U.S. patent application number 13/413975 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for ergonomic hair washing basin.
Invention is credited to Nicole Kiser.
Application Number | 20120227177 13/413975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46794173 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120227177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kiser; Nicole |
September 13, 2012 |
Ergonomic Hair Washing Basin
Abstract
An ergonomically designed hair washing basin for bed-ridden
patients is made of a water receptacle defined by a bottom surface,
two parallel elongated side panels and two parallel shortened side
panels. Each side panel is connected to the bottom surface by a
bottom rounded edge. One elongated side panel has an upper edge
being curved at an angle to form an integrally constructed neck
contour and a concave neck support extension which extends
outwardly from an outer surface of the elongated side panel, and
which terminates in a tapered terminating edge. The remaining side
panels also have upper curved terminating edges that are
substantially parallel to the bottom surface.
Inventors: |
Kiser; Nicole; (Franksville,
WI) |
Family ID: |
46794173 |
Appl. No.: |
13/413975 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61450024 |
Mar 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/519 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/519 |
International
Class: |
A45D 19/08 20060101
A45D019/08 |
Claims
1. A hair washing basin apparatus comprised of: a water receptacle
having a bottom surface, a first elongated side panel having a
lower edge connected to said bottom surface by a bottom rounded
edge, and an upper edge being curved at an angle to form an
integrally constructed neck contour, a second elongated side panel
having a lower edge connected to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge, and having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface, a first shortened
side panel attached to said first elongated side panel, said second
elongated side panel, and to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface, and a second
shortened side attached to said first elongated side panel, said
second elongated side panel, and to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface; and a concave neck
support extension which extends outwardly from an outer surface of
said first elongated side panel, said concave neck support
extension terminating in a tapered terminating edge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said curved terminating edges
have a radius of between 0.250 and 1.000 inches.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said curved terminating edges
have a radius of 0.375 inches.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of concave neck
support extension is 1 to 9 inches.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hair washing basin
apparatus is semi-rectangular in shape.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tapered terminating edge
is a rounded terminating edge.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radius of said bottom
rounded edges have a radius of 1.000 inch.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck support extension
slopes downwardly toward said bottom surface at an angle less than
30 degrees.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck support extension is
covered with a quantity of foam padding which is molded to fit over
said neck support extension.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck support extension
has a curved terminating edge.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck support extension
extends outwardly from said first elongated side panel at an angle
between 20 and 120 degrees.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water receptacle is
capable of holding at least one gallon of water.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, which further includes a plug for
discharging water.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 where said water receptacle is further
divided into two sections by a basin divider.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second
shortened side panels contain integrally constructed curved handle
sections.
16. A portable hair washing system comprised of: a detached basin
comprised of a bottom surface, a first elongated side panel having
a lower edge connected to said bottom surface by a bottom rounded
edge, and an upper edge being curved at an angle to form an
integrally constructed neck contour, a second elongated side panel
having a lower edge connected to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge, and having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface, a first shortened
side panel attached to said first elongated side panel, said second
elongated side panel, and to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface, and a second
shortened side attached to said first elongated side panel, said
second elongated side panel, and to said bottom surface by a bottom
rounded edge having an upper curved terminating edge that is
substantially parallel to said bottom surface; and concave neck
support extension which extends perpendicularly from an outer
surface of said first elongated side panel, said concave neck
support extension terminating in a tapered terminating edge; and a
hair wetting component.
17. The system of claim 17, further including a pouring receptacle,
a sponge, and a water absorbent cloth.
18. The system of claim 17, further including a container of a
single step hair moistening component.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein said detached basin is for
transporting water
20. The system of claim 17, further including a spill-resistant lid
for transporting water within said detached basin.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/450,024 filed on Mar. 7, 2011 and is hereby
incorporated in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of devices for
medical and institutional patient care, and in particular to an
ergonomically constructed basin for washing a patient's hair while
the patient is in bed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an ergonomic hair washing basin with concave neck
support extension.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of
an ergonomic hair washing basin with concave neck support
extension.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of
an ergonomic hair washing basin with concave neck support
extension.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of an ergonomic hair washing basin with concave neck support
extension.
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an ergonomic hair washing basin which further
includes additional components.
[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an ergonomic hair washing basin which further
includes a basin divider.
GLOSSARY
[0009] As used herein, the term "concave neck support extension"
means a curved section of a basin which receives the head and neck
of a user.
[0010] As used herein, the term "curved terminating edge" means a
terminating edge which is curved.
[0011] As used herein, the term "curved handle sections" means a
portion of an upper edge which extends from a side panel and may be
used as a handle.
[0012] As used herein, the term "edge radius" radius of curvature
of the curved terminating edge of a side panel.
[0013] As used herein, the term "elongated side panel" refers to a
side panel which is longer than a shortened side panel.
[0014] As used herein, the term "ergonomic" means designed to
minimize physical effort and discomfort.
[0015] As used herein, the term "radius of contour" means a radial
measurement which indicates the size and shape of a contour.
