BATH LIFT

Abstract: A bath lift (10, 40) comprising a mounting member (14) fixable on a bath, and an inflatable member (12) releasably mountable on the member (14), and selectively inflatable to raise and lower a person sitted thereon, to assist the person in getting in and out of the bath.

Description: BATH LIFT This invention concerns improvements in or relating to bath lifts. Inflatable bath lifts have previously been proposed. These comprise an inflatable member locatable in a bath. When inflated this enables a person to get into the bath and sit thereupon, and the member can subsequently be deflated to permit the person to bathe. To date such lifts have not proved particularly satisfactory in that there is a danger of a person falling off the member when inflated. Problems can be encountered with the member floating in the bath, and in general only a small depth of water has been permissible when such lifts are used. According to the present mvention there is provided a bath lift, the lift comprising an inflatable member locatable in a bath and arranged such that when located in a bath and inflated, a person can sit on the member, and the member can be deflated to lower a person thereon into the bath to bathe; and an arrangement for releasably mounting the member on the inside of the bath during use. The mounting arrangement may comprise a mounting member which can be fixed on the inside of the bath, and mounting means on the inflatable member selectively engageable with the mounting member. The mounting member may be fixable on the floor of a bath, and is preferably arranged such that a person in the bath can sit on the mounting member when the inflatable member is not mounted thereon. The mounting member may be provided with suckers for releasably attaching the mounting member on the bath. The mounting member may comprise a bath mat. The mounting arrangement may comprise magnetic means for releasably mounting the inflatable member to a metal bath. The mounting arrangement may comprise metal means being provided inside and/or outside the bath. Magnetic means may be provided on the inflatable member, or on a separate member in which the inflatable member is mounted. The mounting member may comprise magnetic means. The mounting means may be provided with metal means for engaging with the magnetic means of the mounting member. Alternatively, the mounting means may comprise magnetic means. The mounting member may be provided with metal means for engaging with the magnetic means of the mounting means. The mounting arrangement may be arranged to be usable with different shaped baths. The mounting arrangement may be provided with selectively removable support members. The inflatable member and/or separate member may be provided with selectively removable support members. The support members may be at least semi-rigid. The support members may comprise a plastics material and/or a metal strip. The support members may be removably locatable in sleeves. The inflatable member may comprise a first and a second layer, with the magnetic means and/or support means being provided between said layers. The layers preferably consist of the same material. The magnetic means may comprise magnets and/or magnetic sheet material and/or a magnetic plastics material. The metal means may comprise a metal plate and/or metal strips and/or a plastics material including metal particles. Preferably the magnetic means cover an area of at least 400,000 mm 2 , and desirably at least 500,000 mm 2 . The separate member may comprise a magnetic sheet material, and desirably a magnetic plastics material, for adhering the inflatable member to at least one side of a metal bath or a bath incorporating metal. The separate member may be mounted to the bottom of the inflatable member, and perhaps also at least one side of the inflatable member. The magnetic sheet material may be flexible. The separate member may have a generally thickened T-shape, with the stem of the T engageable against the back of a bath, and the crossbar of the T engageable against the bottom and respective sides of the bath. The mounting member preferably has a generally planar configuration and may be flexible. The mounting member may have a high friction upper surface and/or a substantially non-slip upper surface. The mounting member may extend longitudinally for a substantial part of the bath. The mounting member may comprise a formation with which a part of the inflatable member is engageable. The formation may comprise a continuous lip against which a line means on the inflatable member is engageable. The line means may be in the form of a loop. The line means may be of an elastic material, and/or means may be provided for selectively shortening the loop. The bath lift may comprise means for inflating the inflatable member, and the inflating means may comprise an air blower. The inflatable member is preferably shaped so as when fully inflated, it comprises a first part for sitting on and a second part which forms a back rest. The inflatable member is preferably arranged such that when being inflated the second part thereof inflates before the first part. Desirably, the inflatable member is arranged such that when being deflated the first part thereof deflates before the second part. A control arrangement may be provided to automatically inflate the second part of the inflatable member before the first part, and to deflate the first part thereof before the second part. Control means for the arrangement are preferably provided, which means may be arranged to be operable by a person sitting on the inflatable member. The inflatable member may comprise further parts which when inflated form arm rests or side guards. The bath lift may be arranged such that one or more of said further parts can be selectively deflated when the remainder of the inflatable member is inflated, to permit a person to get on or off the inflatable member. