WO2017115299A1

WO2017115299A1 - Support unit for the human body

Info

Publication number: WO2017115299A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/058050
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea GREGOLO
Original assignee: Gregolo Andrea
Priority date: 2015-12-30
Filing date: 2016-12-28
Publication date: 2017-07-06
Also published as: ITUB20159800A1

Abstract

A support unit (1) for the human body comprises a fixing structure (2) to be fixed to a wall (P), a movable structure (4), rotation and/or translation means (3) and at least one sustain element (5), wherein the movable structure (4) comprises a first panel (4').

Description

"SUPPORT UNIT FOR THE HUMAN BODY"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support unit for the human body.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a sustain and/or support unit, for example for a person with motor disabilities of the lower limbs or with walking problems, usable during the operations of entering into and exiting from a shower zone and during the use of the zone itself.

STATE OF THE ART

Currently, sitting systems are known for a shower or for a bath tub for the support of a person with handicap, in which such systems are of static type and generally placed inside a shower or bath tub zone.

The aforesaid systems allow a person having a handicap or motor difficulties to move himself/herself, remaining comfortably seated, from outside a shower or bath tub to the inside thereof, or vice versa.

According to one version, a sitting system of conventional type comprises a vertical support and a seat structure, in which the vertical support is an angular element coupled to the wall, and the seat structure comprises a set of aluminum bars, assembled by means of screws and nuts. The vertical support and the seat structure are mutually joined together by a plurality of hinges.

The vertical support acts as a rotation axis for the seat structure, which is able to rotate around the support by means of the aforesaid hinges.

The vertical support is fixed to the wall through threaded assemblies, such as screws^, bolts etcetera.

The seat structure comprises lateral handrails assembled thereto by means of screws, bolts, etcetera.

The handicapped person can thus draw the seat structure towards himself/herself, making it rotate around the hinges, bringing it towards the outside of the bath tub/shower; he/she can be seated and lean against the handrails; lift his/her feet from the ground, thus allowing the seat structure to rotate and enter into the bath tub/shower; once he/she has finished in the shower, he/she can once again lift his/her feet and, by rotating the seat structure towards the outside, he/she can exit from the shower/bath tub. In an alternative configuration, such seat system is assembled by means of welding, instead of by means of threaded assemblies of various type.

Nevertheless, the aforesaid seat system, being constituted by a set of components assembled together by means of welding or by means of the use of screws, bolts, nuts etcetera, has critical points in specific portions: in particular, the connection portions between the various components are often subjected to high concentrated loads, hence they are worn quite quickly over time, leading to the risk of breakage of the seat system itself.

For the aforesaid grounds, the conventional seat systems could not be installed on a wall with weak strength and/or limited thickness: indeed, by not allowing a uniform distribution of the load, there are points in which the loads themselves are concentrated, leading to a breakage and/or to a separation of such systems from the wall in question. In addition, such seat systems are only adapted for people with motor disabilities of the lower limbs.

There is therefore the need to obtain a support unit for shower or bath tub having configuration such to allow the uniform distribution of the load acting thereon, so as to ensure a greater duration of the system itself over time and a greater versatility in installation.

In addition, there is the need to make a support unit adaptable to the single settings where it is installed and to the problems of each single person, depending on whether the latter has lower limb disabilities, and hence requires a stable seat, or walking problems, and therefore requires a safe support or grip during the operations of entering/using/exiting a shower zone.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.

Another of the present invention is to implement a support unit for the human body. A further object of the present invention is to implement a support unit for the human body capable of offering a prop and/or a support for a person with motor disabilities of the lower limbs or with walking problems, during the entrance into a treatment zone, such as a shower zone, and in particular during the exit therefrom, and during use thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to implement a support unit capable of offering a prop and/or a support for a person which is simple to make and easy to use. Another object of the present invention is to make a support unit for the human body that allows a uniform distribution of the loads thereon.

In addition, one object of the present invention is to implement a support unit for the human body having good durability over time.

A further object of the present invention is to implement a support unit for the human body adaptable to the problems of the single user, in a mamier such that the prop and/or support offered by such support unit are in accordance with the disability of the single person.

