BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention The present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus and, more particularly, to a tub transfer apparatus to assist users into and out of a bathtub or shower and to support them therein.

2. Description Of The Related Art Elderly or disabled persons often face difficulties with basic daily activities such as getting into and out of a bathtub or shower. This can be particularly difficult due to the height of the bathtub which typically must be stepped into, and the sometimes slippery, wet surfaces that are present in a bathroom. These difficulties coupled with a hard floor and hard bathtub surfaces make transfer into and out of the bathtub potentially dangerous.

Various solutions have been proposed to simplify transfer into and out of a bathtub. A tub transfer apparatus is one such attempt. Typically, such an apparatus is a bench, one end of which is placed in the bathtub and the other end of which is placed outside the bathtub. The user may sit on the portion of the bench outside the bathtub and may slide across the bench into the bathtub where the bench continues to support the user while he or she bathes. After bathing, the user may slide back across the bench to exit the bathtub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus, including a seat portion sized and adapted to rest within a bathtub and a bench portion sized and adapted to rest outside the bathtub. The seat portion and the bench portion are connected with a hinge that allows the bench portion to be folded onto the seat portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a bathing assembly, including a bathtub having a faucet, a drain and at least one wall defining a basin. The bathing assembly also includes a seat portion resting within the basin and a bench portion resting outside the bathtub. The seat portion and the bench portion are connected with a hinge that allows the bench portion to be folded onto the seat portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus, including a seat portion sized and adapted to rest within a bathtub and a seating platform connected to the seat portion with a hinge. The tub transfer apparatus also includes a bench portion sized and adapted to rest outside the bathtub and a connector connecting the bench portion to the seating platform, such that the seating platform and bench portion may be folded onto the seat portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus, including a seat portion sized and adapted to rest within a bathtub and a bench portion sized and adapted to rest outside the bathtub. The tub transfer apparatus also includes a first member connected to the seat portion, and a second member sized and adapted to mate with the first member and connected to the bench portion, such that the first member and the second member may be mated to join the seat portion and the bench portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus, including a drip guard positioned on the tub transfer apparatus to limit water exiting a bathtub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in a usable position; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 between a usable position and a storage position; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 in a storage position; FIG. 4a is a perspective view of one aspect of the invention; FIG. 4b is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention; FIG. 4c is a perspective view of yet another aspect of the invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 with the seat and bench separated; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in a usable position; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6 with the seat and the bench separated; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6 in a storage position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in a usable position; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9 in a storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a tub transfer apparatus. The tub transfer apparatus includes a seat and a bench. The seat and bench are connected to one another with a connector.

The connector may be a hinge that allows the bench to be folded onto the seat. The connector may also allow for the easy removal of the bench from the seat.

One embodiment of the tub transfer apparatus of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. This embodiment of the apparatus, shown generally at 10, comprises a seat 20, a bench 40 and a hinge 60 coupling seat 20 to bench 40. Hinge 60 allows bench 40 to be folded onto seat 20 reducing the footprint (floor space requirement) of tub transfer apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Another embodiment of the tub transfer apparatus of the invention is illustrated in Figs 6,7 and 8.

This embodiment, shown generally at 12, comprises a seat 20, a bench 40 and a connector 64 temporarily coupling seat 20 to bench 40. Connector 64 allows bench 40 to be detached from seat 20 and stacked on seat 20 or otherwise stored.

Seat 20 may be constructed in any manner and of any materials that allow it to support a user within a bathtub 100. Typically, the user is supported within a basin of the bathtub. Seat 20 may also be constructed to be usable in bathtubs of differing depths and shapes. For example, seat 20 may be adjustable. Seat 20 may also be constructed to be usable and comfortable to users of different sizes and shapes. For example, seat 20 may be ergonomically designed and may be constructed to provide support at different heights and may support heavy users. Seat 20 may also be constructed to safely support a user. For example, seat 20 may be constructed to be stable and to present no abrasion or cutting hazards. Seat 20 may also be constructed for long life and ease of maintenance. For example, seat 20 may be designed to be water resistant and easy to clean. Seat 20 may also be constructed to be easy to use. For example, where seat 20 is adjustable, it may be constructed to be easy to adjust.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1,2 and 3, seat 20 may have enough legs 22 sized and arranged to provide adequate support to a user. For example, seat 20 may have one, two, three, four or more legs 22. Legs 22 may be constructed to fit within the basin of bathtub 100. Legs 22 may also be constructed to allow apparatus 10 to work with a variety of bathtubs 100

and to support users at a variety of heights. For example, legs 22 may be adjustable. The adjustment may be accomplished by any mechanism that is safe, convenient to use and provides adequate support to the user. For example, legs 22 may include a first element, such as a tube 21, within a second element, such as a tube 30, and a mechanism for fixing the elements relative to one another. For example, tube 30 may have holes 26 constructed to engage a lock 28, such as a pin or pushbutton, on tube 21. Tube 30 and tube 21 may be locked relative to one another by engaging lock 28 with one of holes 26, and may provide a desired length of leg 22.

