CN103417346A - Adaptation of assistive devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to adaptation of an auxiliary device. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to transfer benches and, more particularly, to transfer benches adapted to facilitate movement into and out of an enclosed structure, such as a bathtub, by persons having limited mobility. In one embodiment of the invention, a transfer bench comprises: a first seat portion; a second seat portion rotatably connected to the first seat portion and configured to rotate from and between a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, wherein the second seat portion cannot rotate more than about 90 degrees from the horizontal position; a first plurality of legs configured to support a first seat portion; a second leg configured to support a second seat portion; and a back support member protruding from a side of the first seat portion perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the second seat portion.

Description

Adaptation of assistive devices

Related Application Cross Reference

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/750,104, entitled "Adaptation of Assistive Devices," filed May 17, 2007, which claims the U.S. Provisional Application filed May 18, 2006 Priority of serial number 60/747,621. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

technical field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to transfer benches and, more particularly, to transfer benches adapted to facilitate movement by a person with limited mobility into and out of an enclosed structure, such as a bathtub.

Background technique

Moving into and out of a wet environment, such as a bathtub, can be difficult for a person with limited mobility. This movement, for a person with a standard level of mobility, normally requires a small amount of effort and care to remain safe. However, for persons with limited mobility, such as the infirm, handicapped, disabled, or others with conditions that limit muscle function, little effort and care often prevents safe use of bathtubs or other wet environments.

Devices that are known to assist a person in entering or exiting a wet environment do not adequately protect the person. For example, the device may not allow for the enclosure of the wet environment, such as a door or curtain, and therefore not allow for water splashing out of the perimeter of the wet environment. This may further compromise the security of the individual.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for devices and methods of using the same that facilitate movement into and out of wet environments while maximizing personal safety.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to transfer benches and, more particularly, to transfer benches adapted to facilitate movement by a person with limited mobility into and out of an enclosed structure, such as a bathtub.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transfer bench comprises a first seat portion, a second seat portion rotatably coupled to said first seat portion and arranged to rotate from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position position and rotation between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, wherein the second seat portion cannot be rotated more than about 90 degrees from the horizontal position, a first plurality of legs configured to support the first seat portion, configured to support the second seat portion The second legs of the two seat parts, and a back support member projecting from a side of the first seat part perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second seat part.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a bathtub assembly includes a bathtub having an enclosed structure including a bathtub having a floor surface and side walls; and a transfer bench comprising: a first seat portion; a second A seat portion, a second seat portion is rotatably coupled to said first seat portion and is configured to rotate from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, wherein the second seat portion moves from the horizontal position cannot be rotated more than about 90 degrees; is configured to support a first plurality of legs of a first seat portion, the first plurality of legs are secured to the tub; is configured to support a second leg of a second seat portion, and is configured to support a second leg of a second seat portion, and A back support member protrudes to the side of the first seat portion of the axis of rotation of the second seat portion.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a transfer stool includes: a frame having a movable track mounted thereon, the frame having a first portion and a second portion; secured to the slideable track from the first portion to the second portion a slidable seat portion; a second portion rotatably coupled to said first portion and configured to rotate from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, wherein the second portion rotates from the horizontal position cannot be rotated more than about 90 degrees; the first plurality of legs arranged to support the first part; the second leg arranged to support the second part, and the first part from an axis perpendicular to the rotation of the second part Side protruding back support parts.

Description of drawings

Where the above recited features of the invention can be understood in greater detail, more particular features of the embodiments of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be referred to the embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical forms of embodiments included within the scope of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments in which:

Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a transfer tub bench, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a transfer tub bench, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 depicts a diagram illustrating the positioning of a transfer tub bench within a bathtub, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

4 depicts a diagram illustrating the positioning of a shower curtain adjacent to a bathtub with a transfer tub bench disposed therein, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a transfer tub bench according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 depicts another perspective view of a transfer tub bench according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 depicts a bottom view of a portion of a transfer tub bench according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (ie, meaning having the possibility), rather than a mandatory sense (ie, meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. To aid understanding, similar reference numerals have been used when possible to designate similar elements common to the figures.

