Bathing assisting tool

Abstract

To provide a bathing assisting tool which uses cushions as members supporting a user's body, prevents generation of mold by separating the cushions from a frame to reliably dry up each of them, and can be used hygienically.SOLUTION: A bathing assisting tool 100 includes: cushions (a head support cushion 22, a back cushion 24, a seat cushion 32, a leg support cushion 34) supporting a user's body; and a frame 10 to which the cushions (the head support cushion 22, the back cushion 24, the seat cushion 32, and the leg support cushion 34) are attached. The cushions (the head support cushion 22, the back cushion 24, the seat cushion 32, the leg support cushion 34) are engageable / disengageable with the frame 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathing assistance tool for use in a bathroom or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Bathing assistance tools used by children, people with disabilities, injured people, and people who need care when taking a bath are well known. As such bathing assistance tools, the structure disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 (Kisaku Kobo Co., Ltd. Product Catalog Aqua pit2 (electronic version)) is known. Specifically, a form is adopted in which the user's body is supported by a mesh sheet in order to improve drainage when the bathing assistance tool is used. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kisaku Kobo Co., Ltd., "Bathroom Assistance Tool Aqua pit II", [online], [Retrieved June 8, 2023], Internet (URL: https: / / kisakukobo.jp / ebook / aqua_pit2 / HTML5 / pc.html# / page / 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the bathing assistance device disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, the frame part and the mesh sheet are not detachable, so water can accumulate between the frame part and the mesh sheet or in the holes in the mesh sheet, making the bathing assistance device prone to mold growth and making it unsanitary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a bathing assistance device that uses a cushion as a member to support the user's body, and by separating the cushion from the frame, each can be reliably washed and dried, thereby eliminating any remaining organic matter or moisture and preventing the growth of mold, thereby allowing for hygienic use.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems by the means described below.

[0007] That is, the present invention is a bathing assistance device comprising a cushion for supporting the body of a user and a frame to which the cushion is attached, the cushion being detachable from the frame.

[0008] According to this, by separating the cushion and frame of the bathing assistance device after use, each can be reliably washed and dried, eliminating any remaining organic matter or moisture, preventing the growth of mold, and allowing for hygienic use.

[0009] The cushion is preferably provided with a mating protrusion or recess that fits in a recessed manner with a part of the frame.

[0010] This allows the cushion to be easily attached and detached from the frame.

[0011] The cushion is preferably formed from a foamed resin, and the cushion more preferably has a hardness measured by an Asker rubber hardness tester of C20 to C60, and even more preferably has a hardness measured by an Asker rubber hardness tester of C22 to C35.

[0012] This allows the contact with the user's body to be softer, improving the user's comfort.

[0013] In addition, the cushion is preferably provided with a waterproof coating, and more preferably, the waterproof coating contains an antibacterial agent.

[0014] This further suppresses mold growth and allows for more hygienic use.

[0015] Moreover, it is preferable that the cushion is divided into two or more pieces.

[0016] This allows the caregiver to insert his / her hands into the gaps between the cushions, making it easier to wash the body of the seated user and also enabling the bathing assistance equipment to be made lighter.

[0017] The cushion is preferably provided with a back projection that projects forward from the side of the back portion corresponding to the user's back along the side of the user's abdomen, and a seat projection that projects upward from the side of the seat portion corresponding to the user's buttocks along the outer sides of the user's thighs.

[0018] As a result, the body of the user seated on the bathing assistance device is held in place, reducing the physical burden on the user.

[0019] It is also preferable that the cushion has a back recess on the front surface of the back portion along the central axis of the frame in the width direction, and that the cushion has a seat recess on the upper surface of the seat portion along the central axis of the frame in the width direction.

[0020] These back and seat recesses improve drainage when the bathing aid is in use.

[0021] It is also preferable that the seat portion of the cushion has a height difference in the front-rear direction.

