WO1996007386A1

WO1996007386A1 - Apparatus for washing a person in bed

Info

Publication number: WO1996007386A1
Application number: PCT/FI1995/000445
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keio EERIKÄINEN
Original assignee: Sarjalaite Oy
Priority date: 1994-09-02
Filing date: 1995-08-22
Publication date: 1996-03-14
Also published as: FI98268B; FI98268C; FI944060A0; FI944060A; AU3258695A

Abstract

Apparatus for washing a person in bed, which apparatus comprises a washing surface (1) forming a tub placed on the bed. The apparatus comprises a web of washing surface material (3) rolled up on a roll (2), said material being made of an elastic and flexible substance impermeable to water, and a roll holder (4) designed to support the roll (2) so as to allow the washing surface material to be drawn out from the roll onto the bed to form a washing surface (1).

Description

APPARATUS FOR WASHING A PERSON IN BED

The invention relates to an apparatus as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

Previously known apparatus for washing a person in bed are presented e.g. in specifications EP 0 509 292, DE 41 35 356, WO 88/03790 and WO 87/02235. This type of equipment is typically used in hospitals, various institutions and at home for washing a disabled patient while the patient is lying in bed. In known solutions, the washing surface is a separate tub which is placed on the patient's bed. In specifications EP 0 509 292 and WO 87/02235, the tubs consist of air-filled mattresses and in specifications DE 41 35 356 and WO 88/03790 of trough-like wall structures.

A problem with previously known systems is that the washing vessels are bulky and very difficult to handle. A known washing surface is a tub of a fixed size which cannot be adjusted according to different washing needs, e.g. so that the volume of the tub could be adjusted to a smaller size for the washing of the hair than for the washing of the whole body. Moreover, to get a known tub under the patient, the patient has to be lifted off the bed. A further problem with previously known apparatus is that they are expensive and therefore not suited for use as disposable material, and their storage takes up a large space.

In practice, patients in hospitals are washed in bed by just putting towels under the patient and wiping the patient with a wet sponge. Therefore, the washing has to be done without using very much water, thus impairing the washing result.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above. A special object of the invention is to produce a new type of apparatus which allows a washing surface to be prepared for use without the person to be washed leaving the bed, and using the washing surface is also a pleasurable experience for the person.

Another object of the invention is to produce an apparatus which uses a washing surface cheap enough to be used as disposable material. A further object of the invention is to produce an apparatus which can be stored in a small space.

Yet another object of the invention is to produce an apparatus which allows the washing surface to be adjusted to a suitable size according to different washing needs.

The objects stated above are achieved by the apparatus of the invention, which is characterized by what is presented in claim 1. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a web-like washing surface material rolled up on a roll and consisting of an elastic and flexible substance impermeable to water, and a roll holder designed to support the roll so as to allow the washing surface material to be drawn off the roll onto the mattress on a bed to form a washing surface. As the washing surface material is elastic and flexible, it forms a bag-like tub in which the washing can be performed. If the patient is physically completely disabled, the washing surface can be prepared for use without lifting the patient off the bed by first rolling the patient onto one side of the bed, then drawing the washing surface material in a folded shape onto the bed area by the side of the patient, rolling the patient onto the material and spreading it under the patient onto the bed. The rolled-up washing surface material does not take up much space. From the roll, a desired length of the material can be drawn out as required by the intended use.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is provided with quick fastening elements for the fastening of the free end of the washing surface material to the frame of the bed. The quick fastening elements may consist e.g. of tightening loops by means of which the free end of the washing surface material is pressed around a fixed part of the bed.

In an embodiment of the invention, the washing surface material is provided with a layer of thermal insulation and a dense impermeable layer attached onto the layer of thermal insulation. The layer of thermal insulation may consist e.g. of a thin, porous film of foamed plastic, and the impermeable layer may consist of a plastic film attached to the foamed plastic. The film may be made of e.g. polyethylene. The washing surface material may also consist of so-called bubble plastic of the type used as packaging material, in which the layer of thermal insulation consists of a first plastic film provided with a number of bubble formations and the impermeable layer consists of a substantially smooth second plastic film attached to the first plastic film.

