US20060143820A1 - Shower stool - Google Patents
Shower stool Download PDFInfo
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- US20060143820A1 US20060143820A1 US11/365,090 US36509006A US2006143820A1 US 20060143820 A1 US20060143820 A1 US 20060143820A1 US 36509006 A US36509006 A US 36509006A US 2006143820 A1 US2006143820 A1 US 2006143820A1
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- Prior art keywords
- platform
- stool
- shower
- legs
- razor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
- A47K3/281—Accessories for showers or bathing douches, e.g. cleaning devices for walls or floors of showers
- A47K3/282—Seats specially adapted for showers
Definitions
- the invention relates to a stool for use in a shower to facilitate the shaving or washing of a person's legs.
- shaving When a person desires to shave his or her legs, shaving most often is accomplished when bathing, either in a bathtub or in a shower stall. In both situations, shaving the legs can be difficult and cuts to the skin or damage such as razor burns often occur, as shaving the legs is an awkward procedure. In this wet and soapy environment it is easy for the person's leg to slip, which can result in cuts or other injuries. The procedure is further complicated by the unavailability of a convenient location for the person to place grooming aids when shaving. When shaving, it is generally necessary for the person to have shaving soap or shaving cream and a razor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,857 shows a foot support for use in a bathing enclosure having foot support surfaces, storage areas for canisters, and a recess to receive a safety razor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,926 discloses a foot support having an elevating structure including legs, a footrest with an angled sole, and holders for a razor and a shaving cream container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,435 discloses a wall-mounted foot support for use primarily in a shower having a horizontally-inclined step plate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,070 discloses a leg shave plate with an inclined upper surface, designed to be mounted in the corner of a shower stall.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,545 shows a multi-purpose foot support having three receptacles intended to hold a razor, fresh water, and shave gel, lotion, or soap.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,723 shows a shower stool in which the entire cover may be tilted upward about a hinge to provide access to a storage space below the cover for storage of grooming aids.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,528 discloses a triangular shower foot rest for placement in the corner of a shower stall, having a downwardly-sloped top section and two shelf units in the back walls of the rest.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,448 shows a foot support having legs for support, indentations to follow foot contours, and a V-shaped prow to fit into the corner of a shower stall.
- U.S. Pat. No. Des. 287,075 shows a shower stool with an angled foot support surface that swings open to reveal a storage compartment.
- the prior devices have certain disadvantages.
- First, none of the prior art devices provides a compartment for storage of a razor that can be closed or covered to contain the razor without moving the entire platform. Moving such a large component is cumbersome, especially in the confined space of a shower, and requires the user to remove his or her foot from the platform.
- Second, the prior art devices are not adequately adapted to be temporarily placed in the corner of a shower. Some of the prior devices are permanently placed in the shower corner. Still others are intended to be temporarily placed there, but are not adapted to avoid intrusions from the shower wall, which could frustrate attempts to place the device near the wall, or use the wall to brace forces exerted on the stool by the user.
- Third, the prior devices do not disclose means by which to enhance the aesthetics of such devices or to tailor the aesthetics of such devices to different demographics of consumers.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a stool adapted for use in a shower comprising a triangular platform having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one support leg depending from the platform.
- the stool includes a receptacle adapted to hold a razor and located on the top surface of the platform, having a hinged movable cover.
- the stool in another embodiment, includes a second receptacle having a cylindrical shape adapted to hold a cylindrically-shaped container and having an opening located on the top surface of the platform.
- the stool has three legs depending from the platform, each leg proximate each of the three corners of the platform.
- the legs are spaced inwardly from any of the three edges, so as to avoid contact with shower wall intrusions.
- the platform is constructed of a light-permeable material, such as acrylic, and contains indicia within the platform and visible from outside the platform.
- the platform has a step surface on the top surface to provide a resting place for a person's foot.
- the stool includes a first step extending between two of the legs, located below the bottom surface of the platform, and a second step extending between the same two legs, located below the first step.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a stool adapted for use in a shower, situated in the corner of a shower;
- FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the stool of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the stool of FIG. 1 , a razor, and a container of shampoo;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the stool of FIG. 1 situated in the corner of a shower;
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a stool adapted for use in a shower.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stool adapted for use in a shower, containing indicia within the stool, which are visible from outside the stool.
