U.S. patent application number 11/496798 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for bathing aid.
Invention is credited to Judith A. Todd, Gregory M. Trettel.
Application Number | 20080022448 11/496798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38686702 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080022448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Todd; Judith A. ; et
al. |
January 31, 2008 |
Bathing aid
Abstract
A bathing aid device comprises adjustments to accommodate
varying user body shapes and sizes and may be used in conjunction
with most, if not all, bathtubs. The bathing aid device, when used
as described, allows for more complete and safer bathing for those
incapable of bathing themselves. The device includes a kneeling
platform for being placed beside a bathtub, a column assembly,
which extends from the kneeling platform to a position above and
preferably slightly forward relative to the bathtub wall, and which
holds a preferably pivotal clavicle-region support. The user leans
on the clavicle-region support, and, because of its location
relative to the bathtub and the user's upper chest, and because of
its small dimensions, the support is especially comfortable and
effective. The user need not rest on the device with her/his
elbows, arms, shoulders, or breasts, and, instead, the user is well
supported high up on her body and can easily reach around the
device to assist an infant, bather, or pet inside the bathtub. The
preferred column assembly is quickly and easily removable, without
loosening any fasteners, in order to move the assembly out of the
way before the user rises or lifts a child out over the bathtub
wall.
Inventors: |
Todd; Judith A.; (Meridian,
ID) ; Trettel; Gregory M.; (Meridian, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEDERSEN & COMPANY, PLLC
P.O. BOX 2666
BOISE
ID
83701
US
|
Family ID: |
38686702 |
Appl. No.: |
11/496798 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/559 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/001 20130101;
A47C 16/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/559 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/00 20060101
A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A bathing aid device comprising: a lower portion for resting on
a floor beside a bathtub, the lower portion having a front
extremity and a rear extremity; a column assembly extending upwards
from the lower portion and having a distal end, wherein the column
assembly comprises a generally horizontal portion that places the
distal end forward from the front extremity of the lower portion; a
support cushion pivotally connected to said distal end at a pivot
point that is forward relative to said front extremity of the lower
portion, the support cushion being for supporting a user's upper
chest over the wall of said bathtub.
2. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said column assembly
comprises a single upright column that bends at about 90
degrees.
3. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein substantially the
entire support cushion is forward of said front extremity.
4. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said support cushion
is less than or equal to 10 inches wide and less then or equal to 8
inches long, for bearing against the clavicle region of a user's
upper chest.
5. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein a lower end of said
column assembly is slidably received in said lower portion, and
wherein the column assembly is not fastened to the lower portion so
that the column assembly is liftable up away from the lower portion
for removal from the lower portion.
6. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein the lower portion
has an upper surface and said column assembly is connected to the
lower portion by being received in a hole in said lower portion,
and wherein no fastening structure for connecting the column
assembly to the lower portion protrudes up from the upper surface
of the lower portion.
7. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said column assembly
is adjustable in length to raise and lower the support cushion
relative to the lower portion.
8. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said column assembly
is adjustable in length near said distal end to move said support
cushion forward and rearward relative to the lower portion.
9. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said support cushion
is freely pivotal on said column assembly.
10. A bathing aid device as in claim 1, wherein said lower portion
comprises a cushion for receiving the knees and lower legs of a
user.
11. A combination of a bathing aid device and a bathtub, wherein:
the bathing aid device comprises a base for resting on a floor
beside a wall of said bathtub, the base having a front extremity
and a rear extremity, and the front extremity being at or near the
bathtub wall; a column assembly extending upwards from the base and
having a generally horizontal distal end, wherein the column
assembly curves over the bathtub wall to place the distal end above
the wall; a support cushion pivotally connected to said distal end
at a pivotal connection, the support cushion being adapted to
supporting a user's upper chest generally over or in front of the
wall of said bathtub.
12. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the bathtub wall has a
top surface, and the distal end is above and distanced from said
top surface so that the distal end does not touch the bathtub, and
wherein an upper surface of the support cushion is 5-10 inches
above said top surface.
13. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the pivotal connection of
said support cushion to said distal end is 2-8 inches forward from
the front extremity of the bathing aid device.
14. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the bathtub wall has a
central vertical plane and said pivotal connection is up to 6
inches forward from the central vertical plane of the bathtub
wall.
15. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the bathing aid device
does not have wheels.
16. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the column assembly is
connected to the base by a lower end of said column assembly being
slidably inserted in a hole in said base, wherein the device
comprises no connection means for connecting the column assembly to
the base other than said slidable insertion in said hole.
17. A combination as in claim 16, wherein the base has an upper
surface and wherein the hole is defined by a hole wall in said base
and said hole wall does not extend up above the upper surface of
the base.
18. A combination as in claim 11, wherein the base has an upper
surface and the column assembly is connected to the base by a lower
end of said column assembly being slidably inserted in a hole in
said base, wherein the device comprises no connection structure
above said upper surface of the base for connecting the column
assembly to the base.
19. A combination as in claim 11, wherein said base comprises a
cushion.
20. A combination as in claim 11, wherein said base comprises a
cushion substantially over the entire top of the base.
21. A combination of a bathing aid device and a bathtub, wherein:
the bathtub wall has an outer wall surface, a top surface, and a
central vertical plane; the bathing aid device comprises a pedestal
for resting on a floor beside the outer wall surface of said
bathtub, the pedestal having a front extremity and a rear
extremity, and the front extremity being at or near said outer
wall; a column assembly extending upwards from the pedestal, over
and above the bathtub wall to place a distal end of the column
assembly above said top surface of the bathtub wall; a clavicle
support cushion connected to said distal end on or forward relative
to said central vertical plane; wherein said column assembly and
said clavicle support cushion are sized and located relative to the
base so that, when a user kneels on said base behind the column
assembly and leans over onto the clavicle support cushion, the
clavicle support cushion bears against the user's clavicle area
between the user's shoulders, so that the user can reach forward
around said clavicle support cushion without said support cushion
interfering with movement of the user's shoulders or arms.
22. A combination as in claim 21, wherein the clavicle support
cushion is pivotally connected to said distal end.
23. A combination as in claim 21, wherein the clavicle support
cushion is sized not to contact the user's breasts.
24. A method of using a bathing aid device with a bathtub, the
method comprising: providing a bathtub with a wall having an outer
wall surface, a top surface, and a central vertical plane;
providing a bathing aid device and resting the bathing aid device
beside the bathtub wall outer wall surface, the device comprising a
pedestal with a front extremity at or near the outer wall surface,
a column assembly extending up from the pedestal and over the top
surface of the bathtub wall, and support cushion connected to a
distal end of the column assembly and positioned over the top
surface forward from the front extremity of the pedestal; wherein
the method further comprises a user of the device kneeling on said
pedestal and leaning over the bathtub wall and placing the user's
clavicle upon the support cushion so that the support cushion bears
against the user's clavicle between the user's shoulders and
support cushion does not bear against the user's breasts, wherein
the user reaches forward around said clavicle support cushion
without said support cushion interfering with movement of the
user's shoulders or arms.
25. A method as in claim 24, further comprising leaning back off of
the clavicle support cushion and removing the column assembly by
lifting it out of a hole in the pedestal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a device used to provide
comfort and support to a person assisting in the bathing of another
person in a bathtub and more particularly to a bathing aid device
that is capable of being used adjacent to and in conjunction with a
typical household bathtub.
[0003] The use of the invented device will be immediately
recognized as extremely practical in any situation where a capable
person such as a parent or caregiver is charged with aiding the
bathing of a person who is incapable of properly bathing himself or
herself, such as an infant or an elderly or handicapped
individual.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Various kneeling benches and pad systems have been disclosed
in the patent literature.
For example:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,877,602, Silverman, addresses a kneeling
bench used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of
use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable Silverman
relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body
support.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,069,124, Wojtalewicz, et.al, addresses a
prayer rail used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention
of use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable.
Wojtalewicz, et.al. relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for
upper body support.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,101,259, Landau, addresses a prayer bench
used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of use with
bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable. Landau relies upon
the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,575, Terry, addresses a bath aid with a
general operating principle similar to the present invention,
however, the Terry device is non-adjustable, makes no mention of
foot discomfort, and relies upon the ribcage of a user for upper
body support. In Terry, the ribcage support system is the same
width as the kneeling portion, which the inventors believe would
hinder the user's shoulders and arms.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,897, Barnabie, addresses a bathtub wall
pad, which is non-adjustable, makes no mention of foot discomfort,
and relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body
support. The Barnabie pad simply provides a cushion on the bathtub
wall as the user leans on it with his forearms or elbows.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,675, Tinen, addresses a bathtub wall pad
that is non-adjustable, and makes no mention of foot discomfort.