[0016] As used herein, the term "shortened side panel" means a side
panel which is shorter than an elongated side panel.
[0017] As used herein, the term "single step hair moistening
component" means a solution which moistens the hair and distributes
a cleansing solution (e.g. shampoo in a single step).
[0018] As used herein, the term "spill-resistant barrier" means a
barrier such as a lid or panel which prevents the escape of water
from the basin
[0019] As used herein, the term "tapered terminating edge" means
the outer most edge of a concave neck support extension which
narrows.
BACKGROUND
[0020] There is an impending crisis in the health care field due to
rapid growth of the elderly population relative to the number of
care providers available to assist them. In 1950, the ratio of
working adults to elderly persons was 8:1. This projected ratio
will decline to 5:1 by 2020, and by 2050, it will drop to only
three working adults per elderly person. It is thus critical to
develop technologies that maximize caregiver efficiency. It is also
important to minimize stress placed upon caregivers in both
domestic and institutional settings.
[0021] Daily care bathing and washing activities consume a
significant amount of caregiver time. Hair washing for elderly and
other bed-ridden patients is a task that currently requires careful
coordination. A patient's head must be suspended or supported above
a basin. Current basins have identically proportioned side members
and are ill-suited for this task.
[0022] Therefore, a need exists for a portable ergonomic hair
washing basin and system which requires fewer steps and uses less
water.
[0023] Further, a need exists for a hair washing basin which is
less hazardous and reduces substance exposure that can lead to
hazard.
SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is an ergonomically designed hair
washing basin for bed-ridden patients. The hair washing basin is
comprised of a water receptacle defined by a bottom surface, two
parallel elongated side panels and two parallel shortened side
panels. Each side panel is connected to the bottom surface by a
bottom rounded edge. One elongated side panel has an upper edge
being curved at an angle to form an integrally constructed neck
contour and a concave neck support extension which extends
outwardly from an outer surface of the elongated side panel, and
which terminates in a tapered terminating edge. The remaining side
panels also have upper curved terminating edges that are
substantially parallel to the bottom surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present
invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments
of an ergonomically designed hair washing basin for patient care,
only some of which are described herein. It should be understood
that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by
describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in
the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally
equivalent shapes and structures may be utilized. The inclusion of
additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis
for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of
ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
[0026] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the
embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various
drawings refer to identical or near identical structural
elements.
[0027] Moreover, the terms "substantially" or "approximately" as
used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
ergonomically designed hair washing basin 100, which includes water
receptacle 10 for receiving water to wash hair. In the embodiment
shown, water receptacle 10 is defined by rectangular shaped bottom
surface 15, shortened side panels 20a and 20b, and elongated side
panels 20c and 20d. Each side panel 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d has bottom
rounded edge 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d, respectively, which connect to
bottom surface 15.
[0029] In the embodiment shown, each side panel also has an upper
curved terminating edge 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively. In the
embodiment shown, curved terminating edges 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d
are curved between 90 and 180 degrees relative to the side panel so
that they form a smooth curved surface with a lip on the bottom
side.
[0030] In the embodiment shown, curved terminating edges 24a, 24b,
24c and 24d have a radius of 0.375 inches. In further exemplary
embodiments, curved terminating edges 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d may
have a radius of between 0.250 and 1.000 inch. In still further
exemplary embodiments, one or more shortened side panels 20a and
20b, and elongated side panels 20c and 20d may be reinforced with
ribs or other structural members.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment shown, ergonomically designed
hair washing basin 100 includes curved handle sections 29a and 29b.
Curved handle section 29a is integrally molded into curved
terminating edge 24a of shortened side panel 20a. Likewise, curved
handle section 29b is integrally molded into curved terminating
edge 24b of shortened side panel 20b. Curved handle sections 29a
and 29b are contoured sections which project out horizontally and
vertically from curved terminating edges 24a and 24b.
[0032] In the embodiment shown, curved terminating edge 24d, of
elongated side panel 20d, has ergonomically adapted neck contour 28
positioned centrally within elongated side panel 20d. In the
embodiment shown, ergonomically adapted neck contour 28 is a
semi-elliptically shaped contour in curved terminating edge 24d
which is adapted to receive the head and neck of a patient. In
other embodiments, ergonomically adapted neck contour 28 may be
rounded or rectangular shaped.
[0033] Further, in the embodiment shown, ergonomically adapted neck
contour 28 includes integrally constructed concave neck support
extension 30. In further exemplary embodiments, concave neck
support extension 30 may be separately molded and adapted to fit
within ergonomically adapted neck contour 28. Concave neck support
extension 30 narrows to a tapered terminating edge.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment shown, concave neck support
extension 30 is ergonomically shaped to provide maximum support and
comfort to a patient, and may be placed at an angle relative to
elongated side panel 20d of between 20 and 120 degrees. In further
exemplary embodiments, concave neck support extension 30 may be
sloped toward bottom surface 15 at an angle not greater than 30
degrees to help water run back into water receptacle 10. A slope
greater than 30 degrees does not provide ergonomic support for a
patient's head and neck.
