Caregiver body washing equipment

Abstract

In hospitals and other facilities, bathing and wiping assistance must be provided promptly to many people requiring care within a limited time frame. In addition, to ensure that those receiving care can bathe and wipe themselves down comfortably, washing procedures must be tailored to the individual's body and skin condition. [Solution] This body washing tool for caregivers is based on the premise of a mitten-type mitten consisting of three parts, with the finger insertion points divided into the thumb (5), index finger (6) and the third to fifth fingers (7), and has a body (1) made of a flexible material with long pile and loops, and a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the body that is continuously joined to the top of the third to fifth finger insertion points, extending from the third to fifth insertion points.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a caregiver's body washing device, which is based on the premise that the finger insertion points are in the form of a mitten with three parts, with the thumb (5) and index finger (6) divided into the third to fifth fingers (7), and the main body is made of a flexible material (1) with long pile and loops, and a material (2) with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body is joined continuously to the top (9) of the third to fifth finger insertion points, extending from the third to fifth insertion points. [Background technology]

[0002] Previous proposals have included five-finger glove types (see Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, 11, and 12), mitten types (see Patent Documents 4 and 5), thumbless mitten types (see Patent Document 6), and three-section mitten types (see Patent Documents 7, 8, 9, and 10). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157646 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108317 [Patent Document 3] Application No. 2013-7439 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Utility Model Application No. Hei 8-9589 [Patent Document 5] Application No. 2019-2113 [Patent Document 6] Application No. 2009-8604 [Patent Document 7] Jitsugan No. 2001-4864 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Utility Model Application No. 03-056553 [Patent Document 9] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-85282 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-217736 [Patent Document 11] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-193661 [Patent Document 12] Utility Model Application No. 61-156071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in hospitals, facilities, home care services, etc., bathing and wiping assistance must be provided promptly to many care recipients within a limited time frame, making it difficult to thoroughly wash every part of the body.

[0005] Furthermore, areas such as the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) and the hunchback line (linear folds formed by sagging abdominal skin) of the person being assisted are narrow and difficult to clean, and the skin is thin and delicate, so when performing spot cleaning of accumulated dirt in areas such as the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) and the hunchback line (linear folds formed by sagging abdominal skin), it is necessary to do so gently to avoid damaging or abrading the skin.

[0006] Additionally, when washing a person on a stretcher who has been bedridden for a long time or has contractures (stiff joints that cannot be stretched), care must be taken to carefully check the condition of the body and skin while also being careful to avoid the person falling.

[0007] Furthermore, many cleaning procedures are performed using towels, but there are times when the towels slip off during assistance, requiring the patient to wash them again and resume the cleaning procedure.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a body washing device for caregivers that can effectively remove dirt that has accumulated in a "linear" shape in a narrow space, such as dirt that has accumulated in the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) or the hunchback line (a "linear" horizontal wrinkle caused by sagging abdominal skin), and that can reduce the burden on the skin of the caregiver.

[0009] The caregiver body washing device of the present invention is based on the premise that the finger insertion points are divided into three parts, the thumb (5), the index finger (6) and the third to fifth fingers (7), and is characterized in that the main body is made of a flexible material (1) with long pile and loops, and a material (2) with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body is continuously joined to the top of the third to fifth finger insertion points, extending from the third to fifth insertion points.

[0010] In addition, compared to the material used in the main body (1) that runs from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) through the valley portion (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to the top of the index finger (6), a material with short pile or loops and high density, such as silicone or rubber, is bonded to the main body (1), making it suitable for spot cleaning of dirt accumulated deep inside flexion contracture areas (a condition in which the spaces between the fingers or joints become deformed and hardened, making it impossible to stretch).

[0011] In addition, flat tapes (4a, 4b) running from the front to the back of the wrist are left floating (not glued or joined) at two locations on the back and palm sides of the hand, and ribs (3) joined only to the seam allowances are joined to the main body (1), which contributes to preventing slippage during assistance.

[0012] In addition, flat tapes (4a, 4b) running from the front to the back of the surface of the rib, which has been folded in half and made into a loop, are left floating (floating without being glued or joined) in two places on the back and palm sides of the hand, and the rib is joined only to the seam allowance, making it easy to put on and take off, as well as contributing to the ease of hanging up name tags and after washing.

