Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/0005—Means for bathing bedridden persons
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
  • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
  • A47K3/12—Separate seats or body supports
  • A47K3/125—Body supports

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to bathing devices and more particular relates to a bathing platform that covers an installed bathtub.
• the present disclosure describes a bathing platform that covers a conventional bathtub as typically found in North America and can be placed equally over a right hand or a left hand bathtub. It is designed for use by ambulatory individuals that cannot sit at the bottom of a bathtub or individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunctions who cannot transfer from their wheelchair to the bottom of a bathtub.
• the bathing platform is designed to rest on the front rim and the other three sides of standard size bathtubs within a home or a facility.
• the present invention describes a novel bathing platform that can be placed equally over a right-hand or left-hand bathtub and designed for use by ambulatory and non-ambulattory individuals (e.g., elderly individuals and/or individuals with spinal cord injury (“SCI”) or traumatic brain injury (“TBI”)) who cannot transfer to and/or from the bottom of a normal bathtub.
• the bathing platform rests on two or more sides of standard size bathtubs and assists in the bathing of individuals within a home or facility.
• the bathing platform contains several features that assist users in transferring safely from a standing position or from a wheelchair onto the bathing platform. These features include a height similar to wheelchair height, and a higher rim. Additional features are incorporated in the design that facilitates an easy bathing process, including: a contoured backrest, a deep leg and feet soaking area, and a drain that connects to the main bathtub drain.
• the proposed invention comprises two design features that distinguish the proposed invention from other similar technologies: 1 ) a symmetrical design that enables placement over at least a portion of the length and width of a right hand or left hand bathtub, 2) removability, which abolishes the requirement of permanent installation.
• the fact that the bathing platform can be removed and installed with minimal effort facilitates installation in the home and assisted-living facilities, especially compared with similar technologies that have to be more permanently installed.
• the inventors have demonstrated proof-of-concept with a "mock" prototype composed of plywood. Using this mock design, the inventors tested the efficacy and safety of the bathing platform by allowing ten patients with paraplegia to sample the prototype. All of these volunteers lived independently and had documented history of transferring to bathing devices with minimal assistance. A universal response to the bathing platform was how sturdy it felt compared to shower benches and chairs. The sturdiness resulted in a relaxed confidence with the bathing platform across all volunteers and knowledge that it would not somehow fail them. The volunteers took a very similar approach by parking next to the bathing platform for a transfer. They all worked to get the front corner of their seat as close as possible to the bathing platform.
• the bathing platform Positioned over a bathtub the bathing platform is at wheelchair height to assist a user transferring safely and easily from a wheelchair. An ambulatory individual can also take advantage of the higher position of the rail to sit and transfer. Certain advantages of the bathing platform include that it is designed for ambulatory access or wheelchair level transfer, designed to be symmetrical for placement over a right hand or a left hand bathtub, designed to fit a variety of standard bathtub widths, designed with a contoured backrest, designed with a deep leg and foot well for soaking, and designed to drain in the main bathtub drain. [14] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform for a left hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 1 B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform for a right hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform for a left hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a bathing platform according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a bathing platform with a bather according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of ambulatory access to a bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 10A - 10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 1 1A - 1 1 C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 10A - 10C according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 12A - 12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 13A - 13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 12A - 12C according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 14A - 14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 15A - 15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 14A - 14C according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 16A - 16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 17A - 17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A - 16C according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 18A - 18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 19A - 19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 17A - 17C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example dimensions for standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example dimensions for standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide for a bathing platform configured to cover a conventional bathtub that facilitates reduced injury access to existing bathing facilities and provides simplified transfer from a wheelchair to use the bathing facilities.
• one embodiment disclosed herein includes a bathing platform that rests on the upper surface edges of an existing bathtub and provides a bathing platform with a soaking well for the user while also taking advantage of existing bathing facilities such as plumbing for bathing water and drainage.
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 comprises an elongated platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a backrest 22, a first long side having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having an upper rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side.
• a bottom surface portion of each of the first and second long sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and support the elongated platform.