- the stool 10 adapted for use in a shower to assist a person in shaving or washing his or her legs.
- the stool 10 generally comprises a triangular platform 11 having a top surface 17 , a bottom surface 18 , and three support legs 12 depending from the platform 11 .
- the platform 11 preferably includes a razor receptacle 20 , a container receptacle 22 , and a step surface 14 where the foot of the user may be placed. Additional steps 15 are preferably located between the legs 12 of the stool 10 , where they can also function as structural support for the legs 12 .
- the entire stool 10 is preferably made of a light-permeable material, containing indicia 50 located inside the stool 10 that are visible from outside the stool 10 .
- the platform 11 is preferably triangular in shape, and most preferably a right triangle.
- the platform 11 of the stool 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is right-triangular. In an alternate embodiment, the platform 11 may not be right-triangular, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the right-triangular shape allows the stool 10 to fit closely in the corner 34 of a bathtub or shower, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Alternately, the platform 11 may be of any practical shape.
- the stool 10 preferably has three legs 12 , with one of the three legs 12 proximate to each of the three corners 19 of the triangular platform 11 .
- One of the three legs 13 is preferably longer than the other two legs 12 , creating an angled platform 11 that is not parallel to a base surface upon which the stool 10 sits. Such a configuration is more ergonomic for a person to rest his or her foot upon.
- the stool 10 may have any number of legs 12 of varying lengths, particularly if the platform 11 is not triangularly shaped.
- the legs 12 are preferably spaced inwardly from any of the three edges 16 of the triangular platform 11 to allow the legs 12 to avoid contact with shower wall intrusions. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the space between the edges 16 of the platform 11 and the legs 12 allows the edges 16 of the platform 11 to contact the shower walls 30 , while the legs 12 extend to the floor 31 of the shower unobstructed. Intrusions, such as a soap dish 33 or the curved area 32 where the shower wall 30 meets the shower floor 31 , are avoided. Alternately, leg 12 placement on the stool 10 may vary, particularly if the geometry of the platform 11 is different.
- the platform 11 preferably contains at least one razor receptacle 20 and at least one container receptacle 22 , both of which are accessible on the top surface 17 of the platform 11 .
- the razor receptacle 20 is adapted to hold a razor 21 , particularly a safety razor, and is of sufficient size and shape to do so.
- the razor receptacle 20 is a shallow tray located in a cavity in the platform 11 , with an opening in the top surface 17 of the platform 11 to permit access to the receptacle 20 .
- Drain holes 26 are preferably located in the bottom of the razor receptacle 20 , allowing water to drain out of the receptacle 20 , rather than collecting there.
- the razor receptacle 20 may take any other suitable form. Still further, a razor receptacle 20 may be capable of holding more than one razor 21 .
- the preferred razor receptacle 20 includes a hinged movable cover 24 that may be opened or closed to expose or conceal the razor receptacle 20 .
- the hinge 25 is preferably located near, and parallel to, the edge 16 of the platform 11 .
- the cover 24 is preferably the same size and shape as the opening of the razor receptacle 20 . In this configuration, the cover 24 is substantially flush with the top surface 17 of the platform 11 when closed.
- the razor receptacle 20 , cover 24 , and hinge 25 may alternately take one of many other possible forms.
- the stool 10 may contain more than one razor receptacle 20 , as shown in FIG. 6 , or may not contain any razor receptacle 20 .
- the container receptacle 22 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is adapted to hold a cylindrically-shaped container 23 , such as a bottle of shampoo or a can of shaving cream.
- the preferred container receptacle 22 is a cylindrical cavity in the platform 11 with an opening in the top surface 17 of the platform 11 to permit access to the receptacle 22 .
- Drain holes 26 are preferably located in the bottom of the container receptacle 22 , allowing water to drain out of the receptacle 22 , rather than collecting there.
- the container receptacle 22 may be deeper, extending completely through the platform 11 . In this configuration, a basket, retaining tab, or similar structure (not shown) is necessary to support the container 23 .
- the container receptacle 22 may alternately take one of many other possible forms, and may be shaped differently to accommodate a different shape or type of container 23 .
- the stool 10 may contain more than one container receptacle 22 , as shown in FIG. 6 , or may not contain any container receptacle 22 .
