WO2023196318A1

WO2023196318A1 - Assistive hygiene station

Info

Publication number: WO2023196318A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/017439
Authority: WO
Inventors: Misty A. GUARD
Original assignee: Mag Industries Llc
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2023-04-04
Publication date: 2023-10-12

Abstract

An assistive hygiene station has a body support used by a caregiver or medical provider to help with hygiene and cleaning of a body of a baby, child, disabled adolescent, disabled adult or bariatric adult. A water closet is integrated with the body support. A sanitary sewzer/drainpipe is used to remove human waste, human fluids, flushable waste, and black water from the assistive hygiene station and water closet. A body spray assembly is provided and in fluid communication with the waler closet. A water supply is connected to the body spray. The body support preferably further includes a body support comprising a base with legs, a cavity in the base for receiving plumbing, and a countertop or top portion for supporting the body.

Description

International Patent Application under the

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

Assistive Hygiene Station

Invented by: Misty A. Guard

Attorneys for Applicant:

Customer No.: 23598

Boyle Fredrickson. S.C. 840 North Plankinton Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Telephone: (414) 225-9755

Facsimile: (414) 225-9753

Attorney Docket No.: 3993.001 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[001] This application claims priority to the U.S. provisional application 63/327,541 filed on April 5, 2022.

[002] The invention relates to an apparatus used by a caregiver to help with hygiene and cleaning of a baby, child, disabled adolescent, disabled adult, bariatric adult, or other person in need of assistance for basic body hygiene tasks, such as removal of human waste and human fluids, use of a water closet (common name in the U.S. is a toilet), and changing of soiled clothing.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

[003] Currently on the market, adult changing body supports or baby changing stations are typically used by a caregiver when caring for a person who may need assistance. An adult changing body support or baby changing station may be installed in commercial or public building restrooms. An adult changing body support may also be installed in a residential buildings restrooms. Such persons who may need assistance include, but are not limited to, a baby, a child, a disabled adolescent, a disabled adult, or a bariatric adult. Caregivers for these persons include, but are not limited to, parents, guardians, assisted living attendants, and medical providers. Persons in need of assistance may require assistance from a caregiver to accomplish basic body hygiene tasks, such as cleaning themselves, using a water closet, or removing soiled clothing. However, a caregiver may need the person in need of assistance to a take a certain position with their body so that assistance may be provided. Adult changing body supports and baby changing stations are non-adjustable, flat surfaces. Many caregivers struggle to effectively clean the person. [004] Often, a caregiver must aid a person in need of assistance to use the restroom. The person may not be able to use a toilet or water closet without assistance from a caregiver. Additionally, a person in need of assistance may be unable to control bowel movements and urination causing them to release waste or fluids at improper times. Frequently, these situations cause waste and fluids to get on a person in need of assistance and their clothes, requiring the caregiver to clean the person and change their soiled clothes.

[005] Typically, caregivers are required to use disposable cleaning cloths, such as body wipes, to remove any human waste or human fluids. While body wipes containing moisture provide improved cleaning and sanitation compared to dry wipes, body wipes are less efficient than cleaning with water and can leave unhygienic conditions leading to rashes and body sores. A caregiver may be required to use multiple body wipes to sufficiently remove any human waste or human fluids. Additionally, human waste or human fluids may be transferred onto the adult changing body support or baby changing station during the cleaning process requiring the use of additional body wipes to clean the body support. However, as body wipes do not contain chemicals for sanitation purposes, the adult changing body support and baby changing station will have residual human waste and human fluids on the body support. This cleaning method is not the most effective and sanitary.

[006] Furthermore, an adult changing body support and a baby changing station have an additional issue of disposing of human waste and human fluids. Often a person in need of assistance is not capable of using a water closet and relies on adult diapers for human waste and human fluids containment. [007] Once a person in need of assistance is at the adult changing body support or baby changing station, a caregiver will have to clean any residual human waste or human fluids off the person. Many disposable body wipes may be required to remove all the human waste or human fluids. Once a caregiver removes the human waste or human fluids from the person, the human waste, human fluids, and disposable body wipes must be discarded in a trash can. Adult changing body supports and baby changing stations do not contain a means to dispose of the human waste, human fluids, diapers, and disposable body wipes. Typically, caregivers are required to transport the human waste, human fluids, diapers, and used disposable body wipes from the adult changing body supports and baby changing stations to the trash can. Disposable body wipes, disposable baby wipes, and diapers are not able to be flushed down water closets.

