U.S. patent application number 15/612739 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for swivel infant bather.
The applicant listed for this patent is TOMY International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jennifer M. Gomes, Joseph D. Langley, Casey Moore, Anthony P. Sandonato.
Application Number | 20180344096 15/612739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64458465 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180344096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Casey ; et
al. |
December 6, 2018 |
Swivel Infant Bather
Abstract
An infant bather includes a base and a cradle. The cradle is
mounted with the base. The base includes a first surface and a
second surface, wherein the first surface of the base is connected
to at least one engagement member that is adapted to engage a
support surface, such as an edge or bottom of a sink or the edge or
bottom of a bath tub. The second surface of the base further
defines a cradle interface, which defines a vertical axis that may
extend substantially perpendicular to the base second surface. The
cradle also defines a cradle first surface and a cradle second
surface. The cradle second surface is configured to support an
infant in a reclined position. The cradle first surface includes a
base interface that is engageable with the cradle interface of the
base. The engagement of the cradle interface and the base interface
allows the cradle to be horizontally rotated relative to the base
so that the relative angle between the infant and the caregiver may
be changed without having to lift and reposition the infant within
the cradle. A method of bathing an infant that enables the
caregiver reposition the infant relative to the caregiver and the
water source without having to lift the infant is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Moore; Casey; (Mesa, AZ)
; Sandonato; Anthony P.; (Weymouth, MA) ; Langley;
Joseph D.; (Boston, MA) ; Gomes; Jennifer M.;
(Norton, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOMY International, Inc. |
Dyersville |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64458465 |
Appl. No.: |
15/612739 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/127 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/12 20060101
A47K003/12; A47D 9/00 20060101 A47D009/00 |
Claims
1. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base and a cradle
mounted with the base; the base comprising a base first surface and
a base second surface, the base first surface including at least
one engagement member, the at least one engagement member adapted
to engage with a support surface, the base second surface defining
a cradle interface, wherein the cradle interface defines a
vertically extending axis; the cradle comprising a cradle first
surface and a cradle second surface, the cradle second surface
configured to support an infant's entire body in a reclined
horizontal position thereon, the cradle first surface comprising a
base interface; and the base interface engaging the cradle
interface, and wherein engagement between the base interface and
the cradle interface enables rotation of the cradle relative to the
base about the axis.
2. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the base interface
comprising an annular rim, and the cradle interface comprising an
annular lip configured to mate with the annular rim, and wherein
each of the annular rim and the annular lip are coaxial with the
axis.
3. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle second
surface includes an infant support region, wherein the infant
support region is angled between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees
relative to horizontal.
4. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle
second surface defines a convex surface.
5. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradle
comprises a frame and a flexible hammock extending over the
frame.
6. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible
hammock comprises a water permeable seating surface.
7. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the flexible
hammock comprises a water impervious seating surface.
8. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle interface
circumscribing an aperture, the apparatus further comprising at
least one guide member connected to the base interface and
configured to engage the cradle interface and prevent lateral
movement of the cradle interface relative to the base
interface.
9. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle interface
circumscribing an aperture, the apparatus further comprising at
least one guide member connected to the cradle interface and
configured to engage the base interface and prevent lateral
movement of the cradle interface relative to the base
interface.
10. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, at least one of the
cradle interface and the base interface further including a guide
member, the guide member configured to prevent lateral movement of
the cradle interface relative to the base interface and further
including a locking member adapted to lock the cradle to the
base.
11. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, the cradle defining at
least one aperture, the base defining at least one opening, wherein
the at least one aperture and the at least one opening are in
substantial vertical alignment.
12. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 1, comprising a plurality
of engagement members, at least one of the plurality of engagement
members defining an engagement portion comprising a ledge
configured to mate with an edge of a sink.
13. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base member
comprising: at least one engagement member adapted to engage with a
support surface; and a circumferential cradle interface, the cradle
interface defining an axis extending substantially perpendicular to
a first surface of the base member; and a cradle comprising; a
cradle first surface having a base interface portion comprising at
least one guide member configured to engage the cradle interface
and prevent lateral movement of the cradle interface relative to
the base interface, the base interface portion further configured
to enable rotational movement of the cradle relative to the base
member; and a cradle second surface comprising an infant support
region configured to support an infant's entire body in a
substantially reclined horizontal position.
14. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13 wherein the infant
support region is angled between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees
relative to horizontal.
15. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the base interface
comprising an annular rim, and the cradle interface comprising an
annular lip.
16. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cradle
comprises a frame and a flexible hammock comprising a water
permeable portion, the hammock extending over the frame.
17. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cradle
second surface is water impervious.
18. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 16, the frame defining an
aperture, the cradle interface circumscribing the aperture.
19. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the at least one
engagement member comprising at least one engagement portion
configured to engage an edge of a sink.
20. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 13, the cradle defining
at least one aperture, the base defining at least one opening,
wherein the at least one aperture and the at least one opening are
in substantial vertical alignment.
21. An infant bathing apparatus comprising: a base comprising a
plurality of engagement members, each of the engagement members
adapted to engage a support surface, the base further comprising a
cradle interface portion opposite the plurality of engagement
members; and a cradle comprising an infant support, the infant
support including a substantially horizontal portion configured to
receive an infant's entire body in a reclined position, the cradle
further comprising a base interface portion opposite the infant
support, the base interface portion operatively connected to the
cradle interface portion and configured to allow rotation of the
cradle relative to the base and to prevent lateral movement of the
cradle relative to the base.
22. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 21: the base interface
comprising a first track including arcuate portions, the cradle
interface comprising a second track comprising arcuate portions,
and the first track and the second track cooperating to provide an
annular rotational track, the apparatus further comprising at least
one guide member on at least one of the base interface and cradle
interface, and the cradle further comprising a frame and a flexible
hammock extending over the frame.
23. The infant bathing apparatus of claim 21, the plurality of
engagement members including a first group and a second group, the
first group of engagement members cooperating to enable placement
of the bathing apparatus with a first support surface in a first
orientation, and the second group of engagement members cooperating
to enable placement of the bathing apparatus with a second support
surface in a second orientation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to devices for bathing
infants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The bathing of an infant can be a difficult task. It is
desirable to provide the infant with a comfortable surface for
bathing, and also provide a caregiver with easy access to the
infants body parts for cleaning. It is also desirable to provide a
sanitary environment for bathing the infant. There have been many
devices devised to support infants in a bathtub or a sink in order
to make the bathing experience easier. Many of these devices have
consisted simply of a bath ring in which the infant is allowed to
sit on a seat on the floor of the tub or bottom of the sink. Such
devices are not suitable for certain younger infants, especially
those that are not yet able to sit up unassisted. It is also
difficult to reach all the body parts of infants in a seated
position within a bath ring. Other infant bathers comprise little
more than an infant seat that is placed within a bathtub or sink.
Such bathers sometimes face concerns regarding the cleanliness of
environment since the infant is often partially immersed in the
dirty bath water. Such sanitary concerns are especially the case
when the bather is used in a sink, which is generally easier for
the person bathing the infant.
[0003] Bath rings and bath seats also generally have the drawback
of not allowing for adjustable positioning of the infant relative
to the person bathing the infant while the infant is in the seat.
Rather, the angle or orientation of the infant relative to the
caregiver is fixed unless the infant is removed from the seat and
repositioned. One device developed to address this shortcoming is
U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,606, which discloses a generally circular bath
seat providing back support and that is positionable rotationally
in a bath tub. While the apparatus disclosed in this patent enabled
a user to be rotated within the tub while remaining secured in the
seat, the seat still required that the user be able to sit upright.
It also left the user seated within the dirty bath water.
[0004] The present invention addresses some of the shortcomings of
the aforementioned infant bathers. It is to be understood that both
the following general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive, as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Provided with the present invention is an apparatus for
bathing an infant. Generally speaking, the apparatus comprises a
base that is placed on a support surface, such as a sink or tub,
and a cradle rotatably mounted with the base for supporting the
infant. The apparatus may be placed either inside the sink or tub,
or on the edges of the sink or tub.