[0022] This improves drainage when the bathing assistance device is in use. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, by separating the cushion from the frame, each can be dried reliably, eliminating any remaining organic matter or moisture and preventing the growth of mold, thereby providing a bathing assistance device that can be used hygienically. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bathing assistance device in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bathing assistance device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the bathing assistance device with the leg frame omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the bathing assistance device in the first embodiment, the exploded state of the leg frame, and the length adjustment stopper. [Diagram 5] 13 is a front oblique view showing the state in which the holding portion of the head support cushion of the back frame and the holding portion of the leg support cushion of the below-knee frame are extended. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of a state in which a belt is attached to the bath assistance tool shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the upright angle of the back frame relative to the main frame has been changed. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a left side view of the bathing assistance device shown in FIG. 1, showing the upper body cushion and the lower body cushion with the leg frame and the frame removed. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the bathing assistance device in a folded state (the over-opening prevention belt is not shown). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the bathing assistance device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the bathing assistance device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining each embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members having the same functions, and the repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the explanation will be based on front, back, left, right, and up and down, which are defined based on the user sitting on the bathing assistance tool 100. In addition, the caregiver refers to a person who washes the body of the user sitting on the bathing assistance tool 100.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the bathing assistance tool 100 in this embodiment includes a frame 10, an upper body cushion 20, and a lower body cushion 30. The bathing assistance tool 100 in this embodiment will be described based on the form in which it is attached to the leg frame 40, but since the leg frame 40 is an additional component, as shown in Fig. 3, it is of course possible to use the bathing assistance tool 100 alone. Note that, in the bathing assistance tool 100 in use as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the leg frame 40 has a front-rear dimension (vertical dimension) of 706 mm and a left-right dimension (width dimension) of 450 mm. By adopting such a planar size, the bathing assistance tool 100 can be installed in a bathroom with plenty of space, even in a bathroom in an ordinary Japanese home (interior dimensions 1600 mm x 1200 mm), and the caregiver can enter the bathroom together with the user and wash the body of the user seated on the bathing assistance tool 100.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the frame 10 has a main frame 12, a back frame 14 attached to the main frame 12, and a knee frame 16. The frame 10 in this embodiment is formed in a so-called pipe frame shape made of aluminum alloy, but the material of the frame 10 is not limited to aluminum alloy, and other known materials such as synthetic resin can be used. The bottom surface of the main frame 12 has ground sheets (not shown) attached in scattered spots to prevent slipping and damage to the floor surface, etc., made of synthetic rubber, etc., at the contact points with the installation surface.

[0028] The main frame 12 is formed by two first members 12A extending in the front-rear direction and arranged parallel to the left-right direction, and three second members 12B connecting these two first members 12A. The first members 12A and the second members 12B form a seat surrounding portion IJ1 as a surrounding portion, and a part of the main frame 12 is shaped like a ladder frame. The two first members 12A are bent toward the front and upper side at the midpoint in the length direction. At the bent portions, upright portions 13 are provided, each extending upward with respect to the axial direction of the first members 12A.

[0029] In addition, a grounding body 12D for grounding the first member 12A on the installation surface is attached to the middle of the inclined portion of the first member 12A by a known method such as welding. The grounding body 12D in this embodiment is formed as a flat ring having a straight portion arranged parallel to the height direction of the second member 12B located closest to the knee frame 16, and a semicircular portion connecting the right ends and left ends of these two members in the vertical direction. In addition, a grounding sheet (not shown) is arranged on the bottom surface of the grounding body 12D. By adopting such a grounding body 12D, the caregiver and the floor surface are not damaged. The semicircular portion of the grounding body 12D in this embodiment can also be used as a grip for the user. A non-slip cover (not shown) may be attached to the semicircular portion of the grounding body 12D. By providing such a grip, the user can maintain a comfortable posture when sitting on the bathing assistance device 100, and the user's body wobbling during washing can be suppressed.

[0030] At the intermediate height position of the standing portion 13, a stopper 13A is disposed, which protrudes in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the standing portion 13 (toward the right side in the standing portion 13 on the left side, and toward the left side in the standing portion 13 on the right side). This stopper 13A regulates the upper limit of the standing angle of the back frame 14 to the main frame 12 (installation surface) described later. The second member 12B at the rear end has a required length portion at both ends protruding outward beyond the two first members 12A, and this protruding portion is curved toward the inner flat area of ​​the main frame 12, and the corners on the rear side of the main frame 12 are formed in an arc shape. Protective caps 12C made of synthetic rubber or the like are attached to both ends of the second member 12B. By adopting such a main frame 12, the risk of injury to the user or the caregiver washing the user's body and the risk of damaging the floor surface or the like are reduced.