[008] Additionally, because typical adult changing tables do not include a water closet, the adult changing table is not a feasible option for people having an ostomy bag. People with an ostomy bag are often required to use a standard toilet to dispose of the waste within the ostomy bag. With the limited space around a standard toilet, this can often lead to accidents and spills of fecal matter, which may influence a person to avoid public settings to prevent these accidents.

[009] Thus, a need exists to improve adult changing body supports and baby changing stations.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The disclosed invention addresses the above-identified issues and improves upon the prior art by integrating a water body spray assembly and a water closet into a hygiene system or an assistive hygiene station (herein the inventive system). The inventive system is often used as a substitute for a more effective method of cleaning, such as a shower or bath, that may be unavailable in certain buildings. For example, a shower or bath is typically not available when in public. Additionally, a person in need of assistance may require cleaning every time they defecate or urinate, making a shower or bath infeasible.

[0011] The inventive system supports a person in need of assistance and helps them take the proper position so a caregiver may provide assistance. The inventive system helps support the person in need of assistance to take a certain body position conducive for body cleaning and sanitation. This position allows for a person in need to defecate or urinate comfortably and for a caregiver to effectively clean the person. The inventive system may also be used independently without a caregiver by a disabled adult or adolescent, such as a person with an ostomy bag.

[0012] Generally, the inventive system provides a body support feature, often a body support or body-shaped surface that fully or partially supports the person in need of assistance. For example, a person in need of assistance could lay or sit on the body support. Additionally, a person could lean their weight against the body support. The body support allows a person in need of assistance to take a prone or semi-prone position that is conducive for the caregiver to clean the person. The embodiment may also provide a pelvic support for the person using the inventive system to prevent pressure on the body, back, and pelvis.

[0013] The water body spray assembly allows the caregiver to use water to clean the person in need of assistance. The human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water are then removed from the inventive system by the water closet. Thus, the integration of the body spray assembly and the water closet allows for more effective cleaning of a person in need and more effective removal of human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, and flushable body wipes.

[0014] The integrated body spray assembly provides a means for a caregiver or user of the inventive system to clean a person in need of assistance with water. Generally, using water to clean the person is more effective than only using disposable body wipes. In one embodiment, the body spray is a handheld device. The handheld body spray is connected to a flexible hose that allows the caregiver to point the body spray at a desired location. The body spray is then capable of supplying water flow targeted at a specific area. This embodiment allows the caregiver to remove human waste or human fluids from an area by spraying the human waste or human fluids with water. Once the person in need of assistance is cleaned with water, the caregiver can use toilet paper or flushable body wipes to further clean or dry the pelvic region.

[0015] Once the person needing assistance is cleaned, the human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water must be properly disposed of in a sanitary manner. The integrated water closet provides a means for proper sanitary disposal of human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water. The water closet is connected to the body support, which takes the form of an adjustable or flat body support. The body support contains an opening that leads to the water closet bowl. The human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water flow or drop into the water closet bowl. The water closet is connected to a sanitary' sewer/drainpipe allowing the human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water to be flushed by a known technology incorporated into the water closet. [0016] Furthermore, the integration of the water closet avoids a potential problem of moving a person in need of assistance from a water closet to the inventive system. A person in need of assistance can defecate or urinate while on the inventive system to use the water closet feature. Thus, the inventive system effectively and sanitarily disposes human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water.

[0017] The inventive system may be installed in a variety of different locations. Restrooms, bathing rooms, wet rooms, or bathrooms located in commercial, residential, industrial, or public buildings.

[0018] Thus, the integrated body spray assembly provides a means to use water to effectively clean a person in need of assistance. The integrated water closet provides an effective means to dispose of human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hygiene system comprises a body support used to assist a person in need, such as a baby, a child, a disabled adolescent, a disabled adult or a bariatric adult, with hygiene. The hygiene system includes a water closet integrated with the body support and a drainpipe to remove human waste, human fluids, flushable waste, and black water from the person in need and the water closet. The embodiment may also include a body spray assembly, which is connected to a water supply, that is in fluid communication with the water closet.

