Devices and methods for water control

Disclosed are methods, devices and kits for controlling water flow when using a transfer bench, comprising a transfer bench splash guard.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preventing fluid exiting a receptacle when using a transfer bench.

BACKGROUND

Bathing while using a transfer bench creates issues for the bather and any attendants. When the transfer bench is positioned in or on the bathing enclosure, the bench does not allow the shower curtain to be appropriately closed. Furthermore, water that contacts the transfer bench can escape the bathing enclosure through openings in the seat of the transfer bench when a portion of the transfer bench is outside the receptacle.

Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need for a device and methods for water control that are easily used by the user of a transfer bench or by caregivers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly described, and according to exemplary embodiments, aspects of the current disclosure generally relate to devices and methods used to control water when a subject is using a transfer bench, such as while bathing. More specifically, devices and methods relate to preventing water from exiting a receptacle, such as the bathing container, a bathtub or shower area, and onto the floor while using a transfer bench.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the present devices and methods will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings. Additionally, variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term shall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the context of the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning for the capitalized term is intended. However, the capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to be necessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended.

Overview

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to devices and methods used to control water when a subject is using a transfer bench, such as while bathing. In various embodiments, the transfer bench includes multiple openings on the top surface to allow the passing of fluids into a receptacle, such as a bathing enclosure. In particular embodiments, the transfer bench includes a splash guard attached to the transfer bench to aid in the controlling the flow of water to the receptacle. The splash guard comprises of an open side for fluid to flow out of the transfer bench splash guard.

The transfer bench may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, wood, or steel, and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. A transfer bench splash guard may be water-proof or water resistant, or may have a removable water-resistant covering placed on top of top surface, such that at least a portion of top surface is covered by covering.

As will be understood, the transfer bench may replace conventional bath benches or chairs for virtually any type of shower or bathtub.

The above components (and others), will be discussed below in relation to the figures.

Exemplary Embodiments

Referring now to the figures, for the purposes of example and explanation of the fundamental processes and components of the disclosed systems and methods, reference is made toFIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary, high-level overview of one embodiment of the methods and devices for aiding in controlling water applied to a subject that is placed upon a transfer bench having openings in its top surface through which fluid can flow. As used herein, a subject can be any solid object, such as a human, regardless of age or ability, an animal or an inanimate structure. For example, the subject can be a human or a flower pot with flowers. As will be understood and appreciated, the exemplary, high-level overview shown inFIG. 1represents merely one approach or embodiment of the present system, and other aspects are used according to various embodiments of the present system.

For convenience, reference is made herein to a subject, such as human, regardless of age or ability, positioned upon the transfer bench. Such a subject may be bathing. As used herein bathing means that water or another fluid is being applied to the subject positioned on the transfer bench. When the fluid is applied to the subject, excess fluid flows through the openings in the transfer bench and fluid can flow around and under the transfer bench. Devices and methods disclosed herein channel the excess fluid, such as that flowing through the openings in the transfer bench, into a receptacle, such as a bathing enclosure. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, a bathing enclosure can be a bath tub. As used herein, a receptacle can be a bathing enclosure, a bath tub, a shower enclosure, an area for bathing that contains a drain, a bag, a bucket or an appropriately shaped container for fluids. As can be understood, the devices and methods disclosed herein can be adapted and shaped accordingly to transfer fluids flowing through openings in a transfer bench, or off other surfaces of a transfer bench, to a receptacle. For ease of discussion, fluid flowing through openings in the transfer bench as discussed, though it is contemplated that fluid can flow off the transfer bench and be contained and directed by devices disclosure herein.

In an aspect, a transfer bench has openings in the top surface that allow water to flow through. SeeFIG. 7, openings350. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, when used in a bath tub, a transfer bench is not fully contained within the bath tub. Water flowing through the openings in a portion of the transfer bench that are outside the rim of the tub fall onto the floor outside the tub. For example, methods and devices disclosed herein control and direct the flow of the fluid passing through the openings of the transfer bench so that the fluid does not exit the bath tub.

