US20140331400A1

US20140331400A1 - Bath aid structure and bath aid assembly

Info

Publication number: US20140331400A1
Application number: US13/890,513
Authority: US
Inventors: Li-Sheng Chien; Chien-Chang Ho
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-09
Filing date: 2013-05-09
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

A bath aid structure for use with a bathtub includes a first plate, a handle disposed on top of the first plate, and a second plate. The first plate is mounted on top of two sidewalls of the bathtub and includes a bend portion disposed on the first plate and having an opening corresponding in position to a cavity of the bathtub; a first pivotal connection portion disposed inside the bend portion and positioned distal to opening; and a first engagement portion positioned proximate to the opening. The second plate is received in the bend portion and includes a second pivotal connection portion corresponding in position to the first pivotal connection portion, such that the second plate is pivotally coupled to the first plate; and a second engagement portion corresponding in position to the first engagement portion, such that the second plate is movably fixed to the first plate.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to bath aid structures, and more particularly, to a bath aid structure for assisting a disabled person in entering a bathtub.

BACKGROUND

Almost each household in a developed country today has a bathroom furnished with a bathtub in which an occupant bathes.
However, it is so difficult for an aged or disabled occupant to cross a sidewall of the bathtub that the aged or disabled occupant can do so only when assisted by another person.
Also, bathrooms and bathtubs are usually wet and thus pose a risk factor for slips and bone fractures among the elderly and the disabled. Hence, when it comes to aged or disabled occupants, a bathtub in a bathroom will be a dangerous fixture in a bathroom, unless the bathroom or the bathtub is equipped with a protective appliance.
Furthermore, unlike their young or physically fit counterparts, aged or disabled occupants are unable to stand inside a bathtub for a long while, and thus they prefer to sit inside the bathtub. However, conventional bathtubs are seldom designed to allow sedentary users to stretch their lower limbs, thereby rendering a bath difficult.
Accordingly, it is imperative to provide a bath aid structure for assisting a disabled or aged person in entering a bathtub to take a bath therein.