[0031] The back frame 14 is rotatably attached to the upright portion 13 of the main frame 12. The back frame 14 has a first back frame 14A having an inverted U-shape in plan view and a plurality of second back frames 14B that are hung on the inside of the first back frame 14A. The first back frame 14A and the second back frame 14B form a back surrounding portion IJ2 as a surrounding portion, and a part of the back frame 14 is in the shape of a ladder frame. The first back frame 14A has two straight pipe portions 14Aa and a U-pipe portion 14Ab that can be pulled out (inserted and removed) from the straight pipe portions 14Aa. A plurality of through holes 14C for length adjustment are formed in the straight portion of the U-pipe portion 14Ab at required positions in the length direction (extension direction) (see FIG. 5), and a telescopic mechanism portion is formed in which the protruding length (pulled-out length) of the U-pipe portion 14Ab relative to the straight pipe portion 14Aa can be adjusted and fixed by the length adjustment stopper 50. This makes the back frame 14 extendable (height adjustable), and the position (height position) of the head support cushion 22 relative to the main frame 12 (back cushion 24) can be adjusted. That is, in this embodiment, the U-tube portion 14Ab and a part of the second back frame 14B form a head frame as a head portion. In addition, in this embodiment, a back angle adjustment frame 17 is disposed between the back frame 14 and the main frame 12 to adjust the standing angle of the back frame 14 relative to the main frame 12 (installation surface).

[0032] The length adjustment stopper 50 has an arc-shaped portion 52 that fits into the outer peripheral surface of the back frame 14, a rod-shaped stopper piece 54 that is disposed inside the arc-shaped portion 52 and can be inserted into the through hole 14C of the U-tube portion 14Ab, and a ring 56 attached to the outer surface of the arc-shaped portion 52. It is preferable that the stopper piece 54 penetrates the frame body in the radial direction at the mounting portion. A belt 60 that fixes the user is removably engaged with the ring 56 (see FIG. 6). Such a length adjustment stopper 50 is disposed at the connection portion between the main frame 12 and the below-knee frame 16 and also on the below-knee frame 16, and is disposed for the purpose of at least one of the length adjustment portion and the belt engagement portion.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the back angle adjustment frame 17 is formed in a telescopic mechanism having a first tube portion 17A, a fixing screw 17B, and a second tube portion 17C. The first tube portion 17A is rotatably connected to the second member 12B of the main frame 12. The fixing screw 17B is screwed into a through hole (not shown) that penetrates the first tube portion 17A in the radial direction. The second tube portion 17C is rotatably connected to the second back frame 14B located closest to the main frame 12 and is accommodated in the internal space of the first tube portion 17A so as to be able to protrude and retract therefrom. A plurality of position adjustment holes 17D are drilled at required intervals in the length direction. By adjusting the position of the position adjustment holes 17D relative to the fixing screw 17B, the upright angle of the back frame 14 relative to the main frame 12 (installation surface) can be adjusted in a plurality of stages (see Fig. 7). The upper limit of the standing angle of the back frame 14 is restricted by a stopper 13A disposed on the standing portion 13 of the main frame 12, so that the second cylindrical portion 17C does not come off the first cylindrical portion 17A.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the knee frame 16 has a first knee frame 16A that is inverted U-shaped in plan view and a second knee frame 16B that is hung on the inside of the first knee frame 16A. The knee frame 16 has a knee surrounding part IJ3 formed by the first knee frame 16A and the second knee frame 16B, and a part of the knee frame 16 is in the shape of a ladder frame. The first knee frame 16A can be inserted into and removed from the main frame 12, and a plurality of second through holes 16C for positioning are formed in the straight part of the first knee frame 16A along the length direction (stretching direction) (see FIG. 5). The straight part of the first knee frame 16A is formed into a telescopic mechanism part that can adjust and fix the protruding length (pulling length) from the tip of the first member 12A of the main frame 12 by the length adjustment stopper 50. This allows the position of the leg support cushion 34 to be adjusted relative to the main frame 12 (seat cushion 32).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the upper body cushion 20 is disposed with a gap S between it and the lower body cushion 30 (separated from it). In this embodiment, the upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30 are formed of a highly flexible foamed resin, such as foamed urethane, foamed EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer), silicone, or latex. The foamed resin preferably has a hardness between C20 and C60 measured by an Asker rubber hardness meter, and among these, a hardness between C22 and C35 provides a soft contact with the body and a good feel when used. In addition, the upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30 are preferably coated with a waterproof coating, and the waterproof coating more preferably contains an antibacterial agent. Such a coating can also smooth the surfaces of the upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30. The upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30 preferably have a measurement value of C20 to C60 using an Asker rubber hardness meter, and among these, a value of C22 to C35 provides a soft contact with the body and thus a good feel when used.

[0036] Examples of antibacterial agents include ammonium-derived antiviral and antibacterial special compounds such as quaternary ammonium salts, titanium oxide and titanium-based compounds, silver and silver-based compounds, copper and copper-based compounds, natural polymer materials such as chitosan, and alkaline substances including lime. The upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30, which are provided with a waterproof coating containing such an antibacterial agent, are easy to clean after use and dry quickly, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. Therefore, the upper body cushion 20, the lower body cushion 30, and the frame 10 are hardly susceptible to mold, allowing for hygienic use over a long period of time.