In an embodiment of the invention, the washing surface material is divided longitudinally into three parts so that it comprises a middle part and edge parts, the edge parts being narrower than the middle part and folded onto the middle part, so that when the material is unrolled and spread out onto a bed to form a washing surface, the edge parts can be turned up into an angle with respect to the middle part so as to form side walls for the washing surface, designed to prevent the water from flowing over the edges of the washing surface. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is provided with lead-through elements for forming an outlet opening in the washing surface material and an exhaust pipe connected to the lead- through elements. The exhaust pipe can be used to pass the wash water into a container or sewer. In an embodiment of the apparatus, the roll holder is provided with fixing elements to allow the roll holder to be detachably mounted on the frame of a bed. The roll holder can also be implemented as a separate unit which is mounted on a support standing firmly on the floor. Alternatively, a separate roll holder can also be implemented by mounting the roll holder on a carriage provided with wheels allowing the carriage to be moved on the floor.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is provided with a winding device placed at the opposite end of the bed with respect to the roll holder to allow the used washing surface material to be rolled up again.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the roll holder is provided with a cutting device for cutting the web of washing surface material. Using the cutting device, the web can be cut after use to a desired length. The cutting device may be e.g. a slitter type device in which a blade is moved in the transverse direction of the web. The cutting device may naturally be of any suitable type. It can also be one that cuts like a pair of scissors, in which case a movable cutting blade is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the web against a fixed counter blade placed on the other side of the web relative to the cutting blade.

In the following, the invention is described in detail by referring to the attached drawing, in which Fig. 1 presents a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,

Fig. 2a presents a planar view of a washing surface material, made of bubble plastic, belonging to another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,

Fig. 2b presents a cross-section of Fig. 2a, taken along line Ilb-IIb,

Fig. 3 presents a cross-section of a washing surface material belonging to a third embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, consisting of a layer of foamed plastic insulation and a layer of plastic film,

Fig. 4 presents a diagrammatic perspective view of a washing surface material belonging to a fourth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,

Fig. 5 presents a partially sectioned exploded view of lead-through elements belonging to a fifth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, Fig. 6 presents a lateral view of a winding device for the rolling up of used washing surface material, belonging to a sixth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,

Fig. 7 presents a lateral view of a roll holder belonging to a seventh embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,

Fig. 8 presents a lateral view of a roll holder belonging to an eighth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, Fig. 9 presents a lateral view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention in conjunction with an inclinable hospital bed,

Fig. 10 illustrates the use of the apparatus of the invention on a bed with an adjustable mattress, seen in side view, and Fig. 11 illustrates the use of the apparatus of the invention for the washing of a person's hair, seen in side view.

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus on which a person, e.g. a patient physically completely or partially disabled, can be washed while he/she is lying in his/her own bed. The apparatus is equally well suited for use at home or in hospital conditions. The apparatus comprises a web of washing surface material 3 rolled up on a roll 2, made of an elastic, flexible substance impermeable to water. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a roll holder 4 designed to support the roll 2 so that the washing surface material can be drawn out from the roll onto the bed to form a shallow bag-like washing surface 1, which prevents the water from flowing into undesirable places like the mattress or the floor.

A roll may contain enough washing surface material 1 for a large number of washing operations; for instance, the roll may have 25 - 50 m of material depending on the material thickness, i.e. enough for 10 - 20 washing operations.

The free end of the washing surface material 3, i.e. the end drawn out from the roll, is fastened by means of quick fastening elements 5 such as tightening loops to the vertical poles at the foot of the bed. The roll holder 4 is detachably mounted on the frame of the bed, i.e. on the vertical poles at the head of the bed. Furthermore, the roll holder 4 is provided with a cutting device 23 to allow the washing surface material to be cut. Since the washing surface material consists of a web of rolled-up material with no predefined cutting lines, the washing surface material can be cut into a desired length using the cutting device 23. As delineated in diagrammatic form in Fig. 1, the cutting device may be e.g. a slitter with a runner element supporting a cutting blade which moves along a guide bar attached to the roll holder.

For the removal of wash water from the washing surface, a hole is made in the washing surface material 3 when the apparatus is being prepared for use, in any suitable place to allow the water to flow out, e.g. in the middle or at an edge. In the hole, a water exhaust pipe 17, e.g. a flexible hose, is mounted using quick fastening elements 14, 15 as described in connection with Fig. 5.