Detailed ways

The invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings and claims, together with their preceding and subsequent descriptions. Before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise indicated, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "leg" may include two or more of such legs unless the context dictates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is stated, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when approximations are expressed, by the preceding use of "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range are meaningful relative to the other endpoints as well as independently of the other endpoints.

As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, transfer benches are disclosed for use in an enclosed structure having a base and a perimeter of a predetermined height. In some embodiments, an enclosure may be a wet/dry environment, such as a bathtub, a shower enclosure (such as a shower or shower closet), a hot tub, a pool, and the like. Optionally, the transfer bench can be used in any suitable environment. Thus, while the use of the transfer device in conjunction with a bathtub is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any relevant contextual use that the transfer bench may provide, at least the disclosed functionality. It will further be appreciated that a "person" or "user" of a transfer bench as used herein is intended to include the immediate user of the transfer bench and/or a designated helper, such as a nurse, assistant, helper, or other performer of nursing activities .

The perimeter of the enclosed structure may, in some embodiments, have a negligible predetermined height or a predetermined height of zero. For example, many coat closets and similar bathing environments have shower stalls with bottoms that are nearly level with the surrounding floor. Thus, in such a shower enclosure at least part of the periphery can have a height of zero. In traditional bathtubs, the perimeter can have a height of several inches to several feet. In various implementations, the height of the periphery can vary along the length of the periphery. In further embodiments, the perimeter may be defined by a wall (such as a bathtub), a flange, a shower curtain, a door (such as a door that swings open or slides along a track), other closure means, or any combination of these.

The transfer bench, according to one embodiment of the invention, comprises a first seat part and a second seat part combined with the first seat part. Referring to FIG. 1 , a transfer bench 100 may include a first seating portion 102 at least part of which lies in a substantially horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the first seat portion may be substantially planar. Optionally, the first seat portion may be shaped to receive at least part of a person's rear. The second seat portion 104 may likewise be substantially planar or may be shaped to receive at least a portion of a person's rear.

In particular embodiments, the second seat portion 104 may be rotatably coupled or connected to the first seat portion 102 and may be positioned between a first position and a second position. As illustrated in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the first position is a generally horizontal position wherein the second seat portion is substantially coplanar with the first seat portion. The second position may be a generally upright or vertical position wherein the second seat portion is generally perpendicular to the first seat portion. As described herein, a generally horizontal position may refer to a position that is sufficiently level to prevent a user from sliding onto or off of the first and/or second seat portion when in use. The generally vertical position of the second seat portion may include a vertical, nearly vertical, or tilted past vertical position relative to the position of the first seat portion.

The two seating sections can be combined in various ways that allow this movement. For example, the second seat portion may be hingedly connected to the first seat portion, such as by one or more hinges 140 . Optionally, the seat portions may be joined by a pin and hole arrangement, a pin and slot arrangement, a detent and hole arrangement, or any other means that allows relative rotational movement of the second seat portion. Means for selectively maintaining the second seat portion in the second position may also be provided, such as a latch or other securing means. Either or both of the first and second seating portions likewise include drainage means to drain water from the respective surfaces when the transfer bench is used in a wet environment. Such drainage means may include holes, slots, grooves, or combinations thereof, constructed and positioned in a manner that facilitates drainage from the surface of the respective seating surface.