[0037] The upper body cushion 20 in this embodiment has a head support cushion 22 that supports the user's head and a back cushion 24 that supports the user's back. In this embodiment, a first fitting protrusion 22A is formed on the rear surface (back surface) of the head support cushion 22, which fits in a concave-convex manner with the uppermost back surrounding portion IJ2 formed on the back frame 14. The protruding height dimension of the first fitting protrusion 22A is preferably larger than the outer diameter dimension of the first back frame 14A and the second back frame 14B that form the back surrounding portion IJ2, in order to ensure that the head support cushion 22 is attached to the back surrounding portion IJ2. In addition, a second fitting protrusion 24A is formed on the rear surface (back surface) of the back cushion 24, which fits in a concave-convex manner with the lowermost back surrounding portion IJ2 of the back frame 14. In order to ensure reliable attachment of the back cushion 24 to the back surrounding portion IJ2, it is preferable that the protruding height dimension of the second mating convex portion 24A is greater than the outer diameter dimension of the first back frame 14A and the second back frame 14B that form the back surrounding portion IJ2.

[0038] The head support cushion 22 and the back cushion 24 formed as described above are detachably attached to the back surrounding part IJ2 of the back frame 14 with a predetermined gap S between them in the height direction (in a spaced state). In addition, the head support cushion 22 and the back cushion 24 in this embodiment can be sufficiently elastically deformed by the force of the hands of a caregiver or the like, so they can be attached to the back surrounding part IJ2 without using any tools. In addition, the head support cushion 22 and the back cushion 24 after being attached to the back surrounding part IJ2 are in a state of being bitten into the back surrounding part IJ2 by ​​restoring the elastic deformation, so that it is possible to prevent them from unintentionally falling off from the back surrounding part IJ2. In addition, a back outer peripheral edge recess 24Aa is formed on the lower end edge of the second fitting protrusion 24A, which has a long outer peripheral edge length and abuts against the back surrounding part IJ2. This back outer peripheral edge recess 24Aa forms a gap with the second back frame 14B, into which fingers can be inserted, making it easy to attach and detach the back cushion 24 to and from the back surrounding portion IJ2.

[0039] 2 and 9, the rear surface (back face) which is the outer surface of the back cushion 24 is marked with "up" and "down" as a fitting orientation indicator showing the up-down direction of the back cushion 24 when the second fitting protrusion 24A is fitted into the back surrounding portion IJ2. The fitting orientation indicator in this embodiment is formed by providing a recess in the rear surface (back face) of the back cushion 24, and therefore, unlike a printed fitting orientation indicator, the fitting orientation indicator will not disappear even after long-term use.

[0040] In addition, a back recess 24B is formed along the widthwise central axis of the back frame 14 on the front surface (front face) of the back cushion 24 (back portion), which is the surface that contacts the back of the user (see FIG. 3, etc.). The back recess 24B is recessed by a maximum of 3 mm from the main front surface of the back cushion 24, and reaches the lower edge position of the back cushion 24. That is, the back recess 24B opens into the gap S between the lower end of the back cushion 24 and the seat cushion 32 arranged adjacent to the back cushion 24 at the lower position of the back cushion 24. As a result, a gap is formed between the back of the user and the back cushion 24 during use, and water can be drained from the user's waist to the bottom of the bathing assistance device 100. Note that the step between the main front surface of the back cushion 24 and the back recess 24B is formed such that the main front surface side of the back cushion 24 is formed in an upwardly convex arc shape and the back recess 24B side is formed in a downwardly convex arc shape. As a result, even if the front surface of the back cushion 24 has a height difference, no marks are left on the back of the user.

[0041] In addition, at the lower part (corresponding to the user's flanks) of the front surface (front face) of the back cushion 24, back extensions 24C are arranged, which extend forward from the sides (right and left sides) of the back cushion 24 along the user's flanks. These back extensions 24C allow the user to maintain the initial seated position while allowing the user's arms to be freely raised and lowered. Even if the user does not have enough physical strength to maintain the initial seated position, the back extensions 24C make it easier for the user to maintain the initial seated position, allowing the caregiver to safely and easily wash the user's body.