Tinen relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body
support (see FIG. 2 of Tinen) and simply provides a cushion on the
bathtub wall as the user leans on it with his forearms or
elbows.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,535, Frawley, etal., addresses a bath
aid, wherein the user sits upon the device rather than kneels.
Frawley, et al. relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper
body support.
[0013] US2003/0145374 A1, Schultz, addresses a bath aid that is
non-adjustable, makes no mention of foot discomfort, and relies
upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates generally to devices used to
aid in assisting a person to bathe in a bathtub, or in bathing of a
pet, or in other tasks that requires kneeling beside a bathtub. The
present invention may be used with most conventional household
bathtubs and contains adjustment means to render it useable with
most sizes and shapes of bathtub and users with varying body shape
and size.
[0015] Many persons, including the elderly, handicapped and
infants, require assistance in bathing. Typically, a person
assisting in the bathing of individuals such as those described
above is subjected to considerable strain and discomfort due to the
body position that must necessarily be assumed to assist in
bathing. This position requires the assisting person to bend the
upper body over and above the sidewall of the bathtub and remain in
this position for extended lengths of time, relying only upon the
muscles of the body to remain in this position. The position of the
attending person also requires that all of the body weight be
supported on the knee joints, with the added complication of the
feet and ankle joints being bent at an un-natural and uncomfortable
angle, all of this occurring on the relatively hard and immovable
surface of the floor adjacent to the bathtub.
[0016] Use of the present invention allows the user to remain
comfortably in the position required to assist a bather by
providing support structures for those parts of the body that would
experience pain and discomfort without the employment of the
invented device.
[0017] A further advantage of the present invention is, that by
eliminating the pain and discomfort experienced when assisting a
person to bathe in the conventional way, the invented device allows
the user to be more attentive to the task at hand, thereby
providing a safer environment for the bather and attendant, with
the added bonus of a more complete cleansing for the individual
being bathed.
[0018] The present invention comprises a lower portion, for
placement beside a bathtub, which has an upper surface
appropriately positioned to receive the knees and lower legs of a
kneeling person. From the lower portion extends a column assembly
that holds at or near its upper end a support for the upper chest
of a user, and, most preferably, the clavicle area between the
shoulders. The column assembly preferably positions the entire, or
substantially the entire, upper chest/clavicle support
substantially forward of the lower portion, so that said support
may be over a bathtub wall or even forward of the central plane of
the bathtub wall. The support is preferably small, so as not to
extend to the right and left far enough to interfere with the
user's shoulders and arms, and so as not to extend down far enough
to interfere with the user's breasts. The support preferably pivots
relative to the column assembly, so that it supports, but also
moves with, the user as the user leans further over the bathtub and
adjusts his/her position to assist the bather. The column assembly
may be a single arm/column, which is preferred, as this minimizes
or eliminates interference with the shoulders, arms, and breasts.
Alternatively, the column assembly may be multiple arms/columns, a
solid curved plate(s), or other designs, preferably not extending
to the left, right, or rearward far enough to interfere with the
shoulders, arms, breasts, or stomach of the user. Preferably, the
column assembly is quickly and easily removable from the lower
portion, for example, so that the arm system may be removed prior
to the user lifting up a baby out of the bathtub and rising from
the device.
[0019] In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a lower
padded assembly, designed to immovably rest, when in use, upon the
floor adjacent to a bathtub, the padded portion supporting and
cradling the knees and lower legs of a user. Mounted removably
within the lower assembly, a vertical, height adjustable support
column extends upwardly from the lower assembly. Upon the upper end
of the vertical support column is mounted the adjustable upper body
support assembly. The entire vertical support column may be
instantly removed from the lower assembly and laid aside a suitable
distance when not in use, thereby allowing for a greater degree of
safety during ingress and egress of a bather from the bathtub.
[0020] The invented device is designed and constructed so as to be
portable and conveniently stored when not in use, therefore, it
would preferably be comprised of lightweight yet suitably strong,
waterproof material, such as, but not limited to, plastic and
aluminum or a combination thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathing aid device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a detail of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, showing one embodiment of vertical support
column locking means.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial elevation view of a detail of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, showing the detail of the upper body
support.