In one embodiment, the second seat portion may include a hand grip, such as to help stabilize a user who has a means of moving the second seat portion from the first position to the second position, or for other purposes . The hand grip may be a handle, protruding through the aperture 118 of the second seat portion, such as shown in FIG. 1 , or other means. Additional means may be provided for assisting the user in rotating the second seat portion to and between the first and second positions, such as a pull cord or other means placed in, on, or connected to the second seat portion . In one embodiment, a locking device, such as that described above, may be operatively connected to a hand grasp or other handling device placed on or within the second seat portion. For example, the hand graspable may include a compressible mechanism positioned within an aperture protruding through the second seat portion. A user may grasp something with a hand to manipulate the second seat portion into the upright position, and the locking mechanism may engage to maintain the second seat portion in this position. When the user desires to rotate the second seat portion to a horizontal position, the user may compress the compression mechanism of the hand grasp to disengage the locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, other means may be provided to support the user, such as one or more armrests, a back support, and the like. When in the upright position, the second seat portion may also support the user, such as through restricted lateral movement of the user, or provide support on which the user may lean or rest. In certain embodiments, the first seat portion may include a first edge and an opposing edge. The second seat portion may be rotatably coupled to the first seat portion adjacent the first edge, and the armrest may be positioned adjacent the second edge. In yet another embodiment, the transfer bench may include a back support. The back support can extend from the first seat section at a selected angle. For example, the back support may project substantially vertically upwards from the first seat portion. Optionally, the back support can be selected to extend at a horizontal and vertical angle or an angle in between to allow the user to lean on the back support. In yet another embodiment, the back support may have means for adjusting the angle relative to the first seat portion to allow the user to position the back support at any angle. In some embodiments, one or more armrests and back supports may be provided. Thus, the transfer bench may include armrest(s), back support, or both. In any embodiment where armrests and/or back supports are provided, the armrest(s) and/or back support may be removably attached to the transfer bench. Means for attaching the back support adjacent one or more edges of the first seating portion may also be provided so that the transfer bench can be used in a variety of enclosures. Optionally, the armrest(s) and/or back support may be fixedly attached to the transfer bench.

The first and second seat portions are shown at substantially right angles in FIG. 1 for purposes of illustration only; it is contemplated that each of the seat portions may be of any size and shape to receive and support a user. In one embodiment, the second seating portion may be sized and shaped such that when the transfer bench is placed in an enclosure, the second seating portion is configured to protrude beyond the enclosure when in the first position. the periphery of the structure. One or both of the seat parts may comprise material arranged to support the weight of a user and to enable lateral movement of the user, such as a sliding movement, through the first and/or second seat part. This material can be high strength plastic, metal, wood, wood composite, aluminum, fiberglass, combinations thereof, or other materials suitable for use.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of support means is provided to support each of the first and second seat parts. The support means, in one embodiment, is at least as high as a predetermined height of the perimeter of the enclosed structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , at least one first leg 108 may be provided to support the first seat portion 102 and at least one second leg 110 may be provided to support the second seat portion 104 . In a particular embodiment, at least four legs may be provided to support the first seat portion and at least two legs may be provided to support the second seat portion, although other arrangements are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first seat portion may be supported by more or less than four legs, while the second seat portion may be supported by more or less than two legs.

In a particular embodiment, wherein the first seat portion is supported by four legs and the second seat portion is supported by two legs, when the second seat portion is in a substantially horizontal position and substantially coplanar with the first seat portion, the transfer length The stool will be supported by at least six legs. The transfer bench will be supported by at least four legs supporting the first seat part when the second seat part is in a generally vertical position or between a generally horizontal and a generally vertical position. In any embodiment, each leg may have a rubber, soft plastic, suction cup, or other material or device placed on the foot or distal end of the leg to absorb shock, stabilize the leg, and/or protect the surface, in A transfer bench is supported on it. Additional stability may be provided by reinforcing members attached or mounted between two or more legs. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , reinforcement members 112 may be provided between the legs 110 supporting the second seat portion 104 . Reinforcement members or other support or strengthening means may also be provided between the legs 108 supporting the first seat part 102 .