- a step surface 14 is preferably located on the platform 11 at the edge 16 of the top surface 17 .
- the step surface 14 provides an ergonomic resting place for the foot of a person shaving or washing his or her leg.
- the stool 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a step surface 14 located at the edge 16 opposite the longer leg 13 of the stool 10 .
- This step surface 14 is illustrated in more detail in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4 .
- the preferred step surface 14 is formed by a recess 40 in the top surface 17 and the edge 16 of the platform 11 .
- the step surface 14 may be substantially level with the top surface 17 .
- the step surface 14 preferably has a gripping surface 41 to enhance traction and prevent the user's foot from slipping on the step surface 14 .
- this gripping surface 41 is a series of ridges 42 parallel to the edge 16 of the platform 11 , but any relatively high-friction or high-traction surface will function suitably.
- the step surface 14 preferably contains drain holes 43 that allow water to drain through the step surface 14 , rather than accumulating there and causing a risk of slipping.
- the preferred step surface 14 contains both ridges 42 and drain holes 43 .
- the step surface 14 of the stool 10 shown in FIG. 6 has a ridged gripping surface 41 and no drain holes 43 , and is level with the top surface 17 of the platform 11 .
- the step surface 14 may take one of many possible alternate configurations, or may not be present at all.
- the stool 10 preferably includes two steps 15 below the bottom surface of the platform 11 , as shown in FIGS. 1-4 . These steps 15 extend between two of the legs 12 of the stool 10 directly below the step surface 14 on the platform 11 . The addition of these steps 15 allows the stool 10 to contain three step surfaces of varying heights to comfortably accommodate persons of differing heights or degrees of flexibility. In this configuration, the steps 15 also function as structural supports for the legs 12 of the stool 10 , increasing stability and strength. Like the step surface 14 on the platform 11 , these steps 15 preferably contain a gripping surface 41 and drain holes 43 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a stool 10 containing two steps 15 having a ridged gripping surface 41 and drain holes 43 . The stool 10 may alternately have a greater or smaller number of steps 15 , or may have no steps 15 at all.
- the stool 10 is preferably constructed of a light-permeable material, allowing at least some light to pass through, such as a translucent, transparent, or semi-transparent material, or the like. More preferably, the stool 10 is made from a transparent material, which is most preferably acrylic.
- decorative indicia 50 are located within the platform 11 .
- the light-permeable material allows such indicia 50 to be visible from outside the stool 10 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the indicia 50 may be either three dimensional or thin and substantially two dimensional, and may be engineered to appeal aesthetically to different demographics of consumers.
- the indicia 50 can comprise a series of small flowers or golf balls, intended to appeal generally to female and male users, respectively.
- the stool 10 may contain one or more of a nearly limitless variety of indicia 50 , to appeal to persons with specific interests.
- the entire stool 10 or any portion thereof, may be light permeable and/or contain indicia 50 .
- the legs 12 depend from the platform 11 and support the platform 11 above the base surface upon which the legs 12 rest.
- the razor receptacle 20 and the container receptacle 22 contain openings in the top surface 17 of the platform 11 , to be easily accessible.
- the hinged cover 24 of the razor receptacle 20 is located at the edge 16 of the top surface 17 of the platform 11 .
- the step surface 14 of the platform 11 is located at the edge 16 of the platform 11 opposite the longest leg 13 of the stool 10 .
- the additional steps 15 are located, one above the other, directly below the step surface 14 on the platform 11 , forming a three-stepped stool 10 .
- the stool 10 facilitates shaving or washing a person's leg in the shower by providing several ergonomic steps 14 , 15 for elevating the leg above the floor.
- the elevation of the person's leg allows the leg to be shaved or washed without requiring the user to bend excessively at the waist or sit down.
- the gripping surface 41 increases the safety of the stool 10 by reducing or preventing the user's foot from slipping off the stool 10 .
- the placement of the stool 10 in the corner 34 of the shower prevents the stool 10 from slipping on the floor 31 of the shower, further increasing the safety of the stool 10 .
- a razor 21 can be placed in the razor receptacle 20 for convenient access and storage.