[0020] This embodiment includes a hole in the body support positioned over the water closet and a cavity in the water closet for receiving a plumbing connection, along with a capability to flush human waste, human fluids, flushable waste, and black water from the water closet and body spray assembly to the drain. The embodiment may also include a base that supports the body support, at least one vertically extending wall abuting the outer perimeter of the body support, and a capability of being moved between a first and second vertical height.

[0021] Another embodiment may include an assistive hygiene station comprising a body support with a hole in it, a water closet having an open top positioned under the hole, and a body spray assembly, which is connected to a water supply, in the vicinity of the water closet. This embodiment may also include either a base that supports the body support or a mount connecting the assistive hygiene station to a wall. A shroud positioned under the body support may also be included. The assistive hygiene station includes a sanitary sewer connection connecting the water closet to a sanitary sewer and a flushing capability to flush material from the water closet to a sanitary sewer. The body support of this embodiment may also include at least one wall abutting the outer perimeter of the body support that extends vertically and a capability of moving from a first and second vertical height. This embodiment may also include a sink attached to the assistive hygiene station. [0022] Yet another embodiment of the present invention may include a method of assisting with hygiene of a body of a person in need of assistance, which includes providing a body support. The body support includes a body support having a hole in it, a water closet under the hole, a sanitary sewer connection that connects the water closet to a sanitary sewer, and a body spray assembly, which is connected to a water supply, in the vicinity of the water closet. The person in need may be boosted onto the body support over the hole, sprays the person with water from the body spray removing any human waste or fluids from the person, and flushes the human waste or fluid down the sanitary sewer. The method may also include a caregiver aiding the person in need of assistance and washing their hands in a sink attached to the assistive hygiene station.

[0023] These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive system;

Figure 2 is an isometric top view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventive system;

Figure 3 includes views of the shape of the body support for different embodiments. Figure 3 A, 3B, and 3C is a front view of the shape of the body support for different embodiments. Figures 3D and 3E are side views of the shape of the body support for different embodiments; Figure 3A depicts a flat embodiment;

Figure 3B depicts a molded half oval shape with lower middle dipped embodiment;

Figure 3C depicts an angled center embodiment;

Figure 3D depicts a back incline embodiment;

Figure 3E depicts a back incline to a low point with a leg raise embodiment;

Figure 4 is a front view of the shape of the pelvic support, for different embodiments;

Figure 4A depicts a square, flat opening;

Figure 4B depicts an angled, drop opening;

Figure 4C depicts a contoured opening;

Figure 5 is a front view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventive system;

Figure 6 is a side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventive system;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventive system; and

Figure 8 is an isometric close-up view of the body spray and sanitation spray assemblies from the embodiment from FIG. 1.

[0025] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected. atached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a hygiene system / an assistive hygiene station (herein the inventive system) 100 with an integrated water closet 180. The integrated water closest 180 is connected to the pelvic support 170 and an opening 172, i.e. a hole, in the body support 120. The opening 172 in the body support 120 allows human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flashable body wipes, and black water to flow into the waler closet 180. The water closet 180 may be connected to a sanitary sewer/drainpipe 190, allowing the human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water to be flushed to the sanitary sewer/drainpipe 190. Additionally, an integrated body spray assembly 200 is also included in the inventive system 100. The integrated body spray assembly 200 is connected to a water supply (not shown) and provides a means to use water to clean a person in need of assistance on the body support 120 while using the inventive system 100.

[0028] The inventive system 100 is supported by a base 110. The base may be designed to withstand a variety of different weights being placed on the body support 120. For example, the base 110 may be designed to support the relatively small weight of a child or a heavier weight required in bariatric care. [0029] The base 110 may be mounted to a secured surface, such as the floor or wall of a room. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 110 is floor mounted with four corner legs holding up the body support 120. Another floor mounted embodiment may include a center support with one or more legs supporting the body support 120 near the center of the body support 120. Another embodiment may include no base 110 and be wall mounted (not shown). The mount to the wall would support the body support 120.