[0013] In addition, the insertion point for the fingers is a mitten-shaped design divided into three sections: the thumb (5), the index finger (6), and the third to fifth fingers (7) (see Patent Documents 7, 8, 9, and 10). This allows the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to move freely, making it suitable for cleaning tight spaces such as the concha of the ear and the labia. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a perspective view of a care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows an operation diagram of the care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows an operation diagram of the care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows an operation diagram of the care-giving body washing device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 shows an operation diagram of the care-giving body washing device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The structure will be explained based on Figure 1. This is a perspective view of the caregiver body washing device according to claim 1 of the present invention. The main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long pile and loops, and a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body (1), such as silicone or rubber, is continuously bonded to the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points.

[0016] As for functionality, flexible material with long pile or loops can be used for the main body (1), and materials with relatively short pile or loops and high density compared to the material used for the main body (1), such as silicone or rubber, can be used continuously at the top of the third to fifth finger insertion points, spanning the third to fifth finger insertion points, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place.

[0017] As an effect, the main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long pile and loops that provides a foam cleanse that is gentle on the skin, and the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points, which are suitable for scrubbing away accumulated dirt, are made of a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body (1), such as silicone or rubber, which can be used as an example, at the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points, which are suitable for scrubbing away accumulated dirt, so that accurate and light-stress bathing assistance and wiping assistance can be performed according to the skin condition of the person being assisted.

[0018] As prior art, the cleaning action using the fiber groups 4, 5 at the fingertips and the ball of the finger 2a in paragraph 4, line 5 to paragraph 7, line 11, and Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 12 has the problem of "cleaning areas that are relatively difficult to clean, such as the eyelids, nasal wings, and pore openings," but does not address the problem of "cleaning areas where dirt has accumulated deep inside, such as the submammary groove (see Figure 5) or the hunchback line (a horizontal 'linear' wrinkle formed by sagging abdominal skin)." Therefore, it was insufficient to solve the problem of "partially cleaning dirt that has accumulated deep inside, such as the submammary groove (see Figure 5) or the hunchback line (a horizontal 'linear' wrinkle formed by sagging abdominal skin)." The present invention was developed with this in mind, and by providing a cleaning section that is joined to the top of the third through fifth finger insertion points and that is made of a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body, such as silicone or rubber, the problem of "partially cleaning dirt that has accumulated deep in the submammary groove (see Figure 5) or hunchback line (a horizontal wrinkle that forms in a "linear" shape due to sagging abdominal skin)" has been solved.

[0019] Furthermore, the fiber groups 4 and 5 at the fingertips and the ball portion 2a in paragraph 4, line 5 to paragraph 7, line 11 and Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 12 have a discrete structure as they are applied to each of the five fingertips, which differs from the "continuous cleaning section at the top of the third to fifth finger insertion points, extending from the third to fifth insertion points" of the present invention. Furthermore, the cleaning action using the fiber groups 4 and 5 at the fingertips and the ball portion 2a in paragraph 4, line 5 to paragraph 7, line 11 and Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 12 results in discrete "point" and "surface" cleaning, and in particular, "point" cleaning using the five fingertips unconsciously applies force to the fingertips, which places a great strain on the thin, delicate skin of the person being assisted when they come into contact with the skin. Therefore, when cleaning the dirt that has accumulated deep in the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) or hunchback line (a horizontal crease formed by sagging abdominal skin), there is a risk of abrasions.

[0020] Furthermore, in Patent Document 12, paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, lines 11, and Figures 1 and 2, the cleaning action using the fiber groups 4, 5 at the fingertips and the ball portion 2a is a discrete "point" and "plane" action. In contrast, in the present invention, the fibers are continuously located at the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points, extending from the third to fifth insertion points, allowing for a "line" of cleaning action. This eliminates the need to apply force to the fingertips, resulting in a gentle cleaning action. When materials with relatively short, dense piles or loops compared to the material used in the main body (1), such as silicone or rubber, are used, the burden on the thin, delicate skin of the person being assisted is reduced, allowing for smooth and effective cleaning of dirt accumulated in narrow spaces.

[0021] Furthermore, in paragraph 4, line 5 to paragraph 7, line 11 of Patent Document 12, the fingertip ball portion 2a specifies the "fingertip ball," which is the raised fingerprint portion at the distal end of the fingertip. Therefore, when cleaning the dirt that has accumulated in a "linear" shape deep in the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) or hunchback line (a horizontal wrinkle that forms in a "linear" shape due to sagging skin on the abdomen) of the person being assisted, the contact area between the exfoliating part and the skin is large, and there is a possibility that the skin other than the dirt will be damaged. In contrast, the present invention has a continuous, linear structure that extends from the top of the third to fifth finger insertion points to the third to fifth finger insertion points, so when spot cleaning dirt that has accumulated in a linear pattern deep in the inframammary fold (see Figure 5) or hunchback line (a linear horizontal wrinkle caused by sagging abdominal skin) of the person being assisted, the contact area between the scrubbing part and the skin is small and slender, so by gently stroking in a straight line, dirt can be removed efficiently without damaging skin other than the dirt.

