EP1047326B1 - Position-adjustable support device for suspending a baby bath - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the sector of the technique of bathtubs for babies and their positioning relative to the bathtubs of adults in which or on which they can adapt.

The positioning of a baby bath, compared to a bathtub has been the subject of numerous studies, studies and proposals to enable a proper and stable positioning of the baby bath compared to the bath for adults acting as support.

For this purpose, support means in the form of frames are mainly used. which allow, on the one hand, the transverse support between the longitudinal walls of the adult bathtub, and, on the other hand, support on certain parts or borders end of the baby bath to ensure prepositioning. It is for example the case of the bath suspension support device described in the French Patent Application No. 2750591 developed by the Applicant.

The support device essentially comprises two form-carrying elements slender arranged to apply to the baby bath, either in a plane transverse to it to ensure positioning, support and suspension of the latter in relation to the adult bathtub, or in a longitudinal plane in case not using the baby bath.

The supporting elements are thus arranged with complementary means male-females capable of cooperating with established male-female means on the perimeter edge of the baby bath for support.

In practice, and given the varying widths of bathtubs that offer more now the same possibilities of manufacturing standardization to hold account of aesthetic aspects and variable forms, and the needs and tastes of consumer-users, baby bath support devices, such as described in the above-mentioned patent application and other known patents, are not likely to answer all cases.

In addition, there may be safety issues if the dimensions and bearer arm lengths are insufficient or too fair compared to dimensions of the bathtub for adults.

Also known from patent GB 1026481 a support device of bathtub adapted to different dimensions and type of bathtubs allowing support a baby bath even in various circumstances according to the characteristics of the existing bathtubs in the bathrooms.

In view of these parameters, the first aim sought according to the invention is to design a bathtub suspension support device that allows, by appropriate settings, a firm, constant and safe holding of the baby bath compared to the adult bath tub.

Another object sought after according to the invention is to design a support device allowing easy adjustments in position relative to the dimensions of the bathtub, settings only made by an adult and not by the child himself.

Another object sought according to the invention is incidentally that the adult user can easily and quickly position the location of baby bath compared to the adult bathtub, and this in the better security conditions.

Finally, another object sought according to the invention is to allow a possibility of orientation of the baby bath relative to the median longitudinal plane of the bath for adults, thus allowing, by a variation of position, a positional adaptation to the shapes the adult bath, allowing a partial orientation of the child to his mother or person washing.
These and other goals will be apparent from the rest of the description.
According to a first feature of the invention, the suspension support device for a baby bath tub in an adult bathtub, of the type comprising two long-limbed support arms placed to be applied to the baby bath, or in a transverse plane to this, to ensure its positioning, maintenance and suspension relative to the adult bath, or in a longitudinal plane in case of non-use, said carrier elements being arranged with complementary male-female means capable of cooperating with means females-males established on the peripheral edge of the baby bath, the device being remarkable in that said support elements being arranged near their end zone located outside the medial zone of positioning and fixing of the baby bath, with openings arranged and profiled to allow the positioning, insertion and blocking in position of éléme detachable selectable members in position capable of firmly resting against the blanks facing the adult bath, regardless of the shapes and dimensions of said adult bath, to stabilize the position of said support members, said means being lockable in the position of a temporary manner to ensure a fixed positioning of the assembly, the device being characterized in that the removable elements are established in the form of studs capable of penetrating into an opening established at each end of the carrier elements, and in a selected position , said studs being after engagement on the support elements, locked and locked in position, and have elastic deformation properties such that they allow the release of said pads following a double manipulation of clamping the end of the removable elements and following their lifting. These and other features will become apparent in the following description.

• La figure 1 est une vue de dessus illustrant un dispositif support en suspension d'une baignoire pour bébé sur une baignoire d'adulte.
• La figure 2 est une vue partielle et à grande échelle illustrant l'insertion d'un élément amovible sélecteur en position à l'une des extrémités de l'un des éléments porteurs.
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessous de l'extrémité d'un élément porteur incluant l'élément amovible sélecteur représenté figure 2.
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la ligne 4.4 de la figure 2.
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la ligne 5.5 de la figure 4
• La figure 6 est une vue partielle avant montage illustrant la configuration de l'élément amovible sélecteur pour pénétration dans l'élément porteur.
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'élément amovible susceptible de se positionner sur l'élément porteur.
• La figure 8 est une vue de dessus illustrant le positionnement de la baignoire pour bébé selon une orientation angulaire particulière.