[0030] Additionally, the base 110 may provide the capability to adjust the height of the body support 120 or the rest of the inventive system 100. The adjustable height capability may allow' the body support 120 to be lowered or raised to a height that makes it easier for a person in need of assistance to get onto the body support 120. For example, the body support may be adjusted from a first height to a second height (not shown). The body support 120 may then be lowered or raised to a height that makes it easier for a caregiver to provide assistance. The adjustable height capability may allow for flexibility for the different tasks that occur when using the inventive system 100. The height adjustment may be accomplished through manual or automated means. The adjustable, height capabilities may be accomplished with either a floor mount or a wall mount embodiment. Movable connections for the water closet 180 and sanitary sewer/drainpipe 190, which are known in the art and incorporated into U.S. standards and regulations listed in the Appendix, and U.S. building safety codes may be included to allow for this height adjustment.

[0031] The body support 120 supports the weight of a person in need of assistance. A person in need of assistance may sit on, lay on, or lean against the body support 120. The body support 120 helps hold a person in need of assistance in a prone or semi-prone position so that a caregiver may effectively provide care.

[0032] Different embodiments may utilize different shapes for the surface of the body support 120. Different options for surface shape are depicted in FIG 3. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the surface of the body support 120 may be flat. A flat body support 120 is shown in FIGS 1 and 2. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the surface of the body support 120 may be molded with a lower middle section. This embodiment would allow human waste, human fluids, and black water to naturally drain via gravity to the water closet 180 located beneath the body support 120. As depicted in FIG. 3C, the surface of the body support 120 may be angled toward the center. Similarly, this embodiment would enable natural draining via gravity. The surface of the body support 120 may also include a back incline as depicted in FIGS. 3D and 3E. This embodiment would allow a person in need of assistance to lean against the body support 120. This embodiment may be useful if the person has difficulty siting upright. Additionally, the back incline embodiment may include a leg raise as depicted in FIG. 3E. This surface shape may allow for a person in need of assistance to comfortably sit on the body support 120, while human waste, human fluids, and black water are still able to naturally drain to a low point, in the surface.

[0033] The body support 120 may also come with additional features. An integrated security lap strap may be included. A security lap strap may limit the movement of a person in need of assistance when using the inventive system 100. Limiting a person’s movement may be beneficial to ensure the person does not fall off the body support 120 or to keep the person relatively stationary as the caregiver provides assistance. [0034] The body support 120 may also move positions. For example, with a back incline shaped surface, the back incline portion of the body support 120 may adjust to change the angle of the incline. Changing positions may be accomplished by manual methods or automated methods.

[0035] The body support body support 120 may also include a heating or cooling capability. A person in need of assistance may require their bare skin to touch the surface of the body support 120. This contact may be uncomfortable due to the temperature difference between the person’s skin and the surface of the body support 120. The ability to heat or cool the surface of the body support 120 may relieve this discomfort. This heating capability may be manually activated or activated by sensors, such as motion or touch sensors.

[0036] Walls 135 may also be included on the edges or outer perimeter 136 of the body support 120. For example, overflow guards 130 extend in a vertical or partially vertical direction from the edges of the body support 120. Overflow guards 130 may be included to prevent any water, waste, or fluids from flowing off the body support 120. Embodiments of overflow guards 130 may vary in height. The height of the overflow guards 130 may be designed so that the height of the overflow guards 130 exceeds the height of any water, waste, or fluids flowing to the edges of the body support 120. In this embodiment, the water, waste, and fluids would collide with the overflow guards 130 and stop the flow heading off the body support 120.

[0037] Another example of walls 135 that may be included on the outer perimeter 136 of the body support. 120 include splash guards 140. Similar to overflow guards 130, splash guards 140 extend in a vertical or partially vertical direction from the edges of the body support 120. However, splash guards 140 extend higher than overflow guards 130. Embodiments of splash guards 140 may vary in height. Splash guards 140 may prevent overflow plus an additional capability of minimizing splashing water, waste, and fluids from exceeding the perimeter of the body support 120. When using the body spray assembly 200, pressurized water may be sprayed toward the person in need of assistance and the body support. 120. The water’s collision with these surfaces may cause water, waste, or fluids to scatter in a variety of directions which may get on the caregiver, the person in need of assistance, or other objects off the inventive system 100. The splash guards 140 may provide a barrier that prevents this splashing from leaving the outer perimeter of body support 120.

