Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair. In particular, the invention relates to a bath chair.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Ref. No. 2008-21250 discloses a bath chair with a pair of spaced-apart drainage holes within a flat-bottomed channel. The holes appear to align with respective buttock cheeks. However such a chair may not be comfortable when one is required to sit on the chair for a relatively prolonged period of time. A flat-bottomed channel may cause fluid, such as bodily fluid, to pool within the channel and not pass through the chair's drain holes. Also, the drain holes are configured to align with respective buttock cheeks. The user's buttock cheeks may thus also inhibit passage of fluid from the channel to the drain holes by blocking the drain holes. Trapped, pooled water contacting the buttock cheeks of the user may render the chair yet more uncomfortable.

[0003] United States Design Patent No. D566,409 to Lindqvist et al. and United States Design Patent No. 294,664 to Clark provide chairs with a plurality of channels, at least some of which include drainage holes. However the number and specific arrangement of the channels may render these chairs relatively uncomfortable to sit down upon. The chairs also appear to have a number of flatter areas which may, despite a number of channels and holes, nonetheless promote undesired pooling of bodily fluids on the chairs. BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a bath chair disclosed herein that overcomes the above disadvantages. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bath chair.

[0005] There is accordingly provided a bath seat having a top and a pair of centrally disposed and spaced-apart drainage holes in communication with the top. The top of the seat includes a channel extending between the drainage holes. The channel has an enlarged first end, an enlarged second end and a connecting portion connecting the ends of the channel together. Fluid entering into the channel is directed to the drainage holes and thereby drains from the seat.

[0006] There is also provided a bath seat having a top, a front end, and a back end opposite thereof. The top of the seat extends between the front end and the back end of the seat. The top of the seat includes a centrally disposed channel. The channel has an enlarged first end and a second end spaced-apart from the first end. The second end of the channel is smaller than the first end of the channel. The channel includes a connecting portion connecting the ends of the channel together. The second end of the channel aligns with one of the front end and the back end of the seat. Fluid entering into the channel is directed to the second end of the channel and past said one of the front end and the back end of the seat. The fluid drains from the seat thereby.

[0007] There is further provided a seat for a bath chair. The seat has a top, a bottom opposite the top, a front end, a back end, and a pair of spaced-apart sides. The top and the bottom of the seat extend between the sides of the seat. The top and the bottom of the seat extend between the front end and the back end of the seat. The seat includes a pair of centrally disposed and spaced-apart drainage holes extending through the seat from the top to the bottom. The drainage holes are disposed midway along the seat between the sides of the seat. The drainage holes are disposed adjacent to respective ones of the front end and the back end of the seat. The top of the seat includes a channel extending between the drainage holes. The seat has a concave curvature with the sides of the seat being elevated relative to the channel. The channel has a rounded first end, a rounded second end and a connecting portion connecting the ends of the channel together. The ends of the channel are partially spherical. The ends of the channel are wider and more recessed than the connecting portion of the channel. The connecting portion is u-shaped midway between the front end of the seat and the back end of the seat. The connecting portion is more spherical in shape and more recessed towards the ends of the channel. The connecting portion and the ends of the channel are more recessed midway between the sides of the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top, front perspective view of a bath chair according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the chair shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is top plan view of the chair shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along lines 4 - 4 of the chair shown in Figure 3 showing a central channel together with adjacent portions of the seat; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along lines 5 - 5 of the chair shown in Figure 3 showing the central channel together with adjacent portions of the seat;

Figure 6 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the chair shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 7 is a top, front perspective view of a bath chair according a second embodiment;

Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the chair shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top plan view of the chair shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along lines 10 - 10 of the chair shown in Figure 9 showing a central channel together with adjacent portions of the seat; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along lines 1 1 - 11 of the chair shown in Figure 9 showing the central channel together with adjacent portions of the seat;

Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the chair shown in Figure 7; Figure 13 is a top, front perspective view of a bath chair according to a third embodiment;

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the chair shown in Figure 13, the chair having a channel and an oval-shaped recessed portion;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along lines 15 - 15 of the chair shown in Figure 14 showing the channel and recessed portion together with adjacent portions of the seat;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view along lines 16 - 16 of the chair shown in Figure 14 showing the channel and recessed portion together with adjacent portions of the seat;

Figure 17 is a top, front perspective view of a bath chair according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 18 is a top plan view of the chair shown in Figure 17, the chair having a channel and an oval-shaped recessed portion; Figure 19 is a bottom plan view of the chair shown in Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a top plan view of a seat for a chair according to yet a fifth embodiment, the seat having a channel located at the back end of the seat;