[0042] The lower body cushion 30 in this embodiment has a seat cushion 32 (seat portion) that corresponds to the buttocks of the user and supports the buttocks, and a leg support cushion 34 that corresponds to the legs (below the knees) of the user and supports the legs. The seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 are arranged in a spaced apart state (see FIG. 8). The lower surface (bottom surface) that is the outer surface of the seat cushion 32 is formed with a third fitting protrusion 32A that fits in a concave-convex manner with the seat surrounding portion IJ1 of the main frame 12. The protruding height dimension of the third fitting protrusion 32A is preferably larger than the outer diameter dimension of the first member 12A and the second member 12B that form the seat surrounding portion IJ1 in order to ensure the attachment of the seat cushion 32 to the seat surrounding portion IJ1. Further, a fourth fitting protrusion 34A that fits in a concave-convex manner into the below-knee surrounding part IJ3 of the below-knee frame 16 is formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) which is the outer surface of the leg support cushion 34. In order to ensure that the leg support cushion 34 is attached to the below-knee surrounding part IJ3, the protruding height dimension of the fourth fitting protrusion 34A is preferably larger than the outer diameter dimension of the first below-knee frame 16A and the second below-knee frame 16B of the below-knee frame 16 which form the below-knee surrounding part IJ3.

[0043] The seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 formed as described above are detachably attached to the seat surrounding part IJ1 of the main frame 12 and the knee surrounding part IJ3 of the knee frame 16 with a predetermined gap S between them in the front-rear direction (separated state). In addition, the seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 in this embodiment can be sufficiently elastically deformed by the force of the caregiver's hands, so they can be attached to the seat surrounding part IJ1 and the knee surrounding part IJ3 without using any tools. In addition, the seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 after being attached to the seat surrounding part IJ1 and the knee surrounding part IJ3 are respectively restored from their elastic deformation and are thus in a state of being bitten into the seat surrounding part IJ1 and the knee surrounding part IJ3. This makes it possible to prevent the seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 from unintentionally falling off the seat surrounding part IJ1 and the knee surrounding part IJ3.

[0044] In addition, the third fitting protrusion 32A, which has a long outer periphery length that abuts against the seat surrounding portion IJ1, has a seat outer peripheral edge recess 32Aa formed on the left and right side edges. The seat outer peripheral edge recess 32Aa forms a gap between the seat surrounding portion IJ1 and the seat surrounding portion IJ1, and a finger can be inserted into this gap, making it easy to attach and detach the seat cushion 32 to and from the seat surrounding portion IJ1. In addition, the lower surface (bottom surface) of the seat cushion 32 is marked with "front" and "back" as a fitting orientation indicator that indicates the front and rear directions of the seat cushion 32 when the third fitting protrusion 32A is fitted into the seat surrounding portion IJ1. The fitting orientation indicator in this embodiment is formed by arranging a recess on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the seat cushion 32, so unlike a fitting orientation indicator by printing, the fitting orientation indicator will not disappear even after long-term use.

[0045] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the seat cushion 32, which is the surface that contacts the user's buttocks, is formed with a seat recess 32B along the widthwise central axis of the main frame 12 and the knee frame 16 (see FIG. 3, etc.). The seat recess 32B is recessed by a maximum of 3 mm from the main upper surface of the seat cushion 32 and reaches the rear edge position of the seat cushion 32. That is, the seat recess 32B opens into the gap S between the rear end of the seat cushion 32 and the seat cushion 32 arranged adjacent to the seat cushion 32 at the upper position of the seat cushion 32. In addition, the bottom height position of the seat recess 32B forms a slope that gradually decreases toward the back cushion 24, and the seat cushion 32 has a height difference in the front-rear direction. That is, a gap is formed between the user's buttocks and the seat cushion 32 during use, and water can be drained from the cleft of the user's buttocks to the bottom of the bathing assistance device 100. The step between the main upper surface of the seat cushion 32 and the seat recess 32B is such that the main upper surface side of the seat cushion 32 is formed in an upwardly convex curved shape from the main upper surface side of the seat cushion 32 to the seat recess 32B, and the seat recess 32B side is formed in a downwardly convex curved shape. This prevents the user from being left with a mark on their buttocks even if there is a height difference on the upper surface of the seat cushion 32.

[0046] In addition, a seat extension 32C is provided on the sides (left and right sides) of the upper surface of the seat cushion 32. The seat extension 32C is formed as a curved inclined surface that extends upward from each side of the main upper surface of the seat cushion 32 along the outside of the left and right thighs of the user. Furthermore, a raised portion (not shown) is formed on the upper surface of the seat cushion 32 at a position corresponding to the perineum of the user. These seat extensions 32C and raised portions allow the seat cushion 32 to be supported in a state of being in close contact with the buttocks of the user. Therefore, even if the user does not have enough physical strength to maintain the initial seated state, the user's initial seated state on the seat cushion 32 is easily maintained, and the caregiver can safely and easily wash the user's body.