According to various embodiments, each leg may have a selectively adjustable height such that it can be extended and retracted. For example, each leg can be telescopic, the pads on the distal ends of the legs or feet can be adjusted to various lengths (e.g., as by helical rotation), or each leg can be adjusted to various lengths by using dead pins or other pins or Jaw-type assemblies can be fixed in various lengths. In certain embodiments, each leg may be independently adjustable. The transfer bench can thus be used in environments with uneven, sloped, or uneven height surfaces, while the first seat portion can maintain a generally horizontal position to provide increased stability for the user. Likewise, when the second seat portion is in the first position, it may be in a substantially coplanar and horizontal orientation relative to the first seat portion. It should be considered that the transfer bench may have legs that are at least as high as the predetermined height of the periphery. In various embodiments, one or more legs may be rotatably coupled to the first and/or second seat portion. For example, in certain embodiments, the leg(s) 110 supporting the second seat portion 104 may be rotatably or hingedly connected to the second seat portion. As shown in Figure 2, when the second seat part is rotated to a generally vertical position, the legs 110a, 110b can be rotated to fold or lie flat relative to the bottom of the second seat part. Other configurations for connecting the legs 110 to the second seat portion, and means of folding the legs, such as but not limited to spring loaded designs, lateral folding mechanisms, etc., are contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

In use, the disclosed method is used to assist a person in moving into and out of an enclosed structure. The method includes providing a transfer bench, such as described above according to various embodiments. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , a transfer bench may be provided that includes a first seat portion 102 supported by one or more legs 108 and a second seat portion 104 that is rotatably connected to the first seat portion and is also supported by one or more legs. 110 supports for each leg. The method includes positioning the transfer bench within an enclosed structure, such as, but not limited to, bathtub 120, having a base and a perimeter of a predetermined height. In a particular embodiment, the transfer bench is selectively positioned within the enclosure such that at least the first seating portion is disposed entirely within the perimeter.

The second seat portion may be configured to rotate from the first generally horizontal position to the second generally vertical position and to rotate between the first generally horizontal position and the second generally vertical position. The method may further include positioning the second seating portion to the first position such that at least a portion of the second seating portion protrudes beyond a perimeter of the enclosed structure. For example, Figure 3 illustrates the use of a transfer bench in a standard bathtub. The transfer bench is positioned in the tub such that the first seating portion is placed entirely within the perimeter of the tub. The second seat portion, when positioned in a generally horizontal position, projects beyond the periphery of the bathtub. In this position, the legs supporting the second seat part may be arranged to project downwards to support the second seat part.

The legs supporting the first and second seat sections are individually and selectively adjustable in height. The legs 108 supporting the first seat portion can be manipulated to adjust the height of the first seat portion such that the legs are at least as high as the predetermined height of the periphery. For example, when used in a bathtub, the legs can be adjusted to a position where the height of the first seat portion is at least as high as the walls of the bathtub, so that when in the first position, the second seat portion can protrude across the periphery without obstruction. The legs can be adjusted, for example, if the bottom of the enclosure is uneven, sloped, etc., so that the first seat portion can be maintained in a generally horizontal plane. The leg(s) supporting the second seat portion can also be selectively adjusted. For example, if the ground surface outside the enclosure is at a different level than the base of the enclosure, the legs can be extended or retracted to maintain the first and second seating portions in a substantially horizontal and coplanar arrangement , when the second seat section is in the first position.

The method may further include accepting a person on the second seating portion. The person can then transfer to the first seating section. For example, users of a transfer bench can sit on the second seating section and move to the first seating section by lifting each user's legs over the perimeter of the enclosure (such as, but not limited to, a bathtub wall) and slide or move toward the first seat section.