SUMMARY

It is not only difficult for disabled or aged persons to enter conventional bathtubs but also dangerous for them to do so.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bath aid structure for assisting a disabled or aged person in entering a bathtub and reducing hazards otherwise arising therefrom.
In order to achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a bath aid structure for use with a bathtub. The bath aid structure comprises a first plate, at least a handle, and a second plate.
The first plate is mounted on top of two sidewalls of the bathtub. The first plate comprises: a bend portion disposed on a lateral surface of the first plate and having an opening corresponding in position to a cavity of the bathtub; a first pivotal connection portion disposed inside the bend portion and positioned distal to the opening; and a first engagement portion positioned proximate to the opening of the bend portion. The handle is disposed on top of the first plate. The second plate is received in the bend portion of the first plate. The second plate comprises: a second pivotal connection portion corresponding in position to the first pivotal connection portion of the first plate, such that the second plate is pivotally coupled to the first plate; and a second engagement portion corresponding in position to the first engagement portion of the first plate, such that the second plate is movably fixed to the first plate.
The bath aid structure of the present invention further comprises a cushion removably mounted beneath the second plate.
The bath aid structure of the present invention further comprises at least a bathtub fitting element disposed beneath the first plate, such that the first plate is fixed to the sidewalls of the bathtub. The at least a bathtub fitting element is provided in the number of two, and the two bathtub fitting elements are fixed to the two sidewalls of the bathtub, respectively.
The bath aid structure of the present invention further comprises a plate reinforcing element mounted beneath the second plate.
The bath aid structure of the present invention further comprises a plurality of plate drains penetratingly formed in the first plate and/or the second plate.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a bath aid assembly whereby, after entering the bathtub, the disabled or aged person can be seated to take a bath therein comfortably.
In order to achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a bath aid assembly for use with a bathtub, the bath aid assembly comprising: a bath aid structure, wherein a first connection rod is pivotally connected to a bottom surface of the first plate of the bath aid structure; and a seat structure, comprising: a chair pad; four support rods removably mounted beneath the chair pad; and a second connection rod pivotally coupled to the chair pad and movably connected to a first connection rod of the first plate of the bath aid structure to adjust a distance between the first plate and the chair pad.
As regards the bath aid assembly of the present invention, the chair pad of the seat structure is characterized by: a first storage portion disposed beneath the chair pad to store the support rods having been disconnected from the chair pad; and a second storage portion centrally positioned beneath the chair pad to store the first connection rod and the second connection rod.
As regards the bath aid assembly of the present invention, a plurality of chair pad drains is disposed on a surface of the chair pad.
In conclusion, the bath aid structure of the present invention comprises the first plate and the second plate whereby disabled or aged persons can enter the bathtub safely and easily. Also, the bath aid assembly of the present invention comprises the bath aid structure and a seat structure to allow disabled or aged persons to take a bath comfortably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are hereunder illustrated with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a bath aid structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the bath aid structure installed on a bathtub according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of operation of the bath aid structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a bath aid structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another schematic view of the bath aid structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the bath aid assembly installed on a bathtub according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the bath aid assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the bath aid assembly serving a storage-related purpose according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, there are shown diagrams of a bath aid structure 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The bath aid structure 100 is adapted for use with a bathtub 1000. The bath aid structure 100 comprises a first plate 10, at least a handle 20, and a second plate 30.
The first plate 10 is mounted on top of two sidewalls 1001 of the bathtub 1000. The first plate 10 comprises a bend portion 11, a first pivotal connection portion 12, and a first engagement portion 13. The bend portion 11 is disposed on a lateral surface of the first plate 10. An opening 11 a of the bend portion 11 corresponds in position to a cavity 1002 of the bathtub 1000. The first pivotal connection portion 12 is disposed inside the bend portion 11 and positioned distal to the opening 11 a. The first pivotal connection portion 12 is provided in the form of a shaft. The first engagement portion 13 is positioned proximate to the opening 11 a of the bend portion 11, as shown in FIG. 1, that is, lying outside the bend portion 11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, because it is also feasible for the first engagement portion 13 to be positioned inside the bend portion 11.
The handle 20 is removably installed on top of the first plate 10, and its position shown in FIG. 1 merely serves an illustrative purpose. In practice, it is also feasible for the handle 20 to be installed at any other position on the first plate 10 (see FIG. 4.)
The second plate 30 is received inside the bend portion 11 of the first plate 10. The second plate 30 comprises a second pivotal connection portion 31 and a second engagement portion 32. The second pivotal connection portion 31 corresponds in position to the first pivotal connection portion 12 of the first plate 10, such that the second plate 30 is pivotally coupled to the first plate 10 to thereby allow the second plate 30 to be lifted, as shown in FIG. 3. The second engagement portion 32 corresponds in position to the first engagement portion 13 of the first plate 10, such that the second plate 30 is movably fixed to the first plate 10. If a disabled or aged person sits on the second plate 30, the second plate 30 will bear the disabled or aged person's weight because of the design of the first engagement portion 13 and the second engagement portion 32.
Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the bath aid structure 100 is mounted on top of two sidewalls 1001 of the bathtub 1000. The disabled or aged person (not shown) enters the bathtub 1000 from the left of FIG. 2, sits on the bath aid structure 100 temporarily, moves her or his feet into the cavity 1002 of the bathtub 1000 one by one, and eventually sits on the bath aid structure 100 before beginning to wash her or his body in the bathtub 1000. Hence, the bath aid structure 100 assists the disabled or aged person in entering the cavity 1002 of the bathtub 1000 safely and easily.