[0047] The lower surface (bottom surface) of the leg support cushion 34 is formed with a fourth fitting protrusion 34A that fits in the knee surrounding part IJ3 of the knee frame 16 (see Figs. 8 and 9). The protruding height dimension of the fourth fitting protrusion 34A is preferably larger than the outer diameter dimension of the first knee frame 16A and the second knee frame 16B that form the knee surrounding part IJ3. The upper surface of the leg support cushion 34 is formed into a curved surface in which both left and right ends rise parabolically from the center and the front and rear sides each have a parabolic downward slope from the center. The leg support cushion 34 is disposed forward and above the position of the seat cushion 32, and can suitably support the area from the back of the knee to the calf of the user. This is advantageous in that the user's legs do not dangle and do not get in the way when assisting bathing.

[0048] The leg frame 40 in this embodiment has a first rectangular frame 42, a second rectangular frame 44, an over-opening prevention belt 46, and a frame fixing device 48 (see FIG. 4). Both ends of the lower short side 42A of the first rectangular frame 42 protrude from the long side 42B, and a grounding cap 43 is attached to the protruding portion of the lower short side 42A. The second rectangular frame 44 is also formed in a shape similar to that of the first rectangular frame 42. The outer width dimension of the second rectangular frame 44 is formed to be approximately equal to the inner width dimension of the first rectangular frame 42, and the second rectangular frame 44 is disposed inside the first rectangular frame 42 so as to form an X-shape in a side view. The first rectangular frame 42 and the second rectangular frame 44 are rotatably connected by a rotation shaft 45 at the middle position in the length direction of the long sides 42B and 44B.

[0049] An over-opening prevention belt 46 is hung between the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame 42 and the upper short side 44C of the second rectangular frame 44 to prevent the first rectangular frame 42 and the second rectangular frame 44 from being over-opened. The over-opening prevention belt 46 in this embodiment is made of a material that hardly bends due to its own weight but can be elastically deformed into a curved state by folding the leg frame 40, but the material of the over-opening prevention belt 46 is not particularly limited. The over-opening prevention belt 46 in this embodiment is attached by engaging the engagement parts 46A at both ends in the length direction with the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame 42 and the upper short side 44C of the second rectangular frame 44. Furthermore, the over-opening prevention belt 46 can be firmly fixed to the leg frame 40 by passing a bolt (not shown) through the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame 42 and the upper short side 44C of the second rectangular frame 44 and fastening it with a nut (not shown).

[0050] Further, a frame fixing device 48 for attaching and detaching the frame 10 is disposed on the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame body 42 and the upper short side 44C of the second rectangular frame body 44. The frame fixing device 48 is formed by integrating semicircular arc bodies obtained by dividing a cylinder in the height direction at a diametric position with their openings facing outward, and a through-hole is formed in the integrated portion between the semicircular arc bodies. The frame fixing device 48 is fixed by fitting the opening of one of the semicircular arc bodies into the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame body 42 and the upper short side 44C of the second rectangular frame body 44, inserting a bolt (not shown) into the through-hole, and then fastening with a nut (not shown).

[0051] In this embodiment, the inner width dimension W1 of the two frame fixing devices 48 attached to the first rectangular frame body 42 is equal to or larger than the outer width dimension W2 of the two frame fixing devices 48 attached to the second rectangular frame body 44. This allows the leg frame 40 to be folded without interfering with each other, as shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the bathing assistance device 100 in this embodiment can be folded so that the back frame 14 is substantially linear with the main frame 12 (the back frame 14 is substantially parallel to the main frame 12), and the leg frame 40 can be folded into an I-shape while being connected to the frame fixing device 48 on the upper short side 42C of the first rectangular frame body 42. This allows the space occupied by the bathing assistance device 100 when not in use to be significantly reduced compared to the space occupied by the bathing assistance device 100 when in use. This allows the bathing assistance tool 100 to be folded compactly as a whole, and the bathing assistance tool 100 can be stored in the bathroom after use.

[0052] The belt 60 for fixing the user of the bathing assistance tool 100 has a carabiner-shaped engagement device (not shown) at a first end in the length direction that engages with the ring 56 of the length adjustment stopper 50, and a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown) attached to a second end in the length direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the belts 60 are disposed on the left and right sides of the user, and the user can be fixed by engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners at the second ends of the two belts 60 with each other. The engagement position of the belt 60 to the bathing assistance tool 100 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 6, and the belt 60 can be engaged with any ring 56 of the length adjustment stopper 50. The attachment form of the belt 60 to the bathing assistance tool 100 is not limited to the form of engagement with the ring 56 of the length adjustment stopper 50, and other known engagement forms can be adopted.

