Patent Publication Number: US-2015067959-A1

Title: Bathing system

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/873,854 filed Sep. 5, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Bathing System.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to a bathing system and, more particularly, the invention relates to a bathing system for allowing bedridden patients and sufferers of limited mobility to enjoy a full showering experience. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     As many with limited mobility can easily attest, attempting to complete day to day tasks without assistance can be daunting and frustrating. Arthritic patients often find it very difficult, if not impossible, to lower themselves to or rise from a seated position without experiencing extreme pain. Similarly, those recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery are unable to enjoy a refreshing and cleansing bath due to their inability to bend or kneel into the bathtub. As such, many afflicted individuals depend on help from a relative or licensed caregiver to assist in everything from feeding to bathing. Especially, patients who are bedridden face almost insurmountable obstacles when it comes to bathing, since they have to rely on assistance from a family member or professional caregiver. Additionally, positioning a bedridden patient in a tub or shower stall can be dangerous for the individual since they are extremely susceptible to slips and falls. Medical facilities try to combat this by hoisting and supporting patients with a series of straps and harnesses; however, this tends to be scary and painful, especially for patients with injuries such as broken hips. Unable to bask in the warm, cleansing water of a bathtub or the brisk refreshment of a pulsating shower, these individuals have little choice but to settle for an unsatisfying sponge bath. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-5  are perspective views illustrating a bathing system, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6-18  are diagrammatic views illustrating the components of the bathing system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-18 , the present invention is a bathing system for allowing bedridden patients and sufferers of limited mobility to enjoy a full showering experience. 
       FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of the bathing system of the present invention inflated and ready for use on a hospital bed. 
       FIG. 2  is a top down view of the bathing system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the bathing system of the present invention inflated and ready for use on a hospital bed. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of a water reservoir having a hand pump and thermometer for use in conjunction with the bating system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a face protector for use in conjunction with the bating system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic top down view of the inflatable conduit showing placement of drain fittings. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic front close up view of the one way valve drain fitting for use in the bathing system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic top perspective view of the bathing system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic side close up view showing the heat seal seams of the inflatable conduit of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic end view showing the air inlet with one way valve of the inflatable conduit of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic side view showing the inflatable conduit of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic end view showing the inflatable conduit of the present invention and placement of the heat seal seams shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic top down view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic side view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic front view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic side view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention showing placement of the air inlet with one way valve. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic rear view of the inflatable head rest of the present invention showing placement of the air inlet with one way valve. 
     The bathing system of the present invention is a specially designed, all encompassing bathing system that can be used right on top of a bed. Boasting a hard plastic shell and featuring a cushiony soft vinyl lining, the bathing system is basically rectangular in shape, measuring approximately six and one half feet (6½′) in length, two and one half feet (2½′) in width, and eight inches (8″) in depth. An inflatable product, the unit expands to accommodate most hospital-type bed surfaces as well as most adult body types. Included for sale with the system are two (2) plastic tanks for use providing water for the shower and for draining the tub. Two flexible hoses, the first for connecting to a portable shower head device and the second for use in draining the tub, are included with the system and are easily connected to the shower head and tank respectively via threaded fittings positioned on the ends of the hoses, with corresponding fittings positioned side by side on the tub and tank. These fittings boast watertight rubber gaskets or similar seals, preventing leakage during use. Included with the system is a convenient pillow to elevate the patient&#39;s head to facilitate hair washing, along with a face covering to keep excess water out of the patient&#39;s eyes. The system can be a reusable unit for home use, while a disposable system can be employed for hospitals, nursing homes, and other professional care facilities. 
     Turning to the figures, the bathing system  10  of the present invention comprises a rectangular vessel wherein the side wall  32  comprises three parallel inflatable conduits  22  which are inflated with air through inlet tube  24 . A drain fitting  26  is positioned at one corner of the device. A second drain fitting  26  is positioned midway along one side of the vessel. The top side of the bottom surface of the vessel features a non-slip surface  36 . The inflatable conduits  22  can be filled by means of an external mattress pump  38 , through air intake tube  24 . The conduits  22  are connected to each other, so that only one air intake tube  24  is required. Air intake tube  24  comprises a one-way valve  28 , shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Inflatable head rest  42 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 13  through  18 , comprises a contoured, wedge shaped, inflatable pillow which comprises air inlet  44 . Also included is face protector  46  which can be placed over the face of the user, if desired. Water tank  52 , shown in  FIG. 4 , comprises hand pump  54  and thermometer  56 , for filling the vessel and ensuring appropriate temperature of the water. 
     In an embodiment, a shower head  62  can be attached to water tank  52 , to provide shower spray, if desired. 
     Use and application of the bathing system of the present invention is a very simple and straightforward. First, a user (most likely a relative or professional caregiver) spreads a flattened system over the flat surface of a bed. Next, the patient is assisted to lie within the unit. This process follows the procedure that is used to make a bed in a hospital, which involves a safe and comfortable system of log-type rolling of a bedridden patient under and over linens; this procedure is most helpful in inserting the deflated system underneath the patient. The user then inflates the unit, as one does a rubberized kiddie pool. After filling the water tank with clean, warm water, the user connects the hose from the tank to a portable shower head, which is powered on and ran right in the bed of the patient. In this manner, the user can assist the patient in enjoying a full showering session. After use, the water is drained into the tank and discarded. The system can be slightly slanted to assist in this endeavor. Helping the patient off the system, the user then deflates and removes the unit from the bed, disconnect the hosing, and store the bath away until needed again. 
     There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the bathing system of the present invention. Foremost, the system allows users who suffer with mobility problems to enjoy a refreshing shower from the comforts of their bed. These users will appreciate that the system provides a simple, pain-free means for them to relax as a cascade of warm, soothing water flows over their entire bodies. As a result, patients who are unfortunately bedridden can feel a renewed sense of spirit that immersing oneself in a fully functioning shower can provide. Alleviating the worry that they will reinjure themselves in a tub or shower stall, and eliminating the need to be strapped into embarrassing and painful harnesses, the system provides patients with both comfort and dignity, not to mention a refreshingly clean body. Simple to use, the system can be expediently installed, working, and drained in a matter of minutes. The system proves particularly helpful to medical staff and family caregivers, handily easing their burdens. Lightweight yet durable, the reinforced plastic construction of the system ensures years of continued use. In addition, the sturdy and comfortable system fosters a renewed sense of independence and self-sufficiency in elderly patients afflicted with arthritis or similar ailments. Not just for the older population, the system also proves invaluable to anyone with mobility challenges, from sufferers of palsy or scoliosis to those recovering from joint replacement surgery or broken bones. Though perfect for home use, the bathing system proves extremely beneficial to hospitals, and especially nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. 
     The bathing system of the present invention offers users with mobility-impairing ailments an easy and comfortable way to take a refreshing shower. User friendly and versatile, the bathing system allows its users to return to the everyday and enjoyable task of showering in a pain-free and confident manner. 
     The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.