variety of positions.

In particular, the back pad 15 comprises five connection points. The lumbar support pad 8 comprises complementary protrusions 8a, which may be received in the connection points 10 on the back pad 15.

The user is able to insert the protrusions 8a of the lumbar support pad 8 into any of the connection points on the back pad 15. Therefore, the lumbar support pad 8 may be provided at a range of positions relative to the seat portion 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Alternatively, the lumbar support pad 8 can be removed, as shown in Figure 3.

Depending on the number of connection points provided on the back pad 15, and the number of connection points provided on the back portion 6, a number of additional arrangements may also be used. That is, it is envisioned that providing the back pad with a greater number of connection points allows for further adaptability of the shower seat to suit a wider range of users.

Claims

1. A wall-mountable shower seat, comprising:

a seat portion with at least one drainage hole and a supporting frame, wherein the frame comprises mounting means for mounting the shower seat to a wall so that, in use, the seat portion extends away from the wall; and at least one attachment means configured to adjustably attach a lumbar support pad to the shower seat, wherein the attachment means is provided in a plane perpendicular to the seat portion when the shower seat is in use.

2. The shower seat of claim 1, further comprising a lumbar support pad which is preferably removable.

3. The shower seat of claim 1 or 2, wherein said attachment means comprises one or more fixed connection points that engage with at least one complementary connection point on the lumbar support pad such that the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be adjusted by varying the fixed connection point(s) used to engage the lumbar support pad.

4. The shower seat of claim 1 or 2, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one moveable connection point that engages with at least one complementary connection point on the lumbar support pad such that the position of the lumbar support pad relative to the seat portion can be adjusted by moving the connection point that engages the lumbar support pad.

5. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a back portion positioned relative to the seat portion, which may be mounted on the supporting frame and/or the wall.

6. The shower seat of claim 5, wherein said attachment means is provided on the back portion.

7. The shower seat of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said attachment means is configured such that, in use, the attachment means is mounted on a wall.

8. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame is further configured to facilitate a pivoting of the seat portion between an operating position, in which the seat portion is arranged parallel to the floor and is ready for use, and a storage position, in which the seat portion is arranged substantially parallel with the wall.

9. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one leg arranged on the supporting frame to support the seat portion when in use; and wherein preferably said at least one leg is pivotally mounted relative to the seat portion.

10. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one armrest arranged relative to the seat portion on the supporting frame and/or on the wall; and wherein preferably said at least one armrest is pivotally mounted relative to the seat portion.

11. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one further padded member that is removeably attachable to the shower seat.

12. The shower seat of claim 11, wherein said at least one further padded member is selected from a group containing: a seat pad, a back pad, an armrest pad, or combinations thereof.

13. The shower seat of claim 12, wherein said at least one further padded member includes said back pad and the back pad further comprises said attachment means.

14. The shower seat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lumbar support pad and/or said at least one further padded member are treated with an anti-bacterial additive to improve hygiene.

15. A shower cubicle comprising the shower seat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the shower seat is mounted to a wall of the shower cubicle by the mounting means so that, in use, the seat portion extends away from the wall of the shower cubicle.

16. The shower cubicle of claim 15, wherein the wall of the shower cubicle comprises said attachment means.