[0022] Furthermore, the structure is a mitten-shaped glove consisting of three parts, divided into the thumb (5), index finger (6), and third to fifth fingers (7).

[0023] Functionally, the thumb (5) and index finger (6) can move freely.

[0024] As an effect, the thumb (5) and index finger (6) can move freely, making it suitable for cleaning narrow spaces such as the concha of the ear, the labia, and between the fingers.

[0025] The structure will be explained based on Figure 2. This is a perspective view of the caregiver body washing device according to claim 2 of the present invention. From the distal phalanx of the thumb (5), through the valley part (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6), to the top of the index finger (6), a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density, such as silicone or rubber, is bonded continuously to the flexible material with long pile and loops used in the main body (1).

[0026] As for functionality, the main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long pile and loops, and the material that is relatively short and dense with pile and loops compared to the material used in the main body, such as silicone or rubber, can be used continuously from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) through the valley part (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to the top of the index finger (6), and can be used at the appropriate time and place.

[0027] As an effect, the main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long bristles and loops that provides a foam cleanse that is gentle on the skin, and the cloth is suitable for scrubbing away accumulated dirt, and it has a material with relatively short and dense bristles and loops compared to the material used in the main body, such as silicone or rubber, that can be used as an example, from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) through the valley part (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to the top of the index finger (6). This allows for spot cleaning of dirt that has accumulated deep in areas of flexion contracture (a condition in which the spaces between the fingers or joints become hardened and deformed and cannot be stretched) of the person being assisted, and for accurate and light bathing and wiping assistance that is tailored to the condition of the skin.

[0028] As a prior art, the cleaning unit 2 in Figure 1 in

[0040] of Patent Document 11 is described as "from the fingertip of the finger portion 1A on the back side to between the first and second joints, the base of the finger, and approximately the center of the back portion 1C." Of the five fingers, the bases of the second to fifth fingers (MP joints) are located side by side and are in contact, but the base of the thumb (MP joint) and the base of the index finger (MP joint) are located apart. In the cleaning unit 2 in Figure 1 in

[0040] of Patent Document 11, the base of the thumb (MP joint) and the base of the index finger (MP joint) are not in contact, so it is insufficient to remove dirt and grime accumulated deep in areas of flexion contracture (a condition in which the spaces between the fingers or joints become deformed and hardened, making them unable to be stretched). In comparison, the structure of the present invention is different from that of the "continuous cleaning section extending from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) of the first interdigital section (2) through the valley section (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to the top of the index finger (6)." Therefore, by utilizing the "valley section (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) of the continuous cleaning section extending from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) to the top of the index finger (6), it is possible to efficiently remove dirt and grime accumulated deep in areas of flexion contracture (a state in which the spaces between the fingers and joints become deformed and hardened, making it impossible to straighten them), etc.

[0029] The structure will be explained based on Figure 3. This is a perspective view of the caregiver body washing device according to claim 3 of the present invention. The flat tapes (4a, 4b) running from the front to the back of the surface of the looped rib (3) are left floating (not glued or joined) at two locations on the back and palm sides of the hand, and the rib (3) is joined only to the seam allowances, and is joined to the wrist of the main body (1). In addition, there are latches (8a, 8b) that penetrate from the front to the back at the base of the joint between the flat tapes (4a, 4b) and the rib (3).

[0030] In addition, as a function, the rib (3) is folded in half and joined to form a ring, so that it fits tightly and is fixed at the wrist.

[0031] As a result, the folded rib (3) fits snugly around the wrist, contributing to stable cleaning and preventing slippage during caregiving.

[0032] In addition, as a function, the flat tapes (4a, 4b) are attached only to the seam allowance portion of the surface of the rib (3) that runs from the front to the back of the hand, on the backside and palm side of the hand, and are left floating (not glued or joined) on the surface of the rib (3), and fingers can be passed through the floating portion (not glued or joined).

[0033] As an effect, even when the present invention is wet, it can be easily put on and taken off by hooking the fingers on the flat parts (floating without being glued or joined) of the flat tapes (4a, 4b) that are attached only to the seam allowance parts and are left floating (floating without being glued or joined) on the back and palm sides of the hand.

[0034] In addition, as a function, flat tapes (4a, 4b) are attached to two places on the back of the hand and on the palm side of the hand in a floating state (not glued or joined) and joined only to the seam allowance, and a name can be printed on them to serve as a name tag.

