Abstract:
The present invention discloses an entirely mobile system and method for bathing non-ambulatory patients in the more convenient and pleasant environment of the patient&#39;s own bed. The invention consists of a maneuverable cart housing, a clean water supply and all other necessary apparatus and optional accessories for bathing a patient. A key feature of the Smart Bath is a special waterproof and disposable bathing sheet placed over the bed and under the patient which is easily and conveniently manipulated into the shape of a bath.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a bathing cart which contains a water dispensing and disposal system and all necessary attachments in a single mobile unit, for bathing bed-ridden patients in the convenience of the patient&#39;s bed where the cart is brought to the patient and a water-proof bathing sheet is placed on the bed in such a fashion that it creates a bath.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     There are currently several methods of cleansing bed-ridden persons. One is to “sponge-bathe” the patient while the patient remains in the bed. This does not allow for complete cleaning and, in spite the labor required, is an ineffective cleaning method. Another option is to place the patient in a wheelchair and wheel the chair into the public bathing or shower area, which involves lifting the patient out of the bed and into the chair. The cleaning received in such a position is not comfortable for the patient. Furthermore, it is difficult for the caregiver to give a thorough bath and is not convenient.  
         [0003]     Numerous attempts have been made in recent years to provide an effective and efficient method of bathing a bed-ridden patient that is also comfortable for the patient and practical for the caregiver. There are a number of patents that mention the possibility of washing or facilitating the washing of bedridden persons. Prior art methods and techniques for bathing bed-ridden patients include Japanese Patent Number JP11319016, which provides a specially equipped bed that allows a caregiver to bathe the patient without wetting the mattress. This is accomplished by tying a bathtub cloth to an assembled frame in such a way that the cloth creates a bathing area; after the bath, the wastewater is drained by releasing a portion of the cloth.  
         [0004]     Japanese Patent Number JP4090758 discloses a method of bathing of a bed-ridden patient where the patient is enclosed in a bag-like waterproof enclosure, water is sprayed on the patient through a jet nozzle insertion port, and the wastewater flows out a drain groove and into a collection reservoir. In a similar technique, Japanese Patent Number JP4044764 provides a covered waterproof basin within which a bedridden person is laid for bathing. Water enters the basin through an injection hole, and drains out a discharge hole. The water is accumulated by bending the basin in various places.  
         [0005]     European Patent Number EP0491679 describes an automated system that provides bed-ridden patients with a means of turning over in bed as well as moving from the bed to an adjoined bathing tub with minimal or no help of an attendant. European Patent Number EP0599123 presents a mechanical device for transferring physically handicapped persons between a bed and bathtub and for cleaning and attending to them.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,099 facilitates the bathing process of bed-ridden patients by providing a specially designed mattress cover that fits over the mattress in much the same fashion as a sheet and is sloped so that the waste water, accumulated when washing patients in bed, drains off. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,389 is a waterproof sheet that attaches to a hospital bed to facilitate both showering and bathing of bed-ridden patients. This cover provides a method for containing the water as well as a drain port to enable convenient disposal of run-off water. In another variation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,848 is a modular portable shower with an impermeable liner and a modular frame that allows a bedridden person to be showered while lying on bed.  
         [0007]     Portable bathing methods are also addressed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,238 proposes a portable and adjustable cart that slides under a bed and out the way, equipped with a washstand that is positioned under a patient&#39;s head and is especially suitable washing the hair of bed-ridden persons. U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,257 describes a portable bathing unit that wheels up to the patient&#39;s bed where the patient is moved from the bed to the unit for bathing and then returned to the bed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,941 presents a portable system designed primarily for lifting patients from a bed and transporting them. In a secondary application, an additional bathing cart is brought to the bed and used in combination with the lifting device to bathe bed-ridden patients.  