[0053] According to the bathing assistance tool 100 in the above embodiment, by attaching it to the leg frame 40, the height of the seating surface of the bathing assistance tool 100 can be set to the height of the waist of the caregiver. This allows the caregiver to wash the body of the user of the bathing assistance tool 100 without bending over, significantly reducing the physical burden on the caregiver. The user is kept in a seated position by the bathing assistance tool 100, and the seated position is also maintained by the belt 60, so that the user can safely receive the body washing service.

[0054] Furthermore, in the bathing assistance device 100 of this embodiment, length adjustment stoppers 50 are provided on the telescopic mechanism of the back frame 14 and the telescopic mechanism of the main frame 12 and the knee frame 16. This allows the caregiver to adjust the height of the head support cushion 22 and the distance between the seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34 according to the physique of the user of the bathing assistance device 100, making it possible to accommodate a large number of users with different physiques with one bathing assistance device. Also, one bathing assistance device 100 can be used over a long period of time as the child grows.

[0055] Although the bathing assistance tool 100 according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the upper body cushion 20 is divided into the head support cushion 22 and the back cushion 24, and the lower body cushion 30 is divided into the seat cushion 32 and the leg support cushion 34, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30 can be both separate. In this case, the back frame 14 can be in a form that can be extended and contracted with respect to the main frame 12, similar to the knee frame 16 described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, a cushion that does not distinguish between the upper body cushion 20 and the lower body cushion 30 can be used. In this case, the length adjustment function of the back frame 14 and the knee frame 16 is omitted, and the lower body cushion 30 is attached to the seat surrounding part IJ1 of the main frame 12 or the knee surrounding part IJ3 of the knee frame 16.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the back surrounding part IJ2 of the back frame 14, the seat surrounding part IJ1 of the main frame 12, and the knee surrounding part IJ3 of the knee frame 16 are shown to be engaged with the engaging protrusions formed on each cushion, but the present invention is not limited to this. A form in which each cushion is detachably attached to a part of the frame 10 by abutting a part of the frame 10 against a required length of the outer periphery of the engaging protrusion of each cushion (a part of the outer periphery of the engaging protrusion) can also be adopted. A form in which an engaging recess into which a part of the frame 10 is engaged with the engaging protrusions can also be adopted in which a predetermined part of the frame 10 (a part of the frame 10) is engaged with the engaging recess of each cushion.

[0057] Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which frame 10 is a composite frame made of a panel material and a pipe material that borders the outer periphery of the panel material, with mating recesses or mating protrusions formed at predetermined locations on the panel material, and mating protrusions or mating recesses formed on the back side of each cushion that matingly fit into the mating recesses or mating protrusions. Also, it is also possible to provide one or more hook-and-loop fasteners as engagement means (not shown) at predetermined locations on the front side of the panel material, and provide one or more other hook-and-loop fasteners as engagement means (not shown) on the back side of each cushion, so that a part of frame 10 and each cushion can be detached by the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0058] Also, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, a head recess 22B similar to the back recess 24B may be provided on the front surface of the head support cushion 22, and a second back recess 24B2 may be provided at a position between the back recess 24B and the back overhang 24C on the front surface of the back cushion 24. A penguin pattern as shown in Fig. 11 may be made to stand out by the head recess 22B, back recess 24B, second back recess 24B2, and seat recess 32B. The pattern made to stand out by the head recess 22B, back recess 24B, second back recess 24B2, and seat recess 32B is not limited to a penguin, and other animals, objects, etc. that are easy for children to understand may also be made to stand out. By providing such a pattern, bathing assistance time can be made fun for children.