Another object of the present invention is to implement a support unit for the human body which is versatile in installation, i.e. installable in any type of shower/bath tub.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a support unit is provided for the human body according to independent claim 1 .

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearer from the description of a support unit for the human body, illustrated by way of example in the enclosed drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in open position;

figure 2 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in semi-open position;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in closed position;

figure 4 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to another embodiment;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in accordance with a further embodiment;

figure 6 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in accordance with another embodiment;

figure 7 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in accordance with another embodiment;

figure 8 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention in accordance with another embodiment;

figure 9 is a perspective view of a support unit for the human body according to the present invention installed in a shower zone.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the enclosed figures, a support unit 1 for the human body is illustrated.

The support unit 1 is a sustain and/or support unit for a person with motor disabilities of the lower limbs or with walking problems.

Such support unit 1 therefore allows people having the aforesaid problems to perform daily activities or actions which would be difficult or impossible to carry out without the use of the support unit 1 itself.

In one version of the present invention, the support unit 1 is installed in a treatment zone, such as a shower zone (or bath tub zone) and it is used for carrying out the following actions: entering into the shower/bath tub zone, performing normal personal hygiene operations, exiting from the aforesaid zone.

In an alternative version, the support unit 1 can be installed in proximity to a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink or in proximity to other areas inside or outside a home that are hard to reach or use by a person with motor difficulties of the lower limbs or with walking problems.

Hereinbelow, reference will be made to a support unit for the human body installed in a treatment zone, such as a shower or a bath tub, it being indicated overall with the reference number 1 . Such support unit 1 comprises a fixing structure 2 for fixing to a wall P, a movable structure 4 and rotation and/or translation means 3, such as a hinge 3, adapted to join the fixing structure 2 and the movable structure 4.

The movable structure 4 comprises, in one version of the invention, a first panel 4' . The support unit 1 also comprises at least one sustain element 5 constrained to the movable structure 4 and set to support a person in seated or raised position.

In one version of the invention, the movable structure 4 only comprises the first panel 4', so that the movable structure 4 is a table element in a single piece or reticular set to support the at least one or each sustain element 5. The fixing structure 2 and the movable structure 4, in one version of the invention, are constituted by two panels, respectively a second panel 2' and a first panel 4', in which the second panel 2' is fixed with respect to the wall P and the first panel 4' is movable with respect to the second panel 2'.

The first panel 4' and the second panel 2' can have square shape or be square with rounded corners or rectangular, or have another shape.

In addition, the first panel 4' and the second panel 2' can have the same size and shape or they can be different from each other, in accordance with requirements.

The first panel 4' and the second panel 2' can be made of painted aluminum: in fact this is a material adapted to ensure lightness, strength and durability over time in humid settings.

In an alternative version of the present invention, the first panel 4' and the second panel 2' can be made of other materials that are suitable for this purpose, e.g. batyline, woven synthetic fiber, carbon fiber, polypropylene or other.

The second panel 2' can be applied to the wall P in a safe and stable manner and it can be installed in a manner such to have vertical edges that are perpendicular with respect to a walking surface.

In particular, the second panel 2' has, during use, a substantially vertical arrangement. The second panel 2' is applied to the wall P by means of suitable fixing means, such as screws, dowels and brackets, etcetera.

The second panel 2' has an internal face directed towards the wall P, hence not visible to a user once such support unit 1 was installed, and an external face directed towards the setting of the treatment zone or shower/bath tub zone.

The first panel 4' comprises a plate with substantially vertical arrangement during use, having a rear face during use that is directed towards the fixing structure 2, as well as a flat face for constraining the at least one sustain element 5.

For example, the first panel 4' has two faces, a first face directed towards the second fixed panel 2' and a second face, opposite thereto, directed in the same direction as the external face of the second panel 2'.

As stated, the support unit 1 comprises rotation and/or translation means 3.

The movable structure 4 and the fixing structure 2 are connected by means of the aforesaid rotation and/or translation means 3, so that the movable structure 4 can be rotated and/or translated with respect to the fixing structure 2 in a manner such to allow the movement of the movable structure 4 between a first position outside or at an opening of a treatment zone for a person and a second position inside the treatment zone itself.