- a container 23 of soap, shampoo, shaving cream, or similar substance can be placed in the container receptacle 22 for convenient access and storage. When placed in the receptacle 22 , the container 23 will be within easy reach at all times during shaving or washing.
- the stool 10 described herein allows a person to shave or wash his or her leg with increased ease and safety.
Abstract
A stool adapted for use in a shower is disclosed, having a triangular platform and three legs depending from the platform. A receptacle having a hinged, movable cover and adapted to hold a razor is located on the top surface of the platform. The legs are spaced inwardly from the edges of the platform to avoid intrusions from the shower wall. The stool is constructed of a light-permeable material and contains indicia which is visible from outside the platform.
Description
- This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/910,742, filed Aug. 3, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof, and upon which a claim of priority is based.
- The invention relates to a stool for use in a shower to facilitate the shaving or washing of a person's legs.
- It is common practice for a person to shave his or her legs. Women customarily shave their legs for cosmetic reasons, and both men and women often shave their legs when engaged in sporting activities such as competitive swimming or bicycle racing.
- When a person desires to shave his or her legs, shaving most often is accomplished when bathing, either in a bathtub or in a shower stall. In both situations, shaving the legs can be difficult and cuts to the skin or damage such as razor burns often occur, as shaving the legs is an awkward procedure. In this wet and soapy environment it is easy for the person's leg to slip, which can result in cuts or other injuries. The procedure is further complicated by the unavailability of a convenient location for the person to place grooming aids when shaving. When shaving, it is generally necessary for the person to have shaving soap or shaving cream and a razor.
- When standing in a shower stall, a person will generally lean from the waist attempting to shave the lower leg portions. Another approach is for the person to stand on one foot and maintain balance while bracing the other foot against a wall of the shower stall. Either operation is somewhat hazardous as the person may slip or fall in the wet slippery environment of the shower. Also, accessibility to grooming aids is not convenient as generally these are either placed on the floor of the shower stall or maintained in a caddy suspended from the shower head.
- Various prior devices have attempted to address one or more of these problems. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,857 shows a foot support for use in a bathing enclosure having foot support surfaces, storage areas for canisters, and a recess to receive a safety razor.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,926 discloses a foot support having an elevating structure including legs, a footrest with an angled sole, and holders for a razor and a shaving cream container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,435 discloses a wall-mounted foot support for use primarily in a shower having a horizontally-inclined step plate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,070 discloses a leg shave plate with an inclined upper surface, designed to be mounted in the corner of a shower stall.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,545 shows a multi-purpose foot support having three receptacles intended to hold a razor, fresh water, and shave gel, lotion, or soap.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,723 shows a shower stool in which the entire cover may be tilted upward about a hinge to provide access to a storage space below the cover for storage of grooming aids.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,528 discloses a triangular shower foot rest for placement in the corner of a shower stall, having a downwardly-sloped top section and two shelf units in the back walls of the rest.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,448 shows a foot support having legs for support, indentations to follow foot contours, and a V-shaped prow to fit into the corner of a shower stall.
- U.S. Pat. No. Des. 287,075 shows a shower stool with an angled foot support surface that swings open to reveal a storage compartment.
- The prior devices have certain disadvantages. First, none of the prior art devices provides a compartment for storage of a razor that can be closed or covered to contain the razor without moving the entire platform. Moving such a large component is cumbersome, especially in the confined space of a shower, and requires the user to remove his or her foot from the platform. Second, the prior art devices are not adequately adapted to be temporarily placed in the corner of a shower. Some of the prior devices are permanently placed in the shower corner. Still others are intended to be temporarily placed there, but are not adapted to avoid intrusions from the shower wall, which could frustrate attempts to place the device near the wall, or use the wall to brace forces exerted on the stool by the user. Third, the prior devices do not disclose means by which to enhance the aesthetics of such devices or to tailor the aesthetics of such devices to different demographics of consumers.
- The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior stools of this type. A discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a stool adapted for use in a shower comprising a triangular platform having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one support leg depending from the platform. The stool includes a receptacle adapted to hold a razor and located on the top surface of the platform, having a hinged movable cover.
- In another embodiment, the stool includes a second receptacle having a cylindrical shape adapted to hold a cylindrically-shaped container and having an opening located on the top surface of the platform.