[0035] The effect is that the flat tape (4a, 4b) attached only to the seam allowances in two places on the back and palm of the hand is left floating (not glued or joined), and by printing a name on it, it can prevent confusion with someone else's property. Clearly indicating the name is a requirement in facilities and hospitals.

[0036] In addition, as a function, flat tapes (4a, 4b) are attached only to the seam allowances in two places on the back and palm of the hand, making them floating (not glued or joined), which contributes to the usefulness of hanging clothes to dry after washing.

[0037] As an effect of the present invention, after washing, flat tapes (4a, 4b) are attached only to the seam allowances in two places on the back and palm sides of the hand, and by using an S-shaped hook or the like to hang the garment out to dry (Fig. 9), the front and back surfaces of the main body (1) are not in close contact with each other, creating a space that promotes quick drying.

[0038] Furthermore, the latches (8a, 8b) that penetrate from the front to the back at the base of the joint between the flat tapes (4a, 4b) and the rib contribute to preventing the tape from being pulled out from the joint.

[0039] As an effect, the present invention is highly durable against repeated pulling when putting on and taking off, and can be used for a long period of time.

[0040] Furthermore, the body (1) that performs this mild foam cleansing is suitable for cleaning the skin of newborns and infants.

[0041] The structure will be explained based on Figure 4. It is a development view of claim 3 of the present invention. Conventional mitten-type gloves are made up of two pieces, one for the back of the hand and one for the palm, sewn together, but the present invention is a single piece that is integrated along the outer edge of the palm (waved line 10).

[0042] Its function is to reduce the amount of material used and also contribute to shortening the time required for cutting and sewing to complete the garment.

[0043] As a result, products can be offered at low prices due to improved production efficiency and cost reductions.

[0044] The usage situation will be explained based on Figure 5. This figure shows the cleaning of the inframammary fold.

[0045] As for functionality, the main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long pile and loops, and by continuously joining a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body (1), such as silicone or rubber, to the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points, the third to fifth finger insertion points are extended to the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion points, the cleaning device is adapted to cleaning dirt accumulated in narrow spaces.

[0046] As a result, it allows for quick and thorough cleaning of dirt that has accumulated deep in areas such as the submammary groove and hunchback line (horizontal wrinkles formed by sagging abdominal skin) during bathing and wiping assistance.

[0047] The usage situation will be explained based on Figure 6. This figure shows the cleaning of an area between fingers with flexion contracture (a condition in which the joints are deformed and stiff, making it impossible to stretch).

[0048] Its function is to clean the area from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) through the valley part (10) connecting the thumb (5) and index finger (6) to the top of the index finger (6) using a continuous material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body, such as silicone or rubber, for example.

[0049] As a result, it can remove accumulated dirt deep in narrow areas that are difficult to clean.

[0050] The usage state will be explained based on Figure 7. This figure shows the state of the present invention when clothes are hung out to dry after washing.

[0051] As a function, after washing, flat tapes (4a, 4b) are attached only to the seam allowances in two places on the back and palm sides of the hand in a floating state (not glued or joined), and an S-shaped hook or the like is passed through both the back and palm sides of the hand to hang the clothes to dry.

[0052] As an effect, by using the flat tape (4a, 4b) on both the back and palm sides of the hand, which is made to float (floating without being glued or joined) in two places on the back and palm sides of the hand and joined only to the seam allowance, the front and back of the main body do not come into contact with each other, creating a space and promoting quick drying. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Main unit 2: Materials with relatively short pile or loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body, such as silicone and rubber, can be used as examples. 3: Rib 4a, 4b: Flat tape that is left floating (not glued or joined) and joined only to the seam allowance 5: Thumb insertion part 6: Index finger insertion part 7: Third to fifth finger insertion area 8a,8b: Bolt 9: Folding position of the back of the hand and the palm of the hand 10: The valley between the thumb and index finger (shaded area)

Claims

[Claim 1] This is a caregiver's body washing device, which is based on a mitten-type device consisting of three sections for inserting the fingers: the thumb (5), the index finger (6), and the third to fifth fingers (7). The main body (1) is made of a flexible material with long pile and loops, and a material (2) with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the material used in the main body (1) is joined continuously to the tops of the third to fifth finger insertion sections, and the first inter-finger section (2) is made of a material with relatively short pile and loops and high density compared to the flexible material with long pile and loops used in the main body, and the first inter-finger section (2) is joined continuously from the distal phalanx of the thumb (5) to the tops of the index finger (6).

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