Patent Publication Number: US-2022226173-A1

Title: Portable Body-Washing Apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a shower device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medical shower scooter that facilitates the showering and bathing of physically challenged persons. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A medical shower scooter is in demand. Many people become physically challenged with age, injury, or disease. Such people include amputees, cancer patients, hospice patients, and other bed-ridden patients who encounter difficulty in bathing or showering. For example, people might have trouble standing in a shower stall or a bathtub while taking a shower without gripping handrails on the inside of the bathtub or shower, if available. Such persons can easily collapse during a shower or might not have the strength to take a shower in the first place. 
     Companies have developed various devices for supporting a person in a sitting position while bathing or showering. Some companies have developed a device that provides an entrance mechanism to the bathtub or shower for physically challenged users. However, such devices may necessitate major structural changes to the existing bathing or showering facility and/or the surrounding wall or floor area. Permanent modification of an existing bathing or showering facility may be undesirable from cost and other standpoints. Moreover, many conventional solutions to the problem may not enable a physically challenged user to obtain a full-body wash, especially when the person needs to move from one place to another. In a bathroom or a hospital facility, for example, a physically challenged person might not be able to move around during the shower even if he or she needs to. Thus, there is a need to develop a device that solves the problem. 
     The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative shower device that is designed to provide physically challenged people with mobility and a convenient, effective means of showering while incorporating other problem-solving features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top-front-left perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a detail view of area  2  from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom front left perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of area  4  from  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top-rear-right perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a top-rear perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is a section view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a left-side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of a singular outlet head from the plurality of outlet heads 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded section view taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top-front-right perspective view thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced or utilized without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. References herein to “the preferred embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, or “alternative embodiments” should be considered to be illustrating aspects of the present invention that may potentially vary in some instances, and should not be considered to be limiting to the scope of the present invention as a whole. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1 through 11 , the present invention is a portable body-washing apparatus configured to support basic hygiene for invalid or mobility-compromised individuals. In particular, use of the present invention is directed towards reducing the incidence of skin lesions, surface infections, or fungal growth in patients that may otherwise suffer from a lack of regular, effective washing of sensitive areas. In contrast to manual sponge-bathing or conventional shower systems, the present invention integrates an effective, ergonomically-sound means of washing a seated patient or subject into a mobile self-supported package across a variety of embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention comprises a mobile chassis  20 , an adjustable armature  21 , a base chair segment  22 , and at least one articulated chair segment  23 . The mobile chassis  20  provides a convenient and displaceable chair or tilting-bed form factor suitable for use in healthcare settings, particularly in cases wherein the patients or subjects utilizing the present invention have compromised mobility that would make conventional shower facilities impractical. The adjustable armature  21  further refers to the ergonomic, user-configurable body supports positioned on the mobile chassis  20  to effectively support and cradle a user&#39;s body. The base chair segment  22  specifically refers to the main seating area or cushioned surface generally analogous to a stool or other chair base. The at least one articulated chair segment  23 , in contrast, defines a reclinable or otherwise reconfigurable support structure for the user&#39;s upper and lower body. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the adjustable armature  21  is mounted to the mobile chassis  20 . The base chair segment  22  and the at least one articulated chair segment  23  are mounted to the adjustable armature  21  by extension. The relative position of the base chair segment  22  to the mobile chassis  20  is configurable by adjusting the extension of the adjustable armature  21 , including both elevation and tilt. Further, the at least one articulated chair segment  23  may be adjusted to support a user&#39;s upper body independent of the base chair segment  22 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the base chair segment  22  is adjustable on a piston or adjustable stanchion, and the at least one articulated chair segment  23  is configured as a rotatable arm configurable for both upright-seated and flat (prone or supine) orientations relative to the base chair segment  22 . The relative position of the base chair segment  22 , and the at least one articulated chair segment  23 , to the mobile chassis  20  are independently configurable to enable the broadest range of movement between the ‘floating’ body support in all conceivable configurations. 