         [0008]     All the solutions specified above provide caregivers assistance in bathing bed-ridden patients. However, none of the solutions offered above discloses a simple, efficient and portable system for bathing a non-ambulatory patient who is positioned on a bed, which comprises a self-contained unit with all of the components required for bathing said patient, including a disposable bathing sheet placed between bed and the patient, a temperature controlled water source and a wastewater disposal method.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0009]     This Invention offers an alternative to the traditional method of bathing non-ambulatory patients. The present Invention discloses a system for bathing non-ambulatory patients positioned on a bed including a disposable bathing sheet placed between bed and the patient. The system comprises: a water storage tank, which is filled with clean water prior to use; a rinsing hose, including a showerhead, wherein the rinsing hose is connected to the water storage tank; a disposable bathing sheet placed over the bed and under the patient; attaching devices located along the sides of the bed, provided for fastening the disposable bathing sheet to the bed; a wastewater tank, into which used water from the disposable sheet is drained; and a suction hose connected on one side to the disposable bathing sheet and on the other to wastewater tank, provided for siphoning off used water.  
         [0010]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises an electric cable for charging the power source.  
         [0011]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises indicating means for indicating the events from the list of: low battery, time left on battery, time remaining to complete recharge, percentage charge, and level and temperature of water in the water storage tank.  
         [0012]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing sheet is water-impermeable.  
         [0013]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing sheet may also be reusable.  
         [0014]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing sheet includes openings along the edges that correspond to hooks placed along the sides of the bed and fasten to the bed.  
         [0015]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the suction hose is equipped with a disposable end.  
         [0016]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the rinsing hose is equipped with sensing means to ensure that proper water temperature is used.  
         [0017]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the showerhead comprises a means for adjusting the water pressure.  
         [0018]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing sheet is made of an absorbent drying material.  
         [0019]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the filling hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
         [0020]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the suction hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
         [0021]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the rinsing hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
         [0022]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank is designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.  
         [0023]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank is made of an insulated material in order to help maintain proper water temperature.  
         [0024]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank is equipped with automatic locking valves for restraining water flow in case the water temperature is too high.  
         [0025]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank includes an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning fluid, sterilizing material.  
         [0026]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a heating device to heat water and maintain the water at proper temperature.  
         [0027]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the attaching devices are from the group of: buttons, Velcro, clips, hooks, graspers, poles.  
         [0028]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a suction device located between the suction hose and the wastewater tank, provided to drain water from the disposable bathing sheet to the wastewater tank.  
         [0029]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a bathing sheet container for containing the disposable bathing sheets.  
         [0030]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the bathing sheet container is further equipped with a compression means.  
         [0031]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank includes an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning fluid, sterilizing material.  
         [0032]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater storage tank is designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.  
         [0033]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank includes a drainage opening enabling to drain out water.  
         [0034]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank includes a draining faucet.  
         [0035]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank includes a disposable nylon liner located inside the wastewater tank.  
         [0036]     Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the bathing actions comprise the steps of: filling up the water storage tank with clean water prior to use; placing a disposable bathing sheet over the bed and under the patient and attaching it along the sides of the bed; using the rinsing hose for bathing the patient lying in bed; and using the suction hose for siphoning off used water from the disposable bathing sheet to the wastewater tank. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING  
       [0037]      FIG. 1 : Is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention as seen in use. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0038]     The current invention is a completely portable bathing system that houses all the items necessary, including a temperature controlled water supply, for bathing the patient in his own bed. Novel to this invention is the bathing sheet that allows for creation of a bath right on the patient&#39;s bed. The bath is created by simply placing the waterproof bathing sheet on the bed and the fastening it in such a way that it creates a bathing space. Assembly is straightforward and uncomplicated. As there is no need for the patient to get out of bed, there is also no need for the caregiver to lift the patient. The patient can receive a proper bath in the dignity and familiar environment of his own room.  
         [0039]     Before use, the cart ( 1 ) is connected to a standard wall socket by the electric cable ( 2 ) in order to charge the power source ( 3 ). When the services of the Smart Bath are required, the cart is disconnected from the wall socket by unplugging the electric cable. The electric cable is stored on the cart in the designated space. The filling hose ( 4 ) is removed from its storage place and connected at one end to a water faucet ( 5 ) and at the other end to the water storage tank ( 6 ). The water faucet is opened and the water storage tank is filled. When the water level indicator ( 7 ) located on the side of the water storage tank shows that the water storage tank has the proper amount of water, the operator turns the water off, disconnects both ends of the filling hose and returns the hose to its storage space. The cart is then wheeled into position at the foot of the patient&#39;s bed.  