• a bottom surface portion of one or both of the first and second short sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 for additional support of the elongated platform.
• FIG. 1 B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20 for a right hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 comprises an elongated platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a backrest 22, a first long side having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having an upper rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side.
• a bottom surface portion of each of the first and second long sides and one or both of the first and second short sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and collectively support the elongated platform.
• FIG. 2 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bottom surface of each of the first and second long sides are engaged with an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and the top surface 24 of each of the first and second long sides forms a wide rail configured to support a user when transferring onto or of of the platform 20.
• the platform 20 also includes a backrest 22.
• FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20 placed on a cross section of a bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform comprises an elongated platform 20 having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long side, a second long side, a first short side and a second short side.
• a bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and support the elongated platform 20.
• the engagement of the bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides with an upper surface of a bathtub 10 is not shown due to the cross sectional view. However, the illustration does show the engagement of a bottom surface portion of the first and second short sides with an upper surface of the bathtub 10.
• the elongated platform 20 may be configured such that a bottom surface of at least two of the first long side, second long side, first short side and second short side engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and thereby support the elongated platform 20 abover the bathtub 10.
• the elongated platform 20 includes a proximal section and a distal section separated by a middle section, wherein the proximal section comprises a first well 40 configured to hold water and wherein the proximal section is positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including the bathtub drain 15. Additionally, the elongated platform 20 also comprises a platform drain 25 positioned at a low point in the first well 40 of the proximal section, the platform drain 25 configured to allow water to drain from the elongated platform 20 to the bathtub 10. [44] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment the distal section of the elongated platform 20 comprises a second well 42 that is also configured to support a bather and hold water. The elongated platform 20 also comprises a channel 50 that is configured to allow water to flow from the second well 42 to the first well 40.
• the first short side of the elongated platform 20 borders the distal section of the elongated platform 20 and the elongated platform 20 includes a backrest 22 extending upward from the first short side.
• the elongated platform 20 is symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first and second long sides so it can be positioned over a convention bathtub that is either left handed or right handed.
• FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 comprises a backrest 22 and two rails 24 formed by an upper surface of each long edge of the platform 20.
• the platform 20 also comprises a second well 42 connected to a first well 40 by a channel 50.
• a platform drain 25 At a low point in the first well 40 is a platform drain 25 that is configured to allow water to drain out from the first well 40 of the platform 20 and into the bathtub 10.
• FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 comprises second well 42 and a first well 40 that are connected by a channel 50 such that fluid can flow from the second well 42 into the first well 40.
• the platform 20 also includes a plurality of support ridges 23 configured to increase the stability and load bearing capability of the platform 20.
• a drain tube 30 connecting the platform drain 25 to the bathtub drain 15.
• the drain tube 30 advantageously reduces or eliminates the need to clean the surface of the bathtub 10 beneath the platform 20 because the bathing water from the bathing platform 20 drains directly form the platform 20 to the bathtub drain 15.
• FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• a user is shown sitting on the bathing platform 20 and resting against the backrest 22.
• the feet of the user are in the well 40 near the platform drain 25, which extends through a lower surface of the platform 20 in the well 40.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of ambulatory access to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• a user employs the surface of the rail 24 to position the user's body for transfer from a position on the floor near the bathtub 10 to a position on the bathing platform 20.
• the user may also hold onto a rail 26 during the transfer from the floor to the platform 20.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• the user positions the wheelchair near the bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20.
• the user may grasp the backrest 22 or a handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform 20.
• the height and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20 provides a transitional surface that the user can employ to facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing platform 20.
• a channel 50 facilitates the flow of water from the second well 42 into the first well 40 so that the water can drain from the bottom of the first well 40 into the bathtub 10.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a wheelchair transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the invention.
• the user positions the wheelchair near the bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20.
• the user may grasp the backrest 22 or a handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform 20.
• the height and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20 provides a transitional surface that the user can employ to facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing platform 20.
• the height of the upper surface of the rail 24 is configured to be substantially level with the height of the surface of a seat of the wheelchair.
• FIGS. 10A - 10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 is positioned above a conventional bathtub 10.