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view along lines 21 - 21 of the seat shown in Figure 20 showing the channel together with adjacent portions of the seat; Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view along lines 22 - 22 of the seat shown in Figure 20 showing the channel together with adjacent portions of the seat; and

Figure 23 is a top plan view of a seat for a chair according to a sixth embodiment, the seat having a channel located at the back end of the seat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown a chair, in this example a bath chair 40. The bath chair includes a bath seat 42 for sitting upon when bathing. The chair includes a plurality of chair legs 44, four in this example as seen in Figure 3, which extend downward from the seat 42 from the perspective of Figure 1. The chair includes a back 46 that extends upwards from the seat 42 from the perspective of Figure 1. The bath seat 42 includes a generally rectangular top 48 and a bottom 50 opposite thereof, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Top 48 is preferably in the form of a cushion and/or is well-padded so as to enable a user to sit on the seat 42 for an extended period of time in a manner that inhibits discomfort. The legs 44 extend from the bottom. In this example, as shown in Figure 6, the legs 44 are in the form of a pair of u-shaped rods that connect to bottom 50 of the seat in a cross-shaped manner via screws 45.

[0010] Referring back to Figure 1, seat 42 has a front end 52 and a back end 54 opposite thereof. Back 46 operatively connects to and extends from the back end 54 of the seat. In this example back 46 connects via a pair of L-shaped rods 55, which extend past back end 54, to bottom 50 of the seat 42. As shown in Figure 6, rods 55 connect via clamps 57 to legs 44 in this example.

[0011] As seen in Figure 1, the seat 42 has a first side 56 and a second side 58 spaced-apart from the first side. Top 48 and bottom 50 extend between ends 52 and 54 and also extend between sides 56 and 58. Back 46 is disposed between sides 56 and 58. Seat 42 includes side handles 60 and 62 which serve as hand grips, the handles being adjacent to sides 56 and 58 in this example.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the seat 42 includes a central portion 64 located on top 48 between the sides 56 and 58. The seat 42 has an upwardly concave curvature as best shown in Figure 2 with the sides 56 and 58 of the seat being elevated relative to the central portion 64. Put another way, the central portion 64 is recessed relative to sides 56 and 58 and extends in the direction of legs 44.

[0013] Referring to Figure 3, the seat 42 includes a pair of centrally disposed and spaced-apart drainage holes 66 and 68 located in the central portion of the seat. The drainage holes 66 and 68 extend through the seat 42 as shown in Figures 1 and 6, thus enabling water from top 48 of the seat to exit from bottom 50 and away from the seat thereby.

[0014] The top 48 of the seat 42 includes a channel 70 extending between the drainage holes 66 and 68. The channel 70 has a contour that is curved. In particular, the channel 70 has an enlarged first end 72 and an enlarged second end 74 opposite thereof. Ends 72 and 74 in this example are rounded and partially spherical.

[0015] The channel includes a connecting portion 76 connecting the ends 72 and 74 of the channel together. Connecting portion 76 is generally u-shaped at its midway point 77, shown in Figures 1 and 4, located between ends 72 and 74. Referring to Figures 1, 4 and 5, the connecting portion gradually becomes less and less u-shaped and more and more spherical in shape towards ends 72 and 74 of the channel. Ends 72 and 74 are more recessed relative to connecting portion 76 as seen in Figure 5. Ends 72 and 74 are wider relative to connecting portion 76, as seen for end 74 in Figure 4. Connecting portion 76 is more and more recessed towards ends 72 and 74 of the channel as seen in Figure 5. As seen in Figures 1 and 4, connecting portion 76 and ends 72 and 76 are more recessed towards the midway line 79 between sides 56 and 58 of the seat. Channel 70 may be described as having a pair of spaced-apart lobes (rounded ends 72 and 74) at each of its ends and a narrow central portion (connecting portion 76) connecting the lobes together. [0016] Thus, channel 70 is configured such that fluid entering into the channel 70, either via one of ends 72 and 74 or anywhere along connecting portion 76, is directed by the channel towards the drainage holes 66 and 68, causing the water to drain from the seat thereby.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5, channel 70 has a length L extending between ends 72 and 74 that in this example is equal to 18.77 centimeters. Referring to Figure 3, the channel has a maximum width W _MAX adjacent to its ends 72 and 74 extending in the direction of sides 56 and 58. Width W _MAX in this example is equal to 4.14 centimeters. The channel has a minimum width W _MIN at its connecting portion 76 which in this example is equal to 1.94 centimeters. According to various preferred embodiments, L may equal 20 centimeters or less, W _MAX may equal 5 centimeters or less, and W _MIN may equal to 2.2 centimeters or less. The ratio of maximum width to minimum width of the channel may be between 1.8 and 2.2. These distances and ratios are provided by way of example and are not strictly required.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, fluid originating from a user who is bathing while sitting on the chair, and/or bodily fluids released from the user who is sitting on the chair, that contact the top 48 of the seat are directed to the drain holes 66 and 68 and thus do not remain in contact with the user. Fluid contacting top 48 in a region outside the channel 70 is directed via the curvature of the seat to the seat's channel 70. Fluid contacting channel 70, entering via one of ends 72 and 74 or anywhere along connecting portion 76, is directed by the channel towards the drainage holes 66 and 68 and thus drains from the seat.

