Infant bath with retractable sling

Abstract

An infant bath having a sling infant support that holds the infant while bathing, yet retracts to a convenient and safe storage position when not in use is provided. The assembly includes an elongate infant bath basin having upwardly extended side walls for containing water in which to bathe an infant, a sling extends across the basin and is supported by at least two of the side walls when in the extended position. The sling is configured and arranged to be detached from one of the sidewalls and retract into a retraction mechanism at the opposing side wall such that the sling is stored in the retraction mechanism when not in use. In an alternate embodiment, a retrofit sling support assembly is provided for use in baths not fitted with a sling or for standalone use. The retractable sling is supported by a portable foldable frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to an infant bathing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an infant bathing apparatus that includes a support sling that is retractable when not in use.[0002]Conventional baby bathtubs generally comprise a large elongated basin for containing water wherein the shape is dimensioned to receive an infant. A common concern for parents and caretakers bathing a baby is that the experience be both enjoyable and safe for the child. However, since one hand is needed to wash and rinse the baby, only one hand remains to control the baby's body position and to keep the baby's head above the surface of the water. Further, a baby covered with soap and water is extremely slippery creating ample opportunity for the baby to wriggle and slip out of control. As a result, there is always the potential for accidental submersion of the baby's head and face, which can result in discomfort to the baby and per...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In an alternate embodiment, a retrofit sling support assembly is provided for use in baths not fitted with a sling or for standalone use. The retractable sling is supported by a portable foldable frame. In operation, the sling can be retracted and the frame then folded to make a compact easily stored unit.

[0011]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved infant bath apparatus that employs a sling for supporting the infant's body yet integrally retains the sling in a stored position when it is not in use. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved infant bath that includes a sling that is easily deployed when needed and is retractable to a contained storage position when not needed thereby keeping it safe and out of the way. Still further it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable standalone sling that is easily deployed when needed and is retractable to a contained storage position and foldable into a compact package when not needed thereby making it easy and convenient to store.

Problems solved by technology

However, since one hand is needed to wash and rinse the baby, only one hand remains to control the baby's body position and to keep the baby's head above the surface of the water.

Further, a baby covered with soap and water is extremely slippery creating ample opportunity for the baby to wriggle and slip out of control.

As a result, there is always the potential for accidental submersion of the baby's head and face, which can result in discomfort to the baby and perhaps even serious injury.

However, a large sponge absorbs a great amount of water and requires a long drying time once the bath is completed.

Further, the sponge may not dry completely between baths, resulting in the possibility of infections, mold, and mildew being carried by the sponge.

This arrangement requires an elaborate mechanism to permit height adjustment for babies of differing sizes and growth stages, raising the overall cost of manufacturing the bath.

Also, the mechanism must be maintained and cleaned regularly, further burdening the parents and caretakers with needless chores.

Although this design increases the safety aspect of the baby bath, comfort may be decreased and bathing of the head and upper body may be more difficult.

In some arrangements, the sling is fixed creating an obstruction in emptying and cleaning the bath.

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