[0038] Side rails may also be included on the edges of the body support 120. Side rails may prevent a person in need of assistance from falling off the body support 120. A variety of designs for side rails may be used that are well known by a person having skill in the art. The side rails may have a lock-in-place design or a drop and lock-in place design. Side rails may also be limited in height so a caregiver may easily be able to reach over the side rails. Additionally, side rails may have a center curve, lowering the height of the side rails near the center. This embodiment may allow for a caregiver to easily reach over the side rails.

[0039] These possible features that may be included on the edges of the body support 120, such as the overflow guards 130, the splash guards 140, and the side rails, may vary in different embodiments. These features may vary in height depending on the goal of the desired feature. These features may also be installed on the outer edges of the body support 120 or simply near the edges of the body support 120. Additionally, these features may vary in the number of sides of the body support 120 to which they are installed. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, two sides include overflow guards 130, and the other two sides include splash guards 140. However, an embodiment could include a different combination of these features. Furthermore, different embodiments for the body support 120 may include three or more sides.

[0040] The inventive system 100 may also include grab bars, which may help a person in need of assistance or a caregiver to maintain balance. A person may hold the grab bars to maintain stability. The grab bars may have a circular cross section. Depending on the embodiment, grab bars may be designed to sustain varying loads, such as a standard weight load or a bariatric weight load. Grab bars may be mounted in a variety of ways and places, such as wall mounts, flush mounts, mounts on the splash guards 140, or mounts on some other area of the inventi ve system 100.

[0041] The pelvic support 170 is a transition from the body support 120 to the opening 172, i.e. a hole, that leads to the water closet 180. The edges of the pelvic support 170 create the outer perimeter of the opening 172. A person in need of assistance may place their pelvic region on top of the pelvic support 170. This may be done by sitting on the pelvic support 170. This position may allow any waste or fluids discharged from the person’s pelvic region to travel through the opening 172 created by the pelvic support 170. Different embodiments may utilize different shapes for the pelvic support 170. FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as FIG. 4A, depict a square, flat opening 172 for the pelvic support 170. An embodiment may also utilize an angled, drop opening 172, as depicted in FIG. 4B, or a contoured opening 172, as depicted in FIG. 4C. Additionally, similar to the bodysupport 120, the surface of the pelvic support 170 may have heating capabilities. [0042] The opening 172 created by the pelvic support 170 is open to and overlays the open top 186 to the integrated water closet 180. The water closet 180 acts as a water closet and is capable of discarding human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, and black water. The water closet 180 in the inventive system 100 may contain a bowl and at least one penetration that is capable of being connected to a sanitary sewer/drainpipe 190. The penetration creates a cavity 182 in the water closet 180, which has a plumbing connection to connect to the sanitary sewer / drainpipe 190, as shown in FIG. 7. This penetration connection may be a wall penetration or a floor penetration. The connection to a sanitary sewer/drainpipe 190 allows the water closet 180 to have flushing capabilities (not shown). Therefore, a person in need of assistance or a caregiver may discard any human waste, human fluids, toilet paper, flushable body wipes, or black water by flushing the water closet 180.

[0043] Different embodiments may incorporate different flushing technology that are known by a person having skill in the art. For example, an embodiment may include an air gap-style design, a blow-out action-style design, a flush valve-style design a pressurized flushing device-style design, a siphonic-style design, an electro-hydraulic- style design, a low-consumption style design, a dual-flush style design, or an electromechanical style design. Furthermore, the water closet 180 may also include an emergency flush support design in the case of power failures. Additionally, the method to activate the flushing capabilities may vary. For example, flushing may be activated by a hardwired solenoid-operated electronic sensor, a single and dual-flush side-mounted sensor, a battery-powered side-mount sensor, a battery-powered side-mount operator sensor, a hydraulic push-button, a foot pedal, a wall-mounted sensor flushing device, a floor-mounted flushing device, or a wall mounted flushing device. The flushing activation method may be concealed or exposed within the inventive system 100.