[0019] Channel 70 is particularly configured to facilitate removal of bodily fluids. Channel 70 is configured to align between the buttocks of the user and is also preferably configured to ensure that at least one of the ends 66 and 68 is disposed adjacent to the genital region of the user. The channel 70 is thus optimally positioned to capture and drain bodily fluid exiting from a user who may, for example, be suffering from incontinence. The channel 70 is also optimally positioned to capture and remove fluid arising from bath or shower water which may otherwise pool on the top of the seat in an uncomfortable and/or annoying manner. Put another way, the contoured channel 70 as herein described may promote more efficient drainage of fluid compared to existing, known bath chairs, while also acting to inhibit pooling of water which may otherwise occur with channels of different shapes. The placement of the channel between the buttocks of the user results in a chair that targets the capturing and drainage of bodily fluids in an efficient manner. This in turn enables the channel to be relatively compact, thus ensuring that the chair, with its padded top 48, remains comfortable to sit upon.

[0020] Figures 7 to 12 show a bath chair 40.1 and in particular a bath seat 42.1 according to a second embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of decimal extension ".1". Bath seat 42.1 is substantially the same as seat 42 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the following exceptions. Seat 42.1 includes a centrally located recess 78 defined by a u-shaped portion of the seat. The recess 78 is disposed adjacent to and extends inwards from the front end 52.1 of the seat in this example. As best shown in Figure 9, recess 78 includes a semi- circular region 80 and an elongate region 82 adjacent thereto, which is also adjacent to front end 52.1 of the seat. The recess 78 is aligned with the channel 70.1. Channel 70.1 is interposed between recess 78 and back end 54.1 of the seat in this example. [0021] Seat 42.1 also includes leg support portions 84 and 86 which are configured for supporting the user's thighs. Recess 78 is disposed between leg support portions 84 and 86. As previously mentioned, recess 78 is shaped such that seat 42.1 has a generally u-shape as seen from above in Figure 9. [0022] Recess 78 is particularly adapted for accommodating male users. Recess 78 so configured thus acts to further facilitate the drainage of fluid from the user and may thus also act to inhibit discomfort that may otherwise be felt by a man if the seat did not have such a recess. Here too channel 70.1 is centrally disposed as shown in Figure 9 so as to align between the buttocks of the user. [0023] Figures 13 to 16 show a bath chair 40.2 and in particular a bath seat 42.2 according to a third embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of decimal extension ".2". Bath seat 42.2 is substantially the same as seat 42 shown in Figures 1 to 6 with one exception being that top 48.2 of the seat 42.2 includes an oval-shaped recessed portion 87. The oval-shaped recessed portion 87 is concave and partially spherical. Channel 70.2 is more recessed than oval-shaped recess portion 87 as seen in Figure 16.

[0024] Recessed portion 87 includes an outer region 88. As seen in Figure 14, outer region 88 of recessed portion 87 extends around the drainage holes 66.2 and 68.2. Outer region 88 is also disposed to at least partially extend around the channel 70.2. The outer region 88 is further disposed in this example to at least partially extend around at least one of the ends of the channel, in this example extending around end 72.2 of the channel. Outer region 88 of the recessed portion 87 is configured to direct fluid entering therein towards connecting channel 70.2.

[0025] Recessed portion 87 includes an inner region 89 surrounded by outer region 88. Inner region 89 of the recessed portion 87 is generally more recessed than the outer region 88 as seen in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 14, inner region 89 is elliptical in shape and has a major axis extending towards sides 56.2 and 58.2 of the seat 42.2. As seen in Figure 13, inner region 89 of the recessed portion 87 is configured to direct fluid entering therein towards connecting portion 76.2 of channel 70.2. The recessed portion 87 is thus configured to direct fluid contacting recessed portion 87 to channel 70.2 and further facilitates removal of fluid from the seat 42.2. [0026] Figures 17 to 19 show a bath chair 40.3 and in particular a bath seat 42.3 according to a fourth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 12 with decimal extension ".3" to replace ".1" and the addition of decimal extension ".3" to corresponding parts not having ".1" in Figures 7 to 12. The top 48.3 of the seat 42.3 includes a centrally disposed oval-shaped recessed portion 90 substantially similar to recessed portion 87 shown for seat 42.2 in the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 16. Recessed portion 90 is concave, partially spherical and aligns with channel 70.3 and recess 78.3. Recessed portion 90 is disposed to at least partially extend around both channel 70.3 and recess 78.3.

[0027] Recessed portion 90 includes an outer region 91 and an inner region 92 surrounded by outer region 91. Inner region 92 is more recessed than outer region 91. Inner region 92 is oval in shape and has a major axis extending towards sides 56.3 and 58.3 of the seat 42.3. As shown in Figure 18, inner region 92 of the recessed portion 90 is shaped to extend around end 72.3 of channel 70.3 and is shaped to extend around drainage hole 66.3. Inner region 92 is also shaped to partially extend around semi-circular region 80.3 of recess 78.3.

[0028] Recessed portion 90 is thus configured to direct fluid contacting the top 38.2 of the seat 42.3 to the channel 70.3 and/or to the recess 78.3. Recessed portion 90 provides a synergy in further facilitating drainage of fluid while at the same time being configured to render the seat 42.3 more comfortable to the user. [0029] Figures 20 to 22 show a bath seat 42.4, which may be used with a bath chair such as that shown in Figures 1 to 6, according to a fifth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 12 with decimal extension ".4" replacing ".1" and the addition of decimal extension ".4" for corresponding parts not having ".1" in Figures 7 to 12. Seat 42.4 is substantially the same as seat 42.1 shown in Figures 7 to 12 with one exception being that instead of channel 70.1, the top 48.4 of the seat 42.4 has a channel 94 disposed adjacent to back end 54.4 of the seat and interposed between sides 56.4 and 58.4 of the seat.

[0030] Channel 94 has a contour that is curved, with an enlarged first end 96 and a second end 98 spaced-apart from the first end. The first end 96 in this example is rounded, partially spherical and semi-circular in part. The second end 98 aligns with and is adjacent to back end 54.4 of the seat in this example. The second end 98 of the channel 94 is smaller in width than the first end 96 of the channel and is u-shaped. The channel 94 includes a connecting portion 100 connecting the ends 96 and 98 of the channel together. The connecting portion 100 is u-shaped and is less and less u-shaped and more and more spherical in shape towards end 96.

[0031] As shown in Figure 22, the channel 94 includes a curved recess 102 at its second end 98 that extends towards bottom 50.4 of the seat and partially through back end 54.4 of the seat 42.4. As shown in Figure 20, recess 102 also expands more and more outwards towards sides 56.4 and 58.4 of the seat as recess 102 extends towards back end 54.4 of the seat. Recess 102 is thus configured to direct water from the channel 94 in a downwards and outwards direction away from the seat 42.4. [0032] Seat 42.4 with its channel 94 is thus adapted for capturing and draining bodily fluid in another manner. Fluid entering the channel 94 is directed to the second end 98 of the channel 94, past back end 54.4 of the seat and drained via gravity away from the seat. The centrally located, circular, spherical aspect of end 96 of the channel 94 optimizes the channel's ability to capture bodily fluid in an efficient, compact and targeted manner, while at the same time ensuring that the seat remains relatively comfortable for the user to sit upon. Recess 78.4 is aligned with channel 94 and is configured to further facilitate drainage of fluid away from the seat thereby. [0033] Figure 23 shows a bath seat 42.5, which may be used with a bath chair such as that shown in Figures 1 to 6, according to a sixth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 22 with the decimal extension ".5" replacing ".4" and the addition of decimal extension ".5" for corresponding parts not having ".4" in Figures 20 to 22. Seat 42.5 is substantially the same as seat 42.4 shown in Figures 20 to 22 with the exception that curved recess 102.5 extends from the connection portion 100.5 in a straight and continuous manner relative to sides 56.5 and 58.5 of the seat.

[0034] It will be appreciated that many further variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. For example, the recess generally indicated by numeral 78 may extend inwards from the back end of the chair. The terms circular and spherical, as described herein for ends, channels and the like, are not strictly geometrical terms but rather describe general shape and can vary. Although the chair described herein is referred to as a bath chair, the chair may also be used for showers, sponge bathing and other forms of washing.

[0035] It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to the following claims.