[0027] FIG. 7A is a plan view of an alternative upper body support
cushion having a triangular shape.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a plan view of an alternative upper body support
cushion having a T-shape.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic of the front of a female user,
illustrating in solid lines the preferred location of the
rectangular support cushion, and, in dashed lines, the preferred
location of a triangular support cushion.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view according to a second
embodiment of the present invention, showing one embodiment of a
horizontal adjustment means.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, showing an alternate joining
means for the vertical support column.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, showing the in-use body position of a
user.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, and 11, showing the vertical support
column removed and the user lifting the baby out of the
bathtub.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention, showing a completely padded
pedestal.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a flexible
cushion assembly extending from the bathing aid device and
positioned at the top of the bathtub wall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring to the Figures, there are shown five, but not the
only five embodiments of the invented bathing aid device that may
be used to assist a person in the bathing of another person within
a bathtub, in bathing a pet, or other tasks requiring kneeling at a
bathtub. Use of the invented device also allows a more complete and
safer bath for those incapable of bathing themselves.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the preferred bathing aid device
comprises complete bathing aid device 1. Device 1 comprises
generally vertical support structure 10 and lower portion 12. Lower
portion 12, in the preferred embodiment, comprises pedestal 18
having base 21 and cushion well 22, within which rests cushion 20.
Upon bottom surface 23 of base 21 are secured friction strips 24
which prevent unintended movement of pedestal 18 and device 1 upon
a floor surface when a user occupies the invented device.
Preferably, there are no wheels, casters, or other rollers on the
bottom of the device 1. Within upper surface 25 of pedestal 1 8,
hole 26 is provided to accept and secure slidably moveable vertical
support column assembly 14 at end 30 of lower tube 28.
[0038] Vertical support column assembly 14 is comprised of lower
tube 28 and upper tube 38. Upper tube 38 is constructed so as to
slide vertically within lower tube 28, the two tubes being secured
to one another by vertical height adjustment means 36. Lower
vertical support tube 28 has attached, by suitable means, lateral
support block 34 is designed to provide stability in a lateral
direction by resting against bathtub outer wall 80. Suitable means
of attaching support block 34 to support tube 28 may include
screws, clamps, bolts, integral molding, or other fasteners.
Support block 34 is constructed of a non-marring material, such as,
but not limited to, rubber, so as to prevent damage to the bathtub
finish. Support block 34 may extend farther along the length of the
column assembly 14, or farther to the left and right, than is shown
in the Drawings, and, hence, father along the bathtub wall 80, if
desired.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, it may be observed that vertical
height adjustment means 36, comprised of threads 52 and quadrants
54 at end 32 of lower tube 28, and threaded locking ring 50, allows
end 40 of upper tube 38 to enter and slide within lower tube 28.
With locking ring 50 assembled to lower tube 28, and upper tube 38
inserted within lower tube 28, upper tube 38 may be vertically
adjusted for proper height to suit the user. Locking ring 50 may
then be tightened upon threads 52, thereby compressing quadrants 54
against the outer diameter of tube 38, fixing upper tube 38
immovably within lower tube 28. Shown in FIG. 5 is one, but not the
only, vertical locking means that may be used. Other vertical
locking means may be used, for example, a cotter-pin style lock, a
set-screw style lock, a clamp lock, or others that will be
envisioned by those of skill in the art after viewing this
disclosure and the drawings.
[0040] The upper portion of upper tube 38, at end 42, is oriented
generally perpendicularly to the vertical support column and has
attached upper cushion support column 44 and adjustment means 46
for upper cushion assembly 16. In the drawings, an angle of 90
degrees is illustrated in upper tube 38, however, other angles of
bend may be used, with the intent being to secure the lower tube 28
to the front region of the pedestal 18 and yet place the upper
cushion assembly 16 over and above, or slightly in front of the
bathtub wall, or at least slightly in front of the bathtub wall
central vertical plane. "Front" and "forward" indicate the
direction the user typically faces when using the device, that is,
to the left in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14. The vast majority of bathtub
walls are 14-18 inches high (measured from the floor) and the
Vertical support column 14 is preferably dimensioned to adjust to
lengths that fit a variety of users, while placing the cushion
assembly above, and not touching the bathtub wall. Typically, the
support column 14 will place the cushion assembly at about 20-26
inches above the bottom of the device (and the floor), about 4-8
inches above the top surface 81 of the bathtub wall, and forward
from the front extremity of the pedestal 18. The upper surface of
the cushion 48 is preferably about 5-10 inches above top surface
81.