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 shows a first bath lift according to the invention in an inflated condition, in use in a bath; Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 with the lift partially deflated; Fig. 3 is a similar view to Fig. 1 but with the lift fully deflated; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of part of the lift of Fig. 1 fully inflated; Fig. 5 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a further part of the lift of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a second bath lift according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional detail of a third bath according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of a detail of third bath according to the invention. Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings show a bath lift 10 comprising an inflatable member 12 and a mounting member 14. The member 14 is generally planar and made of a flexible material in the form of a pad. The member 14 has a top surface 16 which is larger than the part of the member 14 immediately there below to define a lip 18. The surface 16 is of a high friction material to prevent people slipping thereon. The member 14 has a base 20 of a similar size to the surface 10, and the base 20 can be bonded on to the bottom of a bath in the position shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The base 20 could be provided such that it extends for a substantial length on the base of the bath, and such an arrangement is shown by the dotted line in Fig. 5. The inflatable member 12 is shaped such that when inflated it takes the shape of a chair with a base 22 and a rounded back 24. The base 22 is arranged such that a person sitting thereon is at a height almost level with the top of a bath 26 as shown in Fig. 1. The interiors of the base 22 and back 24 are separated from each other such that they can be independently inflated. A plurality of loops 28 extend from the bottom of the base 22. A length of line means 30 extends through the loops 28 and is formed into a loop by the end thereof passing through a toggle 32. A control arrangement and an air blower are provided (not shown). They are arranged such that when the inflatable member 12 is being inflated the back part 24 is automatically inflated before the base part 22, and during deflation the part 22 is deflated before the part 24. The control arrangement is actuable by a waterproof hand held control 24 (Figs. 1 and 2). The lift 10 can be used in the following manner. The mounting member 14 is fixed by adhesive or other means to the base of the bath 26 to extend from the end thereof opposite the taps 36. When it is required to use the lift 10 the inflatable member 12 can be mounted on the mounting member 14 by passing the line means 30 around the member 14 to engage beneath the lip 18, and pulling the loop in the line means 30 tight on the member 14 using the toggle 32. The inflatable member 12 is then inflated by actuation of the control 34 to the position shown in Fig. 1. A person can then move to sit on the member 14 in a conventional manner as sitting on a chair. This alleviates the need for the person to lower themselves into the bath 26. Using the control 34 the member 12 is deflated. Initially the base part 22 will deflate lowering the person into the bath 26 but with the back part 24 still providing support and stability. Once the base part 22 has fully deflated the back part 24 will automatically deflate to the position shown in Fig. 3 thereby allowing the person to have a bath in a usual manner. When the person wishes to leave the bath 26, actuation of the control 34 initially causes the back part 24 to be inflated, and then the base part 22 to raise the person back to the position shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a second bath lift 40 which is provided with means for releasably mounting an inflatable member 42 inside a metal bath 44. The mounting means consists of a magnetic sheet material 46 which is connected to the inflatable member 42. The magnetic sheet 46 has a thickened T-shape with the stem 48 of the T extending up the back of the bath 44, and the crossbar 50 extending over the bottom of the bath 44 and most way up each side thereof. The inflatable member 42 is fixed to the part of the magnetic sheet material which overlies the bottom of the bath 44. The inflatable member 42 is inflatable by means of an air pump 52. With this arrangement the inflatable member 42 is mounted to a substantial part of the bath, preventing it from floating when the bath is filled with water and no person is sitting on the inflatable member 42. The magnetic sheet material 46 consists of a plastics material which is provided with a magnetic layer. The layer may comprise magnetic metal powder or filings The magnetic sheet material is flexible so that it is usable with metal baths of many different shapes. As the magnetic sheet 46 is removably mounted on the bath 44, when not required the whole lift 40 can be removed, thereby permitting conventional use of the bath 44. In order to prevent the flexible magnetic sheet 46 inadvertently peeling off the bath 44 at least semi-rigid support strips 54 are removably locatable in sleeves 56 extending down the parts of the sheet 46 which overlie the sides and end of the bath 44. The strips may comprise a metal or plastics material. Figs. 7 and 8 show in detail part of an inflatable member 60 which is directly mountable on a metal bath. The inflatable member 60 is provided with magnets in the form of magnetic discs 62. The magnetic discs 62 are mounted between inner and outer layers 64,66 of the inflatable member 60. The layers 64,66 consist of a flexible, durable, water-resistant plastics material. The magnetic discs 62 can be moulded into the material of the member 60, or glued between the two layers 64, 66. The inflatable member 60 can thus be placed inside a metal bath of any shape, with the magnetic discs 62 prevent the inflatable member 60 from floating by adhering to the bath and thereby retaining the member 60 therein. There are thus described bath lifts with a number of advantageous features. They provide a simple operation yet allow a person to be safely lowered into and raised out of a bath. The inflatable member can be readily mounted on and removed from the bath. The secure fixing allows a convenient amount of water to be provided in the bath and therefore allows the user to have a normal bath. The sequential inflation of the back and base of the inflatable member provides for confident and secure raising and lowering. The use of magnetic material to mount the bath lift in the bath has the advantage that no intrusive objects are left in the bath after removing the bath lift. Also, the bath lift is easy to apply and can be placed with the use of tools. The bath lift can adapt to baths of different shapes. The magnetic sheet material attached to the inflatable member has the advantage that it engages with metal baths of any shape. Because of its strong magnetic action, weight and the relatively large surface areas it covers, the risk of the lift moving or floating is further reduced. An area of at least 400,000 mm 2 and perhaps 500,000 mm 2 , has generally been found sufficient. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the inflatable member may be arranged such that the back part remains inflated to provide support to a user in the bath. This could be a selective feature operable by appropriate use of the control. The inflatable member could also comprise arms or side members to provide further support and confidence and/or safety. Such side members could be selectively deflatable, perhaps just on one side to permit a person to get on and/or off the inflatable member. Different means could be provided for mounting the inflatable member on to the bath. Where it is desired to use the magnetic arrangement with a non-metal bath, metal parts may be mounted on the underside of the bath, and for instance on the underside of the bottom, side walls and/or back of the bath. Such parts could comprise sheets or strips of material. Plastics material sheets incorporating metal could be used. Alternatively, a mat could be mounted on the bath, either permanently or releasably, which may include metallic parts to attach to magnetic parts in an inflatable member. Conversely, the mat may include metallic parts to attach to metal parts in an inflatable member. The mat may adhere to the bath by suckers or other formations. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims: Claims:- 1. A bath lift (10, 40), the lift (10, 40) comprising an inflatable member (12, 42, 60) locatable in a bath (26, 44) and arranged such that when located in a bath (26, 44) and inflated, a person can sit on the member (12, 42, 60), and the member (12, 42, 60) can be deflated to lower a person thereon into the bath (26, 44) to bathe; and an arrangement for releasably mounting the member (12, 42, 60) on the inside of the bath (26, 44) during use. 2. A bath lift according to claim 1, characterised in that the mounting arrangement comprises a mounting member (14) which can be fixed on the inside of the bath (26,44), and mounting means on the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) selectively engageable with the mounting member (14). 3. A bath lift according to claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member (14) is fixable on the floor of a bath (26, 44). 4. A bath lift according to claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) is arranged such that a person in the bath (26, 44) can sit on the mounting member ( 14) when the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) is not mounted thereon. 5. A bath lift according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) is provided with suckers for releasably attaching the mounting member (14) on the bath (26, 44). 6. A bath lift according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) comprises a bath mat. 7. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) is mounted on a separate member. 8. A bath lift according to claim 7, characterised in that the separate member is mounted to the bottom of the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 9. A bath lift according to claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the separate member is mounted to at least one side of the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 10. A bath lift according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the separate member is of a generally thickened T-shape, with the stem (48) of the T engageable against the back of a bath (26, 44), and the crossbar (50) of the T engageable against the bottom and respective sides of the bath (26, 44). 11. A bath lift according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the separate member is provided with selectively removable support members (54). 12. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting arrangement is provided with selectively removable support members. 13. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is provided with selectively removable support members (54). 14. A bath lift according to claims 12 or 13, characterised in that the inflatable member comprises a first and a second layer (64, 66) with the support members (54) being provided between said layers (64, 66). 15. A bath lift according to claim 14, characterised in that the layers (64, 66) consist of the same material. 16. A bath lift according to any of claims 1 1 to 15, characterised in that the support members (54) are at least semi-rigid. 17. A bath lift according to any of claims 1 1 to 16, characterised in that the support members (54) comprise a plastics material and/or a metal strip. 18. A bath lift according to any of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the support members (54) are removably locatable in sleeves (56). 19. A bath lift according to the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting arrangement comprises magnetic means for releasably mounting the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) to a metal bath (44). 20. A bath lift according to the preceding claims, characterised in that magnetic means are provided on the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 21. A bath lift according to claim 20, characterised in that the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) comprises a first and a second layer (64, 66), with the magnetic means being provided between said layers (64, 66). 