         [0040]     The bathing sheet ( 8 ) can then be attached to the patient&#39;s bed. The bathing sheet is made of any water-impermeable, disposable, or reusable material and can be of any shape that is convenient to the shape of the bed, including flat or fitted. The bathing sheet has openings ( 9 ) of any shape located anywhere along each side that correspond to hooks ( 10 ) placed along the sides of the bed. The openings on the sheet may have any type of reinforcement. The hooks may be of any convenient shape and will match the openings on the bathing sheet. The height and direction of the hooks is adjustable. The hooks are under covers that will help prevent accidents and injuries. The bathing sheet is placed over the bed and under the patient in a fashion similar to changing the bed sheets. The caregiver first attaches the sheet to the far side of the bed by placing the openings over the corresponding hooks on the bed and then smoothes the sheet partially on the bed. The caregiver then rolls the patient over to the far side of the bed and finishes smoothing out the bathing sheet before rolling the patient back. Finally, the openings on the near side of the bathing sheet are placed on the corresponding hooks on the near side of the bed. At this point, if the sheet is equipped with drawstrings, the drawstrings will be tightened. Once the bathing sheet is in place, it creates the bath.  
         [0041]     After the sheet is in place, the suction hose ( 11 ), equipped with a disposable end ( 12 ), is removed from its storage space on the cart and is attached to the drain port of the bathing sheet. The other end of the suction hose leads to the suction device ( 13 ), which siphons off the used water and drains it into the wastewater tank ( 14 ). The suction device is turned on by an on/off button or switch located either on the cart or on the device or by a foot operated pedal. Alternatively, the suction hose can lead directly to the wastewater tank.  
         [0042]     The rinsing hose ( 15 ) with an attached showerhead ( 16 ) is removed from its storage space on the cart and attached to the water storage tank with either a screw or snap connector. The rinsing hose is equipped with a special temperature-sensing valve to ensure that proper temperature water is used. The showerhead may or may not have a handle that allows the water pressure to be adjusted. The system is now set up to bathe the patient.  
         [0043]     During the bathing process, water is drawn from the water storage tank through the rinsing hose by gravity and/or an attached electronic device. Gravity and the suction device continuously transfer the used water from the bathing sheet to the wastewater tank. At the end of the bath, the caregiver towels the patient dry. The bathing sheet may have absorbent drying materials stored between two layers of the sheet, accessed by opening appropriately located perforations.  
         [0044]     Once the bathing process is complete and the wastewater is completely removed from the bathing sheet into the wastewater tank, the system is disassembled, largely the reverse of the previously described assembly process. The suction device is turned off. The drainage and rinsing hoses are detached and returned to their respective storage spaces. The bathing sheet is unhooked from the bed and deposited in the used bathing sheet container ( 17 ). This container may be attached to the cart and may or may not be quipped with a special sheet shredder that operates only when its top cover is completely closed. The used bathing sheet container may also be equipped with a special weight to press the sheets down. The Smart Bath is now ready to be moved to the next patient or returned to storage to recharge the power source.  
         [0000]     Additional Details and Options for the Major Components:  
         [0045]     Cart ( 1 ):  
         [0046]     The cart houses all of the components of the unit and sits on four or more wheels equipped with brakes. The cart is constructed of any material or combination of materials, will be made of any appropriate shape, size and weight, and will include special handles for easy handling and maneuvering. The cart may include shelves, drawers, hooks, etc. for storage. The cart may also include special foot operated switches used to operate any of the various components (On/Off, drain, etc.).  
         [0047]     Power Source ( 3 ):  
         [0048]     A power source, which may be in the form of batteries or a power pack, is located on the cart, completely insulated from the water. The power source supplies power to any of the electric powered devices on the cart including the heater, suction device, inflation device, shredding device, etc. It is constructed out of any different materials and in any shape and size and may be easily pulled out for replacement and maintenance. The power source is operated with an On/Off button or switch. An electric cable connects the power source to any wall socket for charging or for use while connected. The cable may be stored in a designated storage location on the cart, insulated from all water sources. A power indicator is located on any of the tanks, or the cart or the power source. There may also be any additional indicators such as: “low battery”, “time left on battery”, “time remaining to complete recharge”, “percentage charged”, “status: empty/charging/charged”, etc.  
