Patent Publication Number: US-2004040083-A1

Title: Portable inflatable/collapsible bath

Description:
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to devices utilized to bathe incapacitated persons. Specifically, this device allows such persons to be bathed without removal from their beds.  
       2. UNIQUE DESIGN FEATURES  
       [0002] The present invention contains several unique design features. The first, and most significant, is the included inflation device. This air pump is portable, detachable and will operate on both  110  and battery power. Other features include a one-way air input valve, a drain with an on/off valve, and a quick-release style deflation valve. Additional noteworthy features are multiple drainage ports around the entire periphery of the bath floor, detached inflatable headrests, of various sizes for different sized persons, a supplied carrying case for easy storage and transportation and attached reinforced eyelets for hanging the bath to facilitate drying.  
       3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] This invention is related to the bathing of bed-ridden incapacitated persons, by providing a portable device that allows such persons to be bathed without removal from their bed. The uninflated device is placed on the bed with the patient rolled to one side. The patient is then rolled back to the other side, over the deflated bath. The remaining portion of the bath is spread out and the patient is then centered in the bath on their back.  
       [0004] This compliant bath is self-supporting, by inflating with air using a portable, compact air pump, which is supplied with each bath and provides a dependable and speedy means of inflation. An optional battery powered air pump is available for locations without electricity, or for times when electrical power is unavailable. A one-way valve on the input attachment prevents any back flow, preventing air loss after the air pump is turned off. Detached inflatable headrests are included, in a variety of sizes. The suitable size is selected and inflated, using the air pump, and placed under the patient&#39;s head.  
       [0005] The patient is bathed accordingly by applying as much water as desired and, upon completion, rinsing freely with the required amount of water, without wetting the bed or linens.  
       [0006] A valve on the drain allows the soiled water to be immediately discharged, in the open position, or collected within the bath during bathing, in the closed position. The drain is designed for a hose to be attached to facilitate draining. This can be accomplished into available building plumbing (toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, etc.) or collected into pails or similar containers for transporting to suitable disposal sites.  
       [0007] After draining, a quick release valve allows the bath to be deflated rapidly. The patient can then be dried, as the bath is removed in the reverse manner, and dressed. The bath can then be removed from the bed, cleaned/sanitized as needed, and hung to dry by use of the attached reinforced eyelets.  
       [0008] Storage can be accomplished, after drying, by folding or rolling the bath into a compact form and placing into the furnished carrying case, along with the other bath components/accessories.  
     
    
    
     DETAIL ILLUSTRATION OF BATH  
     [0009] The portable/inflatable bath is comprised of a pliable structure ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) &amp; ( 10 ), which, upon inflating with air, becomes self-supporting (views A-A &amp; B-B). Inflation is accomplished using a portable electric air pump ( 5 ) powered by standard 110VAC or with an optional battery powered unit ( 6 ). The air pump is connected to an airline ( 7 ) which, in turn, is connected to the bath, via the air inlet ( 8 ). The air inlet has an internal one-way valve, which will prevent the backflow of the air already within the bath, when the pump is turned off or should the airline become disconnected at any time. Deflation is accomplished by releasing the air outlet valve ( 9 ). The large opening of this outlet allows the air to be expelled rapidly.  
     [0010] The bath includes detached, inflatable head supports of different sizes ( 11 ) and ( 12 ), for different sized individuals. The appropriate size head support is selected, inflated to a desired pressure and situated within the bath at a suitable location, based on the individual&#39;s size. These head supports are also inflated using the portable air pump ( 5 ) or ( 6 ).  
     [0011] The bath also includes a built-in drain ( 13 ) with an integral on/off valve ( 14 ). The valve can be closed to permit the collection of water within the bath and then opened whenever draining is desired. This valve can remain open, during bathing, to allow the water to drain immediately. The bath has a series of outlet holes (detail D) which allow the water to be removed. The bath is drained using a hose ( 15 ), which attaches directly to the drain valve and then inserted into an appropriate receptacle (sink, toilet, shower, etc.). Draining can also be accomplished using a portable receptacle (pail, bucket, pan, etc.) placed directly under the valve, to collect the wastewater, which can then be transported to a suitable disposal site.  
     [0012] Drying is accomplished, after draining, by hanging the bath using the reinforced eyelets (view E-E) which allows the residual water to be expelled.