[0041] The pedestal 18 typically abuts against the bathtub wall 80,
with the preferred straight and rigid front surface 27 of the
pedestal being the front extremity of the pedestal that contacts
the wall 80. The support column 14, therefore, extends forward
beyond the front extremity of the pedestal 18, and places the pivot
point of the cushion preferably 2-8 inches (optimally 3-6 inches)
forward of the front extremity. This way, the center of the cushion
48 preferably will be forward from said front extremity throughout
its pivot.
[0042] The pivot point of the cushion assembly 16 preferably
directly over, or forward from, the vertical central plane of the
bathtub wall, for example, about up to 6 inches (and optimally 1-3
inches) forward from said central plane; this way, the center of
the cushion 48 preferably will be forward from said central plane
throughout its pivot. In this way, the cushion assembly 16 of the
preferred embodiment positions the shoulders above the bathtub
"well" or at least above and slightly forward relative to the
center plane of the bathtub wall. This helps keep the shoulders and
arms from being encumbered by the wall 80, as the user reaches into
the bathtub. Unlike the prior art devices that are adapted to
receive and cushion the forearms or elbows of the user, at the
level of the top of the bathtub wall, the present preferred
embodiment supports the center clavicle area of the user several
inches above the top surface 81 to keep the entirety of the user's
shoulders, arms and elbows unencumbered by the device and the
bathtub wall.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, it may be seen that
upper support assembly 16 is comprised of cushion 48, base plate 47
with attached pivot brackets 45 and 49, and adjustment means 46.
Attached to the lower surface of cushion base plate 47 are pivot
brackets 45 and 49. Within pivot bracket 49 is smooth hole 68.
Within pivot bracket 45 is threaded hole 66. Pivot brackets 45 and
49 fit snugly but not rigidly upon two sides of support column 44,
and holes 66 and 68 correspond to and communicate with holes 70 in
support column 44. Adjustment knob 46, comprised of shaft 62 and
threads 64 is inserted through pivot brackets 45 and 49 and column
44 such that threads 64 on shaft 62 may be coupled to threaded hole
66, thereby rigidly securing upper cushion assembly 16 in a fixed
position as desired by the user. Shown in FIG. 6 is one, but by no
means the only method of pivotal adjustment of cushion assembly
16.
[0044] Alternatively, upper cushion assembly 16 may be left
securely attached yet pivotally moveable upon support column 44,
wherein cushion assembly 16 may move relative to the support column
assembly 14, in response to the movements of the body of a user.
Thus, the upper cushion assembly 16 may be allowed to pivot freely,
at the upper end of the column assembly 14, preferably from
slightly tilted toward the center plane of the bathtub (about 10-20
degrees forward from horizontal), to horizontal (as shown in FIG.
4), and rearward to a position in the range of 35-60 degrees
rearward from horizontal. Most preferably, the upper cushion
assembly 16 pivots from 10-20 degrees forward from horizontal to 45
degrees rearward from horizontal (FIG. 11). Thus, the assembly 16
preferably freely pivots up to about 80 degrees (or more preferably
about 65 degrees) and has stops or other limiting structure at each
end of the pivot path (at about horizontal and at about 60 degrees)
to prevent the cushion assembly from pivoting further, and to
prevent the cushion assembly from "flopping" too far either
direction (that is, too far counter-clockwise or clockwise in FIG.