In one version of the invention, the rotation and/or translation means 3 comprise at least one hinge 3' intended to define a substantially vertical pivoting axis of the movable structure 4 with respect to the fixing structure 2.

Hereinbelow, the characteristics described for the rotation and/or translation means 3 can also be considered for the at least one hinge 3', and vice versa.

In particular, the rotation and/or translation means 3 or the at least one hinge 3 ' constitute a constraint adapted to connect a vertical edge of the second panel 2' with a vertical edge of the first panel 4'.

The at least one hinge 3 ' can be of continuous type or of pin type.

The at least one hinge 3' has vertical rotation axis R perpendicular to the walking surface.

In addition, the at least one hinge 3 ' can constitute a constraint adapted to ensure a rotation of the first panel 4' around the rotation axis R.

The movable structure 4 is rotatable around a vertical axis for at least 90° with respect to the fixing structure 2. In one version of the invention, the rotation and/or translation means 3 or the at least one hinge 3 ' ensure a maximum rotation of the first panel 4' with respect to the fixed second panel 2', for example equal to an angle of 90° or greater, and a minimum rotation, for example equal to an angle of zero degrees.

When the angle between the first panel 4' and the second panel 2' is substantially equal to a null angle, the support unit 1 is situated in closed position, and when instead it is equal to a right angle or greater it is situated in open position.

The first panel 4' can be locked in a plurality of operative positions by means of an adjustable arm or a brake or a clutch which operates on the rotation pin or through a suitable mechanical or electromechanical system.

The at least one hinge 3' or the rotation and/or translation means 3 can be motorized with the possibility of driving or blocking the movement of the support unit 1 .

The at least one hinge 3 ' can be made of stainless steel, i.e. of a material that is strong and durable over time in the presence of humid environments.

The at least one hinge 3 ' is fixed to the first panel 4' and to the second panel 2' by means of screws, bolts, etcetera or by means of welding.

The present support unit 1 also comprises, as stated, at least one sustain element 5, which is fixed or constrained to the first panel 4'.

More particularly, such at least one sustain element 5 is placed at the second face of the first panel 4' .

Such sustain element 5 can for example comprise a sitting platform 6 defining a substantially horizontal support surface, directed upward during use.

The embodiment thus shaped can be used by a person with motor disabilities at the lower limbs.

The at least one sitting platform 6 comprises at least two armrests 9 extended above the sitting platform 6, as well as each above a respective side of the sitting platform 6 itself. The at least one sitting platform 6 comprises a frame 8 as well as comiection means 10 between the sitting platform 6 and the frame 8, the connection means 10 being adapted to allow a rotation, and hence a pulling down, of the sitting platform 6 with respect to the first panel 4'. In practice, the sitting platform 6 thus configured is of overturnable type.

In one version of the invention, the rotation and/or translation means 3 or the at least one hinge 3' can be positioned at an external edge of the treatment zone or shower/bath tub zone, at a height from the walking surface such to have the sitting platform 6 parallel to a wheelchair commonly used by the person having disabilities at the lower limbs or walking problems: in such a manner, the passage from the wheelchair to the sitting platform 6 is simple and quick with regard to times.

The sitting platform 6 has width L and depth B.

The frame 8 is adapted to define a space occupied by the user of such sitting platform 6. According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 -3 and 9, the frame 8 can comprise at least two vertical lateral arms, placed perpendicular to the walking surface and installed at a distance from each other equal to or substantially equal to the width L of the sitting platform 6.

The arms of the frame 8 comprise at least one perforated projecting portion adapted to allow the passage of the connection means 10 between the sitting platform 6 and the frame 8.

The aforesaid arms of the frame 8 are made of aluminum or polypropylene or abs or any other material suitable for such purpose, of the type adapted to resist the provided use conditions.

Such frame 8 is joined or welded or glued (in accordance with the material with which it is made) to the second face of the first panel 4' .

The sitting platform 6 can have the shape of a semi-circle and/or comprise housings for the connection means 10 of the same to the frame 8.

The sitting platform 6 can be made of aluminum or polypropylene or abs or any other material suitable for such purpose.