• the bathing platform 20 is partially supported by the bathtub 10 and by a support 60.
• the support 60 comprises two or more legs 64 that are connected to each other by one or more cross members 66. Each leg 64 has two or more feet 62.
• the support 60 comprises three legs 64 connected to each other by two cross members 66.
• Each leg 64 includes two feet 62.
• the first and second legs 64 of the support 60 are positioned inside the bathtub 10 and the third leg 64 is positioned outside the bathtub 10.
• Two cross members 66 are each connected at a first end to the first leg 64, at a middle portion to the second leg 64 and at a second end to the third leg 64.
• the cross members 66 each extend over the edge of the bathtub 10 between the second leg 64 and the third leg 64.
• the elongated platform 20 has a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long side, a second long side, a first short side and a second short side.
• the upper surface of the edge of the bathtub 10 is left exposed and available for the user to access during transfer to the bathing platform 20.
• one or more bottom surface portions of the first long side, the second long side, the first short side and the second short side are configured to engage one or more of the cross members 66 and/or an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the elongated platform 20.
• the long side of the platform 20 that is adjacent to the user transfer approach side of the bathtub 10 is configured to engage the cross members 66 while the long side of the platform 20 that is furthest away from the user transfer approach side of the bathtub 10 may be configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the elongated platform 20.
• the long side of the platform 20 that is furthest away from the user transfer approach side of the bathtub 10 may be configured not to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the elongated platform 20 such that the elongated platform 20 is primarily supported by the support 60.
• the elongated platform 20 has a proximal section and a distal section separated by a middle section, wherein the proximal section comprises a first well configured to hold water and wherein the proximal section is positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including the bathtub drain.
• the distal and middle sections are sloped to allow water to collect in the first well and drain out to the bathtub 10 as previously described.
• the distal section may include a second well and the middle section may include a channel that allows water to flow from the distal well to the proximal well.
• the bathing platform 20 includes a backrest to support the user in an upright position while using the bathing platform 20.
• the backrest extends upward from one of the short sides of the platform 20.
• the platform 20 is configured to be symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first and second long sides. This symmetry allows the platform 20 to be positioned over a right hand bathtub or a left hand bathtub.
• Another advantage of the platform 20 is that it can be positioned for use with a first bathtub and then moved and positioned for use with a second bathtub, thereby eliminating semi-permanent installation of the bathing platform 20.
• the platform 20 may also include a drain tube connecting the platform drain to the bathtub drain.
• FIGS. 1 1A - 1 1 C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 10A - 10C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the three legs 64 are shown and one cross member 66 is shown connecting a portion of the first leg 64 to a portion of the second leg 64.
• certain interference areas 70 are illustrated.
• the interference areas 70 are areas where a portion of the bathing platform 20 would undesirably engage a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or a portion of the bathing facilities such as a water spout.
• the bathing platform 20 is configured with one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
• preventing engagement of the bathing platform 20 with the surface of the bathtub 10 at the interference areas 70 allows the bathing platform 20 to be fully and properly supported along the short sides and the long sides of the platform 20 that engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and also along the cross members 66 of the support 60.
• FIGS. 12A - 12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
• FIGS. 13A - 13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 12A - 12C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the platform 20 is configured with one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
• FIGS. 14A - 14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
• FIGS. 15A - 15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 14A - 14C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the platform 20 is configured with one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
• FIGS. 16A - 16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
• FIGS. 17A - 17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A - 16C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 18A - 18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the bathing platform 20 is adapted to a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
• FIGS. 19A - 19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 18A - 18C according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the platform 20 fits within the standard dimensions of the conventional bathtub 10 and does not undesirably engage any portion of any bathing facilities.
• FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example dimensions for a standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example dimensions for a standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an embodiment of the invention.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Nursing (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)

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Family Applications (1)

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Citations (5)

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• 2017
  • 2017-10-27 CA CA3041329A patent/CA3041329A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-10-27 WO PCT/US2017/058778 patent/WO2018081572A1/en unknown
  • 2017-10-27 EP EP17865927.2A patent/EP3531884A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2017-10-27 US US16/344,603 patent/US20200054176A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-10-27 JP JP2019523567A patent/JP2019535380A/ja active Pending

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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