Referring now toFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, exemplary transfer bench splash guard100comprises a semi-planar, generally rectangularly-shaped, structure105having at least one side; attaching element101is located on attachment side109; open side106is the side opposite from attaching side109; two other sides,102and103are perpendicular to sides106and109, are opposite from each other, and have ends that are curved upward. The upwardly curved ends of sides102and103are useful for containing and directly fluid contacting top surface107to a receptacle (not shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3) in an aspect, the upwardly curved ends of sides102and103are of a sufficient height to prevent the majority of fluid from flowing off the sides102and103and instead, channel the fluid toward open end106. The end(s) of sides102and/or103may be shaped so that an end may mate with a portion of a transfer bench. For example, both sides102and103may be shaped so that the snap-fit with the appropriate edges of the set of a transfer bench, which would be useful for storage and transport of a combined transfer bench and a transfer bench splash guard. For example, only one side, either side102or side103may be so shaped. In an aspect, one or both of sides102or103may have an attachment element for “latching” or attaching one or both sides of a transfer bench splash guard to the seat of a transfer bench. A transfer bench splash guard structure105may further contain a handle (not shown) for carrying a transfer bench splash guard, and such a handle may be an extension of any of the sides of a transfer bench splash guard.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, transfer bench splash guard structure105has four sides. However transfer bench splash guard structure105may include additional sides, depending on the shape of transfer bench splash guard structure105. In an aspect, transfer bench splash guard structure105has at least one side, attachment side109comprising attaching element101.

In an aspect, a transfer bench splash guard may not be a semi-planar generally rectangularly-shaped structure, but may be shaped in a manner so that fluid flowing through openings in a transfer bench falls onto the top surface of the transfer bench splash guard, and top surface107may be shaped to direct the fluid to a receptacle. For example, the transfer bench splash guard may be shaped as a square, a triangle, a circle, a cone, etc. Top surface107may be uniformly flat or may have grooves or raised areas for directing the flow of the fluid. Transfer bench splash guard structure105may be substantially planar or may be curved in a direction to encourage fluid flow. Transfer bench splash guard structure105can be dimensioned to have a width or length equivalent to a transfer bench, greater than a transfer bench, or smaller than the transfer bench, so that at least a portion of the fluid flowing through openings in the seat portion of a transfer bench lands on contacts transfer bench splash guard structure105, so that transfer bench splash guard structure105contains and directs the flow of the contacted fluid.

A transfer bench splash guard may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, wood, or steel, and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. A transfer bench splash guard may be water-proof or water resistant, or may have a water-resistant covering104placed on top of top surface107, such that at least a portion of top surface107is covered by covering104. Covering104may or may not be removable. Covering104may be replaced when worn out or soiled and may be replaced with a new or clean covering104. Covering104may cover all or a portion of transfer bench splash guard structure105.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, transfer bench splash guard structure105has open side106. Open side106is shaped for fluid to flow out of transfer bench splash guard100. Open side106may be planar and continuous with top side107so fluid flows off all or a portion of open side106, or open side106may be grooved, or have openings for fluid to flow through. In an aspect, open side106has a contacting element for maintaining contact with the receptacle. A contacting element may be shaped to conform to and attach to a receptacle or may be material that aids in contact with a receptacle, such as a rubberized covering to prevent open end106from slipping in its contact with a receptacle.

It is intended that fluid drains from open side106. Open side106can be substantially flat or curved to encourage fluid flow Open side106may include directed funnels to aim the fluid drainage in a particular direction. Open side106may further comprise a connection to a drainage system, such as a pipe, that leads to a drainage area. Open side106may comprise a grated area114that allows fluid to pass through, but not larger or hard materials, as those are collected rather than drained into the receptacle.

InFIG. 4, the bottom side108may be made of the same or different material from the rest of transfer bench splash guard structure105, and may or may not be covered by covering104. Also shown inFIG. 4, are attachment side109comprising attaching element101.

As is shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, attachment side109comprises attaching element101for attaching the transfer bench splash guard100to a transfer bench. As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, attaching element101is shaped to connect onto a portion of the seat of a transfer bench via a suitable fastener116(e.g., snaps, bolts, screws, rivets, pins, etc.). For example, shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, horizontal rail301of transfer bench300is a rounded tubular structure. Attaching element101is shaped to receive a rounded tubular structure so that when attaching element101partially surrounds horizontal rail301, as shown inFIG. 6, transfer bench splash guard structure101is attached to horizontal rail301of transfer bench300. For example, inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, attaching element101forms the end structure of attachment side109and is formed as a curved end that will partially cover, and snap on and off, a rounded tube. Alternatively, attaching element101may attach transfer bench splash guard structure105tightly so that essentially the connection of the two is permanent. In various embodiments, the attaching element101to the transfer bench splash guard structure105is not intended for quick attachment and removal.