In a non-illustrated alternative version, the sitting platform 6 can have rectangular shape or square shape or rectangular shape with rounded edges, or another shape.

In one possible version of the present invention, the sitting platform 6 can have width L equal to 40-50 centimeters and depth B equal to 30-40 centimeters.

In addition, the sitting platform 6 can comprise a plurality of holes F adapted to allow the passage and the drainage of the water therethrough.

The holes F can have circular, square, rhomboidal or star shape etcetera, in a manner such to confer an aesthetic quality to the sitting platform 6.

The connection means 10 can be metal hinges or hinges made of polypropylene or abs or another.

Such connection means 10 are adapted to be inserted in respective perforated projecting portions of the frame 8 and in the housings present in the sitting platform 6, in a manner such to create a stable and secure connection between the frame 8 and the sitting platform 6 and, simultaneously, a relative rotation of the sitting platform 6 with respect to the first movable panel 4'. In this case, therefore, the support unit 1 comprises a sitting platform 6 of overturnable type.

In a further version, such connection means 10 can be configured as fixed constraints, e.g. screws, bolts etcetera, in a manner such to ensure only the connection between the frame 8 and the sitting platform 6: in such case, the sitting platform 6 can be of fixed type.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrests 9 are projecting horizontal rods, substantially perpendicular with respect to the second face of the first panel 4', in which such armrests 9 are possibly connected by means of fixed or movable constraints to the arms of the frame 8 (each arm can comprise an armrest).

The armrests 9 are adapted to provide a support for the upper limbs of a user.

In a non-illustrated version, the frame 8 can be configured as a horizontal metal bar, placed parallel to the walking surface, and the connection means 10 as horizontal metal hinges. As stated, the connection means 10 configured as horizontal hinges ensure a coupling between the frame 8 and the sitting platform 6, as well as the rotation of the sitting platform 6 with respect to the face of the first panel 4' . In this case, the sitting platform 6 can lack armrests 9.

In a further version of the invention, illustrated in figures 4-8, such at least one sustain element 5 can comprise a support section bar or tubular support 1 1 intended to allow the support for the hands or the armpit zone of a user with walking problems.

The support unit 1 comprising such support section bar or tubular support 1 1 can be used by a person with walking problems, in a manner such to ensure a safe assistance thereto in the operations of entering and exiting from treatment zone, such as a shower/bath tub zone, and during the normal personal hygiene operation.

For example, a person with walking problems can autonomously use such support unit 1 , feeling supported and secure during the personal hygiene operations in a shower zone, thus also avoiding the danger of falling due to the presence of wet and slippery surfaces.

According to one version of the present invention, the support section bar or tubular support 1 1 can comprise two handles that are projecting with respect to the second face of the first panel 4', which are configured for ensuring a comfortable support and/or sustaining of the person at the armpits.

The handles are made of a material with high mechanical strength, capable of resisting humid environments and capable of ensuring suitable comfort for the user. By way of a non-limiting example, the handles can be made of anodized aluminum covered with an external soft plastic layer.

In one version of the present invention, as shown for example in figures 6-7, the sustain element 5 can comprise a tubular support such as a guide support 12.

The guide support 12 is constituted by a tubular or section element having elongated body shape, on which a person with walking problems can set his/her hands, gripping this during the operations of entrance/exit into/from the shower zone and during use thereof.

The guide support 12 can be made of steel with anti-slip epoxy-polyester painting or of anodized aluminum covered with soft plastic, or another element.

The guide support 12 is fixed to the second face of the first panel 4' through screws, bolts, etcetera or tlirough gluing or tlirough welding, in accordance with the materials used for making such guide support 12 and the first panel 4' .

In a still further version, the guide support 12 is configured as a large handle, horizontally elongated with U-shaped form.

In a further version of the present invention, as illustrated in figure 8, the guide support 12 can comprise two projecting parts, projecting with respect to the second face of the first panel 4', having substantially horizontal extension.

Such projecting bars are placed at a distance one from the other such to ensure a comfortable support of the hands and of the upper limbs of the user, during the aforesaid operations to be carried out in the treatment zone or shower/bath tub zone.