[0044] The water closet may also include a warm air-drying feature for the pelvic region. In this embodiment, warm air may be emited below the pelvic support 170. This feature may dry any moisture on a person’s pelvic region when using the pelvic support 170. The warm air-drymg may be emitted from a wand. The wand may be made of stainless steel and may have an antimicrobial finish. An embodiment may include variable temperature settings. The warm air-drying feature may be activated manually or via sensors.

[0045] An integrated air deodorizer 260 may also be included in the inventive system 100, as shown in FIG. 7. An air deodorizer 260 will mitigate bad scents emitted from the waste or fluids. The air deodorizer may be located below the pelvic support 170, installed within the water closet 180, or installed within the sanitary sewer/ drainpipe 190. Carbon filtration technology, a spray, or release of a chemical solution may be used, lire air deodorizer 260 may be activated manually or via sensors.

[0046] The inventive system 100 may also include a means for cleaning the pelvic support 170 and the water closet 180. Due to the proximity to human waste and fluids, the pelvic support 170 and water coset 180 may require frequent cleaning. An external cleaning device may be provided for cleaning these areas. A drop-down device may be lowered into the water closet 180, passing the pelvic support, to allow for cleaning. The device may be activated via a pull-down method, a pull handle, or a swing activation method.

[0047] Another embodiment may include an integrated water closet 180 bowl cleaner. The bowl cleaner may be installed within the water closet 180. One embodiment of a bowl cleaner is a wand with a spray field. This wand may be made of stainless steel. Another embodiment may include a means of pre-misting the bowl. Yet another embodiment may include a detergent dispenser system installed within the bowl.

[0048] Electric controls may be required for some features that may be included in the inventive system 100. For example, the following capabilities may require electric controls: the adjustable base 110 height, the adjustable body support 120 position, the surface heating of the body support. 120 and the pelvic support 170, the warm air-drying of the pelvic region, and the air deodorizer. The controls may be hardwired to the inventive system 100 or have an electronic wireless connection. The controls may be stored in a remote control panel or integrated onto the inventive system 100. The control panel may be stand mounted, wall-mounted, or flush mounted. A panel may also be mounted on a splash guard 140 or on a different area of the inventive system 100.

[0049] A touch pad with buttons may also be included to control certain features. A touch pad may control the adjustable base 110 height, the adjustable 120 position, the surface healing of the body support 120 and the pelvic support 170, the warm air-drying of the pelvic region, and the air deodorizer. A single touch pad may be provided to control all these features, or multiple touch pads may control different features. A touch pad may be handheld or mounted within the inventive system 100. A touch pad may also be illuminated to increase the visibility of the pad. Additionally, a touch screen may be used in place of a touch pad.

[0050] The inventive system 100 also includes an integrated body spray assembly 200, which is connected to a water supply (not shown). A body spray 210 may be handheld and atached to a flexible or rigid hose 220. The body spray 210 emits water flow. A caregiver may use a handheld body spray 210 to spray water, preferably warm pressurized water, while using the inventive system 100 to clean a person in need of assistance or the inventive system 100 itself. By allowing the use of water, the body spray assembly 200 allows a caregiver to more effectively clean. The handheld capability and flexible hose 220 may allow a caregiver to direct water to a specific area, which may remove any waste or fluid in that area. A spray head may be attached to the flexible hose to make it easier to hold and control water flow.

[0051] The body spray 210 may be designed to produce different flow rates, such as a standard flow rate design or a high efficiency style design. Additionally, the body spray 210 may be capable of producing different flow rates, depending on its setting. Flow from the body spray assembly 200 may be activated by a variety of different methods, such as a foot control, a pull-down method, a pull and/or push handle, a mechanical push button, swing activation, or a piezo switch. The body spray assembly 200 may be mounted near or on the inventive system 100. Mounting may be on a stand, wall mounted, flush mounted, mounted on a splash guard, or mounted in another location on the inventive system 100.

[0052] Additionally, a body spray assembly 200 may also be retrofit, onto an already existing inventive system 100. A panel containing a handheld body spray 210 with a flexible or rigid hose 220, plumbing connections, and a flow activation device may be installed on or near an inventive system 100. This panel would allow the addition of the body spray assembly 200 to an inventive system 100 that lacks any water capabilities. Additionally, by providing a single compact panel with all these features, the body spray assembly 200 may be easily installed to many existing arrangements. The body spray assembly 200 included in the panel may include all the same features as other body sprays.