[0006] The base includes a first surface and a second surface. In
its intended operating position, the first surface is the bottom
surface and the second surface is the top surface. The first
surface of the base is operatively connected to at least one
engagement member formed with or connected to the base first
surface. The at least one engagement member is adapted to engage a
support surface. The support surface may be the edge of a sink or
tub, the bottom of a bath tub or sink, or the edge or bottom of
another receptacle, such as a basin.
[0007] In order to provide greater flexibility, it is preferred
that several different engagement members may be included in a
single apparatus. For example, in order to engage a divider of a
double sink, one or more engagement members may include a portion
that defines a yoke shaped member configured to straddle the
divider. Other engagement members may include a portion that
defines a foot to support the apparatus on a flat support surface,
such as the bottom of a bathtub. Still other engagement members may
be configured define a portion that engages with the side of a
standard sink. It should further be appreciated that a particular
engagement member may be configured to include one or more of
aforementioned the engagement portions. The engagement members may
be integrally formed with the base or may be a separate component
attached with the base. In other embodiments, the engagement
members may be adjustable relative to the base to enable the bather
to be adjusted to non-standard sinks or tubs.
[0008] The second surface of the base further defines a cradle
interface. As will be discussed below, the cradle interface
provides a means for connecting the base and the cradle. In some
preferred embodiments, the cradle interface may be in the form of
an annular or circumferential lip. In alternative preferred
embodiments, the cradle interface may be an annular or
circumferential recess or track. The cradle interface may
alternatively be a hub-type structure or socket. The cradle
interface defines a vertical axis that preferably extends
substantially perpendicular to the base second surface.
[0009] The cradle also defines a cradle first surface and a cradle
second surface. As with the base, in its intended operational
orientation, the second surface is the top surface and the first
surface is the bottom surface. The cradle second surface is
configured to support an infant in a substantially reclined
position. The cradle second surface is generally in a horizontal
position such that the infant rests on top of the cradle. In a
preferred embodiment, the cradle second surface is slightly convex
so as to provide a more natural curvature for the infant. The
cradle may also have one side angled higher than a second side such
that the infant, although reclined, may have his or her upper body
slightly raised. The cradle first surface includes a base interface
that is engageable with the cradle interface of the base. The base
interface is configured to matingly engage the cradle interface. In
a preferred embodiment, the base interface comprises an annular rim
that mates with the annular lip of the base. In some preferred
embodiments, the annular rim may include one or more guide members.
The base interface may alternatively comprise an extending member
that rotatably engages a hub, or may be a ball arrangement that
rotatably engages a socket. The engagement of the cradle interface
and the base interface allows the cradle to be horizontally rotated
relative to the base so that the relative angle between the infant
and the caregiver may be changed without having to lift and
reposition the infant within the cradle. In some embodiments, the
base interface and cradle interface may engage in a manner that
allows for angular adjustment of the cradle relative to the
base.
[0010] It is preferred that the cradle will rotate in a circle
about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the arrangement of
the cradle interface and the base interface may allow the cradle to
both rotate and allow for some lateral movement of the cradle
relative to the base.
[0011] In some embodiments the base and the cradle may be easily
disassembled from one another. In other embodiments, the cradle and
base may be fixed together. For example, the guide members may be
configured to lock the base with the cradle. As discussed, in
either embodiment the cradle is rotatably mounted with the base
member when the base interface is engaged with the cradle
interface. The interaction between the cradle interface and the
base interface enables the cradle to be rotated relative to the
base about the cradle interface axis. In another preferred
embodiment, the cradle comprises a frame and a flexible hammock
extending over the frame. The flexible hammock preferably includes
at least a portion that is made of a water permeable fabric, such
as mesh.