The support unit 1 can comprise one or more accessories 13, fixed to the movable structure 4. The accessories 13 comprising at least one from among a soap dish or object holder, or holder for equipment or medical aids connected or connectable to the body of a user.

In such a manner, a person with motor disabilities of the lower limbs or with walking problems is capable of safely carrying out the personal hygiene operation: the person can make use of a plurality of products necessary for carrying out such operation, such as soaps, shampoo etcetera, in tranquility and without exertion, or with the possibility of carrying out such operations without having to disconnect or be disconnected from the necessary medical aids, continuing to have the support necessary for carrying out the hygiene operation itself.

In one version of the present invention, as illustrated in figure 9, the rotation and/or translation means 3 can comprise sliding means 14 adapted to be slidably engageable along respective tracks 1 5 that can be placed on the wall P of the treatment zone, such as a shower/bath tub zone. More in detail, the sliding means 14 are slidably housed along respective tracks 15 situated on the wall P of a shower/bath tub zone.

By means of such sliding means 14, the support unit 1 is capable of translating along the tracks 15 arranged along the wall P of the shower/bath tub zone.

The sliding means 14 are fixed to the second panel 2', positioned for example separated from each other along two horizontal rows situated at a distance from each other equal to the separation distance present between the tracks 15.

The sliding means 14 can comprise clamps adapted to ensure both a firm and secure connection of the support unit 1 to the wall P, and the translation of the unit 1 itself. Such sliding means 14 can comprise a plurality of wheels.

With reference to the above-described embodiment, the second panel 2' is connected to the tracks 15 and, therefore, can translate with respect to the wall P along the tracks 15 themselves, without rotating.

The support unit 1 can comprise at least one safety element intended to operate on the rotation and/or translation means 3, in order to selectively block the movable structure 4 in a plurality of operative positions.

In particular, the support unit 1 can comprise at least one safety element or in one version at least two open elements, for example a first open element placed at the hinge 3 and a second open element placed on the second face of the first panel 4, in opposite position with respect to the first element: such open elements, for example ring-like, can be received in a plurality of connections fixed to the wall P.

During the operation of entering into the shower zone, according to one embodiment, the first open element is coupled to a connection placed in proximity to an entrance to the treatment zone or shower/bath tub zone, in a manner such that the support unit 1 cannot translate and such that the entering operation is safely performed.

Once the user is supported by the support unit 1 , the first open element can be released, allowing the support unit 1 to translate until it reaches a certain position inside the shower zone. In such position, the second open element can be coupled to a connection closer to the desired position (such that, during the personal hygiene operation, the support unit 1 is stopped).

For greater safety during the aforesaid personal hygiene operation, the user can couple both open elements to the connections closest thereto, ensuring an even more stable support in the attained position.

The exit operation is equivalent to the operation of entering into a shower/bath tub zone.

In a non-illustrated version of the present invention, the open elements can be hook-like or spiral-like or have another shape.

In one version of the invention, the support unit 1 or the first panel 4' can be stopped in any position (or rotation and/or translation) by means of an adjustable arm or a brake or clutch that operates on the rotation pin or on the rotation and/or translation means through a suitable mechanical or electromechanical safety system.

The hinge or the rotation and/or translation means 3 and/or the sliding means 14 and the tracks 15 can be motorized with the possibility of driving or blocking the movement of the support unit 1.

Such configuration makes possible the use of such support unit 1 even in cases in which the shower zone in question is a large setting, where it is necessary to carry out movements so to be able to reach some instruments set for performing the personal hygiene operation.

Consequently, the present support unit 1 can be adapted to any type of shower/bath tub zone, thus ensuring a use of existing spaces and elements without having to perform drastic and costly operations of adaptation of the aforesaid zone for people with limited mobility.

In addition, the support unit 1 is easy to install and maintain: such aspects, combined with the characteristic of being adaptable to each type of shower/bath tub zone, make the unit 1 particularly inexpensive.

The present support unit 1 also comprises sustain elements that can appear in different forms, thus being adaptable to walking problems and to the requirements of the single user.