Legs 22 may be constructed of any material or materials which provide sufficient strength to support a user, and that are not excessively heavy. Legs 22 may also be constructed for long life and ease of maintenance. For example, legs 22 may be constructed to be water resistant and easy to clean. Legs 22 may also be constructed to provide stable support. For example, legs 22 may be constructed to prevent apparatus 10 from slipping or sliding. For example, the ends 32 of legs 22, may be constructed of a material that prevents sliding. For example, the ends 32 of legs 22 may be constructed of a material having a sticky or abrasive surface. Ends 32 of legs 22 may also be constructed in a shape that provides stable support. For example, ends 32 of legs 22 may be broad or may use vacuum to more securely hold apparatus 10 in position.

Seat 20 may be constructed to support a user while the user is bathing. For example, seat 20 may be constructed with a support 34. Support 34 may be constructed in any manner and using any materials that support the user. Support 34 may be water resistant and easy to clean. For example, support 34 may be constructed of a material which is not damaged by water and that does not absorb or trap water. For example, some metals and plastics may provide adequate support and may be resistant to water. Support 34 may also be constructed to make it comfortable. For example, support 34 may be ergonomically contoured and may free from sharp or abrasive surfaces.

Support 34 may also be constructed to not retain water on its surfaces. For example support 34 may be constructed to drain when wet. For example, support 34 may include channels directing water from support 34 into bathtub 100 or perforations through which water from support 34 may flow into bathtub 100. Support 34 may be sloped to direct water from support 34 into bathtub 100.

Seat 20 may also include an additional support for a user's back. For example, a back support 36 may support the user while bathing. Back support 36 may be constructed in any manner and of any materials that support the user. For example, back support 36 may be constructed of a material that is water resistant and is not excessively heavy. Back support 36 may be constructed as a separate piece from the rest of seat 20, or may be integral with it as long as adequate support is safely given. Back support 36 may be adjustable for use in different bathtubs 100 or for different

sizes and shapes of users. For example, the height or inclination of back support 36 may be adjustable.

Where back support 36 is constructed separately from seat 20, a connector for attaching back support 36 to seat 20 may be used. The connector may be constructed of any materials and in any manner that affixes back support 36 to seat 20 to support a user. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1,2 and 3, back support 36 may include a rest 38 supported by connectors, such as tubes 39. Back support 36 may be removable and may be constructed to be affixed to any portion of seat 20. For example, back support 36 may be fixed such that, when seated, a user faces the faucet of bathtub 100, and may be removed and attached on the opposite side of seat 20 for use with a bathtub 100 with a faucet at the opposite end. Where back support 36 is adjustable or removable, it may be constructed to be easily adjustable or removable. For example, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1,2 and 3, back support 36 may include a first member, such as a tube 39, which fits within a second member, such as a second tube (not shown), positioned on seat 20, such as under support 34. The second tube may have holes for a receiving lock, such as pin or pushbutton, in first tube 39 that fixes the tubes relative to one another and provides attachment of back support 36.

Back support 36 may also be constructed to provide support to a user's back when the user is seated on bench 40. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, back support 36 may extend over bench 40. For example, back support 36 may include an extension 80 that extends over bench 40. Extension 80 may be constructed of any materials and in any manner that allows it to safely support a user's back. Extension 80 may be attached to back support 36 in any manner that allows for a firm connection capable of supporting a user's back, or may be integrally formed with back support 36. Preferably, extension 80 is designed not to intrude into the bathroom when it is not in use. For example, extension 80 may be foldable into the bathtub 100 such as with a hinge 82.

Bench 40 may be constructed in any manner and of any materials which will allow it to support the user of apparatus 10 when getting into and out of bathtub 100. Bench 40 may also be constructed to be usable in bathtubs 100 of differing depths and shapes. For example, bench 40 may be adjustable. Bench 40 may additionally be constructed to be usable and comfortable to users of different sizes and shapes. For example, bench 40 may be constructed to provide support at different heights and may support heavy users. Bench 40 may also be constructed ergonomically.