[0053] In another embodiment, the body spray assembly 200 may take the form of a bedpan washer. In this embodiment, the body spray assembly 200 is stationery, and water is dispersed from a single location. While water may not be able to be directed at specific locations in this embodiment, water may still be used to clean a person in need of assistance. Further, this embodiment prevents additional mess from a flexible body hose 220 and reduces the possibility for vandalism.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, the inventive system 100 may include a second spray assembly, a sanitation spray assembly 230. The sanitation spray assembly 230 may dispense sanitation solution, such as a disinfectant, cleaning solution, or cleaning alcohol. Before or after a person in need of assistance uses the inventive system 100, sanitation solution from the sanitation spray assembly 230 may be sprayed on the inventive system 100 to clean the surfaces. The sanitation spray assembly 230 may include a sanitation spray head 240 and a flexible or rigid sanitation hose 250. Similar to the body spray assembly 200, the sanitation spray assembly 230 may also take the form similar to a bedpan washer.

[0055] An integrated sink 160 may also be included on the inventive system 100. An integrated sink 160 may be flush mounted to the base 110 or the edge of the body support 120. A caregiver may use the integrated sink 160 to wash their hands or do additional cleaning that may not need to be done over the water closet 180. The integrated sink 160 may be connected to a sewer drain to discard any water or other fluids placed into the integrated sink 160. [0056] The integrated sink 160 may include a variety of features that a person having skill in the art would find to be common. These features include faucet drillings for a center set or center shank faucet, soap dispenser drillings, and a strainer and drain assembly system.

[0057] A shroud 150 may also be included around the base 110 and body support 120. A shroud 150 may hide and protect, the waste assembly, plumbing assembly, and any other items that be under the body support 120. The shroud is depicted as transparent in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-7 to better display the water closet 180 and sewer/drainpipe 190. Additionally, a shroud 150 may protect wheelchair users from contacting any items under the body support 120 when approaching the inventive system 100. The shroud 150 may cover all sides, some sides, one side or part of one or more sides of the inventive system 100. An access panel may be included on the shroud 150 to allow access to the area underneath the body support 120. The access panel may include a swinging door design or a sliding door design. The door design may also include a lock and key for vandal prevention.

[0058] The shroud 150 may be shaped to accommodate people using a wheelchair. The shroud 150 may be angled inward toward the center of the inventive system 100. Further, the shroud 150 may not extend all the way to the floor to provide toe clearance. The angle and toe clearance may allow' a person using a wheelchair to position their feet under the body support 120 and integrated sink 160 without hitting the shroud or other connections under the inventive system 100.

[0059] A variety of accessories may be included with the inventive system 100. Examples of accessories include a napkin dispenser, a towel dispenser, a toilet paper dispenser, a waste bin, a hand sanitizer dispenser, a pelvic support cover dispenser, a shelf, hooks, a sanitizing wipe dispenser, a baby wipes dispenser, a diaper disposable bag dispenser, or a body support liner dispenser. These accessories may be mounted on a stand, wall mounted, flush mounted, mounted on splash guards 140, or mounted on some other area on the inventive system 100.

[0060] Additionally, an integrated tankless water heater may be included. An integrated tankless water heater may allow' for the body spray 210 and the sink to produce warm water. Heated w'ater may be preferred compared to cold water. An electric or natural gas design may be used for the integrated tankless water heater.

[0061] Furthermore, a privacy screen may be included to prevent a 3^rd party from seeing the person in need of assistance or the caregiver as they use the inventive system 100. A curtain comprised of durable material may be used. The curtain may be attached to a rail, track, or similar means located above the inventive system 100. The rail, track, or similar means may be stand-mounted, wail mounted, or ceiling mounted.

