WO2001082761A1

WO2001082761A1 - Knockdown bath bench

Info

Publication number: WO2001082761A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/013888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul E. Higgs; Scott Sweeney; Jason Williams
Original assignee: Higgs Medical Products, Llc.
Priority date: 2000-05-01
Filing date: 2001-04-30
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Also published as: AU2001259267A1

Abstract

A thermoplastic one piece seat is formed with a plurality of ribs, openings and recesses. A set of four identical adjustable legs each have mating sections one of which having a keyed extension for fitting into a keyed recess in the bottom of the seat. The leg extensions are keyed to fix the relative leg orientation. The leg sections having mating adjustment devices comprising a tubular lower section with peg projections which mate in a slot in the upper C-shaped section. The slot is axial with transverse adjustment slots for receiving the peg projections in selected leg height positions. The leg sections are relatively rotated to adjust the leg lengths. Handles comprising two mating halves are releasably attached to mating openings in the seat. A seat back has a post that is releasably attached to a mating opening in the seat. The bench is easily assembled and adjusted with few separate components.

Description

KNOCKDOWN BATH BENCH

This invention relates to bath benches or chairs which are used in bath tubs. US Pat. No. 5,536,068 discloses a chair with adjustable legs. The adjustment mechanism includes an insert sleeve received within a hollow area of a leg member. The insert sleeve has an internal thread which threadably receives a leg extension having an external thread. Rotation ofthe leg extension within the sleeve adjusts the length ofthe leg member. However, since the extension extends from the sleeve, the threads, thereof are exposed and are unsightly and also may cause injury to a finger inserted in the mechanism.

US Design patent Des. 375,638 shows a one piece bath bench. US Pat. No. 5,755,489 discloses an adjustable chair with a seat having leg connectors and lock members along two sides, a chair back attached along and rising from the rear ofthe seat, and two side sections forming legs. Each side section comprises substantially vertical slots that releasably engage the leg connectors ofthe seat slidably attaching the legs to the seat. Multiple lock-engaging members are at different heights are arranged for releasable engagement with the lock members for selective adjustment ofthe seat height. Handles disengage the lock members when pulled. The side sections are relatively bulky and detract from the appearance ofthe chair. US Pat. No. 4,574,409 discloses a bath seat. Other chair arrangements are disclosed in US Pats. Nos. 5,953,769, 5,671,974, 5,135,284, 1,669,757 and 2,711,787.

The present inventors recognize a need for a bath bench that is attractive in appearance, is easily adjustable in height, is made of main components that are molded thermoplastic, is easily assembled and disassembled, is easy to adjust, when disassembled can be packed in a compact package and is safe to use. None ofthe above noted US patents meet all of these needs.

A knockdown bath bench according to the present invention comprises a plastic molded seat lying in and defining a plane, the seat having a top surface and a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and first and second opposing side edges, the seat having a plurality of like spaced one of first recesses and openings associated with the bottom surface and defined by at least one wall at the bottom surface; and a plurality of plastic molded legs, the legs each having a leg support extension, the support extension of each leg being located in and being supported by a separate one ofthe first recesses and openings.

In one embodiment, the seat includes at least one of a second through opening and second recess, further including a plastic molded back section having a post portion releasably secured in one ofthe at least one second through opening and second recess. In a further embodiment, the seat includes at least one of a second through opening and second recess, further including at least one plastic molded side handle, the handle being releasably inserted in the at least one second opening and second recess adjacent to the first side edge. In a further embodiment, each the legs include first and second telescoping leg sections, each section having cooperating adjustment means for setting the length of each leg.

In a still further embodiment, the first section has opposing ends and a length between the ends and includes the extension portion at a first end and has a hollow core, the first section core including a member with a plurality of slots spaced along the length ofthe first section, the second section being received in the core ofthe first section and having a peg extending therefrom engaged with a selected one ofthe slots for adjustably setting the combined length ofthe first and second sections. In a further embodiment, the second section is tubular and is rotatably and axially secured in the core in a first annular direction by the slot and is free to disengage the slot by rotation ofthe second section in a second annular direction opposite the first direction.

In a further embodiment, the support extension comprises a first geometric perimeter and the first recesses and openings each having a second geometric perimeter complementary to the first geometric perimeter for receiving the extension.