Bench 40 may also be constructed to safely support a user. For example, bench 40 may be constructed to be stable and to present no abrasion or cutting hazards. Bench 40 may also be constructed for long life and ease of maintenance. For example, Bench 40 may be constructed to be

water resistant and easy to clean. Bench 40 may also be constructed to be easy to use. For example, where bench 40 is adjustable, it may be constructed to be easy to adjust.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, bench 40 may have enough legs 22 to provide adequate support to a user. Bench 40 may also be supported by seat 20, through the attachment to the hinge 60. Legs 22 may be sized and arranged to provide adequate support to a user in conjunction with seat 20 through hinge 60 or without it. For example, bench 40 may have one, two, three, four or more legs 22. Typically, at least one leg 22 is placed outside bathtub 100.

Legs 22 may be designed to allow apparatus 10 to work with a variety of bathtubs 100 and to support users at a variety of heights. For example, legs 22 may be adjustable. The adjustment mechanism may be any mechanism that is safe and convenient to use and provides adequate support to the user. For example, legs 22 may include a first member, such as a tube 24, within a second member, such as a tube 30. Tube 30 may have holes 26 to engage a lock 28, such as pin or pushbutton, on tube 24. By engaging lock 28 with one of holes 26, tube 30 and tube 24 may be fixed relative to one another and may provide a desired length of leg 22.

Legs 22 may be constructed of any material or materials that provide sufficient strength to support a user and that are not excessively heavy. Legs 22 may also be constructed to provide long life and for ease of maintenance. For example, legs 22 may be constructed of a strong, water resistant material. Legs 22, may also be constructed to provide stable support. For example, legs 22 may be constructed to prevent apparatus 10 from slipping or sliding. For example, the ends 32 of legs 22 may be constructed of a material which prevents sliding, such as a material having a sticky or abrasive surface. Ends 32 of legs 22 may also be constructed in a shape that provides stable support. For example, ends 32 of legs 22 may be broad or may use vacuum to more securely hold apparatus 10 in position.

Like seat 20, bench 40 may include a support 42 to support the user while he or she transfers into and out of bathtub 100. Support 42 may be constructed similarly to support 34, however, as it extends outside of bathtub 100, it may also be constructed to direct water into bathtub 100. For example, support 42 may have a shape which directs water, such as channels 44, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b or perforations 46, as illustrated in FIG. 4c. Support 42 also may be sloped to direct water from support 42 into bathtub 100. Support 42 may also be constructed to prevent water from running along the underside of support 42 and out of bathtub 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, support 42 may have a water guard 70 constructed to cause water to drip off of support 42. By water guard it is meant any device or structure for causing water to drip off of support 42.

For example, water guard 70 may be a protrusion connected to apparatus 10, or integrally formed

with some portion of apparatus 10, that is shaped, sized and positioned to cause water to drip off of apparatus 10 and into bathtub 100 rather than onto the bathroom floor. Where waterguard 70 is a protrusion, water guard 70 may be formed as a lip or dimple constructed onto support 42. Water guard 70 may also be formed from a separate attachment (not shown), such as a ridge or flashing, to provide an interference along the planar surface of support 42 to cause water to drip off of support 42. Water guard 70 may also be or include a water repellant chemical or surface. For example, a water repellant chemical may be applied to an appropriate area of support 42. Alternatively, a water repellant chemical may be applied to a substrate and the substrate connected to support 42.

Preferably, water guard 70 is located such that water is directed into bathtub 100. For example, water guard 70 may be located on the edge of support 42 closest to seat 20.

Bench 40 may be constructed to be easily to folded onto, or placed on top of, seat 20. For example, bench 40 may be light weight and easy of handle. Bench 40 may also be constructed to be stable when resting on seat 20. For example, bench 40 may have a mechanism for keeping bench 40 and seat 20 together, such as being constructed to mate with seat 20.

Hinge 60 may be constructed in any manner and of any materials that allow it to attach seat 20 to bench 40. Moreover, hinge 60 may be constructed to allow bench 40 to be folded onto seat 20. Hinge 60 may be constructed to operate smoothly and easily. Hinge 60 may also be constructed to operate safely. For example, hinge 60 may be constructed to minimize the chance of pinching the user and the chance that bench 40 could fall off of seat 20. Hinge 60 may also be constructed to not interfere with the use of apparatus 10. For example, hinge 60 may be constructed with no sharp or abrasive surfaces which the user could be injured upon when using apparatus 10.