         [0049]     Filling Hose ( 4 ):  
         [0050]     The filling hose, made from any standard hose material and of any suitable size, diameter, length and shape, connects any water faucet to the water storage tank for filling the tank. When not in use, the filling hose can be coiled and stored on a designated storage hook located on any of the water tanks or cart or in a designated storage space. The filling hose is equipped with a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction out of the hose. The hose attaches to the water storage tank either by screwing the hose into the tank or by inserting the hose into the tank until it clicks or snaps in place. The filling hose is adaptable to attach to any type of faucet and connects to a water faucet in order to fill the water storage tank.  
         [0051]     Water Storage Tank ( 6 ):  
         [0052]     The water storage tank contains the clean water to be used for bathing the patient. The tank may or may not have a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely. The water storage tank may be constructed from different materials including insulated material in order to help maintain the proper water temperature, and may have opaque or transparent materials in some or all places. The water storage tank may be built as single unit or in multiple parts and will be In different shapes and sizes.  
         [0053]     A heating device, powered by the power source, will be located in proper proximity to the water storage tank to heat the water and maintain it at a proper temperature. Options for placing the heating device include incorporating the heating device into the body of the water storage tank, placing the heating device inside the water storage tank, seating the heating device under water storage tank, or designing the water storage tank in a shape that will fit around heating device without the heating device contacting the water.  
         [0054]     The water temperature control, the water temperature indicator and the water level indicator each can be located either on the water storage tank or on the cart. The water storage tank is equipped with automatically locking valves in the water outlets in case the water temperature is too high. There is a beep/sound device to indicate when a specified amount of water has been removed from the tank. The tank is easily removed for maintenance or replacement. The tank includes a special faucet to adjust the water flow at water intake or exit point as well as an opening for introducing any powder or fluid (cleaning fluids, sterilizing materials, etc.) into the tank.  
         [0055]     Other options for the water storage tank include one-way valves in each water outlet; light indicators for: “on/off”, “temperature is too high/low”, “temperature is ready”, etc.; and the ability to rotate the tank in different directions.  
         [0056]     Bathing Sheet ( 8 ):  
         [0057]     The bathing sheet sits on the patients bed and is configured in such a way that it forms the bathing area. The bathing sheet can be supplied folded individually or from a roll or cylinder. The basic bathing sheet has openings along each side that correspond to attaching devices or hooks placed along the sides of the bed. The openings on the bathing sheet and the hooks on the bed may be of any convenient and matching shape. The attaching devices may be permanent or removable fixtures placed anywhere on the bed or may be placed on floor and connected to the bed or not. Some options for the attaching devices or hooks may include a device of any shape, inserted below mattress, with an vertical arm and a hook at the top or a retractable string that is pulled from one end of the bed or cart and attached to the other end to hold sheet;  
         [0058]     There are many options for forming the sheet sides into a bath including: 
        Using buttons to hold sheet in place;     Using Velcro to hold sheet in place;     Using special clips to hold sheet in place;     Placing different types and shapes of graspers around bed with corresponding shapes at the corners of the bathing sheet. These graspers could be part of the sheet or detachable and reusable     Folding the bathing sheet in a particular way in order to form a bath (folding instruction are shown on sheet);     Two tubes, poles, pipes or strings that protrude from the cart, extending the full length of the bed and attached across the end of the bed. The bathing sheet can then be attached by any method to form a bath;     Two vertical poles connected across their tops with string that is connected to the cart and placed at the end of bed to form a string frame on which the sheet is placed;     Running a string through the bathing sheet in different places to hold sheet on special hooks;        
 
         [0067]     Options that will improve the draining process include: 
        Multiple drainage openings on the bathing sheet;     Partially or completely inflating the bathing sheet;     Equipping the bathing sheet with a draining port and tube that attaches to the suction hose;     Constructing the bathing sheet of two layers held together at an outer frame. The top layer would have drain openings. The two layers are separated by “pipes” made out of any material or, filled with air. Anywhere on the bottom layer, a draining device attaches to the suction hose. The water will drain through the openings on top layer and down through to the suction hose;     Special devices made of rubber, plastic, string or any other material that will lift up specific areas of the sheet in order to control the drainage direction.        