In a further embodiment, the extension and the first recesses and openings each have mating keys for orienting a received mating leg in only one relative orientation in a first recess and opening. In a further embodiment, the leg extensions, keys and first recesses and openings are identical for all the legs.

In a further embodiment, the extension of each leg is identical, each leg having a first locking means and each first recess and openings having a second locking means complementary to the first locking means for receiving and releasably securing a corresponding leg thereto.

In a further embodiment, the locking means comprises snap fit elements. Preferably the seat includes a plurality of ribs extending across the bottom surface, the first recesses and openings each being formed by an annular rib, the plurality of ribs being integral and one piece with the annular rib.

IN THE DRAWING: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a bath bench according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an isometric exploded view ofthe bath bench of Fig. 1 ; FIGURES 3 and 4 are respective side and front elevation views ofthe bath bench of Fig. 1;

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view from the front and top ofthe seat ofthe bench of Fig. 1;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan ofthe seat of Fig. 5; FIGURE 7 is a sectional elevation view through a representative leg section ofthe bench of Fig. 1;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional elevation view ofthe leg section of Fig. 7 orthogonal to the view of Fig. 7;

FIGURE 9 is an isometric view ofthe leg section of Figs. 7 and 8; FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view partially in section ofthe assembled leg and seat ofthe bench of Fig. 1 showing a section ofthe leg and a view of a seat portion and one ofthe side handles;

FIGURE 11 is an isometric view of a second section ofthe leg used in conjunction with the portion of Figs. 7-9;

FIGURE 12 is an isometric view of a first handle section forming the side handle of Fig. 10;

FIGURES 13 and 14 are respective side elevation and plan views of a second handle section used in conjunction with the handle section of Fig. 12; FIGURE 15 is a side elevation view partially in section ofthe seat ofthe bench of Fig. 1 and side handle section of Fig. 12 installed on the seat;

FIGURES 16 and 17 are respective front and rear elevation views ofthe back ofthe bench of Fig. 1;

FIGURE 16a is a sectional elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 16 taken along lines 16a- 16a; and

FIGURES 18 and 19 are respective bottom plan views of a seat and perspective view of a leg section according to a further embodiment of the present invention..

In Figs. 1-4, bath bench 2 comprises a seat 4, a back 6, a pair of identical side handles 8, 8' and four identical adjustable in height legs 10. These components are all injection molded thermoplastic material. The back 6 and seat 4 are each one piece integral members. The handles 8, 8' each comprise two piece members 12 and 14, Fig. 2, assembled in mirror image fashion. The legs 10 comprise two one piece sections 16 and 18 and a resilient suction cup foot 20 attached to the bottom of each of sections 18 for holding the bench in place in a bath tub. The seat 4, Figs. 5 and 6, comprises a generally flat but slightly contoured upper surface 22. The seat 4 is generally sheet material with a number of surface features molded therein. The seat has small through water drain openings 24 in an array pattern. A pair of through openings slots 26, 28 are formed adjacent to seat 4 edges 30, 32, respectively, to form a handle 34, 36, respectively, with the edges 30, 32. A pair of like channels 38, 40 are formed in the seat 4 front portion ofthe edges 30, 32, respectively. The channels 38, 40 may be used to hold a bath appliance such as a shower head attached to a flexible hose as known in the plumbing art. Other bath accessories (not shown) on a rod or support base may also be used for insertion in the channels 38 or 40 for use with the bench 2. A through opening or slot 42 is formed in the rear ofthe seat adjacent to the rear edge 43. Slot 42 receives the mounting post section 50 ofthe back 6 post 48 (Fig. 2). Circular through hole openings 44, 46 for receiving mating mounting sections ofthe handles 8, 8' are on each side ofthe seat and on opposite ends ofthe slots 26, 28. The term opening herein and in the claims is intended to include circular through holes, through slots, through channels and all other shapes of through holes or channels in the seat or other elements ofthe bench 2 which are in communication with opposite sides ofthe seat or other member. The term recess herein and in the claims is intended to mean non-through hole or openings in which the mouth ofthe opening is juxtaposed with an enclosed side or bottom wall ofthe opening forming a blind opening. For example, channels 38 and 40 extending to opposite sides ofthe seat -4 are through openings. They are referred to as channels because they have a bottom wall formed by ribs 38', 40', Fig. 6, and an open top formed in the front-side edge corner 41, 41' ofthe seat 4. Slots 26, 28 and openings 44 and 46 are though openings. In the disclosed embodiments herein, though openings and recesses may be used interchangeably, the disclosed embodiments being preferred and are given by way of illustration.