[0062] The inventive sy stem 100 may be made up of a variety of different materials. The entire inventive system 100 may be comprised of the same material or different features may be comprised of different materials. Additionally, parts of a single feature may be comprised of different materials. For example, part of the base 110 may be made of stainless steel and another part of the base 110 may be made of plastic. Examples of materials that may be used in the inventive system 100 are stainless steel, all types of plastics, stone, composite, enameled cast iron, enameled steel, ceramic, solid surface, and natural quartz. The materials may also include an anti-microbial surface, an ion hygienic technology, or a microban technology. [0063] Furthermore, the inventive system 100 may be provided in different sizes, The inventive system 100 may be provided in sizes for babies, children, adolescents, adults, or bariatric cases. Additionally, vandal resistant and ligature resistant designs may be provided.

[0064] The assistive hygiene assembly 100 may be designed according to the U.S. standards and regulations provided in the Appendix, and U.S. building safety codes. Generally, each U.S. standard, regulation, and building safety code has a foreign equivalent. The Appendix lists relevant standards and regulations for each part of the assembly 100.

[0065] Additionally, the assembly 100 may also be used by a person in need of assistance without the aid of a caregiver. A person may boost themselves onto the body support 120 to use the water closet 180, body spray assembly 200, and other aspects of the assistive hygiene assembly 100 without any additional assistance from a 3^rd party. For example, a person using an ostomy bag may not need or have a caregiver. However, using the assembly 100 to empty the ostomy bag may be more sanitary than using a standard toilet.

[0066] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

[0067] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A hygiene system comprising: a body support used to assist with hygiene of a body of at least one of a group of a baby, a child, a disabled adolescent, a disabled adult and a bariatric adult; a water closet integrated with the body support; a drainpipe used to remove at least one of a group of human waste, human fluids, flushable waste and black water from the body and the water closet; a body spray assembly in fluid communication with the water closet: and a water supply connected to the body spray assembly,

2. The hygiene system of claim I, further comprising: a hole in the body support positioned above the water closet.

3. The hygiene system of claim 1, further comprising: a base connected to the body support to support the body support.

4. The hygiene system of claim 1, further comprising: a cavity in the water closet for receiving a plumbing connection.

5. The hygiene system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one wall abutting an outer perimeter of the body support, such that the at least one wall extends vertically from the outer perimeter of the body support.

6. The hygiene system of claim 1, further comprising: a first vertical height at which the body support may be set; a second vertical height at which the body support may be set, such that the body support is capable of moving from the first vertical height to the second vertical height.

7. The hygiene system of claim 1, further comprising: a shroud positioned under the body support,

8. The hygiene system of claim I, further comprising: a flushing capability such that at least one of a group of human waste, human fluids, flushable waste and black water is flushed from the water closet to the drainpipe.

9. An assistive hygiene station comprising: a body support; a hole in the body support; a water closet having an open top and positioned under the body support such that the hole in the body support overlays the open top of the water closet; a body spray assembly positioned in the vicinity of the water closet; a water supply connected to the body spray assembly.

10. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: a shroud positioned under the body support,

11. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: a sanitary' sewer connection connecting the water closet to a sanitary sewer.

12. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: at least one wall abutting an outer perimeter of the body support, such that the at least one wall extends vertically from tire outer perimeter of the body support.

13. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: a first vertical height at which the body support may be set; a second vertical height at which the body support may be set, such that the body support is capable of moving from the first vertical height to the second vertical height.

14. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9. further comprising: a mount connecting the assistive hygiene station to a wall.

15. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: a flushing capabili ty such that a material contained in the water closet is flushed from the water closet to the sanitary sewer.

16. The assistive hygiene station of claim 9, further comprising: a sink attached to the assistive hygiene station.

17. A method of assisting with hygiene of a body of a person in need of assistance comprising: providing a body support that includes: a body support having a hole in the body support; a water closet under the body support and having an open top, such that the hole in the body support overlays the open top of the water closet; a sanitary sewer connection that connects the water closet to a sanitary sewer; a body spray assembly in the vicinity of the water closet; a water supply connected to the body spray assembly: boosting the person in need of assistance onto the body support such that the person in need of assistance sits on the body support over the hole in the body support; washing the body with water from the body spray assembly; removing human waste or fluid from the body of the person in need of assistance; and flushing the human waste or fluid and water down the sanitary' sewer.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: aiding the person in need of assistance by providing a caregiver.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: washing hands of the caregiver using a sink that is attached to the assistive hygiene station.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: adjusting a vertical height of the body support.