Wheel chair shower safety

Abstract

The Wheel Chair Shower Safety provides an adjustable threshold specially designed to be installed in walk-in shower stalls. Created to replace current stall thresholds, this product is essentially rectangular in shape, and is hinge mounted to the entrance of the stall, the Wheel Chair Shower Safety contains a swiveling foot pedal at each end. As such, when a wheelchair is rolled over the pedals, the threshold automatically flattens to facilitate unimpeded entry. As the chair passes over the pedals, the threshold retracts back to a vertical position, thus keeping water confined within the stall. When the shower is over, the patient repeats the above process to exit the stall.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/403,575 filed Sep. 17, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, "Wheel Chair Shower Safety."

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of shower safety devices, and more specifically to the field of shower threshold safety devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The prior art has put forth several designs for shower threshold safety devices. Among these are:

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,375 to Jeffery N. Carr describes a removable threshold for use in bathroom fixtures which includes a top section that has two elongated sides. The removable threshold is secured to the fixture by a fastener and anchor assembly wherein the anchor is secured to the fixture and wherein the fastener is threadably connected to the anchor.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,757 to Raymond C. Torres describes a threshold assembly adapted to be mounted at the threshold of a conventional barrier free shower in order to reduce the amount of water from the shower contacting the floor of the bathroom.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,188 to Kevin Ross and Richard A. Millard, Jr. describes a water retention dam including a collapsible outer shell having an inner chamber and at least one surface for preventing the passage of water.

[0007] None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a shower threshold safety device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows the device of the present invention in its retracted configuration.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows the device of the present invention in its upright configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The Wheel Chair Shower Safety is an adjustable threshold specially designed to be installed in walk-in shower stalls. Created to replace current stall thresholds, this product is essentially rectangular in shape, measuring approximately ten inches in height, thirty inches in width and one-quarter inch in depth.

[0013] Hinge mounted to the entrance of the stall, the Wheel Chair Shower Safety contains a swiveling foot pedal at each end. As such, when a wheelchair is rolled over the pedals, the threshold automatically flattens to facilitate unimpeded entry. As the chair passes over the pedals, the threshold retracts back to a vertical position, thus keeping water confined within the stall. When the shower is over, the patient repeats the above process to exit the stall.

[0014] In the case of those who require a caregiver for assistance, the Wheel Chair Shower Safety is easily operated by foot simply by stepping on either foot pedal located on each side of the Wheel Chair Shower Safety. As an additional consideration, this product is offered in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any bathroom's decor.

[0015] The Wheel Chair Shower Safety allows consumers who suffer with mobility problems to enter and exit a shower stall in an expedient and easy manner. These users appreciate that the Wheel Chair Shower Safety provides a danger-free means for them to enjoy a warm, soothing shower.

[0016] Conducive to an easy transfer to and from the shower, the adjustable threshold allows users to confidently ease themselves in, without worry of tipping over. Lightweight yet durable, the water-resistant, reinforced construction of this clever product ensures years of continued use.

[0017] The sturdy and comfortable Wheel Chair Shower Safety fosters a renewed sense of independence and self-sufficiency in elderly patients who are able to operate their wheelchairs. Not just for the older population, this cleverly designed product also proves invaluable to anyone with mobility challenges, from sufferers of palsy or scoliosis to those recovering from joint replacement surgery or broken bones.

[0018] The Wheel Chair Shower Safety is very beneficial in the home as well as in hospitals, and especially nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

[0019] The Wheel Chair Shower Safety allows the user to be easily pushed in and out of the shower stall, preventing the possible scenario of the wheel chair tipping, causing the occupant harm and injury. Injury prevention effectively reduces medical and insurance costs.

[0020] The Wheel Chair Shower Safety is an innovative product invention that offers consumers with mobility-impairing ailments a safe and comfortable way to enter a shower stall. User friendly and versatile, this practical unit's strong construction allows its users to return to completing the everyday and enjoyable task of bathing in a pain-free and confident manner. Affordably priced, the Wheel Chair Shower Safety is well received by the elderly or anyone with limited mobility, a very sizable market potential.

[0021] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shower threshold safety device, comprising: an adjustable threshold to be installed in walk-in shower stalls, to replace current stall thresholds, this product is essentially rectangular in shape, wherein the device is hinge mounted to the entrance of the stall, further comprising a swiveling foot pedal at each end, wherein the threshold automatically flattens to facilitate unimpeded entry when a wheelchair is rolled over the pedals and wherein the threshold retracts back to a vertical position when the wheels of the wheelchair has passed over the pedals.

2. The device of claim 1 which is configured to be installed in an existing shower stall.

3. The device of claim 1 sized to accommodate a wide variety of shower stalls.

4. The device of claim 1 measuring approximately ten inches in height, thirty inches in width and one-quarter inch in depth.

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