In Fig. 6, the seat 4 bottom comprises a recess 52 formed by depending peripheral side wall 54 forming a skirt about the seat and somewhat oval in shape with rounded side edges 30 and 32, corners 41, 41' and rear edge 43. The recess 52 is subdivided by a plurality of reinforcement ribs 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and 94 on one half of the seat bottom with mirror image ribs on the opposite half of the seat. Through openings 44 and 46, channels 38 and 40 and slots 26, 28 and 42 are all formed by ribs depending into the recess 52. The handles 34 and 36 are formed by foreshortened ribs 34' and 36' at the seat edges so that a hand may grip about the handles. Ribs 58, 62, and 74, 78 are diagonal respective pairs extending substantially across the seat bottom. Ribs 58, 62 terminate at annular generally square in shape rib 88 which is secured to side wall 54 by diagonal rib 90. Rib 88 and rib 94 are identical and are coupled to the side wall 54 in similar fashion by a radial rib such as rib 90. The ribs 72 and 74 are normal to ribs 62, 58. Rib 60 is connected between and to ribs 72 and 88. Ribs 100 and 102 are mirror images and connect respective ribs 62, 66 and 72, 66. In similar fashion all ribs are interconnected with connecting ribs as shown all depending into the recess 52 from the seat 4 top plate member 104. Ribs 88 and 94, rib 88 being representative for all ofthe four mirror image ribs in the seat bottom, form a subrecess 96 in recess 52. Ribs 88 and 94 have mirror image ribs and recesses on opposite sides ofthe seat bottom. The recess are the same except for the different contours of the bottom ofthe recess 96 formed by seat member 104. Rib 88 is generally square with rounded corners and has a key 98. The key 98 extends inwardly into the recess 96. The key 98 is trapezoidal in plan view, Fig. 6. The rib 90 reinforces the key 98.

Each mirror image recess 96, 96' is located adjacent to a corner 41, 41', 45, 45'. Not shown are detent surface features on side wall portions 88' of rib 88 in side the recesses 96, 96' (and the other mirror image ribs forming recesses 96, 96') such ^• as a groove or projection. A similar surface feature is in rib 82 rib portion 82'. The purpose of these detent surface features will be described below in more detail and used to generally releasably retain the mating component inserted in that recess.

A representative leg 10 is described in connection with Figs. 6-11. In Figs. 7-9, leg section 16 comprises a generally U-shaped hollow core segment 106 to which is attached as one piece integral structure a hollow core semi-circular section 108. Extending upwardly from section 16 is a leg extension 110. Extension 110 is generally square in plan view and fits in and mates with any of recesses 96, 96' (Fig. 6). The extension 110 comprises a set 112 of four planar parallel ribs. These ribs are one piece molded with rib 113. The rib 113 has a trapezoidal shape forming a trapezoidal key female recess which mates with the male key 98, Fig. 6, formed by rib 88 in the seat 4. These male and female keys insure that the legs 10 are oriented in only the one desired orientation, Figs. 1-4, when attached to the seat 4.

The outermost ribs 112' have an outwardly extending detent projection 114. The projections 114 are arranged to mate with and engage the surface features inside the recesses 96, 96' of representative rib 88 to releasably snap fit secure the leg extensions 110 in these recesses. This secures the leg sections 16 to the seat 4. The set 112 of ribs, Fig. 10, are oriented vertical on axis 114 when the bench is in use. The segment 106 is oriented on axis 116 inclined relative to axis 114. The section 108 has a longitudinal axis 118. The axes 114 and 118 are parallel. The section 108 has a hollow core in a tubular longitudinal wall 120 with an axially extending slot 122, Fig. 7, in the wall. The wall 120 has an axially extending array of slots 124 inclined transversely relative to and intersecting in communication with slot 122 in preferably equal increments along axis 118. The slots 124 have an arcuate semi-circular end portion 126.