11). Alternatively, the cushion assembly 16 may be pivotally
connected to the column assembly 14 by other means, for example, a
biased pivot connection, such as one that is biased rearward and
provides slight resistance to the user leaning over the bathtub, or
a flex connection that allows pivoting relative to the column
assembly 14 by means of a flexible member rather than a pivot
axle.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the dimension X is
preferably in a range of about 6-10 inches (optimum being
approximately 8 inches) and dimension Y is preferably 4-8 inches
(optimum being approximately 6 inches), or at least not more than 8
inches at the left and right ends of the cushion assembly (above
the breasts). The bathing aid device 1 is sized and shaped so that
the upper cushion assembly 16 is located in relation to the bathtub
wall and the user's body so as to bear against the clavicle portion
of the user's upper chest area, and the upper cushion assembly is
dimensioned and shaped to allow for proper and comfortable upper
body support, while, most importantly, permits complete freedom of
movement of the arms of a user. Especially, the width of the upper
cushion assembly (approximately 8 inches wide) permits the user to
reach unhindered around the cushion assembly 16 into the bathtub
even to the point that the user may use both hands very close to
each other inside the bathtub to do intricate and careful work in
front of the user. This is especially advantageous and important
relative to the bathing of an infant. (See FIG. 11). With respect
to a female user, the upper cushion assembly 16 bears against the
upper chest area in such a way as to not impinge upon nor cause
discomfort to the breasts.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 11, it will be observed that a female
user is positioned upon the preferred device, and is bathing an
infant. The knees K of the user P are cradled upon and within
cushion 20 of pedestal 18. Preferably, there is no seat for the
user extending up from the pedestal 18. Dimension D, denoting the
height above the floor of cushion 20, is preferably 5-7 inches
(optimally approximately 51/2 inches), thereby allowing the feet F
of the user P to assume a natural, comfortable position. It will
also be noted that upper cushion 48 bears against the area of the
upper chest above the breasts, especially important to a female
user. Preferably, during normal use, the cushion assembly 16 does
not contact, and does not support the user at or below the breasts,
at the lower ribcage or other part of the lower chest or stomach,
and does not contact the user's elbows or forearms. While the
inventors acknowledge that some "upper breast" tissue, such as
upper muscle or other upper tissue associated with the breasts, may
be in the vicinity of the cushion assembly during use of the
device, the preferred device is adapted for contact and
weight-bearing between the user's body and the upper cushion to be
substantially above the breasts and substantially in the clavicle
area. In alternative embodiments, the inventors foresee that the
cushion may have a substantial portion that contacts the user
between the breasts, but, again, not centered against, or
substantially encroaching on, either of the breasts. This is
primarily because of the discomfort that would be experienced by
many users if contact, and especially weight-bearing, were to occur
between the upper cushion and one or both breasts. Thus, the
preferred embodiments, while being effective for anyone desiring
support while kneeling beside a bathtub, are especially comfortable
for nursing mothers and women in general.
[0047] Further, because the upper cushion 48 supports the user
between the shoulders, rather than below the shoulders, the
preferred device 1 provides superior support, comfort, and
strain-relief compared to support lower on the user's body; when
support is lower on the user's body, the user must still lean over
and substantially forward from the support, which typically results
in more back and/or shoulder strain, discomfort, and less secure
and safe positioning of the user relative to the bathtub and the
bather. It will also be seen that the preferred device allows for
complete freedom of movement of the arms A of a user, thereby
affording increased function and safety, especially with respect to
bathing of an infant B.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 12, it will be observed that when
bathing is completed, the entire vertical support structure 10 may
be removed from pedestal 18, occupying only the momentary use of
one hand of the user, thereby allowing the other hand to continue
to provide support for the bather, which is especially desirable in
the case of an infant. Support structure 10 may be laid aside from
pedestal 18 a suitably safe distance, and when so accomplished,
affords much easier and safer egress from the bathtub. With the
support structure so removed, if, in the case of an infant, he or
she is accidentally dropped, or a person exiting or entering the
bathtub should stumble or fall, injury potential is greatly reduced
or eliminated, as no part of the invented device remains in close
proximity to the bathtub with the exception of the pedestal 18,
which is designed with smooth and rounded edges and/or cushioning
to reduce injury potential.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, it will be readily
apparent that other upper support cushion shapes may be employed
besides the rectangular shape shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6. For
example, a triangular cushion 148, or a t-shaped cushion 248 may be
used, as these serve well to support the upper chest/clavicle area
of the user without bearing/impinging on the breasts. The lower
corner of the triangle cushion 148, or the lower branch of the T
cushion 248, may bear on the upper chest between the breasts, and,
hence, will still be comfortable. FIG. 8 illustrates the preferred
cushion location, that is, between the shoulders and above the
breasts of the user. Attachment means to upper cushion support
column 44 would remain the same as those shown in the preferred
embodiment, or as designed by one of skill in the art.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the
invented device is shown, wherein an adjustment means 70 is
provided in the horizontal portion of upper support tube 38. The
adjustment means 70 is similar to the adjustment means 36 shown in
FIG. 5, but is not limited to this means and other securing methods
may be employed, such as a cotter-pin style lock, a set-screw style
lock, a clamp lock, or others that will be envisioned by those of
skill in the art after viewing this disclosure and the drawings.