[0012] Other aspects of the present invention provide for a method
of bathing an infant. The method comprises placing the engagement
members of the base with a support surface, such as the edges or
bottom of a tub or sink, placing an infant on the cradle second
surface, and repositioning the relative angle between the caregiver
and the infant, as well as the relative angle of the water source
to the infant, by rotating the cradle relative to the base without
need for lifting the infant out of the cradle.
[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is
based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the methods and systems:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a second exploded perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 from a lower perspective.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention supported by a single sink.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention supported by a double sink.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention supported by the bottom of a bathtub.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention supported by the edges of a bathtub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Before the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
described, it is to be understood that the claimed apparatus is not
limited to specific embodiment discussed, specific components, or
to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown. Provided is an apparatus 10 for bathing an
infant. Apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is
mounted with the base. In this embodiment, the cradle includes a
frame (discussed in greater detail below) over which is secured a
fabric hammock 16 having portions 17 thereof that are comprised of
a water permeable material, and in this particular embodiment, a
mesh material. In use, the base 12 is supported by a support
surface, such as edges of a sink, and the cradle 14 is able to be
rotated relative to the base. By enabling the cradle to be rotated,
the position of the infant relative to the water source can be
adjusted without having to lift the infant off of the cradle 14 and
reposition the infant. The alignment of the infant relative to the
caregiver may also be similarly adjusted.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, other details of certain
preferred features are discussed. As discussed, the apparatus 10
includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is mountable with the
base 12. The base 12 includes a first surface 20 and an opposed
second surface 22. As shown, when in its intended operating
position, the first surface 20 is the bottom surface of the base
and the second surface 22 is the top surface of the base. Base 12
may be formed of plastic, wood, metal, carbon fiber, or other
similarly resilient and rigid material or combination of materials.
Preferably, however, base 12 is formed of a plastic, such as
polypropylene. Base 12 may be integrally formed, but may be
comprised of a plurality of parts bonded or otherwise secured
together. For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred that base 12
is a molded unitary piece. Although not depicted, it is further
contemplated that the base may include an adjustable portion, such
as two telescoping portions, that enable the base to be
widened.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, the first surface 20 of the base 12
includes engagement members 24, 26, 28, and 30. In this embodiment,
the engagement members are integrally formed with the base 12. It
is contemplated that the engagement members may be otherwise
secured to the base. It is also contemplated that the engagement
members may be adjustable to allow for the base to be engaged with
non-standard sinks.
[0027] In this embodiment, engagement members 24 and 26 each define
an engagement portion in the form of ledge 32. Ledge 32 is
configured to generally fit with the curvature of the edge of
standard sinks. Since many sinks are generally of standard sizes,
it is preferred that the engagement members 24 and 26 are spaced on
the base 12 such that they will fit securely with the edges of a
standard sink.
[0028] In addition to engagement members 24 and 26, engagement
members 28 and 30 may also be included. Engagement member 28 and 30
define a bottom edge, such as foot 34, which may be rested on the
bottom of a receptacle, such as a bathtub. Although not shown, it
is contemplated that the edge 34 may include a non-slip material,
such as a soft elastomer, or may include suction cups to provide
added stability. Engagement members 28 and 30 further define an
engagement portion, such as ledge 33 which may also engage the edge
of a standard sink. As shown, the spacing between engagement
members 28 and 30 is less than the spacing between engagement
members 24 and 26. This enables the engagement members 28 and 30 to
be used with small sinks, or when the base is oriented differently,
such as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, engagement members 30
may further define a yoke shaped portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to
straddle a divider of a double sink. As shown, the engagement
member may be a formed portion of the first surface 20 or may
extend from the first surface 20. While not depicted, the
engagement members may engage the support, such as a sink, by way
of a non-mechanical engagement, such as with magnets embedded
within the base that will magnetically engage with the sink and
secure the apparatus 10 in position.
[0029] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second surface 22 of
the base 12 further defines a cradle interface 38. In this
embodiment, the cradle interface 38 takes the form of an annular
lip. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the cradle
interface may take other forms, including without limitation an
annular recess or track, or a rotational hub. The cradle interface
38 defines a vertical axis 40 that preferably extends substantially
perpendicular to the base second surface 22. In this particular
embodiment, the base 12 defines aperture 42. Aperture 42 enables
the apparatus 10 to be lighter in weight, to require less material
and thus present cost savings, and also to allow water to flow
through to the sink.
[0030] The cradle 14 includes a first surface 44 and a second
surface 46. In its intended operational orientation, the second
surface 46 is the top surface and the opposed first surface 44 is
the bottom surface. The second surface 46 of the cradle 14 is
configured to support an infant in a reclined position. In a
preferred embodiment, the cradle second surface is generally in a
reclined horizontal position such that the infant rests on top of
the cradle in a supine position. The amount or degree of recline of
the second surface 46 relative to horizontal may, in some
instances, range from 0 degrees to less than perpendicular. It is
preferred that the recline is generally a reclined horizontal
position that may range from about 0 degrees to 45 degrees, and in
more preferred embodiments, the cradle second surface 46 is between
about 0 degrees, i.e. completely horizontal, and 30 degrees
elevated relative to the horizontal. In the preferred embodiment
shown, the cradle second surface 46 is slightly convex so as to
provide a curvature for the infant to support its head in a
slightly raised position, and includes portions between about 0
degrees and 30 degrees. Referring to FIG. 3, the cradle 14 includes
a frame 48 and a hammock 50 made of a flexible fabric material
stretched over the frame 48. The fabric is preferably of a slightly
stretchable material that will provide cushioning to the infant and
conform somewhat to the infant's body. The hammock 50 may include a
water permeable portion 52, such as made of mesh. As shown, the
water permeable portion 52 is positioned over an opening 55 in the
frame 48, which is aligned with the aperture 42 of the base 12.
Water is then caused to flow through the water permeable portion
52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. It is
preferred that other than the water permeable portion 52, the other
portions of the hammock are substantially water impervious such
that the convex shape of the cradle 14 causes the water to flow
through opening 55 and aperture 42 to the sink. The hammock 50
preferably includes an elastic perimeter that may be stretched and
pulled over the edge of the frame 48.
[0031] It is contemplated that the cradle 14 may alternatively
comprise a solid structure that may include apertures, as opposed
to the hammock stretched over a frame. In such an embodiment, the
apertures would preferably be sized so as to allow water to flow
through to the sink, but sufficiently small to prevent the infant
from accidentally inserting a finger or toe through the aperture.
The apertures would preferably be formed in vertical alignment with
the opening 55 and aperture 42. The solid cradle may also include a
padded surface.
[0032] The first surface 44 of the cradle 14 includes a base
interface 52 that is engageable with the cradle interface 38 of the
base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the base interface 53 defines
an annular rim that mates with the annular lip of the base. In some
preferred embodiments such as shown, the base interface 53 may
include one or more guide members 54. The guide members 54 prevent
relative lateral or horizontal movement of the cradle interface 38
relative to the base interface 53. In this particular embodiment,
since the cradle interface 38 and base interface 52 are circular,
the guide members 54 also prevent lateral or horizontal movement of
the cradle 14 relative to the base 12. In this embodiment the guide
members further include a detent, such as hook portion 56, which
locks under a shoulder 58 formed with cradle interface 38. In this
way, the base and the cradle are fixed to one another. In other
embodiments, it may be desirable for the cradle 14 to be readily
detachable from the base.
[0033] Although described such that the guide members are formed
with the base interface to engage with the cradle interface of the
base, it should be appreciated that other configurations can be
utilized. For example, the guide members may be formed with the
cradle interface of the base so as to engage the base interface of
the cradle. As another alternative, guide members may be formed on
both of the cradle interface and the base interface.
[0034] As described above, each of the cradle interface 38 and the
base interface 52 may be continuous, i.e., forming complete tracks.
However, the cradle interface and the base interface 52 may each
include separated curved or arcuate sections, such that the cradle
interface and base interface cooperate to form a complete
track.
[0035] In the previous discussion, the interaction between the
cradle interface and the base interface allows for a sliding
rotation of the cradle relative to the base. Although not depicted
in the drawings, it is also contemplated that at least one of the
cradle interface and the base interface may include a plurality of
indices for predetermined specific relative orientations of the
cradle relative to the base. For example, a total of 12 indices
spaced such as the numbers on the face of a clock, would allow the
cradle to be oriented in 12 different positions relative to the
base, e.g., at 15 degree intervals. Preferably rotation of the
cradle relative to the base is achieved by simply turning the
cradle while the base remains stationary on the sink or tub. In
some embodiments, however, the indexes may include the step of
lifting of the cradle vertically from the base, rotating the cradle
relative to the base, and then lowering the cradle back onto the
base.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, use of the apparatus 10 with a standard
single sink is discussed. Apparatus 10 is placed such that
engagement members 24 and 26 of base member 12 engage the front and
back edges of a standard single sink 62. Although not indicated by
number or visible from the perspective shown, similar engagement
members may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the base.
When thus placed, the water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50,
which is positioned over the opening 55 in the frame 48 and the
aperture 42 (FIG. 2) of the base 12, is positioned over the open
portion of the sink 62. Water flows towards the water permeable
portion 52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. The
base interface 52 and cradle interface 38 (FIG. 3) are configured
such that regardless of how the cradle 14 is rotated relative to
the base 12, opening 55 and aperture 42 remains stationary relative
to the sink.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 is shown on a standard
double sink 64. Similar to with the single sink in FIG. 5, the
apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 28 (not shown
in drawing) and 30 of base member 12 engage a side of a standard
double sink 64 and a divider 66. Again, although not shown,
engagement members similar to engagement members 28 and 30 may be
formed on the opposite lateral side of the apparatus 10. In this
embodiment, at least engagement member 30 defines a yoke shaped
portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to straddle the divider 66. It
should be understood that engagement members 28 and 30 may also be
used with a single sink when orienting the apparatus 10
ninety-degrees from the manner depicted in FIG. 5. As before, the
water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50, the opening 55 in the
frame 48, and the aperture 42 of the base 12 are positioned over
the open portion of the sink 64.
[0038] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used in a
bathtub. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 may be placed in the
bottom of a bathtub 70. Although not required, it is preferred that
if used in the bottom of a bathtub 70 that the engagement members
28 and 30 include a non-slip material, such as a soft elastomer.
Preferably, engagement members 28 and 30 extend sufficiently away
from the first surface 20 such that the cradle is elevated
sufficiently above the bottom of bathtub 70 such that the infant is
held above the bath water. It should further be recognized that
apparatus 10 may be used in situations other than the bathing of an
infant. For example, the apparatus could serve as a small recliner
for the infant. Although not shown, the apparatus 10 may include
straps or other means for securing the infant on the apparatus
10.
[0039] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used on a
bathtub. As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 is placed such that
engagement members 26 and 24 of base member 12 engage sides of
bathtub 72. As with previous embodiments, the orientation of the
cradle relative to the base may be rotationally adjusted as
desired.
[0040] To use the apparatus 10, a caregiver may place the
engagement members of the base with a support surface, such as a
tub or sink surface. The caregiver may then place an infant on the
cradle second surface 46. It is contemplated that the infant may be
placed on the cradle second surface 46, and then the apparatus 10
with infant placed on the support surface. The angle of the infant
relative to the water source may be adjusted by rotating the cradle
14 relative to the base 12. This enables the caregiver the ability
to position the infant and avoid interference from the faucet, and
then position the infant as desired. During the bath, the position
of the infant relative to the caregiver may be similarly adjusted
to enable better access to the infant's body parts. The
repositioning may be done without need for lifting the infant.
[0041] Having described this invention in detail, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that numerous modifications may be made of
this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Therefore, it is not intended that the breadth of the invention be
limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.
Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by appended
claims and their equivalents.
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