The method may further include rotating the second seat portion from the first position to the second position, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 . A hand grip or other device may be provided to assist the person, or someone using the transfer bench, to turn the second seat section. In a particular embodiment, it is contemplated that the transfer bench is arranged within the periphery of the enclosure when the second seating portion is in a generally vertical position. In this position, the shower door, shower curtain, or other enclosure device can be pulled in or extended to enclose the transfer bench within the enclosure. The legs supporting the second seat part are rotatably connected to the second seat part and are arranged to fold or lie substantially flat on the bottom surface of the second seat part when in the generally vertical position.

Locking or securing means may be provided and/or operated to maintain the second seat portion in a generally vertical position. The enclosed structure device may then be maneuvered to at least partially surround the enclosed structure, such as shown in FIG. 4 . For example, a shower curtain 130, door, or other enclosure may be pulled or dragged down to enclose the enclosed structure. In wet environments, the enclosure is operable to enclose the enclosed structure and prevent water from splashing out of the perimeter of the enclosed structure. The person can then bathe, shower, etc. in a securely supported and seated position within the enclosure, the person can also utilize the upright second seat portion as an additional stabilizing device. As described above, a back support, armrests, or both may be provided to further support and/or stabilize the person.

To exit the enclosure, a person may maneuver the enclosure device into a position that allows the second seat portion to extend into a substantially horizontal position. The second seat part can be swiveled into this position and a person can be moved from the first seat part to the second seat part in the reverse manner to that described above.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the detailed description and examples be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being shown by the following claims.

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a transfer bench according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 , the transfer bench 500 generally includes two seating portions, a first portion 502 and a second portion 504, a plurality of legs 508 of the first portion 502, at least one leg 510 of the second portion 504, wherein the first portion The second part 504 is rotationally connected to the first part about a common edge. As explained herein above, in various embodiments of the invention, the second portion 504 may be connected to the first portion via a rotatable means, such as a mechanical hinge 540 . It should also be noted that either of the legs 508 , 510 may include a coating, studs, or similar non-slip material on its bottom to ensure the safety of the individual using the transfer bench 500 .

The legs 508 of the first portion 502 may be positioned generally vertically below the first portion 502 such that the legs 508 support a predetermined maximum weight/load placed on the first portion 502 . In various embodiments, the legs 508 may be telescopic, or otherwise extendable, such that the overall height of the legs 508 and transfer bench can be adjusted for various applications. In such embodiments, extendable features may include spring-loaded button and slot systems, threaded expansion systems (i.e., which can be turned along threads to raise or lower each leg), use of threads/bolts or similar mechanisms to Clamps, etc., that hold otherwise movable legs in place within casings. As shown in the figures, the legs 508 may include reinforcement members 512 , or similar structures, to support loads placed on the legs 508 .

The legs 510 of the second portion 504 may be disposed generally vertically below the second portion 504 such that the legs 510 may support the maximum weight/load placed on the second portion 504 . In various embodiments, the legs 510 may be retractable, or otherwise extendable, as described above for the legs 508 . In general, any retractable or extendable features of legs 508 are also provided on legs 510 so that transfer bench 500 remains horizontal.

In various embodiments, the legs 510 can be foldable such that the legs can be rotated from a substantially vertical position to a planar position relative to the bottom surface of the second portion, as shown. In this embodiment, the legs 510 can be locked in a substantially vertical position by rotatable hinges (not shown) on the bottom surface of the second seat portion 504, and cannot be detached and rotatable until the detachment mechanism is activated. In one embodiment, the decoupling mechanism includes a locking device or switch connected to a handle 518 disposed on the outer edge of the second portion 504 . A more detailed description of the structural and functional aspects of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 and disclosed herein.

Figure 6 depicts another perspective view of a transfer bench according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the second portion 504 is able to rotate from a substantially planar, horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, ie, a rotation of about 90 degrees. Leg 510 is shown in a substantially flat position relative to the bottom surface of second portion 504 . In one embodiment, the legs 510 are pushed down flattened by the user's hand with nominal force. In another embodiment, the legs 510 can automatically lay flat when the second part is rotated into a vertical position by means of a robotic arm or other structure, and the legs 510 are rotated toward the zero degree position when the second part is rotated toward the ninety degree position. Optionally, by providing a detachment mechanism on the handle 518, or at another location, such a detachment mechanism may allow rotation of the second part 504 and the rotation of the leg 510.