[0035] In the embodiment shown, concave neck support extension 30
may extend 1 to 9 inches from elongated side panel 20d. In the
embodiment shown, ergonomic hair washing basin 100 is capable of
holding at least one gallon of water.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of
ergonomic hair washing basin 100 with concave neck support
extension 30 which extends from 1 to 9 inches from elongated side
panel 20d. Shortened side panel 20b has bottom rounded edge 26b and
curved terminating edge 24b. Curved terminating edge 24b includes
curved handle section 29b. In the embodiment shown, the sides of
shortened side panel 20b are integrally connected to elongated side
panels 20c and 20d by a smooth curved edge. In other embodiments,
side panels may not be connected by a smooth curved section but may
be hard 90 degree corners.
[0037] In the embodiment shown, side panels 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d
are also integrally molded to bottom surface 15 by bottom rounded
edges 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d which are smooth and have a contoured
radius of 1.000 inch. In other embodiments, bottom rounded edges
may be sharper 90 degree corners.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an
ergonomic hair washing basin 100 with concave neck support
extension 30. In the embodiment shown, water receptacle 10 is
defined by rectangular shaped bottom surface 15, shortened side
panels 20a and 20b, and elongated side panels 20c and 20d. Each
side panel has an upper curved terminating edge 24a, 24b, 24c and
24d, respectively.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown, ergonomically designed
hair washing basin 100 includes curved handle sections 29a and 29b
integrally molded with the upper edges of shortened side panels 20a
and 20b. In the embodiment shown, curved handle sections are
adapted to receive the hands of a user for carrying the washing
basin. In other embodiments, curved handle sections may be
rectangular shaped.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of
ergonomic hair washing basin 100 with concave neck support
extension 30. In the embodiment shown, concave neck support
extension 30 is ergonomically shaped to provide maximum support and
comfort to a patient, and may be placed at an angle relative to
elongated side panel 20d of between 20 and 120 degrees. In the
embodiment shown, concave neck support extension 30 may extend from
elongated side panel 20d from 1 to 9 inches.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of
an ergonomic hair washing basin 100 which includes water receptacle
10 for receiving water to wash hair. In the embodiment shown, water
receptacle 10 is defined by rectangular shaped bottom surface 15,
shortened side panels 20a and 20b, and elongated side panels 20c
and 20d. Each side panel 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d has bottom rounded edge
26a, 26b, 26c and 26d, respectively, which connect to bottom
surface 15.
[0042] In the embodiment shown, each side panel also has an upper
curved terminating edge 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, ergonomically designed hair washing
basin 100 includes curved handle sections 29a and 29b. Curved
handle sections 29a and 29b are contoured sections which project
out horizontally and vertically from curved terminating edges 24a
and 24b.
[0043] In the embodiment shown, curved terminating edge 24d, of
elongated side panel 20d, has ergonomically adapted neck contour 28
positioned centrally within elongated side panel 20d. In the
embodiment shown, ergonomically adapted neck contour 28 is a
semi-elliptically shaped contour in curved terminating edge 24d
which is adapted to receive the head and neck of a patient.
[0044] Further, in the embodiment shown, ergonomically adapted neck
contour 28 includes integrally constructed concave neck support
extension 30. In further exemplary embodiments, concave neck
support extension 30 may be separately molded and adapted to fit
within ergonomically adapted neck contour 28. Concave neck support
extension 30 narrows to a tapered terminating edge.
[0045] In the embodiment shown, ergonomic hair washing basin 100
further includes protective padding component 40 adapted to protect
a patients neck and skin. Padded component 40 may be integrally or
separately molded and adapted to fit within concave neck support
extension 30.
[0046] In various embodiments, ergonomically designed hair washing
basin 100 may be sold or implemented as a system which further
includes a cup (not shown) or other implement for pouring water
over a patient's head for rinsing, or may include separate
reservoirs, compartments or other receptacles for fresh water,
shampoo, toiletries, and/or hair washing implements. In various
other embodiments, ergonomically designed hair washing basin 100
may be comprised of plastic, metal, or a bio-degradable material
and/or may be disposable or reusable.
[0047] In the embodiment shown, ergonomically designed hair washing
basin 100 further includes plug 50 for draining water from water
receptacle 10. In the embodiment shown, plug 50 is inserted into a
small hole in one of the side panels and may be made of rubber,
cork, silicon, plastic, or any other material known to those
skilled in the art. In the embodiment shown, lid 60 is a
spill-resistant barrier and may be used to cover water receptacle
10 to prevent water and hazardous material from splashing out.
[0048] FIG. 6 is an alternative exemplary embodiment of hair
washing basin 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, hair washing
basin 100 further includes contoured basin divider 70, which
divides water receptacle 10 into two compartments 12a and 12b. For
example, one side may be used during rinsing soapy hair, while the
other side may be used for clean water. In other embodiments, basin
divider 70 may be integrated in other locations along the length of
the basin of may be configured in the opposite direction. In an
example where basin divider 70 is located where a patients head
would be located, basin divider 70 would be contoured to
accommodate a user head.
* * * * *