Attaching element101can be a hook or clasp of sufficient dimension to connect with a transfer bench such that transfer bench splash guard structure105is maintained in a position underneath at least a portion of the openings in the seat of the transfer bench. As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, attaching element101may be attached to transfer bench300via a substantially horizontal rail301on transfer bench300. Attaching element101is attached to the transfer bench300in such a way that when attaching element101is attached to horizontal rail301, the splash guard apparatus100is angled downward and is positioned below the openings in the seat of transfer bench300. The transfer bench splash guard100can also attach to the top of the transfer bench300via attaching element101. Straps, hooks or other attaching elements may also be utilized to attach transfer bench splash guard100to transfer bench300. Alternatively, in an aspect, attachment side109does not comprise attaching element101, and rather could lean on or contact an edge of the receptacle and be the side closest to transfer bench300as transfer bench splash guard100is positioned under the openings in the seat of transfer bench300. Alternatively, attachment element101, as the end structure of attaching side109, could attach to the receptacle, instead of attaching to the transfer bench, and be positioned below the openings in the seat of transfer bench300. Attachment element101could be shaped to connect to the receptacle, and may or may not have other attachment elements for attaching transfer bench splash guard100to a transfer bench, for example, for storage or transport of the transfer bench.

FIG. 5shows transfer bench300with horizontal rail301placed in a receptacle200, wherein transfer bench300is partially within receptacle200, which in this instance is an indoors bath tub, and is partially outside of receptacle200, leaving openings in the seat of transfer bench300open over the floor outside receptacle200.FIG. 6shows transfer bench splash guard100attached to transfer bench300with horizontal rail301placed in a receptacle200, wherein transfer bench300is partially within receptacle200, which in this instance is an indoors bath tub, and is partially outside of receptacle200. Transfer bench splash guard structure101is attached to transfer bench300with horizontal rail301by attachment element101partially surrounding a portion of horizontal rail301. Seen underneath the seat of transfer bench300is the bottom surface109of transfer bench splash guard structure101.

FIG. 7is a picture of the seat or horizontal surface of a transfer bench300with an exemplary transfer bench splash guard100attached. The openings350in the seat allow for fluid flow through the openings to the transfer bench splash guard positioned below. The receptacle200, bath tub, edge is shown and the transfer bench splash guard100is attached. In use, of the transfer bench splash guard100is attached to the transfer bench300, which may be placed partially within receptacle200, wherein fluid flows through one or more openings350in the horizontal surface of transfer bench300onto top surface104of transfer bench splash guard100.

FIG. 8is a picture of a side view of the seat or horizontal surface of a transfer bench300with an exemplary transfer bench splash guard attached. The receptacle200, bath tub, edge is shown and the transfer bench splash guard100is positioned so that open end106is within the receptacle. Curved edges102and103aid in directing fluid flow into receptacle200.

In use, transfer bench splash guard100is attached to transfer bench300which may be placed partially within receptacle200, wherein transfer bench splash guard100contains and directs fluid flowing through openings in the seat of transfer bench300so fluid flows into receptacle200and also prevents fluid from flowing outside the receptacle200. Transfer bench splash guard100is positioned under the transfer bench300at such an angle as to encourage fluid to flow back into the bathing enclosure200. It may be a vertical angle, or angled in any other way. A goal of using transfer bench splash guard100is to minimize the mess of fluid escape that occurs when using a transfer bench300in a receptacle200. Currently, fluid escapes through the holes or spaces in the seat of transfer bench300. Use of transfer bench splash guard100should minimize this clean-up.

A method of using transfer bench splash guard100comprises a) attaching transfer bench splash guard100to transfer bench300so that at least a portion of transfer bench splash guard100is below one or more openings in a horizontal surface of transfer bench300and open end106is positioned to direct any fluid into receptacle200; b) either before or after step a), contacting a subject positioned on the horizontal surface of transfer bench300with one or more fluids; wherein at least a portion of the fluid flows through one or more openings in the horizontal surface of transfer bench300onto top surface104of transfer bench splash guard100and is contained and directed into receptacle200.

A method of using transfer bench splash guard100comprises 1) positioning at least a portion of transfer bench splash guard100below one or more openings in a horizontal surface of transfer bench300, and open end106is positioned to direct any fluid into receptacle200; b) either before or after step a), contacting a subject positioned on the horizontal surface of transfer bench300with one or more fluids; wherein at least a portion of the fluid flows through one or more openings in the horizontal surface of transfer bench300onto top surface104of transfer bench splash guard100and is contained and directed into receptacle200.

A kit disclosed herein comprises at least one transfer bench splash guard disclosed herein. A kit may further include directions for use of one transfer bench splash guard disclosed herein.

Embodiments of the invention are described, with reference to the figures. Throughout the figures, like reference numbers indicate the same or similar components. References to preferred embodiments are for illustration and understanding, and should not be taken as limiting.

It is to be understood that the disclosed methods, devices and systems are not limited to specific methods or specific components, unless otherwise specified, and, as such, may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Disclosed are materials, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, devices and systems. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E are specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed from disclosure of A, B, and C; D, E, and F; and an example combination A-D. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the disclosed devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the claimed inventions and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the claimed inventions pertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the claimed inventions is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.