Bathing aid

Abstract

A bathing aid device comprises adjustments to accommodate varying user body shapes and sizes and may be used in conjunction with most, if not all, bathtubs. The bathing aid device, when used as described, allows for more complete and safer bathing for those incapable of bathing themselves. The device includes a kneeling platform for being placed beside a bathtub, a column assembly, which extends from the kneeling platform to a position above and preferably slightly forward relative to the bathtub wall, and which holds a preferably pivotal clavicle-region support. The user leans on the clavicle-region support, and, because of its location relative to the bathtub and the user's upper chest, and because of its small dimensions, the support is especially comfortable and effective. The user need not rest on the device with her / his elbows, arms, shoulders, or breasts, and, instead, the user is well supported high up on her body and can easily reach around the device to assist an infant, bather, or pet inside the bathtub. The preferred column assembly is quickly and easily removable, without loosening any fasteners, in order to move the assembly out of the way before the user rises or lifts a child out over the bathtub wall.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a device used to provide comfort and support to a person assisting in the bathing of another person in a bathtub and more particularly to a bathing aid device that is capable of being used adjacent to and in conjunction with a typical household bathtub.[0003]The use of the invented device will be immediately recognized as extremely practical in any situation where a capable person such as a parent or caregiver is charged with aiding the bathing of a person who is incapable of properly bathing himself or herself, such as an infant or an elderly or handicapped individual.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Various kneeling benches and pad systems have been disclosed in the patent literature.For example:[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 1,877,602, Silverman, addresses a kneeling bench used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable Silverman relies...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]A further advantage of the present invention is, that by eliminating the pain and discomfort experienced when assisting a person to bathe in the conventional way, the invented device allows the user to be more attentive to the task at hand, thereby providing a safer environment for the bather and attendant, with the added bonus of a more complete cleansing for the individual being bathed.

[0018]The present invention comprises a lower portion, for placement beside a bathtub, which has an upper surface appropriately positioned to receive the knees and lower legs of a kneeling person. From the lower portion extends a column assembly that holds at or near its upper end a support for the upper chest of a user, and, most preferably, the clavicle area between the shoulders. The column assembly preferably positions the entire, or substantially the entire, upper chest / clavicle support substantially forward of the lower portion, so that said support may be over a bathtub wall or even forward of the central plane of the bathtub wall. The support is preferably small, so as not to extend to the right and left far enough to interfere with the user's shoulders and arms, and so as not to extend down far enough to interfere with the user's breasts. The support preferably pivots relative to the column assembly, so that it supports, but also moves with, the user as the user leans further over the bathtub and adjusts his / her position to assist the bather. The column assembly may be a single arm / column, which is preferred, as this minimizes or eliminates interference with the shoulders, arms, and breasts. Alternatively, the column assembly may be multiple arms / columns, a solid curved plate(s), or other designs, preferably not extending to the left, right, or rearward far enough to interfere with the shoulders, arms, breasts, or stomach of the user. Preferably, the column assembly is quickly and easily removable from the lower portion, for example, so that the arm system may be removed prior to the user lifting up a baby out of the bathtub and rising from the device.

[0019]In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a lower padded assembly, designed to immovably rest, when in use, upon the floor adjacent to a bathtub, the padded portion supporting and cradling the knees and lower legs of a user. Mounted removably within the lower assembly, a vertical, height adjustable support column extends upwardly from the lower assembly. Upon the upper end of the vertical support column is mounted the adjustable upper body support assembly. The entire vertical support column may be instantly removed from the lower assembly and laid aside a suitable distance when not in use, thereby allowing for a greater degree of safety during ingress and egress of a bather from the bathtub.

[0020]The invented device is designed and constructed so as to be portable and conveniently stored when not in use, therefore, it would preferably be comprised of lightweight yet suitably strong, waterproof material, such as, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum or a combination thereof.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, a person assisting in the bathing of individuals such as those described above is subjected to considerable strain and discomfort due to the body position that must necessarily be assumed to assist in bathing.

The position of the attending person also requires that all of the body weight be supported on the knee joints, with the added complication of the feet and ankle joints being bent at an un-natural and uncomfortable angle, all of this occurring on the relatively hard and immovable surface of the floor adjacent to the bathtub.

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