[0059] It is also possible to adopt a form of the bathing assistance tool 100 in which at least one of the back recess 24B and the back protrusion 24C on the back cushion 24 is omitted, or at least one of the seat recess 32B and the seat protrusion 32C on the seat cushion 32 is omitted. It is also possible to adopt a form of the bathing assistance tool 100 in which the indication of the fitting direction on the back cushion 24 and the indication of the fitting direction on the seat cushion 32 are omitted.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the fitting orientation indicators are provided on the rear surface of the back cushion 24 and the bottom surface of the seat cushion 32, but the fitting orientation indicators may also be provided on the head support cushion 22 and the leg support cushion 34. The fitting orientation indicators may also be provided on the outer surface of each cushion other than the surface opposite to the surface that comes into contact with the user. Furthermore, the indication of the fitting orientation indicators on each cushion may be omitted.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the height position of the head support cushion 22 is adjusted by making the U-tube portion 14Ab retractable from the straight tube portion 14Aa, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the mounting portion of the back frame 14 to the main frame 12 is formed into a telescopic mechanism, and the portion of the back frame 14 on the main frame 12 side is made extendable, thereby making it possible to adjust the height position of the head support cushion 22.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the connection between the straight pipe section 14Aa and the U-shaped pipe section 14Ab in the first back frame 14A, and the connection between the knee frame 16 and the main frame 12 are both formed by a telescopic mechanism using a length adjustment stopper 50. The back angle adjustment frame 17 is formed by a telescopic mechanism using a fixing screw 17B and a position adjustment hole 17D. The length adjustment means in these telescopic mechanisms are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and other known length adjustment means in telescopic mechanisms can be appropriately adopted.

[0063] Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a form of bathing assistance device 100 in which the back angle adjustment frame 17 is omitted (the upright angle of back frame 14 relative to main frame 12 (installation surface) is fixed). In this case, it is preferable to have a reinforcing member (not shown) stretched between back frame 14 and main frame 12 at the position of back angle adjustment frame 17 in order to increase the rigidity and stability of bathing assistance device 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention can of course adopt a form in which all the modified examples described in the specification are appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10: Frame 12: Main frame, 12A: First member, 12B: Second member, 12C: Protective cap, 12D:Grounding body, 13: Standing part, 13A: Stopper, 14: Back frame, 14A: First back frame, 14Aa: Straight pipe section, 14Ab: U-pipe section, 14B: second back frame, 14C: through hole, 16: below-knee frame, 16A: first below-knee frame, 16B: second below-knee frame, 16C: 2nd through hole, 17: Back angle adjustment frame, 17A: First tube part, 17B: Fixing screw, 17C: Second tube part, 17D:Position adjustment hole 20: Upper body cushion 22: Head support cushion, 22A: First fitting convex portion, 22B: Head concave portion, 24: back cushion (back), 24A: second fitting convex portion, 24Aa: back outer peripheral edge concave portion, 24B: Back recess, 24B2: Second back recess, 24C: Back overhang 30: Lower body cushion 32: Seat cushion (seat part), 32A: Third fitting convex part, 32Aa: Seat part outer peripheral edge concave part, 32B: Seat recess, 32C: Seat protrusion, 34: Leg support cushion, 34A: Fourth mating protrusion 40: Leg frame 42: first rectangular frame, 42A: lower short side, 42B: long side, 42C: upper short side, 43: Grounding cap, 44: second rectangular frame, 44A: lower short side, 44B: long side, 44C: upper short side, 45: Rotating shaft, 46: Belt to prevent excessive opening, 46A: Engagement part, 48: Frame fixing device 50: Length adjustment stopper 52: Arc-shaped portion, 54: Stopper piece, 56: Ring 60: Belt 100: Bathing aids IJ1: Seat surround IJ2: Back surrounding area IJ3: Knee circumference S: Gap W1: Inside width W2: Outer width dimension

Claims

1. The present invention comprises a cushion for supporting a user's body and a frame to which the cushion is attached, The bathing assistance device is characterized in that the cushion is detachable from the frame.

2. 2. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is provided with a mating protrusion or recess that fits into a portion of the frame.

3. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is made of a foamed resin.

4. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion has a measured hardness of C20 to C60 using an Asker rubber hardness tester.

5. 5. The bathing assistance device according to claim 4, wherein the cushion has a measurement value of C22 to C35 using an Asker rubber hardness meter.

6. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is coated with a waterproof material.

7. 7. The bathing assistance device according to claim 6, wherein the waterproof coating contains an antibacterial agent.

8. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is divided into two or more pieces.

9. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cushion has a back extension that extends forward from the side of the back corresponding to the user's back along the user's flank area.

10. 10. The bathing assistance device according to claim 9, wherein the cushion is provided with a back recess on the front surface of the back portion along a central axis of the frame in the width direction.

11. 3. The bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is provided with a seat extension that extends upward from the side of the seat corresponding to the user's buttocks along the user's thighs.

12. 12. The bathing assistance device according to claim 11, wherein the cushion has a seat recess on the upper surface of the seat along a central axis in the width direction of the frame.

13. 12. The bathing assistance device according to claim 11, wherein the seat portion of the cushion has a height difference in the front-to-rear direction.

14. 13. The bathing assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the seat portion of the cushion has a height difference in the front-to-rear direction.

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