     In various embodiments, the base chair segment  22  is configured for independent positioning relative to the mobile chassis  20 , particularly in cases wherein a mobility-compromised user may require assistance standing up from said base chair segment  22 . In this embodiment, the base chair segment  22  may be elevated or tilted to accommodate the user, enabling a controlled rearward ‘drop’ into a normal seating position. Likewise, the at least one articulated chair segment  23  may be continuously repositioned during this modified seating process to support the user&#39;s upper body, without otherwise impeding access to the base chair segment  22 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 5 through 7 , the present invention further comprises a pump assembly  24 , a power supply  25 , at least one fluid source  26 , a plurality of conduits  27 , a plurality of outlet heads  28 , and a fluid selection mechanism  29 . The pump assembly  24  is mounted to the mobile chassis  20  to enable any instance of the present invention to remain mobile as a complete unit. Accordingly, the power supply  25  is electrically connected to the pump assembly  24  to provide operating power to the pump assembly  24 , and the pump assembly  24  is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid source  26 . The power supply  25  and the at least one fluid source  26  are broadly contemplated to define both onboard and external elements in various embodiments. In a first embodiment, the power supply  25  and the at least one fluid source  26  constitute external sources of electrical energy and potable water for washing, respectively. Connection to these external items is facilitated by any means common or familiar to any reasonably skilled individual. In a second embodiment, the power supply  25  and the at least one fluid source  26  are mounted to the mobile chassis  20  to enable the present invention to function without any external support or supply, i.e., as a fully self-supported platform. 
     According to the second embodiment of the power supply  25  outlined above, the present invention is packaged with all necessary provisions and materials to operate unsupported and untethered. the power supply  25  is a battery array  68 , wherein the battery array  68  is mounted to the mobile chassis  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . This arrangement may also constitute a hybridized approach to providing electrical power when operated in conjunction with external sources of power, including both grid-connections and on-site generators of said power. In these arrangements, the battery array  68  is utilized to levelized and regulate input and output power to ensure a stable supply or operating energy for the pump assembly  24 . This configuration is particularly suitable for use with localized generators, weak local grids, and other forms of unstable electrical power that may be provided in less-than-optimal conditions. 
     Likewise, the second embodiment of the at least one fluid source  26  is a portable reservoir  66  in this second embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8  the portable reservoir  66  is mounted to the mobile chassis  20  to provide a continuous supply of fresh water or washing fluid to the pump assembly  24 . The use of a portable reservoir  66  in place of a dedicated connection to a local water supply enables the present invention to operate throughout a facility, e.g., making room calls rather than gathering all patients at a bathing facility with a suitable water hookup. Further, the portable reservoir  66  may be used to premix various cleansers, soaps, or other cleaning agents into the wash-water even when used in conjunction with a dedicated water line hookup. In this configuration, the portable reservoir  66  serves as a surge tank or expansion chamber for any incoming water pressure, normalizing outflow to the pump assembly  24 . This ideally extends the operating lifespan of the pump assembly  24  by both prechecking and prefiltering any incoming water within the portable reservoir  66 , preventing damage due to debris or irregular flow (e.g., water hammer, cavitation, aeration, etc.). 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the plurality of outlet heads  28  is distributed across the base chair segment  22  and the at least one articulated chair segment  23  to expose the greatest possible surface area of a subject&#39;s body to the plurality of outlet heads  28 . This distribution enables a full-body wash without requiring immersion into a tub or washbasin, minimizing water use per person. Further, the plurality of outlet heads  28  may be configured for a hydrotherapy or massage-type application, wherein each of the plurality of outlet heads  28  are independently moderated for pressure and output volume. In the broadest reasonable conception of the present invention, the plurality of outlet heads  28  defines any form of fluid dispersion head or diffuser suitable for use in-contact with a user&#39;s body. More specifically, each of the plurality of outlet heads  28  is configured to prevent total blockage when in contact with a subject&#39;s body by recessing or otherwise protecting the outflow paths of each of the outlet heads such that the user may not totally block the flow of water out of any of the plurality of outflow heads. This feature ideally provides a constant flow of pressurized water against the subject&#39;s skin, effecting a ‘touchless’ bath with a minimum of wasted water. 
     In another embodiment, each of the plurality of outlet heads  28  is configured to independently function as a compressible, flexible member capable of deforming to cradle the patient&#39;s body. As indicated in  FIG. 9 through 11 , each of the plurality of outlet heads  28  further comprises a compressible housing  61 , a nozzle plate  62 , a plurality of air jets  63 , and a plurality of fluid jets  64 . The nozzle plate  62  is mounted into the compressible housing  61 , wherein the compressible housing  61  is configured to expand under pressure. Cumulatively, this functionality creates a reactive pseudo-cushion within each of the plurality of outlet heads  28 . This arrangement further provides a means for efficient distribution of fluid output, as obstruction of any given instance of the plurality of outlet heads  28  increases pressure to any unobstructed set thereof, increasing the effective volume of the unobstructed set to cushion the user more effectively. In this way, the plurality of outlet heads  28  is configured as an analog auto-normalizing suspension system in parallel to the regular functionality of fluid output. 