For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a non-limiting manner to the drawing figures in which:

• Figure 1 is a top view illustrating a support device in suspension of a baby bath on an adult bath.
• Figure 2 is a partial view on a large scale illustrating the insertion of a removable selector element in position at one end of one of the carrier elements.
• FIG. 3 is a view from below of the end of a carrier element including the removable selector element represented in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section along the line 4.4 of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 is a view in longitudinal section along line 5.5 of FIG.
• Figure 6 is a partial view before assembly illustrating the configuration of the removable selector element for penetration into the carrier member.
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of the removable element may be positioned on the carrier member.
• Figure 8 is a top view illustrating the positioning of the baby bath in a particular angular orientation.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described non-limiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The adult bath is referenced as a whole by (1) and includes in a classic way two longitudinal walls (1a - 1b). These walls can to be parallel or not. The adult bathtub can have a variable shape according to the tastes and conditions of use and location.

The baby bath is referenced by (2). It is made of plastic by injection for example. It comprises in a known manner a basin (2a) and a peripheral border (2b) arranged with shapes (2c) and a soap dish similar, or grasping (2d). The side borders (2e) are also arranged with shapes (2f) projecting from their lower face which can cooperate with complementary forms (3a) established in the middle part bearing elements (3), this in a male-female assembly mode, as described for example and not limitation in the Patent Application No. 96.08447. The shapes (2f - 3a) may have a cylindrical or other configuration. all Another form of baby bath is possible.

The carrier elements (3) are made of plastic for example and have their ends (3b) likely to bear as shown on the longitudinal borders of the bathtub for adults.

According to the invention, each of the ends (3b) of each carrier element (3) is located near the end zone and out of the median zone with one or more openings (3c) arranged and profiled to allow positioning, insertion and locking of selectable detachable elements (4) in a position forming pads. The openings (3c) advantageously have a configuration in corrugations successive and continuous established in the oblong general aperture thus making it possible to define a plurality of positioning zones of said pads (4).

The openings (3c) mentioned above may be successive or independent others while allowing in different places and at different distances the positioning said pads (4).

According to the invention, the one or more openings (3c) established in the volume of the carrying elements, have in lower extension a leg shape (3d) whose height (h1) is less than that (h2) of said carrier element. Each said legs internally defines a volume (V1) allowing insertion of the positioning pin (4). These said pads have a particular configuration with a head forming a hat (4a) and coming to cover the opening zone partially corresponding to it. The shape of the hat is such that it is difficult to grasp for the child. Under the head (4a), the stud is extended by a lower U-shaped section (4b) hollow internally defining wings (4c) thus having a certain elastic capacity of deformation by nip. The length of said extension (4b) is greater than that of the leg (3d) above to come and overflow. Moreover, said extension (4b) externally has one or more areas (4d) projecting from outside forming recess or spout, and likely to snap on the song lower (3e) of said leg thus ensuring self-locking after positioned as shown in FIG. 5. Between the cap head (4a) and the lower extension (4b), each stud has an intermediate portion (4e) having a profile corresponding to that of the openings (3c) to allow a perfect nesting on the carrier element (3).

This intermediate part (4th) can for example be established with two forms (4e1) and (4e2) inserted into two successive corrugations of said opening.

Moreover and according to another important provision of the invention, each of said studs on its underside in extension, a cutaway shape (4f) oriented in an angular configuration corresponding to the angle of inclination usual longitudinal borders of the walls of the adult bathtub in thus defining a counter-support.

Advantageously, said stud can be arranged on its lower extension with a support pad of any suitable material, orientable or not and allowing its bearing against the face opposite said bath so as not to damage it. This pad may be made of rubber, foam or other material, and may be threaded on the plot any appropriate way.

The pad, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, may have a bean configuration under the head portion corresponding to the shapes of said openings arranged on the load-bearing elements.