In addition, the support unit 1 ensures a uniform distribution of the load acting thereon, due to the presence of a first panel 4' and a second panel 2' mutually connected through a hinge connection, thus being usable by any type of person, i.e. even by people with high weight.

In addition, the uniform distribution of the load allows the installation of a support unit 1 according to the present invention also on walls of limited thickness (such to not allow the installation of sitting systems of conventional type).

The support unit 1 according to the present invention is a versatile instrument that can be used in any situation, an aspect that does not hold true for conventional sitting systems.

In particular, unlike the conventional systems of static type, in which the user must adapt himself/herself to the limited possibilities offered by the same, the present invention is constituted by a dynamic unit, capable of meeting the needs and requirements of the single users.

It is thus seen that the invention attains the pre-established objects. The present invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications variations, all falling within the protective scope offered by the claims.

Claims

1. A support unit ( 1 ) for the human body to be installed in a treatment area, such as a shower or a bath tub, said unit comprising a fixing structure (2) that can be fixed to a wall (P), rotation and/or translation means (3), a movable structure (4) and at least one sustain element (5) constrained to said movable structure (4) and designed to support a person in a sitting or standing position, wherein said fixing structure (2) and said movable structure (4) are connected by said rotation and/or translation means (3), so that said movable structure (4) is rotatable and/or translatable with respect to said fixing structure (2) such as to allow the displacement of said movable structure (4) between a first position outside or at an opening of a person's treatment area and a second position inside said treatment area, characterized in that said movable structure (4) comprises a first panel (4').

2. A support unit according to claim I , wherein said first panel (4') comprises a plate with a substantially vertical arrangement having a rear face, in use, facing towards said fixing unit (2), as well as a flat face of constraint of said at least one sustain element (5).

3. A support unit according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said movable structure (4) comprises only said first panel (4'), and thus said movable structure (4) is a single piece or reticular table element designed to support each sustain element (5).

4. A support unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing structure (2) comprises a second panel (2 ') with a substantial ly vertical arrangement.

5. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotation and/or translation means (3) comprise at least one hinge (3 ') intended to define a substantially vertical pivot axis of said movable structure (4) with respect to said fixing structure (2).

6. A support unit ( 1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said movable structure (4) is rotatable about a vertical axis for at least 90° with respect to said fixing structure (2).

7. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sustain element

(5) comprises a sitting platform (6) defining a substantially horizontal supporting surface and facing, in use, upwards.

8. A support unit ( 1 ) according to the previous claim, wherein said at least one sitting platform

(6) comprises at least two armrests (9) extending at a level higher than said sitting platfonn (6) and each one above a respective side of said sitting platform (6).

9. A support unit ( 1 ) accord ing to the previous claim, wherein said at least one sitting platform (6) comprises a frame (8) and connection means ( 10) between said sitting platform (6) and said frame (8), said connection means ( 10) being adapted to allow a rotation, and therefore a pulling down, of said sitting platform (6) on said movable structure (4), so as to obtain an overturning sitting platform (6).

10. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sustain element (5) comprises a support section bar or tubular support ( 1 1 , 12) intended to allow support for the hands or the armpit zone of a user with walking difficulties.

1 1 . A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising accessories ( 13) fixed to said movable structure (4), said accessories ( 13 ) comprising at least one between a soap dish or object holder, or a holder for equipment or medical aids connected or connectable to the body of a user.

12. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotation and/or translation means (3) comprise sliding means ( 14) adapted to be housed in rails ( 1 5) placed on a wal l (P) of said treatment area.

13. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an adjustable arm or a brake or a clutch or a mechanical or electromechanical safety system intended to act on said rotation and/or translation means (3), and wherein said movable structure (4) can be locked in a plurality of operating positions by means of said adjustable arm, brake, clutch or mechanical or electromechan ical safety system.

14. A support unit ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotation and/or translation means (3) are motorised and are arranged to control and block the movement of said movable structure (4).

15. A shower or bath tub provided with a support unit according to any one of the preceding claims, said shower or bath tub including a wall (P) and defining a treatment or washing area, said fixing structure (2) being constrained to said wall (P), and wherein said movable structure (4) is movable between a first position outside or at an opening of said treatment area and a second position inside said treatment area.