Returning to FIG. 5 , transfer bench 500 may further include back support 550 and/or main handle 560 . The main handle 560 may include any protrusion, arm or member disposed on a side edge of the first portion 502 opposite a common edge of the second portion 504 . During use of the transfer bench 500, the main handle 560 may be utilized to support the individual. Generally, a person can be supported by the main handle 560 communicating with the handle 518 on the second portion 504 when the second portion 504 is in the vertical position.

The back support 550 may generally include at least one or more back support arms 552 for connecting the first portion 502 . As described herein above, the back support 550 may provide overall support for the individual while using the transfer bench 500 . In some embodiments, back support 550 may include holes or back support handles to facilitate carrying transfer bench 500 .

Back support arm 552 may include one or more generally tubular members that may be connected to back support 550 on a first end and may be adapted to connect to first portion 502 on a second end. Back support arm 552 may be configured to connect to first portion 502 via any suitable means, including those described in FIG. 7 .

7 depicts a bottom view of a portion of a transfer tub bench according to another embodiment of the invention. The bottom surface of the first portion 502 generally includes one or more back support arm receptacles 554 . As shown in the figures, the back support arm receiving means may comprise a tubular structure having a hole therethrough for receiving the second end of the back support arm 552 . In such an embodiment, the second end of the back support arm 552 may comprise a substantially straight portion capable of receiving and passing through the tube of the back support arm receiving device 554 .

In various embodiments, there may be a plurality of back support arm receivers 554 disposed on the bottom side of the first portion 502 . For example, in one embodiment, a pair of back support receivers 554 may be positioned on opposite sides of the first portion 502 , where the opposite sides are perpendicular to the side having the handle 560 and a common edge with the second portion 504 . Likewise, the back support 550 will be able to be swapped between sides so that the transfer bench 500 can be adapted to different assembled shower/tubs, ie to arrange the shower head from the left or right of the entry side of the tub.

In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), there may be provided a transfer bench having only a single seat section, arranged on a rail projecting between the first and second sections, otherwise substantially similar to that described above Embodiments of the present invention. In such an embodiment, the transfer bench may be positioned as shown in Figure 3 above. An individual can sit on the seat portion and, via the sliding track, can slide from the second portion to the first portion, thereby enabling such an individual to pass from the outside of the bathtub to the inside of the bathtub by sliding the slidable seat portion. When the individual is in the tub, in the first section position, the individual can ascend to the second section as described herein above. When the individual has finished bathing, the second section can be lowered and the slideable seat section can be slid from the first section to the second section, and the individual can then stand up to get out of the tub, or easily move him/herself to a wheelchair or other assistive device .

In another embodiment of the invention, the transfer bench can be secured to the bathtub such that it is mechanically attached thereto. Such a bathtub assembly can be produced using any of the embodiments described herein. In such an embodiment, the legs of the first portion can be screwed, bolted, attached, friction fit, or otherwise secured to the surface of the bathtub, and each of the other functions described above can still function accordingly.

While the foregoing relates to embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the essential scope thereof. It should also be understood that each embodiment described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described without departing from the scope contained herein. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are further extensible as specific applications may require.

Claims (20)

1. transfer bench comprises:

The First bit position;

The second seat part, it is connected to rotationally described First bit position and is configured to and turns to basic upright position from the basic horizontal position and rotate between basic horizontal position and basic upright position, and wherein the second seat part cannot be rotated and surpass approximately 90 degree from horizontal level;

More than first lower limb, it is configured to support the First bit position;

The second lower limb, it is configured to support the second seat part; With

The back support parts, its side from the First bit position of the axle of the rotation perpendicular to the second seat part is stretched out.