In Fig. 11 , section 18 is a one piece molded thermoplastic hollow core tube having a reduced diameter extension 118 forming a foot support ofthe leg 10. An elastomeric or plastic suction cup foot 130, Fig. 10, fits over the extension 118. The section 118 has a diameter such as to fit and slide axially along axis 118 telescopically within the section 108 of section 16. The section 18 has an axis 118' which coincides with axis 118 Fig. 10 when assembled to section 108. Two peg projections 132 of like dimensions are axially spaced along axis 118' and extend radially outwardly from the outer surface of section 18. The peg projections 132 have a cylindrical stem 134 and a larger diameter disc-like head 136. The stem 134 fits in and can slide in slots 122 and 124, Fig. 7, ofthe section 108. The heads 136 are larger than the slots 122 and 124 to secure the section 16 to the section 16. The projections 132 retain the section 18 in an axial position along the length of section 16 in accordance with a selected mating one of slots 124 receiving the projections 132. The arcuate end portions 126 ofthe slots 124 retain the projections in position in the selected slots 124 by the weight ofthe seat and upper section 16 on the projections and on the section 108 at slots 124 resting on that slot wall.

In operation ofthe adjustment ofthe legs 10, the sections 108 are each rotated about axis 118 so that the projection stems 134 are engaged with slot 122. The section 108 is then axially displaced until the projections 132 align with a desired leg length. The section 108 is rotated to secure the section in this position by engaging the peg projections 132 with slots 124. This is an easy and simple operation which can be done with one hand, one leg at a time. The section 18 side wall is smooth and presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance regardless the adjusted length ofthe legs 10. In Figs. 3 and 12-14, the handle 8 comprises two pieces, U-shaped members

12 and 14, which attach in mirror image fashion. In Fig. 12, member 14 comprises a handle portion 138 and two like support extensions 140, 142 at opposite handle ends forming extensions ofthe U-portions. Each extension 140, 142 includes a hollow circular cylinder 144 depending from a semi-circular flange 146 at each depending end ofthe member 14. The cylinder 144 is bifurcated at its end distal the flange 146 forming tines 148. The tines 148 each have a detent shoulder 150, the distal ends of the tines 148 having outer surfaces that gradually taper toward a smaller outer diameter. Apertured bosses 152 are inside the cavity ofthe handle portion which is C-shaped in cross section. Handle member 12, Figs. 13 and 14, comprises a U-shape handle portion 151

C-shaped in section. The member 12 is complementary to the handle member 14 portion 138 and includes semi-circular flanges 154. Flanges 154 form an annular washer-like flange with flanges 146 when the members 12 and 14 are joined as in Figs. 1-4. A semi-circular cylindrical projection 156 depends from the flange 154. The member 12 includes apertured bosses (not shown) in which apertures 158 attaching screws pass. The apertures 158 and apertures in bosses 152 align for screwing the two members together. The projections 156 fit in the core of hollow extensions 140.

The extensions 140 are inserted into a mating opening 44, 46 in the seat 4, Fig. 5, and as shown in Fig. 2. The tines 148 ofthe extensions 140 compress somewhat when inserted into the openings 44, 46 due to the larger diameter shoulders 150 which snap fit hold the handle to the seat when the shoulders pass through the seat openings 44, 46. The shoulders serve as a releasable detent for permitting the handles to be disengaged as desired. In Figs. 16 and 17, the seat back 6 has a smooth front face 158 and a handle forming slot 160 near the seat top edge. The periphery ofthe back is formed with an annular rearwardly extending side wall 162. A plurality of reinforcement ribs 164 are formed in the rear side ofthe back to rigidity the back. Post 48 depends from the upper portion ofthe back and has a narrower width than the back. The post 48 mounting and section 50 both have reinforcing ribs on the rear side. The mounting section 50 fits in slot 42, Fig. 2, ofthe seat 4. The section 50 has a detent projection 162 in central resilient tab 164, Fig. 16a. This projection mates with a corresponding surface feature rib or groove (not shown) in the slot 160 side wall to releasably secure the post section 50 to the seat 4. In Fig. 18, in an alternative embodiment, seat 168 comprises a plurality of ribs 170 depending from the bottom surface 172 ofthe seat. An annular outer rib 174 depends from surface 172 and is coupled to seat peripheral rib skirt 176. Rib 174 is reinforced by ribs 170. Rib 174 forms annular recess 178. An internal projection 180 inside of recess 178 comprises an annular rib 182 and a plurality of reinforcing internal ribs 184 all depending from the seat 168 bottom surface 172.