Referring to FIG. 3, after washing her or his body in the bathtub 1000, the disabled or aged person may want to soak her or his body in water for a while. To this end, s/he lifts the second plate 30 and then begins an immersion session. In this regard, when lifted, the second plate 30 functions as a backrest against which the disabled or aged person leans while enjoying the immersion session comfortably.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a bath aid structure which comprises a first plate and a second plate such that a disabled or aged person can enter a bathtub safely and easily in order to bathe therein. Also, the first plate comprises a first engagement portion, whereas the second plate comprises a second engagement portion, such that the disabled or aged person can sit on the bath aid structure to wash her or his body. Furthermore, the first plate comprises a first pivotal connection portion, whereas the second plate comprises a second pivotal connection portion, such that the disabled or aged person can enjoy an immersion session comfortably.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, there are shown schematic views of a bath aid structure 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The bath aid structure 200 is substantially identical to the bath aid structure 100, except the following. The bath aid structure 200 further comprises a cushion 40 removably mounted beneath the second plate 30 such that, after lifting the second plate 30, the disabled or aged person can lean against the cushion 40 comfortably.
Referring to FIG. 5, the bath aid structure 200 further comprises at least a bathtub fitting element 50 disposed beneath the first plate 10. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least a bathtub fitting element 50 is in the number of two. With the two bathtub fitting elements 50, the first plate 10 is fixed to the sidewalls 1001 of the bathtub 1000 to thereby fix the bath aid structure 200 in place.
Furthermore, the bath aid structure 200 further comprises a plate reinforcing element 60 disposed beneath the second plate 30 and adapted to reinforce the second plate 30. Hence, the second plate 30 has sufficient mechanical strength to bear the disabled or aged person's weight.
Furthermore, with the bath aid structure 100 being used by disabled or aged persons in taking a bath, a trace of residual water is likely to accumulate on the surface of the bath aid structure 100, thereby posing a problem with blots and hygiene. This problem is solved by the bath aid structure 100. The bath aid structure 200 further comprises a plurality of plate drains 70 penetratingly formed in the first plate 10 and/or the second plate 30 and adapted to discharge water from the first plate 10 and/or the second plate 30.
Referring to FIG. 6, the present invention further provides a bath aid assembly 300 whereby the disabled or aged person is seated inside the bathtub comfortably.
Referring to FIG. 6, the bath aid assembly 300 comprises the bath aid structure 100 and a seat structure 80. A first connection rod 14 is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the first plate 10 of the bath aid structure 100.
The seat structure 80 comprises a chair pad 81, four support rods 82, and a second connection rod 83. The chair pad 81 comes in the form of a plastic board, a silicone pad, or any well-known form. The support rods 82 are removably mounted beneath the chair pad 81 and adapted to support the chair pad 81. The second connection rod 83 is pivotally coupled to the chair pad 81. The second connection rod 83 is movably connected to the first connection rod 14 of the first plate 10 of the bath aid structure 100 in a manner to allow a user to pull the first connection rod 14 relative to the second connection rod 83 or insert the first connection rod 14 into the second connection rod 83, in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow shown in FIG. 6, to thereby adjust the distance between the first plate 10 and the chair pad 81, such that the seat structure 80 can be applicable to two scenarios, namely deep said cavity 1002 of the bathtub 1000, and shallow said cavity 1002 of the bathtub 1000. In the scenario where the cavity 1002 is deep, the user pulls the first connection rod 14 away from the second connection rod 83 to thereby increase the distance between the first plate 10 and the chair pad 81 appropriately. In the scenario where the cavity 1002 is shallow, the user pushes the first connection rod 14 into the second connection rod 83 to thereby decrease the distance between the first plate 10 and the chair pad 81 appropriately.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a bath aid assembly with a seat structure and a liftable second plate to enable disabled or aged persons to take a bath comfortably. Also, the bath aid assembly comprises a first connection rod and a second connection rod which are designed to allow the bath aid assembly to be applicable to bathtubs which come in different dimensions.
Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, there are shown schematic views of a bath aid assembly 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The bath aid assembly 400 is substantially identical to the bath aid assembly 300, except the following. The bath aid assembly 400 comprises the bath aid structure 200 and the seat structure 80. A first storage portion 84 and a second storage portion 85 are disposed beneath the chair pad 81 of the seat structure 80.
The first storage portion 84, which is disposed beneath the chair pad 81, stores the support rods 82 which have been disconnected from the chair pad 81. The second storage portion 85, which is centrally positioned beneath the chair pad 81, stores the first connection rod 14 and the second connection rod 83. Related details are described below.
After taking a bath, users may want to store the bath aid assembly 400 in a storage cabinet. To put aside the bath aid assembly 400 for later use, the user follows the steps described below: remove the cushion 40; remove the support rods 82 and put them in the first storage portion 84; turn the chair pad 81 relative to the first connection rod 14 and the second connection rod 83 while turning the first connection rod 14 and the second connection rod 83 relative to the first plate 10, such that the first connection rod 14 and the second connection rod 83 are received in the second storage portion 85; and remove the handle 20. By following the aforesaid steps, the users can store the bath aid assembly 400 easily and in a space-saving manner.
Furthermore, with the bath aid assembly 300 being used by disabled or aged persons in taking a bath, a trace of residual water is likely to accumulate on the surface of the chair pad 81 of the bath aid assembly 300, thereby posing a problem with blots and hygiene. This problem is solved by the bath aid assembly 400. Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of chair pad drains 86 is disposed on the surface of the chair pad 81 of the bath aid assembly 400 and adapted to drain water from the chair pad 81.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a bath aid structure which comprises a first plate and a second plate to enable a disabled or aged person to enter a bathtub safely and easily in order to bathe therein. Also, the present invention provides a bath aid assembly which comprises the bath aid structure and a seat structure to enable disabled or aged persons to wash and soak their bodies in the bathtub comfortably.
The present invention is disclosed above by preferred embodiments. However, persons skilled in the art should understand that the preferred embodiments are illustrative of the present invention only, but should not be interpreted as restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modifications and replacements made to the aforesaid embodiments should fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the legal protection for the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bath aid structure for use with a bathtub, the bath aid structure comprising:

a first plate mounted on top of two sidewalls of the bathtub and comprising:

a bend portion disposed on a lateral surface of the first plate and having an opening corresponding in position to a cavity of the bathtub;

a first pivotal connection portion disposed inside the bend portion and positioned distal to the opening; and

a first engagement portion positioned proximate to the opening of the bend portion;

at least a handle disposed on top of the first plate; and

a second plate received in the bend portion of the first plate and comprising:

a second pivotal connection portion corresponding in position to the first pivotal connection portion of the first plate, such that the second plate is pivotally coupled to the first plate; and

a second engagement portion corresponding in position to the first engagement portion of the first plate, such that the second plate is movably fixed to the first plate.

2. The bath aid structure of claim 1, further comprising a cushion removably mounted beneath the second plate.

3. The bath aid structure of claim 1, further comprising at least a bathtub fitting element disposed beneath the first plate, such that the first plate is fixed to the sidewalls of the bathtub.

4. The bath aid structure of claim 2, further comprising at least a bathtub fitting element disposed beneath the first plate, such that the first plate is fixed to the sidewalls of the bathtub.

5. The bath aid structure of claim 3, wherein the at least a bathtub fitting element is in the number of two and fixed to the sidewalls of the bathtub, respectively.

6. The bath aid structure of claim 4, wherein the at least a bathtub fitting element is in the number of two and fixed to the sidewalls of the bathtub, respectively.

7. The bath aid structure of claim 1, further comprising a plate reinforcing element disposed beneath the second plate.

8. The bath aid structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of plate drains penetratingly formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

9. A bath aid assembly for use with a bathtub, the bath aid assembly comprising:

a bath aid structure of claim 1, wherein a first connection rod is pivotally connected to a bottom surface of the first plate of the bath aid structure; and

a seat structure, comprising:

a chair pad;

four support rods removably mounted beneath the chair pad; and

a second connection rod pivotally coupled to the chair pad and movably connected to a first connection rod of the first plate of the bath aid structure to adjust a distance between the first plate and the chair pad.

10. The bath aid assembly of claim 9, wherein the chair pad of the seat structure is characterized by:

a first storage portion disposed beneath the chair pad to store the support rods having been disconnected from the chair pad; and

a second storage portion centrally positioned beneath the chair pad to store the first connection rod and the second connection rod.

11. The bath aid assembly of claim 9, wherein a plurality of chair pad drains is disposed on a surface of the chair pad.

12. The bath aid assembly of claim 10, wherein a plurality of chair pad drains is disposed on a surface of the chair pad.