For example, hinge 60 may be recessed within support 42 and support 34. Hinge 60 may also be constructed to be easy to maintain. For example, hinge 60 may be constructed of water resistant materials, or materials that are easy to clean. Hinge 60 may also be constructed to be adjustable.

For example, hinge 60 may be constructed so that the force required to operate apparatus 10 is adjustable. Hinge 60 may also be constructed with a locking mechanism. For example, hinge 60 may be constructed with a locking mechanism for fixing seat 20 relative to bench 40. The locking mechanism may fix seat 20 relative to bench 40 in a raised position, a lowered position, or both. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG 5, hinge 60 may also be constructed to be removable. For example, hinge 60 may be removable from seat 20, bench 40, or both, allowing seat 20 and bench 40 to be separated. Removability of hinge 60 may be advantageous for moving or storing apparatus 10 and provides retail and cost savings advantages in that seat 20 and bench may be acquired separately.

Hinge 60 may be constructed in many configurations. For example, hinge 60 may include a single flexible piece of material attached to seat 20 and bench 40, or two rigid pieces of material rotatably attached to one another and to seat 20 and bench 40, respectively. Hinge 60 may also be constructed such that a shower curtain can pass between seat 20 and bench 40, reducing the amount of water allowed to leave bathtub 100 while bathing or showering. For example, hinge 60 may be of"U"shaped construction and may be attached at either end to seat 20 and bench 40, respectively, such that the"U"allows a shower curtain to be placed within it. Hinge 60 may also be constructed to be movable between a first position and a second position, in which the first position allows bench 40 to be folded onto seat 20 and the second position allows a shower curtain to pass between seat 20 and bench 40. A splash guard, such as that disclosed by Nanowsky, et al. in U. S. Patent No.

5,361,428, may also be used for this purpose.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2,3 and 5, hinge 60 may include several elements. For example, hinge 60 may include two strips 62 rotatably fixed at one end to seat 20 and, at the other, to bench 40, forming two hinge points. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate how a hinge 60 according to this embodiment may be operated to fold bench 40 onto seat 20.

As illustrated by the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 6,7 and 8, seat 20 and bench 40 may be coupled with connector 64. Connector 64 may be constructed in any manner and of any materials that provide a connection between seat 20 and bench 40 that will not separate when apparatus 12 is used, but allows easy separation of bench 40 and seat 20 when apparatus 12 is not used. For example, connector 64 may be constructed so that bench 40 and seat 20 will not separate when a user is supported on bench 40 or seat 20 or that bench 40 and seat 20 will not separate when a user shifts to or from bench 40 to seat 20. Connector 64 may also be constructed to allow easy detachment of seat 20 from bench 40 so that a user may remove seat 20 from bench 40 even if the user is elderly or disabled. For example, connector 64 may include a pair of tubes mounted on legs 22 of seat 20 and legs 22 of bench 40 may be constructed to be placed within the tubes of connector 64, coupling seat 20 to bench 40. In this embodiment, the user may lift the bench to remove legs 22 of bench 40 from connectors 64.

Connector 64 may also include, for example, hooking or snapping mechanisms, or hook and loop fastener material, provided that seat 20 and bench 40 remain safely together during use and are easily separated for storage in bathtub 100 when not in use. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a member 74, such as the upper portion of leg 22, connected to bench 40, may be constructed to mate with a member 72 connected to seat 20. Where member 74 is constructed to mate to member 72, they may be fixed relative to one another with a lock. For example, a spring-fit projection 84 on

tubular member 74 may be mated to holes 86 positioned in receiving member 72. Once tubular member 74 is inserted and advanced into receiving member 72, projection 84 can be mated with holes 86 at various positions. When bench 40 is separated from seat 20, it may be stacked on seat 20 to preserve space.