- In another embodiment, the stool has three legs depending from the platform, each leg proximate each of the three corners of the platform. The legs are spaced inwardly from any of the three edges, so as to avoid contact with shower wall intrusions.
- In another embodiment, the platform is constructed of a light-permeable material, such as acrylic, and contains indicia within the platform and visible from outside the platform.
- In another embodiment, the platform has a step surface on the top surface to provide a resting place for a person's foot.
- In another embodiment, the stool includes a first step extending between two of the legs, located below the bottom surface of the platform, and a second step extending between the same two legs, located below the first step.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
- To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a stool adapted for use in a shower, situated in the corner of a shower; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the stool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the stool ofFIG. 1 , a razor, and a container of shampoo; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the stool ofFIG. 1 situated in the corner of a shower; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a stool adapted for use in a shower; and -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stool adapted for use in a shower, containing indicia within the stool, which are visible from outside the stool. - While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
- Referring now in detail to the FIGS. and initially to
FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown astool 10 adapted for use in a shower to assist a person in shaving or washing his or her legs. Thestool 10 generally comprises atriangular platform 11 having atop surface 17, abottom surface 18, and threesupport legs 12 depending from theplatform 11. Theplatform 11 preferably includes arazor receptacle 20, acontainer receptacle 22, and astep surface 14 where the foot of the user may be placed.Additional steps 15 are preferably located between thelegs 12 of thestool 10, where they can also function as structural support for thelegs 12. Theentire stool 10 is preferably made of a light-permeable material, containing indicia 50 located inside thestool 10 that are visible from outside thestool 10. - The
platform 11 is preferably triangular in shape, and most preferably a right triangle. Theplatform 11 of thestool 10 shown inFIGS. 1-3 is right-triangular. In an alternate embodiment, theplatform 11 may not be right-triangular, as shown inFIG. 6 . The right-triangular shape allows thestool 10 to fit closely in thecorner 34 of a bathtub or shower, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Alternately, theplatform 11 may be of any practical shape. Thestool 10 preferably has threelegs 12, with one of the threelegs 12 proximate to each of the threecorners 19 of thetriangular platform 11. One of the threelegs 13 is preferably longer than the other twolegs 12, creating anangled platform 11 that is not parallel to a base surface upon which thestool 10 sits. Such a configuration is more ergonomic for a person to rest his or her foot upon. Thestool 10 may have any number oflegs 12 of varying lengths, particularly if theplatform 11 is not triangularly shaped. - The
legs 12 are preferably spaced inwardly from any of the threeedges 16 of thetriangular platform 11 to allow thelegs 12 to avoid contact with shower wall intrusions. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , the space between theedges 16 of theplatform 11 and thelegs 12 allows theedges 16 of theplatform 11 to contact theshower walls 30, while thelegs 12 extend to thefloor 31 of the shower unobstructed. Intrusions, such as asoap dish 33 or the curved area 32 where theshower wall 30 meets theshower floor 31, are avoided. Alternately,leg 12 placement on thestool 10 may vary, particularly if the geometry of theplatform 11 is different. - The
platform 11 preferably contains at least onerazor receptacle 20 and at least onecontainer receptacle 22, both of which are accessible on thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11. Therazor receptacle 20 is adapted to hold arazor 21, particularly a safety razor, and is of sufficient size and shape to do so. Preferably, therazor receptacle 20 is a shallow tray located in a cavity in theplatform 11, with an opening in thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11 to permit access to thereceptacle 20. Drain holes 26 are preferably located in the bottom of therazor receptacle 20, allowing water to drain out of thereceptacle 20, rather than collecting there. Alternately, therazor receptacle 20 may take any other suitable form. Still further, arazor receptacle 20 may be capable of holding more than onerazor 21. - The