2. transfer bench according to claim 1, wherein the back support parts comprise at least one back support arm, it is subject to device for connecting the back support parts at least one the back support knee-joint on the bottom side of First bit position.

3. transfer bench according to claim 2, wherein the back support parts are dismountable.

4. transfer bench according to claim 3, wherein the back support parts can exchange between the second side of the first side of First bit position and First bit position, and such the first and second sides are perpendicular to the axle of the rotation of second seat part.

5. transfer bench according to claim 1 further comprises:

Main handle, its First bit position the side of the First bit position relative with the second seat part stretches out.

6. transfer bench according to claim 1 further comprises: handle, its second seat the side of the second seat part relative with the First bit position partly stretches out.

7. transfer bench according to claim 6, wherein handle comprises separating mechanism, its for separating of at least the second lower limb from latched position to rotatable position.

8. transfer bench according to claim 1, wherein the second lower limb can be turned to from the primary importance that is basically perpendicular to the second seat part second position that the basal surface with respect to the second seat part keeps flat substantially.

9. transfer bench according to claim 8, wherein the second lower limb turns to its second position from its primary importance, when the second seat part turns to its basic vertical seat position from its basic horizontal seat position.

10. bathtub assembly comprises:

Bathtub with enclosure structure, enclosure structure comprises the bathtub with floor surface and sidewall; With

Shift bench, it comprises:

The First bit position;

The second seat part, it is pivotally connected to described First bit position and is configured to and turns to basic upright position from the basic horizontal position and rotate between basic horizontal position and basic upright position, and wherein the second seat part is rotated and cannot be surpassed approximately 90 degree from horizontal level;

More than first lower limb, it is configured to support the First bit position, and more than first lower limb is fixed on bathtub;

The second lower limb, it is configured to support the second seat part; With

The back support parts, its side from the First bit position of the axle of the rotation perpendicular to the second seat part is stretched out.

11. transfer bench according to claim 10, wherein the back support parts comprise at least one back support arm, and it is subject to device for connecting back support parts at least one back support knee-joint on the bottom side of First bit position.

12. transfer bench according to claim 11, wherein the back support parts are dismountable.

13. transfer bench according to claim 12, wherein the back support parts can be commutative between the second side of the first side of First bit position and First bit position, and such the first and second sides are perpendicular to the axle of the rotation of second seat part.

14. transfer bench according to claim 10 further comprises:

Main handle, its First bit position the side of the First bit position relative with the second seat part stretches out.

15. transfer bench according to claim 10 further comprises:

Handle, its second seat the side of the second seat part relative with the First bit position partly stretches out.

16. transfer bench according to claim 15, wherein handle comprises separating mechanism, its at least for separating of the second lower limb from latched position to rotatable position.

17. transfer bench according to claim 10, wherein the second lower limb can be turned to respect to second seat from the primary importance that is basically perpendicular to the second seat part second position that basal surface partly keeps flat substantially.

18. transfer bench according to claim 17, wherein the second lower limb turns to its second position from its primary importance, when the second seat part turns to its basic vertical seat position from its basic horizontal seat position.

19. the transfer bench comprises:

Have the framework of laying the shiftable track on it, framework has first and second portion;

Be fixed on from first and slide into the slidably seat part the slidably track of second portion; Second portion, it rotatably is attached to described first and is configured to and turns to basic upright position from the basic horizontal position and rotate between basic horizontal position and basic upright position, and wherein second portion rotates and cannot surpass approximately 90 degree from horizontal level;

Be configured to support more than first lower limb of first;

Be configured to support the second lower limb of second portion; With

The back support parts that stretch out from the side of the first of the axle of the rotation perpendicular to second portion.

20. transfer bench according to claim 19, wherein the back support parts can be commutative between the second side of the first side of first and first, and such the first and second sides are perpendicular to the axle of the rotation of second portion.

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