Where seat 20 and bench 40 are connected with connector 64, it may be possible for water to travel across connector 64, and out of bathtub 100. Other structural or connective elements of apparatus 10, such as members 72,74, may also act as a conduit, allowing water to exit bathtub 100. Where water may be carried out of bathtub 100 by member 72,74 or connector 64, member 72,74 or connector 64 may be constructed to prevent water from escaping bathtub 100. For example, member 72,74 or connector 64 may be constructed to cause water to drip off of it into bathtub 100, rather than exiting bathtub 100. For example, a drip guard 76 may be used on member 72,74 or connector 64. By drip guard it is meant any device or structure for causing water to drip off of apparatus 10. For example, drip guard 76 may be a protrusion connected to apparatus 10, or integrally formed with some portion of apparatus 10, that is shaped, sized and positioned to cause water to drip off of apparatus 10 and into bathtub 100 rather than onto the bathroom floor. Drip guard 76 may be constructed of any materials and in any manner that allow drip guard 76 to prevent water from passing it. For example, a protrusion on member 72,74 or connector 64, or an o-ring positioned around member 72,74 or connector 64, may prevent or slow water from running along member 72,74 or connector 64 and from exiting bathtub 100. Drip guard 76 may also be or include a water repellant chemical or surface. For example, a water repellant chemical may be applied to an appropriate portion of apparatus 10, such as member 72,74 or connector 64. Alternatively, a water repellant chemical may be applied to a substrate and the substrate connected to apparatus 10.

Preferably, drip guard 76 is located such that water is directed into bathtub 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, platform 34 may also fold into bathtub 100 along with bench 40. For example, hinge 60 may be located on the side of seat 20 opposite bench 40 and attached to platform 34, such that platform 34 may be folded upward. If bench 40 is attached to platform 34, it may be folded upward along with platform 34. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, platform 34 may be constructed in more than one section. Where platform 34 is more than one section, hinge 60 may be located between sections of platform 34, such that bench 40 and a section of platform 34 may be folded upward, and the remainder of platform 34 is secured.

The present invention will be further illustrated by the following example which is intended to be illustrative in nature and not considered as limiting to the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a preferred embodiment of tub transfer apparatus 10 of the invention is illustrated. The apparatus 10 includes a seat 20, having a platform to support a user 34, a back support 36 and four legs 22. Back support 36 includes a rest 38 supported by two tubes 39. One end of each of tubes 39 is attached to the rear of a rest 38. Tubes 39 are bent at a substantially right angle such that ends of tubes 39 which are not attached to rest 38 may be inserted into slightly larger tubes mounted to the bottom of platform 34. Tubes 39 have spring-loaded pushbuttons which mate with holes in the larger tubes to secure tubes 39 to platform 34. The larger tubes extend across the length of platform 34 and are open at both ends, allowing tubes 39 to be inserted at either end and back support 36 to be installed facing either direction. Tubes 39 are preferably constructed of a strong, relatively light and water resistant metal, such as stainless steel.

Rest 38 and platform 34 are ergonomically contoured and are, preferably, made of blow molded plastic. Additionally, platform 34 includes channels which direct water on platform 34 back into bathtub 100. On the bottom of platform 34 are mounted the larger tubes for inserting tubes 39 and a pair of tubes 21 which extend along the length of the platform in the transverse direction to the larger tubes, and which are downwardly bent at a substantially right angle at both ends to receive lower portions 30 of legs 22.

Lower portions 30 of legs 22 are constructed of tubes slightly smaller than tubes 21 and have spring-loaded pushbuttons 28 which mate with holes in tubes 21. Legs 22 end in feet 32 constructed of a no-slip material, such as rubber.

Bench 40 is constructed in a similar manner to seat 20. A platform 42 to support the user is provided. Platform 42 is preferably constructed of blow molded plastic. Platform 42 is ergonomically designed and includes channels 44, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, to direct water into bathtub 100. Tubes 24 are mounted to the bottom of platform 42 and are bent downwardly at a substantially right angle at one end to receive lower portion 30 of legs 22. Tubes 24 have holes to mate with push buttons 28 on lower portions 30 of legs 22. Tubes 24 are preferably connected to one another by a tube 48 that provides additional stability to bench 40 and may serve as a foot rest.

A hinge 60 connects seat 20 to bench 40. Hinge 60 includes a pair of flat metal strips rotatably mounted on one end to seat 20, and on the other end to bench 40. Hinge 60 is mounted using screws designed to be easily finger-turnable and is recessed into seat 20 and bench 40. Hinge 60 provides support to bench 40 on the side not supported by legs 22. The side of bench 40 which

is supported by hinge 60 also rests on tubes 21 of seat 20, which extend past platform 34, providing additional support to bench 40.

It will be understood that each of the elements described herein, or two or more together, may be modified or may also find utility in other applications differing from those described above.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and substitutions may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is: