U.S. patent application number 16/344603 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-20 for bathing platform for a bathtub.
This patent application is currently assigned to UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT as represented by THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. The applicant listed for this patent is UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. Invention is credited to Kevin ALEXANDER, Mark CORS, Pascal MALASSIGNE.
Application Number | 20200054176 16/344603 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62025467 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-20 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200054176 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MALASSIGNE; Pascal ; et
al. |
February 20, 2020 |
BATHING PLATFORM FOR A BATHTUB
Abstract
A bathing platform is provides that includes an elongated
platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long
side, a second long side, a first short side and a second short
side. A bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides
is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub and support
the elongated platform. A bottom surface portion of the first and
second short sides may also engage with an upper surface of the
bathtub and support the elongated platform.
Inventors: |
MALASSIGNE; Pascal;
(Washington, DC) ; CORS; Mark; (Washington,
DC) ; ALEXANDER; Kevin; (Washington, DC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS |
Washington |
DC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT as
represented by THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Washington
DC
|
Family ID: |
62025467 |
Appl. No.: |
16/344603 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
October 27, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2017/058778 |
371 Date: |
April 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62413857 |
Oct 27, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/125 20130101;
A61G 7/0005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/12 20060101
A47K003/12 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[0001] The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention
and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner
to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms
of Grant No. F0627-R awarded by The Department of Veterans Affairs.
Claims
1. A bathing platform for a bathtub comprising: an elongated
platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long
side, a second long side, a first short side and a second short
side, a bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides
configured to engage an upper surface of a bathtub and support the
elongated platform; the elongated platform having a proximal
section and a distal section separated by a middle section, wherein
the proximal section comprises a first well configured to hold
water and wherein the proximal section is positioned above a
portion of the bathtub including the bathtub drain; the elongated
platform further comprising a platform drain positioned at a low
point in the first well of the proximal section, the platform drain
configured to allow water to drain from the platform to the
bathtub; wherein the distal section comprises a second well
configured to hold water; wherein the middle section comprises a
channel configured to allow water to flow from the second well to
the first well.
2. The bathing platform of the claim 1, wherein a bottom surface
portion of one or both of the first and second short sides is
configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub to support of
the elongated platform.
3. The bathing platform of claim 1, wherein the first short side
borders the distal end of the elongated platform, the elongated
platform further comprising a backrest extending upward from the
first short side.
4. The bathing platform of claim 1, wherein the elongated platform
is symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first and
second long sides.
5. The bathing platform of claim 1, further comprising a drain tube
connecting the platform drain to the bathtub drain.
6. The bathing platform of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the
first long edge comprises a rail configured to provide a
transitional transfer surface positioned to facilitate transfer
onto the top surface of the elongated platform.
7. The bathing platform of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of support ridges extending upward from the bottom surface of the
platform toward the top surface of the platform.
8. The bathing platform of claim 7, wherein the middle section
comprises a greater density of support ridges than the distal
section.
9. The bathing platform of claim 7, wherein the distal section
comprises a first plurality of support ridges between the central
axis parallel to the first and second long sides and the first long
side, wherein the platform drain is positioned on the central
axis.
10. The bathing platform of claim 9, wherein the distal section
comprises a second plurality of support ridges between the central
axis and the second long side.
11. A bathing platform for a bathtub comprising: a support
comprising at least two legs connected by at least one cross
member, wherein a first leg of the support comprises one or more
feet positioned inside a bathtub and wherein a second leg of the
support comprises one or more feet positioned outside the bathtub
and the at least one cross member is connected at a first end to
the first leg and extends over the edge of the bathtub and is
connected at a second end to the second leg; an elongated platform
having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long side, a
second long side, a first short side and a second short side,
wherein one or more bottom surface portions of the first long side,
the second long side, the first short side and the second short
side are configured to engage at least one of the at least one
cross member to support the elongated platform; the elongated
platform having a proximal section and a distal section separated
by a middle section, wherein the proximal section comprises a first
well configured to hold water and wherein the proximal section is
positioned above a portion of the bathtub including the bathtub
drain; the elongated platform further comprising a platform drain
positioned at a low point in the first well of the proximal
section, the platform drain configured to allow water to drain from
the platform to the bathtub; wherein the distal section comprises a
second well configured to hold water; wherein the middle section
comprises a channel configured to allow water to flow from the
second well to the first well.
12. The bathing platform of the claim 11, wherein one or more
bottom surface portions of the first long side, the second long
side, the first short side and the second short side is configured
to engage an upper surface of the bathtub to support the elongated
platform.
13. The bathing platform of claim 11, wherein the first short side
borders the distal end of the elongated platform, the elongated
platform further comprising a backrest extending upward from the
first short side.
14. The bathing platform of claim 11, wherein the elongated
platform is symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first
and second long sides.
15. The bathing platform of claim 11, further comprising a drain
tube connecting the platform drain to the bathtub drain.
16. The bathing platform of claim 11, wherein an upper surface of
the first long edge comprises a rail configured to provide a
transitional transfer surface positioned to facilitate transfer
onto the top surface of the elongated platform.
17. The bathing platform of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of support ridges extending upward from the bottom
surface of the platform toward the top surface of the platform.
18. The bathing platform of claim 17, wherein the middle section
comprises a greater density of support ridges than the distal
section.
19. The bathing platform of claim 17, wherein the distal section
comprises a first plurality of support ridges between the central
axis parallel to the first and second long sides and the first long
side, wherein the platform drain is positioned on the central
axis.
20. The bathing platform of claim 19, wherein the distal section
comprises a second plurality of support ridges between the central
axis and the second long side.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to bathing devices
and more particular relates to a bathing platform that covers an
installed bathtub.
Related Art
[0003] Lavatory devices that assist in bathing or showering are
common among the elderly and disabled patient population. The
National Center for Health Statistics has reported that about 10
percent of all people over the age of 65 have difficulty bathing,
and about 6 percent receive help. In an assessment of home aids,
adaptations and personal assistance received after traumatic spinal
cord injury (SCI) in a population of 2.5 million inhabitants in
Denmark, the most common aids or adaptations reported were related
to the bathtub or shower (69%). Despite the increased awareness for
bathroom assistance, no room at home poses more threats to safety
than the bathroom. The National Safety Council reports that 7.8% of
all injury episodes in the bathroom involved persons of age 65 or
older. This is because the greatest danger in the bathroom is
slipping and falling when entering and exiting the bathtub or
shower.
[0004] To meet the needs of the aging population, the home health
care services industry has grown from 40.8 million dollars in 2005
to 57.2 million dollars in 2009. Similar growth is predicted into
the future based on the growing number of aging individuals
entering retirement and desiring to stay within their homes. During
this same period, the accessible bathtub and shower industry grew
from 119.1 million dollars in 2005 to 148.5 million dollars in
2010. A similar growth rate was seen in the bath and pool lift
industry that grew from 36.6 million dollars in 2005 to 45.6
million dollars in 2010. This growth rate of 4.5% per year is
projected to continue as the boomers retire.
[0005] Individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction confront
equivalent or even more significant challenges in the bathroom. The
fixtures being developed by the design team will also serve this
estimated population of 262,000 persons with SCID (National Spinal
Cord Injury Statistics Center). There are approximately 12,000 new
cases of spinal cord injury each year. Of these injuries, 51.9% are
tetraplegia and 45.2% are paraplegia (National Spinal Cord Injury
Statistics Center). This level of injury leads to diminished
abilities and, in some cases, individuals will require caregiver
assistance for bathing and other activities of daily life. The
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center (NSCISC) in
Birmingham, Alabama, tracks over 91% of this population as living
in private residences. The need to remain in the home is as
compelling for a spinal cord injured patient as it is for the
aging, prolonging independence, reducing health care costs and
maintaining a high quality of life.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that
overcomes these significant problems found in the conventional
systems as described above.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure describes a bathing platform that
covers a conventional bathtub as typically found in North America
and can be placed equally over a right hand or a left hand bathtub.
It is designed for use by ambulatory individuals that cannot sit at
the bottom of a bathtub or individuals with spinal cord
injury/dysfunctions who cannot transfer from their wheelchair to
the bottom of a bathtub. The bathing platform is designed to rest
on the front rim and the other three sides of standard size
bathtubs within a home or a facility.
[0008] The present invention describes a novel bathing platform
that can be placed equally over a right-hand or left-hand bathtub
and designed for use by ambulatory and non-ambulattory individuals
(e.g., elderly individuals and/or individuals with spinal cord
injury ("SCI") or traumatic brain injury ("TBI")) who cannot
transfer to and/or from the bottom of a normal bathtub. The bathing
platform rests on two or more sides of standard size bathtubs and
assists in the bathing of individuals within a home or facility.
The bathing platform contains several features that assist users in
transferring safely from a standing position or from a wheelchair
onto the bathing platform. These features include a height similar
to wheelchair height, and a higher rim. Additional features are
incorporated in the design that facilitates an easy bathing
process, including: a contoured backrest, a deep leg and feet
soaking area, and a drain that connects to the main bathtub
drain.
[0009] The proposed invention comprises two design features that
distinguish the proposed invention from other similar technologies:
1) a symmetrical design that enables placement over at least a
portion of the length and width of a right hand or left hand
bathtub, 2) removability, which abolishes the requirement of
permanent installation. The fact that the bathing platform can be
removed and installed with minimal effort facilitates installation
in the home and assisted-living facilities, especially compared
with similar technologies that have to be more permanently
installed.
[0010] The inventors have demonstrated proof-of-concept with a
"mock" prototype composed of plywood. Using this mock design, the
inventors tested the efficacy and safety of the bathing platform by
allowing ten patients with paraplegia to sample the prototype. All
of these volunteers lived independently and had documented history
of transferring to bathing devices with minimal assistance. A
universal response to the bathing platform was how sturdy it felt
compared to shower benches and chairs. The sturdiness resulted in a
relaxed confidence with the bathing platform across all volunteers
and knowledge that it would not somehow fail them. The volunteers
took a very similar approach by parking next to the bathing
platform for a transfer. They all worked to get the front corner of
their seat as close as possible to the bathing platform. One
volunteer who struggled with this had swung his footrest to the
side, which put it between his chair and the bathtub. Some
volunteers did not touch the bathing platform as they aligned. Of
all the volunteers, one used the vertical grab bar to assist with
positioning his chair. All volunteers employed a "three-step
process" while transferring to the bathing platform: 1) they
aligned their chair, 2) they lifted themselves to the outside edge
of the bathing platform and 3) they reset their hands for the final
move onto the bathing platform. The wide outside rail was
appreciated as a transition surface to sit on and change hand
position while transferring. Once the volunteers moved out of their
chairs and onto the wide edge of the bathtub, almost all of them
stopped to reset their hands. At this point, several of the
volunteers used the metal grab bar mounted on the wall as a support
to lift themselves onto the bathing platform. Many of them kept
their hands down low and used the raised edge at the back side of
the bathing platform. Once inside the bathing platform, all of the
volunteers described a feeling of being "safe and contained," with
no fears of falling out of the unit. They also appreciated the
strength of the backrest, which allowed them to lean back without
fear of the backrest failing. Almost all of the volunteers
suggested that padding be applied to the bathing platform to
relieve pressure. A result of the raised foot position incorporated
into the design was that it helped people access their feet for
washing. The bathing platform raises the legs so they can lean
forward to reach their feet without fear of falling off the seat.
It also simplifies moving a foot up and into a crosslegged
position, which facilitates foot washing. During shower simulation,
the volunteers emphasized water management and avoiding splashing.
The bathing platform kept many of the patients balanced so they did
not have to hold onto anything. If they did hold on, they used the
wall-mounted grab bar and more than the side rails to support
themselves while washing. Transferring out and exiting the bathtub
was the same "three-step process," except in reverse. The
volunteers with the weakest abdomens had some struggles with the
depth of the seat. This was a surprisingly high lift for some of
them, and they had to drag their body up to the top of the rail to
place their feet in the foot well.
[0011] Positioned over a bathtub the bathing platform is at
wheelchair height to assist a user transferring safely and easily
from a wheelchair. An ambulatory individual can also take advantage
of the higher position of the rail to sit and transfer. Certain
advantages of the bathing platform include that it is designed for
ambulatory access or wheelchair level transfer, designed to be
symmetrical for placement over a right hand or a left hand bathtub,
designed to fit a variety of standard bathtub widths, designed with
a contoured backrest, designed with a deep leg and foot well for
soaking, and designed to drain in the main bathtub drain.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The structure and operation of the present invention will be
understood from a review of the following detailed description and
the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like parts and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an
example bathing platform for a left hand bathtub according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an
example bathing platform for a right hand bathtub according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view diagram illustrating an
example bathing platform for a left hand bathtub according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example
bathing platform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross
section of a bathing platform according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross
section of a bathing platform with a bather according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of ambulatory access to a bathing platform according to a previous
embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform according to a
previous embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform according to a
previous embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 11A-11C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 10A-10C according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 13A-13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 12A-12C according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIGS. 14A-14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 15A-15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 14A-14C according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 16A-16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIGS. 17A-17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A-16C according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIGS. 18A-18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIGS. 19A-19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 17A-17C according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example
dimensions for standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be
mounted according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example
dimensions for standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be
mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide for a bathing
platform configured to cover a conventional bathtub that
facilitates reduced injury access to existing bathing facilities
and provides simplified transfer from a wheelchair to use the
bathing facilities. For example, one embodiment disclosed herein
includes a bathing platform that rests on the upper surface edges
of an existing bathtub and provides a bathing platform with a
soaking well for the user while also taking advantage of existing
bathing facilities such as plumbing for bathing water and drainage.
After reading this description it will become apparent to one
skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various
alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However,
although various embodiments of the present invention will be
described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this
detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not
be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention
as set forth in the appended claims.
[0037] FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an
example bathing platform 20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to
an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
bathing platform 20 comprises an elongated platform having a top
surface and a bottom surface and a backrest 22, a first long side
having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having an upper
rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side.
Advantageously, a bottom surface portion of each of the first and
second long sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the
bathtub 10 and support the elongated platform. In alternative
embodiments, a bottom surface portion of one or both of the first
and second short sides is configured to engage an upper surface of
the bathtub 10 for additional support of the elongated
platform.
[0038] FIG. 1B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an
example bathing platform 20 for a right hand bathtub 10 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bathing platform 20 comprises an elongated platform having a
top surface and a bottom surface and a backrest 22, a first long
side having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having an
upper rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side.
As previously discussed, a bottom surface portion of each of the
first and second long sides and one or both of the first and second
short sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub
10 and collectively support the elongated platform.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating an example
bathing platform 20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to an
embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
bottom surface of each of the first and second long sides are
engaged with an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and the top surface
24 of each of the first and second long sides forms a wide rail
configured to support a user when transferring onto or of of the
platform 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 20 also
includes a backrest 22.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example
bathing platform 20 placed on a cross section of a bathtub 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bathing platform comprises an elongated platform 20
having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long side, a
second long side, a first short side and a second short side. A
bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides is
configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and support
the elongated platform 20. The engagement of the bottom surface
portion of the first and second long sides with an upper surface of
a bathtub 10 is not shown due to the cross sectional view. However,
the illustration does show the engagement of a bottom surface
portion of the first and second short sides with an upper surface
of the bathtub 10. Advantageously, the elongated platform 20 may be
configured such that a bottom surface of at least two of the first
long side, second long side, first short side and second short side
engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and thereby support the
elongated platform 20 above the bathtub 10.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated platform 20
includes a proximal section and a distal section separated by a
middle section, wherein the proximal section comprises a first well
40 configured to hold water and wherein the proximal section is
positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including the bathtub
drain 15. Additionally, the elongated platform 20 also comprises a
platform drain 25 positioned at a low point in the first well 40 of
the proximal section, the platform drain 25 configured to allow
water to drain from the elongated platform 20 to the bathtub
10.
[0042] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment the distal
section of the elongated platform 20 comprises a second well 42
that is also configured to support a bather and hold water. The
elongated platform 20 also comprises a channel 50 that is
configured to allow water to flow from the second well 42 to the
first well 40.
[0043] Also in the illustrated embodiment, the first short side of
the elongated platform 20 borders the distal section of the
elongated platform 20 and the elongated platform 20 includes a
backrest 22 extending upward from the first short side.
Advantageously, in various embodiments the elongated platform 20 is
symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first and second
long sides so it can be positioned over a convention bathtub that
is either left handed or right handed.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the
illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 comprises a
backrest 22 and two rails 24 formed by an upper surface of each
long edge of the platform 20. The platform 20 also comprises a
second well 42 connected to a first well 40 by a channel 50. At a
low point in the first well 40 is a platform drain 25 that is
configured to allow water to drain out from the first well 40 of
the platform 20 and into the bathtub 10.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross
section of a bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20
comprises second well 42 and a first well 40 that are connected by
a channel 50 such that fluid can flow from the second well 42 into
the first well 40. The platform 20 also includes a plurality of
support ridges 23 configured to increase the stability and load
bearing capability of the platform 20. Also shown in the
illustrated embodiment is a drain tube 30 connecting the platform
drain 25 to the bathtub drain 15. The drain tube 30 advantageously
reduces or eliminates the need to clean the surface of the bathtub
10 beneath the platform 20 because the bathing water from the
bathing platform 20 drains directly form the platform 20 to the
bathtub drain 15.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross
section of a bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a user is shown sitting
on the bathing platform 20 and resting against the backrest 22. The
feet of the user are in the well 40 near the platform drain 25,
which extends through a lower surface of the platform 20 in the
well 40.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of ambulatory access to the bathing platform 20 according to a
previous embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, a user employs the surface of the rail 24 to position
the user's body for transfer from a position on the floor near the
bathtub 10 to a position on the bathing platform 20. The user may
also hold onto a rail 26 during the transfer from the floor to the
platform 20.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a
previous embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the user positions the wheelchair near the bathtub 10
and bathing platform 20. The user may grasp the backrest 22 or a
handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform
20. The height and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20
provides a transitional surface that the user can employ to
facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing platform 20.
A channel 50 facilitates the flow of water from the second well 42
into the first well 40 so that the water can drain from the bottom
of the first well 40 into the bathtub 10.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example
of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a
previous embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the user positions the wheelchair near the bathtub 10
and bathing platform 20. The user may grasp the backrest 22 or a
handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform
20. The height and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20
provides a transitional surface that the user can employ to
facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing platform 20.
Advantageously, the height of the upper surface of the rail 24 is
configured to be substantially level with the height of the surface
of a seat of the wheelchair.
[0050] FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20 with a support 60
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is positioned above a
conventional bathtub 10. The bathing platform 20 is partially
supported by the bathtub 10 and by a support 60. The support 60
comprises two or more legs 64 that are connected to each other by
one or more cross members 66. Each leg 64 has two or more feet
62.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 60 comprises
three legs 64 connected to each other by two cross members 66. Each
leg 64 includes two feet 62. The first and second legs 64 of the
support 60 are positioned inside the bathtub 10 and the third leg
64 is positioned outside the bathtub 10. Two cross members 66 are
each connected at a first end to the first leg 64, at a middle
portion to the second leg 64 and at a second end to the third leg
64. The cross members 66 each extend over the edge of the bathtub
10 between the second leg 64 and the third leg 64.
[0052] As previously discussed, the elongated platform 20 has a top
surface and a bottom surface, a first long side, a second long
side, a first short side and a second short side. However, in the
illustrated embodiment, the upper surface of the edge of the
bathtub 10 is left exposed and available for the user to access
during transfer to the bathing platform 20.
[0053] Accordingly, one or more bottom surface portions of the
first long side, the second long side, the first short side and the
second short side are configured to engage one or more of the cross
members 66 and/or an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the
elongated platform 20. For example, the long side of the platform
20 that is adjacent to the user transfer approach side of the
bathtub 10 is configured to engage the cross members 66 while the
long side of the platform 20 that is furthest away from the user
transfer approach side of the bathtub 10 may be configured to
engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the elongated
platform 20. Alternatively the long side of the platform 20 that is
furthest away from the user transfer approach side of the bathtub
10 may be configured not to engage an upper surface of the bathtub
10 to support the elongated platform 20 such that the elongated
platform 20 is primarily supported by the support 60.
[0054] Additionally in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated
platform 20 has a proximal section and a distal section separated
by a middle section, wherein the proximal section comprises a first
well configured to hold water and wherein the proximal section is
positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including the bathtub
drain. Advantageously, the distal and middle sections are sloped to
allow water to collect in the first well and drain out to the
bathtub 10 as previously described. In one embodiment, the distal
section may include a second well and the middle section may
include a channel that allows water to flow from the distal well to
the proximal well.
[0055] Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the bathing
platform 20 includes a backrest to support the user in an upright
position while using the bathing platform 20. The backrest extends
upward from one of the short sides of the platform 20.
Advantageously, the platform 20 is configured to be symmetrical
along a central axis parallel to the first and second long sides.
This symmetry allows the platform 20 to be positioned over a right
hand bathtub or a left hand bathtub. Another advantage of the
platform 20 is that it can be positioned for use with a first
bathtub and then moved and positioned for use with a second
bathtub, thereby eliminating semi-permanent installation of the
bathing platform 20. Although not shown, the platform 20 may also
include a drain tube connecting the platform drain to the bathtub
drain.
[0056] FIGS. 11A-11C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 10A-10C
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, referring specifically to the cross section in FIG.
11C, the three legs 64 are shown and one cross member 66 is shown
connecting a portion of the first leg 64 to a portion of the second
leg 64. Also, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, certain interference areas 70
are illustrated. The interference areas 70 are areas where a
portion of the bathing platform 20 would undesirably engage a
portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or a portion of the
bathing facilities such as a water spout. Accordingly, along the
interference areas 70, the bathing platform 20 is configured with
one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with
a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion
of any bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
Advantageously, preventing engagement of the bathing platform 20
with the surface of the bathtub 10 at the interference areas 70
allows the bathing platform 20 to be fully and properly supported
along the short sides and the long sides of the platform 20 that
engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and also along the cross
members 66 of the support 60.
[0057] FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape
and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[0058] FIGS. 13A-13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 12A-12C
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the platform 20 is configured with one or more recesses
to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the
inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing
facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
[0059] FIGS. 14A-14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape
and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[0060] FIGS. 15A-15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 14A-14C
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the platform 20 is configured with one or more recesses
to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the
inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing
facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
[0061] FIGS. 16A-16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape
and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[0062] FIGS. 17A-17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A-16C according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIGS. 18A-18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an
example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape
and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[0064] FIGS. 19A-19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the
example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 18A-18C according
to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the platform 20 fits within the standard dimensions of the
conventional bathtub 10 and does not undesirably engage any portion
of any bathing facilities.
[0065] FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example
dimensions for a standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform
can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example
dimensions for a standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform
can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0067] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various
illustrative blocks, features and elements described in connection
with the figures and the embodiments disclosed herein can often be
implemented using alternative materials and alternative shapes that
carry out the same functions described herein. To clearly
illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative
components, blocks, features, and steps have been described above
generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such
functionality is implemented precisely as described above depends
upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on
the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described
functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but
such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as a
departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the
grouping of functions within a particular module, block, or step is
for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved
from one module, block or step to another without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0068] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented
herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is
broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further
understood that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those
skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly not limited.
* * * * *