Figures 2a, 2b and 3 present detailed views of some washing surface materials 3 that are especially applicable in this connection. The washing surface material both in Fig. 2a and 2b and Fig. 3 comprises a layer 6 thermal insulation and a dense layer 7 impermeable to liquid, attached onto the thermal insulation layer.

In the case of Fig. 2a and 2b, the washing surface material 3 is made of so-called bubble plastic, which is commonly used e.g. as a filling material in packages, in swimming pool coverings and for similar purposes. In the bubble plastic, the thermal insulation layer 6 consists of a plastic film 8 containing a number of bubble formations 9 placed side by side, while the impermeable layer 7 is a smooth second plastic film 10 attached to the first plastic film 8.

In Fig. 3, the thermal insulation layer 6 is a thin layer of foamed plastic, about 2 mm in thickness, whereas the impermeable layer 7 consists of a durable plastic film, e.g. polyethylene film.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the washing surface material 3 is divided longitudinally into three parts so that it comprises a middle part 11 and edge parts 12 that are narrower than the middle part. The edge parts are folded onto the middle part, so that when the material is unrolled and spread out onto the bed to form a washing surface, the edge parts 12 can be raised into an angle with respect to the middle part to form side walls 13 for the washing surface. Fig. 5 presents lead-through elements for the removal of water from the washing surface. The lead- through elements consist of a sleeve-like first lead- through element 14 provided with a hole going through it, which first lead-through element is mounted above the washing surface material, and a sleeve-like second lead-through element 15 provided with a hole going through it, which second lead- through element is mounted below the washing surface material. The first lead-through element 14 comprises a part which has an outer surface 24 having the shape of a truncated cone and another part provided with an external thread 25. The second lead-through element 15 comprises a part which has an interior surface 26 having the shape of a truncated cone with an angle of taper corresponding to the angle of taper of the outer surface 24 of the first lead-through element 14. The second lead-through element 15 further comprises a second part which is provided with an internal thread 27 fitted to the external thread of the first lead-through element 14. The lead-through elements 14, 15 are screwed on the threads into each other so that the washing surface material 3 is pressed between the conical surfaces 24, 25. In the gap between these surfaces, sealing elements 28 can be mounted to ensure a leak-proof joint. The exhaust hose 17 can be attached to the second lead-through element 15 e.g. by means of a clip 29.

Fig. 6 presents a winding device 22 which is placed at the opposite end of the bed relative to the roll holder 4, designed to roll up the used washing surface material. In this example, the winding device 22 is provided with a support standing on the floor, but it can as well be mounted on the bed frame like the roll holder 4.

Fig. 7 presents an embodiment in which the roll holder 4 is mounted on a support 19 standing on the floor.

In Fig. 8, the roll holder 4 is mounted on a carriage 20 that is movable on wheels 21 on the floor. Fig. 9 illustrates the use of the apparatus on a bed provided with tilting means allowing the bed to be inclined in the lengthways direction. In this case, the washing surface material need not necessarily be attached by its free end to the bed frame and the washing surface material need not be provided with a" hole for draining the water. Instead, the washing surface material at the foot of the bed can be gathered so as to form a trough-like channel through which the water can be passed out into a receiver 30 on the floor.

In Fig. 10, the apparatus is mounted on a so- called nursing bed in which different parts of the mattress can be inclined in relation to each other. The washing surface material 3 of the invention adapts well to different shapes of the mattress. The arrangement illustrated by Fig. 10, in which a washing space is formed in the region of the patient's upper body, can be used e.g. for the washing of a person with a plastered leg.

Fig. 11 is an example illustrating the fact that the washing surface material can be freely cut into a suitable length, e.g. to use only a short piece for the washing of the hair. In this case a separate pillow 31 can be used to -divide the washing surface material 3 so as to form a tub of suitable length.

The invention is not restricted to the examples of its embodiments described above, but many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for washing a person in bed, which apparatus comprises a washing surface (1) forming a tub placed on the bed, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a web of washing surface material (3) rolled up on a roll (2), said material being made of an elastic and flexible substance impermeable to water, and a roll holder (4) designed to support the roll (2) so as to allow the washing surface material to be drawn out from the roll onto the bed to form a washing surface (1) .