22. A bath lift according to claim 21, characterised in that the layers (64, 66) consist of the same material. 23. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 22 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) comprises magnetic means. 24. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 23 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting means comprise magnetic means. 25. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that magnetic means are provided on a separate member on which the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) is mounted. 26. A bath lift according to any of claims 19 to 25, characterised in that the magnetic means comprises any of magnets (62), magnetic sheet material (46) or a magnetic plastics material. 27. A bath lift according to any of claims 19 to 26, characterised in that the magnetic means cover an area of at least 400,000 mm 2 , and desirably at least 500,000 mm 2 . 28. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting arrangement comprises metal means provided inside and/or outside the bath. 29. A bath lift according to any of claims 19 to 28, characterised in that the mounting means are provided with metal means for engaging with the magnetic means of the mounting member (14). 30. A bath lift according to any of claims 19 to 29, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) is provided with metal means for engaging with the magnetic means of the mounting means. 31. A bath lift according to any of claims 28 to 30, characterised in that the metal means comprises any of a metal plate, metal strips or a plastics material including metal particles. 32. A bath lift according to any of claims 7 to 1 1, characterised in that the separate member comprises a magnetic sheet material (46). 33. A bath lift according to claim 32, characterised in that the magnetic sheet material is flexible. 34. A bath lift according to any of claims 7 to 9, 32 or 33, characterised in that the separate member comprises a magnetic plastics material, for adhering the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) to at least one side of a metal bath (44) or a bath (26) incorporating metal. 35. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting arrangement is arranged to be usable with different shaped baths (26, 44). 36. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 35 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member (14) has a generally planar configuration. 37. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 36 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member is flexible. 38. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 37 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member (14) has a high friction upper surface (16) and/or a substantially non-slip upper surface. 39. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 38 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member (14) extends longitudinally for a substantial part of the bath (26, 44). 40. A bath lift according to claim 2 or any of claims 2 to 39 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the mounting member ( 14) comprises a formation with which a part of the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) is engageable. 41. A bath lift according to claim 40, characterised in that the formation comprises a continuous lip ( 18) against which a line means (30) on the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is engageable. 42. A bath lift according to claim 41, characterised in that the line means (30) is in the form of a loop (28). 43. A bath lift according to claim 42, characterised in that the lines means (30) comprises means for selectively shortening the loop (28). 44. A bath lift according to any of claims 41 to 43, characterised in that the line means (30) is of an elastic material. 45. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bath lift (10, 40) comprises means (52) for inflating the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 46. A bath lift according to claim 45, characterised in that the inflating means (52) comprises an air blower. 47. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is shaped so as when fully inflated, it comprises a first part (22) for sitting on and a second part (24) which forms a back rest. 48. A bath lift according to claim 47, characterised in that the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is arranged such that when being inflated the second part (24) thereof inflates before the first part (22). 49. A bath lift according to claims 47 or 48, characterised in that the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is arranged such that when being deflated the first part (22) thereof deflates before the second part (24). 50. A bath lift according to claim 49 when dependent on claim 48, characterised in that a control arrangement is provided to automatically inflate the second part (24) of the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) before the first part (22), and to deflate the first part (22) thereof before the second part (24). 5 1. A bath lift according to any of claims 47 to 50, characterised in that the inflatable member ( 12, 42, 60) comprises further parts which when inflated form arm rests or side guards. 52. A bath lift according to claim 5 1, characterised in that the bath lift ( 10, 40) is arranged such that one or more of said further parts can be selectively deflated when the remainder of the inflatable member (12, 42, 60) is inflated, to permit a person to get on or off the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 53. A bath lift according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that control means for the arrangement are provided, which means are arranged to be operable by a person sitting on the inflatable member (12, 42, 60). 54. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.

Inventors: STEADMAN WILLIAM DAVID, STEADMAN, WILLIAM, DAVID
Applicants: SILVER CROWN ASSOCIATES LIMITE, STEADMAN WILLIAM D, SILVER CROWN ASSOCIATES LIMITED, STEADMAN, WILLIAM, DAVID
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A61G7
IPC codes: A61G7