The projection 180 and outer rib 174 form the recess 178. A key 184 is formed by

In Fig. 19, leg section 186 has an extension 188. Extension 188 comprises an annular wall 190 and an internal recess 192. Outer ribs 194 and 196 reinforce the wall 190. The remaining portions ofthe leg section 186 is the same as for the other leg section 16 embodiment described above. The leg section 186 is attached to seat 168 by inserting the seat projection 180 into the leg extension 188 recess 192. The extension 188 wall 190 is received in the seat recess 178. The ribs surrounding the inserted extension 188 attached to the seat support the leg and lock it to the seat with resilient detents (not shown).

It will occur that the recesses in the seat depending from the seat bottom surface for receiving the leg extensions may be through openings. In this case, shoulders or flanges, not shown, extending outwardly from the legs may serve as stops abutting the edges ofthe ribs on the seat bottom surface. Also, such shoulders may serve to strengthen the legs as well. Similar shoulders, for example are shown in Fig. 9 wherein the leg 10 section 16 has a shoulder 16' at the interface of extension 110 and segment 106. Such a shoulder may be extended outwardly radially from leg section 186. Also, it will occur that openings for receiving the handles and back may in the alternative comprise recesses. There thus has been shown and described a knockdown bath bench that is easy to assembly and provides a compact set of components when packaged in the knock down state. The seat 4 conveniently serves as central module for receiving the back, handles and legs. The back and handles are optional. A seat with only legs may be employed in different implementations. In this case corresponding openings or recesses for the back and handles may be omitted. The seat 4 defines a plane 166, Fig. 10, and exhibits relatively little in the way of projections extending from this plane. It is not bulky and is easy to carry and handle. The leg sections 16 extensions axes 114 are normal to the seat 4 plane and thus maximize the strength of the connection ofthe legs to the seat. The extensions 110 fit snugly into the mating recess 52 in the seat bottom and securely hold the legs in place. The mating leg extension and recess detents hold the legs to the seat as the bench is carried. Such detents may comprise ribs only or ribs and grooves. Yet the snap fit arrangement permits the legs to be easily disengaged if desired.

While the present invention has been described with regard to certain embodiments, it should be understood that variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the shape of the extensions, detents, recesses and positioning of the ribs is not critical and may vary from that shown. The orientation ofthe ribs on the seat is not critical and may differ from that shown. All of the through openings and recesses are preferably reinforced with adjacent ribs. Such ribs may differ in form from that shown.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A knockdown bath bench comprising: a plastic molded seat lying in and defining a plane, the seat having a top surface and a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and first and second opposing side edges, said seat having a plurality of like spaced one of first recesses and openings associated with the bottom surface and defined by at least one wall at said bottom surface; and a plurality of plastic molded legs, said legs each having a leg support extension, the support extension of each leg being located in and being supported in and by a separate one of said first recesses and openings.

2. The bench of claim 1 wherein the seat includes at least one of a second through opening and second recess, further including a plastic molded back section having a post portion releasably secured in one of said at least one second through opening and second recess.

3. The bench of claim 1 wherein the seat includes at least one of a second through opening and second recess, further including at least one plastic molded side handle, the handle being releasably inserted in said at least one second opening and second recess adjacent to the first side edge.

4. The bench of claim 1 wherein each said legs include first and second telescoping leg sections, each section having cooperating adjustment means for setting the length of each leg.

5. The bench of claim 4 wherein the first section has opposing ends and a length between the ends and includes said extension portion at a first end and has a hollow core, the first section core including a member with a plurality of slots spaced along the length ofthe first section, the second section being received in the core ofthe first section and having a peg extending therefrom engaged with a selected one of said slots for adjustably setting the combined length ofthe first and second sections.

6. The bench of claim 5 wherein the second section is tubular and is rotatably and axially secured in said core in a first annular direction by said slot and is free to disengage the slot by rotation ofthe second section in a second annular direction opposite the first direction.

7. The bench of claim 1 wherein the support extension comprises a first geometric perimeter and the first recesses and openings each having a second geometric perimeter complementary to the first geometric perimeter for receiving the extension.