Such a horizontal adjustment means may be valuable, as it may allow
the user to adjust the position of the upper cushion assembly 16 to
the proper location relative to the user's body. Typically, this
will place the upper cushion assembly 16 several inches above, and
several inches forward, of the center of the top surface 81 of the
bathtub wall 80.
[0051] One will note that the preferred slidable and removable
connection of the support structure 10 to the pedestal 18 is
accomplished by simply sliding the end 30 of lower tube 28, into
hole 26. With such a connection, the support structure is held
generally upright and does not pivot or move except when it is
lifted straight up for removal. The hole 26 is formed by a rigid
and sturdy cylindrical wall recess into the base 21, or a bore into
a rigid and sturdy portion of the base 21. The hole 26 and the
wall/material that define it, are preferably recessed into the base
21 so that no portion of the connection structure protrudes above
the surface of the base/pedestal. This way, when the lower tube 28
is removed, there is no protruding bracket or other structure that
could be a danger to a falling person or a dropped infant.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 10, it may be seen that an optional
and less-preferred pivotally locking means 90 may be used at the
lower end of lower support tube 28 to secure it to pedestal 18.
Shown is one, but by no means the only method of accomplishing
this. Attached to the upper surface 25 of pedestal 18 are pivot
brackets 91 and 93. Within pivot bracket 91 is smooth hole 95.
Within pivot bracket 93 is threaded hole 97. Pivot brackets 91 and
93 fit snugly but not rigidly upon the outer diameter of support
tube 28, and holes 95 and 97 correspond to and communicate with
holes 99 in support tube 28. Adjustment knob 92, comprised of
handle 94, shaft 96 and threads 98 is inserted through pivot
brackets 91 and 93 and tube 28 such that threads 98 on shaft 96 may
be coupled to threaded hole 97, thereby rigidly securing lower
support tube 28 in a fixed position. Such an optional locking
system may be used to secure the lower support tube 28 to the
pedestal 18, without the tube 28 extending into the pedestal 18.
Once loosened, to allow the tube 28 to pivot relative to the
pedestal 18. This option may be preferred by those who do not want
the support structure 10 to be easily removable, so that the parts
are not separated or lost, and/or that want the support structure
10 to pivot to a collapsed position against the pedestal 18 for
storage.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, in which pedestal 18 is
completely covered on its upper surface by cushion 82. Rising
upwardly from the lower portion of pedestal 18 is standpipe 84,
designed to accept the lower end of vertical support column
assembly 14. The top of standpipe 84 is recessed below the upper
surface of cushion 82 so as not to create a safety hazard. In the
event that an elderly, handicapped or infant person, upon egress
from the bathtub, should fall, with vertical support column 14
having been removed, the body comes into contact with a completely
cushioned surface, thereby contributing to the prevention of
injury.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 14, shown is an alternate embodiment
of the present invention wherein a flexible appendage may be added
to and/or used with the present invention, serving as a bathtub
wall cushion and/or storage system 90. A flexible panel 86 is
attached to pedestal 18 and is drawn upwardly along the sidewall of
the bathtub until cushion 88 rests upon the top surface 81 of the
bathtub sidewall. Weights or magnets could be employed, sewn within
the flexible material, to aid in retaining cushion 88 upon the top
of the sidewall of the bathtub. Panel 86 and cushion 88 may be
employed as an added safety feature, preventing potential injury
occurring from unintentional contact with the top portion of the
sidewall of the bathtub. Further, storage pockets (not shown) may
be added as desired, preferably on the panel 86 outside the bathtub
wherein the infant of other bather cannot reach the items stored.
The system 90 may be easily detachable from the device 1, or may be
rolled-up to, and stored with, the pedestal.
[0055] Although this invention has been described above with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed
particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the
broad scope of the following claims.
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