preferred razor receptacle 20 includes a hingedmovable cover 24 that may be opened or closed to expose or conceal therazor receptacle 20. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 , thehinge 25 is preferably located near, and parallel to, theedge 16 of theplatform 11. Thecover 24 is preferably the same size and shape as the opening of therazor receptacle 20. In this configuration, thecover 24 is substantially flush with thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11 when closed. Therazor receptacle 20,cover 24, and hinge 25 may alternately take one of many other possible forms. Finally, thestool 10 may contain more than onerazor receptacle 20, as shown inFIG. 6 , or may not contain anyrazor receptacle 20. - The
container receptacle 22 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is adapted to hold a cylindrically-shapedcontainer 23, such as a bottle of shampoo or a can of shaving cream. Thepreferred container receptacle 22 is a cylindrical cavity in theplatform 11 with an opening in thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11 to permit access to thereceptacle 22. Drain holes 26 are preferably located in the bottom of thecontainer receptacle 22, allowing water to drain out of thereceptacle 22, rather than collecting there. Alternately, thecontainer receptacle 22 may be deeper, extending completely through theplatform 11. In this configuration, a basket, retaining tab, or similar structure (not shown) is necessary to support thecontainer 23. Thecontainer receptacle 22 may alternately take one of many other possible forms, and may be shaped differently to accommodate a different shape or type ofcontainer 23. Finally, thestool 10 may contain more than onecontainer receptacle 22, as shown inFIG. 6 , or may not contain anycontainer receptacle 22. - A
step surface 14 is preferably located on theplatform 11 at theedge 16 of thetop surface 17. Thestep surface 14 provides an ergonomic resting place for the foot of a person shaving or washing his or her leg. Thestool 10 shown inFIGS. 1-4 has astep surface 14 located at theedge 16 opposite thelonger leg 13 of thestool 10. Thisstep surface 14 is illustrated in more detail in the cross-sectional view inFIG. 4 . As shown inFIG. 4 , thepreferred step surface 14 is formed by arecess 40 in thetop surface 17 and theedge 16 of theplatform 11. Alternately, thestep surface 14 may be substantially level with thetop surface 17. Thestep surface 14 preferably has agripping surface 41 to enhance traction and prevent the user's foot from slipping on thestep surface 14. Preferably, this grippingsurface 41 is a series ofridges 42 parallel to theedge 16 of theplatform 11, but any relatively high-friction or high-traction surface will function suitably. Additionally, thestep surface 14 preferably contains drain holes 43 that allow water to drain through thestep surface 14, rather than accumulating there and causing a risk of slipping. As shown in the cross-sectional view inFIG. 4 , thepreferred step surface 14 contains bothridges 42 and drain holes 43. Thestep surface 14 of thestool 10 shown inFIG. 6 has a ridged grippingsurface 41 and no drain holes 43, and is level with thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11. Thestep surface 14 may take one of many possible alternate configurations, or may not be present at all. - The
stool 10 preferably includes twosteps 15 below the bottom surface of theplatform 11, as shown inFIGS. 1-4 . Thesesteps 15 extend between two of thelegs 12 of thestool 10 directly below thestep surface 14 on theplatform 11. The addition of thesesteps 15 allows thestool 10 to contain three step surfaces of varying heights to comfortably accommodate persons of differing heights or degrees of flexibility. In this configuration, thesteps 15 also function as structural supports for thelegs 12 of thestool 10, increasing stability and strength. Like thestep surface 14 on theplatform 11, thesesteps 15 preferably contain agripping surface 41 and drain holes 43.FIG. 4 illustrates astool 10 containing twosteps 15 having a ridged grippingsurface 41 and drain holes 43. Thestool 10 may alternately have a greater or smaller number ofsteps 15, or may have nosteps 15 at all. - The
stool 10 is preferably constructed of a light-permeable material, allowing at least some light to pass through, such as a translucent, transparent, or semi-transparent material, or the like. More preferably, thestool 10 is made from a transparent material, which is most preferably acrylic. In the preferred embodiment, decorative indicia 50 are located within theplatform 11. The light-permeable material allows such indicia 50 to be visible from outside thestool 10, as shown inFIG. 7 . The indicia 50 may be either three dimensional or thin and substantially two dimensional, and may be engineered to appeal aesthetically to different demographics of consumers. For example, the indicia 50 can comprise a series of small flowers or golf balls, intended to appeal generally to female and male users, respectively. Thestool 10 may contain one or more of a nearly limitless variety of indicia 50, to appeal to persons with specific interests. In alternate embodiments, theentire stool 10, or any portion thereof, may be light permeable and/or contain indicia 50. - When connected, the above-described components form a