8. The bench of claim 7 wherein the extension and the first recesses and openings each have mating keys for orienting a received mating leg in only one relative orientation in a first recess and opening.

9. The bench of claim 8 wherein the leg extensions, keys and first recesses and openings are identical for all said legs.

10. The bench of claim 1 wherein the extension of each leg is identical, each leg having a first locking means and each first recess and openings having a second locking means complementary to the first locking means for receiving and releasably securing a corresponding leg thereto.

11. The bench of claim 10 wherein the locking means comprises snap fit elements.

12. The bench of claim 6 wherein the seat includes a plurality of ribs extending across the bottom surface, said first recesses and openings each being formed by an annular rib, said plurality of ribs being integral and one piece with said annular rib.

13. The bench of claim 8 wherein the bottom surface has a plurality of reinforcing ribs, each said first recesses and openings having at least one side wall, said at least one side wall having a key comprising a segment extending inwardly, the leg extensions each having a side wall with a concavity for receiving the inwardly extending segment.

14. The bench of claim 13 including a reinforcing rib formed one piece and integral with each ofthe first recesses and openings at least one side wall for reinforcing the first side wall.

15. The bench of claim 1 wherein the legs have a given perimeter, the extensions each comprise a plurality of parallel sheet material ribs having a perimeter smaller than the perimeter ofthe leg portions, the leg portions each having a shoulder between the perimeter thereof and ie perimeter of me extension portions, the first recesses and openings being formed by an annular rib having an edge, said edge for abutting said shoulder.

16. The bench of claim 4 wherein the second section is tubular, the extensions each having a first longitudinal axis, the first section including said extension and defining a second longitudinal axis inclined relative to the first longitudinal axis, said first section including first adjustment means portion having a third longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis, the second section being received in the first section and concentric with said third longitudinal axis.

17. The bench of claim 16 wherein the first and third longitudinal axes are normal to the plane of said seat.

18. The bench of claim 3 wherein the at least one side handle has a bifurcated extension, said at least one of said second openings and second recess for receiving the bifurcated extension, the bifurcated extension comprising a pair of resilient fingers, at least one finger having a shoulder for releasably gripping the seat and securing the bifurcated extension to said seat.

19. The bench of claim 3 wherein the at least one handle comprises first and second mating members, the first members having a first portion and a bifurcated extension extending from the first member first portion, said at least one second opening and second recess for receiving the bifurcated extension, the bifurcated extension comprising a pair of resilient fingers, at least one finger having a shoulder for releasably gripping the seat and securing the bifurcated extension to said seat, the second member for being secured to the first member first portion to form a handle.

20. The bench of claim 19 wherein the bifurcated extension comprises a circular

cylinder from which the pair of fingers depend, the circular cylinder for being received in a complementary one of said at least one second opening and second recess.

21. The bench of claim 1 wherein said legs and seat each include resilient complementary detent means for releasably securing the legs to the seat.

22. The bath bench of claim 1 wherein the legs are supported solely by said at least one first openings and recesses.

23. A knockdown bath bench comprising: a plastic one piece molded seat having a front edge, a rear edge and first and second opposing side edges having top and bottom surfaces and lying in a plane, said seat having at least one of a plurality of through openings and recesses at said bottom surface each defining an axis normal to said plane; and a plurality of plastic molded legs, each leg including a leg support extension having a longitudinal axis, the extension of each leg being located in and supported solely by a corresponding separate one of said at least one of a plurality of through openings and recesses with the longitudinal axis parallel to said normal axis, the legs each including first and second telescoping leg sections, each section having cooperating adjustment means for setting the length of each leg.

24. The bath bench of claim 23 wherein the second section is tubular, the first section including said extension and defining a second longitudinal axis inclined relative to the first longitudinal axis, said first section including first adjustment means having a third longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis, the second section being received in the first section and concentric with said third longitudinal axis.

25. The bench of claim 23 including at least one plastic molded side handle, the handle including securing portions releasably inserted in at least a second of said openings and recesses adjacent to a first side edge, the at least one handle comprising a first member and a second member secured to the first member, the first member including said securing portion having a cylindrical member depending therefrom at opposite ends ofthe first member and a bifurcated section depending from the cylindrical member including second detent means for securing the at least one handle to the seat in second and third seat openings.