 
         [0073]     Suction Hose ( 11 ):  
         [0074]     The wastewater from the bath flows through the suction hose into the wastewater tank. One end of the suction hose connects to the bathing sheet; the other end connects to the wastewater tank. The suction device may be attached along part of the suction hose. The suction hose is made from any standard hose material and may be of any suitable size, diameter, length and shape. When not in use, the suction hose can be coiled and stored on a designated storage hook located on any of the water tanks or cart or in a designated storage space. The hose will be equipped with a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction out of the hose. The hose attaches to the wastewater tank either by screwing the hose into tank or by inserting the hose into the water storage tank until it clicks or snaps in place.  
         [0075]     Optional devices attached to sheet can be connected to the suction hose by screwing, clicking, etc. These optional devices include devices such as spoon-like or other geometrical shapes that are placed on sheet to assist with suctioning off the water  
         [0076]     Suction Device ( 13 ):  
         [0077]     The suction device is attached between drainage hose and wastewater tank and is used to drain the wastewater from the bathing sheet into the wastewater tank. It may be operated by pressing a button or switch or by a footswitch. The suction device is powered by the power source and is completely insulated from water. The suction device is constructed of any different materials and in different shapes and sizes and could be equipped with indicators showing: “on/off”, “current status: draining/idle”, etc. The device may be easily pulled out for maintenance or replacement  
         [0078]     Wastewater Tank ( 14 ):  
         [0079]     The wastewater tank receives and stores all of the used water from the bath. The tank may or may not have a diagonal bottom to help the water exit completely. The wastewater tank may be constructed from different materials including insulated material, and may have opaque or transparent materials in some or all places. The wastewater tank may be built as single unit or multiple parts and will be in different shapes and sizes.  
         [0080]     The water level indicator can be located either on the wastewater tank or on the cart. The tank is easily removed for maintenance or replacement. The tank includes a special faucet to adjust the water flow at water intake or outlet points as well as an opening for introducing any powder or fluid (cleaning fluids, sterilizing materials, etc.) into the tank. The wastewater tank can either be connected to the suction device or connected directly to draining hose, bypassing the suction device.  
         [0081]     The wastewater tank has a draining faucet located on the bottom area of the tank. This draining faucet may be pulled out for maintenance or replacement. There is also a large drainage opening located on the bottom area of the tank. The tank could also be drained by rotating the entire wastewater tank on its axis.  
         [0082]     In order lengthen to the life of the wastewater tank, there is an option to insert a special disposable nylon liner inside the tank, allowing the liner to be replaced rather than the tank. In the event that the nylon liner is used, the wastewater tank can either be equipped with a puncturing device that makes an opening at the bottom of the liner or the liner could have a hose at the bottom that aligns with an opening in the tank and locks together.  
         [0083]     Other options for the wastewater tank include one-way valves in each water outlet; light indicators showing water level, “on/off”, etc.; and the ability to rotate the tank in different directions.  
         [0084]     Rinsing Hose ( 15 ):  
         [0085]     The rinsing hose runs between the water storage tank and the showerhead and is made from any standard hose material and may be of any suitable size, diameter, length and shape. When not in use, the rinsing hose can be coiled and stored on a designated storage hook located on any of the water tanks or cart or in a designated storage space. The hose will be equipped with a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction out of the hose. One end of the rinsing hose attaches to the water storage tank either by screwing the hose into the tank or by inserting the hose into the water storage tank until it clicks or snaps in place. The rinsing hose is adaptable to fit different types of showerheads as required.  
       LIST OF COMPONENTS FOR DRAWINGS  
       [0000]    
       
           1 . Cart  
           2 . Electric Cable  
           3 . Power Source  
           4 . Filling Hose  
           5 . Water Faucet  
           6 . Water Storage Tank  
           7 . Water Level Indicator  
           8 . Bathing Sheet  
           9 . Openings  
           10 . Hooks  
           11 . Suction Hose  
           12 . Disposable End  
           13 . Suction Device  
           14 . Wastewater Tank  
           15 . Rinsing Hose  
           16 . Shower Head  
           17 . Used Bathing Sheet Container