stool 10, as shown inFIGS. 1-7 . Thelegs 12 depend from theplatform 11 and support theplatform 11 above the base surface upon which thelegs 12 rest. Therazor receptacle 20 and thecontainer receptacle 22 contain openings in thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11, to be easily accessible. The hingedcover 24 of therazor receptacle 20 is located at theedge 16 of thetop surface 17 of theplatform 11. Thestep surface 14 of theplatform 11 is located at theedge 16 of theplatform 11 opposite thelongest leg 13 of thestool 10. Theadditional steps 15 are located, one above the other, directly below thestep surface 14 on theplatform 11, forming a three-steppedstool 10. - The
stool 10 facilitates shaving or washing a person's leg in the shower by providing severalergonomic steps surface 41 increases the safety of thestool 10 by reducing or preventing the user's foot from slipping off thestool 10. Additionally, the placement of thestool 10 in thecorner 34 of the shower prevents thestool 10 from slipping on thefloor 31 of the shower, further increasing the safety of thestool 10. Arazor 21 can be placed in therazor receptacle 20 for convenient access and storage. This eliminates the likelihood of misplacing therazor 21 and keeps therazor 21 within easy reach at all times during shaving. Similarly, acontainer 23 of soap, shampoo, shaving cream, or similar substance can be placed in thecontainer receptacle 22 for convenient access and storage. When placed in thereceptacle 22, thecontainer 23 will be within easy reach at all times during shaving or washing. Thestool 10 described herein allows a person to shave or wash his or her leg with increased ease and safety. - While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.
Claims (5)
1. A stool adapted for use in a shower comprising:
a platform constructed of a light-permeable material;
a step surface located on the platform; and
a plurality of legs depending from the platform.
2. The stool of claim 1 , further comprising indicia located within the platform and visible from outside the platform.
3. The stool of claim 2 , wherein the indicia are substantially two-dimensional.
4. The stool of claim 2 , wherein the indicia are three-dimensional.
5. The stool of claim 1 , wherein the light-permeable material is acrylic.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/365,090 US20060143820A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-03-01 | Shower stool |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/910,742 US20060026751A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2004-08-03 | Shower stool |
US11/365,090 US20060143820A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-03-01 | Shower stool |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/910,742 Division US20060026751A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2004-08-03 | Shower stool |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060143820A1 true US20060143820A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
Family
ID=35755923
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/910,742 Abandoned US20060026751A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2004-08-03 | Shower stool |
US11/365,092 Abandoned US20060143821A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-03-01 | Shower stool |
US11/365,090 Abandoned US20060143820A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-03-01 | Shower stool |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/910,742 Abandoned US20060026751A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2004-08-03 | Shower stool |
US11/365,092 Abandoned US20060143821A1 (en) | 2004-08-03 | 2006-03-01 | Shower stool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20060026751A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110113990A1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-19 | Kristin Wald | Corner-braced, portable, foot prop |
WO2014127424A1 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-08-28 | Brown Leanne Therese | Shower step |
US9095959B1 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2015-08-04 | David Lee Smith | Adjustable soldering hold down |
US9414719B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2016-08-16 | 2M Products, LLC | Corner support platform |
USD833788S1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2018-11-20 | Kristin Wald | Adjustable shelf |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9770137B2 (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2017-09-26 | Tula Industries, Llc | Locking shower caddy |
US9204763B1 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2015-12-08 | Mark Laberda | Shower pedestals |
CN106308636A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2017-01-11 | 陈贵霞 | Multifunctional auxiliary device for showering in public bathroom |
US11950735B1 (en) * | 2021-03-15 | 2024-04-09 | Faith A. Griffin | Shaving assistance platform |
USD1019166S1 (en) * | 2023-10-16 | 2024-03-26 | Shuliang He | Shower stool |
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US2150482A (en) * | 1938-03-21 | 1939-03-14 | George B Bentz | Bathroom tub stool |
US2193527A (en) * | 1938-06-23 | 1940-03-12 | George B Bentz | Bathroom stool |