According to the invention, said studs arranged at each end of the carrier elements are therefore adjustable in position on said carrier elements. In a way essential, said pads can not slide or be translated along said openings and this for the sake of total security. Said pads are blocked in transverse position due to the ripple configuration of said openings, blocking also in vertical position by locking the studs under the fixed forms established on the legs from said openings (3c). In these conditions, the baby therefore has no possibility of changing the position of the studs thus creating unintended instability of the baby bath with risk accident. It is therefore necessary for an adult person in charge of the child to exercise pinch operation below the baby bath on the free end bottom of the block to release the latter of the leg restraint the opening considered thus allowing the lifting of said stud. Clearance pads therefore requires double handling, by pinching the wings (4c) then by lifting. Moreover, access to the elastic part of the studs is reserved for the person who cleans the child, which enhances the safety of use of the invention.

In addition, the placement of the studs and their locking are carried out very quickly and simply. When placing the studs, they are elastically deformed at their base by pinching effect during penetration into the openings concerned, then they return to position after the passage of the lower end of the legs thus allowing the desired snap.

The locking means described is simple in its implementation, but it does not excludes others such as pins or others.

Moreover and according to another arrangement and alternatively, said pads and corresponding openings established in the supporting elements may have a polygonal section thus allowing an angular indexing of said pads in according to needs.

It should also be emphasized, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, the possibility, thanks to the device of the invention, to orient the baby bath angled in relation to the adult bathtub, while ensuring blocking in position thanks to the different studs. The orientation is obtained by appropriate forms of connection of the male-female fitting of the bathtub of baby with those established on the supporting elements. So the child can be oriented partially to his mother.

Thus, according to the invention, the baby bath can be positioned on any type adult bathtub and very varied shapes. The advantages of the invention: simplicity, safety of the baby who can not of himself have access to removable elements (4), safety due to the double manipulation to modify the position and location of the studs.

Claims (9)

1. Support device for suspending a baby bath in an adult bath (4) of the type comprising two elongated support arms (3) installed for application onto the baby bath either in a transverse plane to said baby bath to ensure its positioning, maintenance and suspension relative to the adult bath or in a longitudinal plane when not in use, said support components (3) being fitted with complementary male-female means (3a, 3b, 3c) capable of operating in conjunction with female-male means provided on the peripheral edge of the baby bath, characterised in that said support components (3) are equipped with openings (3c) near their end zone (3b) located outside the middle positioning and fastening zone of the baby bath that are cut and shaped to enable detachable position selector parts (4) to be positioned, inserted and fixed into a position capable of bearing firmly against the opposing sides of the adult bath, irrespective of the shape and measurements of said adult bath, to stabilise the position of said support components, said means being temporarily lockable in a position to ensure the assembly is in a fixed position, and in that detachable parts (4) are studs capable of penetrating an opening (3c) made in each end (3b) of support components (3) in a selected position, said studs, after locking onto the support components, being fixed and locked into position, and presenting elastic distortion properties such that said studs can be freed following a double manoeuvre in which the ends of detachable parts (4) are squeezed and raised.
2. Device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that opening(s) (3c) are configured in successive and continuous waves made in the general opening which is oblong and which selectively defines a plurality of zones for positioning said studs, said studs being in a specific position and not being capable of performing a translation movement in the opening.
3. Device as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that opening(s) (3c) present a leg-shaped lower extension the height (h1) of which is less than the height (h2) of the support component, each leg defining an interior volume (V1) enabling a positioning stud to be inserted.
4. Device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that each stud comprises a head constituting a cover (4a) that partly covers the opening zone and the lower U-shaped section (4b) of which extends with wings (4c) having an elastic distortion capacity, said wings being fitted with one or more projecting zones (4d) constituting a projection or bearing lip to snap onto the lower edge of leg (3d) to ensure automatic locking after positioning.
5. Device as claimed in claim 4 characterised in that between the head constituting a cover and the lower extension the studs present a profiled intermediary section (4.1) with shapes (4e1), (4e2) inserting in two successive waves of the opening.
6. Device as claimed in claim 4 characterised in that the lower surface of each stud is in the shape of a cut-off corner (4f) directed in an angular configuration that more or less matches the slope angle of the longitudinal edges of the adult bath and constitutes a counter bearing.
7. Device as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that the lower extension of the stud receives a bearing foot that may or may not be directed against the surface facing the adult bath.
8. Device as claimed in claim 4 characterised in that the studs are configured like beans under the head section of the studs.
9. Device as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the cross-section of detachable parts (4) and matching openings (3c) made in the support components is polygonal enabling them to be adjusted to the required angle.

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