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises quick fastening elements (5) for the fastening of the free end of the washing surface material (3) to the bed frame.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the washing surface material (3) is provided with a thermal insulation layer (6) and a dense layer (7) impermeable to water, attached onto the thermal insulation layer.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, characterized in that thermal insulation layer (6) consists of foamed plastic and the impermeable layer consists a plastic film; or that the washing surface material (3) is made of so-called bubble plastic in which the thermal insulation layer (6) consists of a first plastic film provided with a number of bubble formations (9) and the impermeable layer (7) consists of a substantially smooth second plastic film (10) attached to the first plastic film.

5. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the washing surface material (3) is divided longitudinally into three parts so that it comprises a middle part (11) and edge parts (12) that are narrower than the middle part and folded onto the middle part, so that when the material is unrolled and spread out onto a bed to form a washing surface, the edge parts (12) can be turned up into an angle with respect to the middle part so as to form side walls (13) for the washing surface.

6. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the apparatus is provided with lead-through elements (14,15) to form an outlet duct (16) in the washing surface material and an exhaust pipe (17) connected to the lead-through elements.

7. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is provided with fixing elements (18) to allow the roll holder to be detachably mounted on the frame of the bed.

8. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is mounted on a support (19) standing on the floor; or that the roll holder (4) is mounted on a carriage (20) movable on wheels on the floor.

9. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the apparatus is provided with a winding device (22) placed at the opposite end of the bed relative to the roll holder (4) to allow the used washing surface material to be rolled up.

10. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is provided with a cutting device (23) for cutting the web of washing surface material. AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 15 January 1996 (15.01.96); original claim 1 amended; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages)]

1. Apparatus for washing a person in bed, which apparatus comprises a washing surface (1) forming a tub placed on the bed, the washing surface

5 (1) being formed of a washing surface material (3) made of elastic and flexible substance impermeable to water, characterized in that the washing surface material (3) is web-formed material rolled up on a roll (2) , and that the apparatus comprises a roll 0 holder (4) designed to support the roll (2) so as to allow the washing surface material to be drawn out from the roll onto the bed to form the washing surface (1) .

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, 5 characterized in that the apparatus comprises quick fastening elements (5) for the fastening of the free end of the washing surface material (3) to the bed frame.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim l or 2, 0 characterized in that the washing surface material (3) is provided with a thermal insulation layer (6) and a dense layer (7) impermeable to water, attached onto the thermal insulation layer.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, 5 characterized in that thermal insulation layer (6) consists of foamed plastic and the impermeable layer consists a plastic film; or that the washing surface material (3) is made of so-called bubble plastic in which the thermal 0 insulation layer (6) consists of a first plastic film provided with a number of bubble formations (9) and the impermeable layer (7) consists of a substantially smooth second plastic film (10) attached to the first plastic film. 5 5. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims l - 4, characterized in that the washing surface material (3) is divided longitudinally into three parts so that it comprises a middle part (11) and edge parts (12) that are narrower than the middle part and folded onto the middle part, so that when the material is unrolled and spread out onto a bed to form a washing surface, the edge parts (12) can be turned up into an angle with respect to the middle part so as to form side walls (13) for the washing surface.

6. Apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the apparatus is provided with lead- hrough elements (14,15) to form an outlet duct (16) in the washing surface material and an exhaust pipe (17) connected to the lead-through elements. ⁷- Apparatus as defined in any one of claims

1 - 6, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is provided with fixing elements (18) to allow the roll holder to be detachably mounted on the frame of the bed. ⁸- Apparatus as defined in any one of claims

1 - 7, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is mounted on a support (19) standing on the floor,- or that the roll holder (4) is mounted on a carriage (20) movable on wheels on the floor. ⁹- Apparatus as defined in any one of claims

1 - 8, characterized in that the apparatus is provided with a winding device (22) placed at the opposite end of the bed relative to the roll holder (4) to allow the used washing surface material to be rolled up. ¹⁰- Apparatus as defined in any one of claims

1 - 9, characterized in that the roll holder (4) is provided with a cutting device (23) for cutting the web of washing surface material.