US3484876A (en) * | 1966-11-02 | 1969-12-23 | Anna Belle Thomas | Toilet seats and lids therefor |
US3520506A (en) * | 1968-03-13 | 1970-07-14 | Crawford Fitting Co | Work stool |
US4489448A (en) * | 1983-05-10 | 1984-12-25 | Cairo John B | Foot support for showers |
USD287075S (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-12-09 | George M. Colin | Combined shower stall foot stool and storage compartment |
US4656678A (en) * | 1985-07-21 | 1987-04-14 | Mordechai Lipski | Bath tub stool |
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US5341528A (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1994-08-30 | Caroline Sultzbaugh | Foot rest for use in a shower |
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US5579545A (en) * | 1995-05-05 | 1996-12-03 | Janeen E. Beard | Combined foot support and grooming needs holder |
US5640723A (en) * | 1996-01-26 | 1997-06-24 | Stanek; Michael | Portable shower stool with storage compartment |
US5920926A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-07-13 | Torres; Colleen Petruzz | Easy shave foot support |
US6115857A (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2000-09-12 | Bidegain; Marty E. | Foot support |
US6289529B1 (en) * | 1999-01-06 | 2001-09-18 | Brian Harvey | Shower seat and basket combination |
US6415460B1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2002-07-09 | The First Years, Inc. | Tub-stool combination |
US6457190B1 (en) * | 2000-08-15 | 2002-10-01 | Julie Stein | Child's wide-based bath seat |
US20030116998A1 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2003-06-26 | Brian Harvey | Seat having readily accessible basket |
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US4191420A (en) * | 1978-08-11 | 1980-03-04 | Fassett Kendall G | Portable chair and storage unit |
US5341538A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1994-08-30 | Sun Stix Incorporated | Sun lotion applicator |
-
2004
- 2004-08-03 US US10/910,742 patent/US20060026751A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-03-01 US US11/365,092 patent/US20060143821A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-03-01 US US11/365,090 patent/US20060143820A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US2150482A (en) * | 1938-03-21 | 1939-03-14 | George B Bentz | Bathroom tub stool |
US2193527A (en) * | 1938-06-23 | 1940-03-12 | George B Bentz | Bathroom stool |
US3484876A (en) * | 1966-11-02 | 1969-12-23 | Anna Belle Thomas | Toilet seats and lids therefor |
US3520506A (en) * | 1968-03-13 | 1970-07-14 | Crawford Fitting Co | Work stool |
US4489448A (en) * | 1983-05-10 | 1984-12-25 | Cairo John B | Foot support for showers |
USD287075S (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-12-09 | George M. Colin | Combined shower stall foot stool and storage compartment |
US4656678A (en) * | 1985-07-21 | 1987-04-14 | Mordechai Lipski | Bath tub stool |
US5341528A (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1994-08-30 | Caroline Sultzbaugh | Foot rest for use in a shower |
US5340070A (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1994-08-23 | Soma Betsy A | Leg shave plate |
US5465435A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1995-11-14 | Malvaez; Laura A. | Shower step for shaving legs |
US5579545A (en) * | 1995-05-05 | 1996-12-03 | Janeen E. Beard | Combined foot support and grooming needs holder |
US5640723A (en) * | 1996-01-26 | 1997-06-24 | Stanek; Michael | Portable shower stool with storage compartment |
US5920926A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-07-13 | Torres; Colleen Petruzz | Easy shave foot support |
US6289529B1 (en) * | 1999-01-06 | 2001-09-18 | Brian Harvey | Shower seat and basket combination |
US6115857A (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2000-09-12 | Bidegain; Marty E. | Foot support |
US6415460B1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2002-07-09 | The First Years, Inc. | Tub-stool combination |
US6457190B1 (en) * | 2000-08-15 | 2002-10-01 | Julie Stein | Child's wide-based bath seat |
US20030116998A1 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2003-06-26 | Brian Harvey | Seat having readily accessible basket |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110113990A1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-19 | Kristin Wald | Corner-braced, portable, foot prop |
US8628143B2 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2014-01-14 | Kristin Wald | Corner-braced, portable, foot prop |
US9095959B1 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2015-08-04 | David Lee Smith | Adjustable soldering hold down |
US9414719B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2016-08-16 | 2M Products, LLC | Corner support platform |
WO2014127424A1 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-08-28 | Brown Leanne Therese | Shower step |
USD833788S1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2018-11-20 | Kristin Wald | Adjustable shelf |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060026751A1 (en) | 2006-02-09 |
US20060143821A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |