ADAPTATION TO AN ASSISTIVE DEVICE

• US 20070273181A1
• Filed: 05/17/2007
• Published: 11/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rehab Design Innovations, LLC
• Original Assignee: Rehab Design Innovations, LLC
• Inventors: Wechter, Brian J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,152,233 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/119
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 3/122 Seats specially adapted for showers A47K3/282

Abstract

A transfer bench and methods for using same to facilitate movement of a person into and out of an enclosure are disclosed. The transfer bench comprises a first seating section that at least partially lies in a horizontal plane. A second seating section rotatably coupled to the first seating section is configured to rotate between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. Each seating section can be supported by one or more legs. The transfer bench can be positioned in the enclosure. A user sits on the second seating section, moves to the first seating section, and can rotate the second seating section to a vertical position such that the transfer bench is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure may be a wet/dry environment and can be enclosed by means such as a shower curtain, door, or other enclosure means.

Claims

1. A transfer bench configured for use in an enclosure having a base and a periphery of a predetermined height, said transfer bench comprising:

a first seating section, wherein at least a portion of said first seating section lies substantially in a horizontal plane;

a second seating section rotatably coupled to said first seating section and configured to be rotated from and between a first position to a second position; and

a plurality of legs comprising at least a first leg configured to support said first seating section and at least a second leg configured to support said second seating section.

2. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said first position is a generally horizontal position and said second position is a generally vertical position.

3. The transfer bench of claim 2, wherein said second seating section comprises a bottom surface and wherein said second leg is rotatably coupled to said second seating section and configured to substantially lie flat against said bottom surface when said second seating section is in said second position.

4. The transfer bench of claim 2, wherein said second seating section is configured to extend beyond said periphery of said enclosure in said first position.

5. The transfer bench of claim 2, further comprising means for selectively maintaining said second seating section in said second position.

6. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said plurality of legs are at least as tall as said predetermined height.

7. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein a height of each of said plurality of legs is individually adjustable.

8. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said second seating section comprises at least one handhold.

9. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said first seating section comprises at least a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein said second seating section is rotatably coupled to said first seating section proximate said first edge, said transfer bench further comprising an arm rest positioned proximate said second edge.

10. The transfer bench of claim 1, further comprising a back support member extending from said first seating section at a selected angle.

11. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said first seating section and said second seating section comprise a material configured to support the weight of a user and allow the lateral movement of said user across each of said first and second seating sections.

12. The transfer bench of claim 1, wherein said first seating section comprises water drainage means.

13. A method of facilitating movement of a person into and out of an enclosure having a base, a periphery of a predetermined height, said method comprising:

providing a transfer bench comprising;

a first seating section, wherein at least a portion of said first seating section lies substantially in a horizontal plane;

a second seating section rotatably coupled to said first seating section and configured to be rotated from and between a first and generally horizontal position, and a second and generally vertical position; and

a plurality of legs comprising at least a first leg configured to support said first seating section and at least a second leg configured to support said second seating section; and

.

selectively positioning said transfer bench in said enclosure, wherein at least said first seating section is fully disposed within said periphery of said enclosure.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning said second seating section to said first position, wherein in said first position at least a portion of said second seating section is configured to extend beyond said periphery of said enclosure.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving said person on said second seating section and transferring said person to said first seating section.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising rotating said second seating section from said first position to said second position, wherein said transfer bench is substantially disposed within said periphery when said second seating section is in said second position.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said enclosure further comprises means for enclosing said enclosure proximate at least a portion of said periphery, wherein said method further comprises manipulating said enclosure means to at least partially enclose said enclosure.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a height of said first leg is selectively adjustable, said method further comprising adjusting said first leg to a height that is at least as tall as said predetermined height of said periphery.