     As indicated in  FIG. 9 , the plurality of air jets  63  and the plurality of fluid jets  64  are distributed across the nozzle plate  62 , wherein the plurality of air jets  63  and the plurality of fluid jets  64  are in fluid communication with the pump assembly  24  through the plurality of conduits  27 . The plurality of air jets  63  and the plurality of fluid jets  64  ideally define differing aperture profiles such that the plurality of fluid jets  64  provides a normalized spray pattern from all apertures as the compressible housing  61  becomes pressurized. Conversely, the plurality of air jets  63  is generally configured to disperse warm air (i.e., as a forced-air dryer) in a forward-directed pattern, presuming that the lower density of air vs. fluid enables the volume of heated air to project directly outward from the plurality of air jets  63 . By leveraging the varying density of outputs, the plurality of air jets  63  and the plurality of fluid jets  64  may function as specialized dispersal structures while still sharing a common plenum area. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the plurality of conduits  27  is connected to the pump assembly  24  to provide a secure means of transferring pressurized fluids to each of the plurality of outlet heads  28 . More specifically, each of the plurality of outlet heads  28  is connected to one of the plurality of conduits  27 , wherein plurality of outlet heads  28  is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid source  26  through the plurality of conduits  27 . It is broadly considered that the type and variety of cables, tubing, expansion chambers, or other fluid transmission components defined within the plurality of conduits  27  is adapted or adaptable to handle any type of fluid typically used in personal hygiene. The present invention is ideally capable of outputting both liquids and pressurized air under the operating term ‘fluid’, providing a means of washing, drying, or otherwise treating a subject utilizing the same collection of fluid-handling assemblies as described. 
     Further, an operator of the present invention may select and adjust from any type of input fluid to dispense the desired type and volume of said fluid from the plurality of outlet heads  28 . Accordingly, the fluid selection mechanism  29  is connected between the pump assembly  24  and the at least one fluid source  26 , wherein the fluid selection mechanism  29  moderates input to the pump assembly  24  from the at least one fluid source  26 . This control is ideally exercised via a solenoid-actuated valve body, whereby the type and volume of fluid is digitally controlled according to a programmed mode of use. Further, the fluid selection mechanism  29  enables the admixture of differing types of fluid prior to dispersion via the plurality of outlet heads  28 , e.g., the addition of a soap solution to water flow or the introduction of an aromatic to a volume of heated air. 
     In addition to the plurality of outlet heads  28  distributed across the body-adjacent sections of the present invention, the subject may be washed from overhead utilizing a dedicated module intended for hair-washing and the like. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the present invention further comprises an overhead module  31 , an elevated support  32 , and at least one dedicated conduit  33  from the plurality of conduits  27 . The elevated support  32  is mounted to the at least one articulated chair segment  23 , wherein the elevated support  32  extends above the at least one articulated chair segment  23  and the base chair segment  22 . The overhead module  31  is mounted to the elevated support  32 , opposite the at least one articulated segment, positioning the overhead module  31  approximately above a user&#39;s head when said using is seated. The at least one dedicated conduit  33  is connected between the overhead module  31  the pump assembly  24  through the elevated support  32 . In a first embodiment, the at least one dedicated conduit  33  constitutes any arbitrary conduit form the plurality of conduits  27 , wherein the overhead module  31  is operated as a functional continuation of the plurality of outlet heads  28 . In a second embodiment, the at least one dedicated conduit  33  is moderated separately from the rest of the plurality of outlet heads  28 , thereby enabling an operator to provide a specialized mixture of fluids thereto. For example, this enables the overhead module  31  to dispense shampoo while the plurality of outlet heads  28  dispenses a body wash, according to the intended functions of each separate component. 
     In the prefeed embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the overhead module  31  further comprises a central head  35  and an outer ring  36 . The outer ring  36  and the central head  35  are mounted to the elevated support  32  with the central head  35  positioned within the outer ring  36 . As indicated in  FIG. 7 , the interior of the central head  35  and the outer ring  36  are hollow and share a common plenum space. When pressurized by the at least one dedicated conduit  33  the outer ring  36  and the central head  35  collectively dispense any fluid therefrom in a halo-pattern above a subject, effectively covering the subject&#39;s head from all angles. In another embodiment, the outer ring  36  and the central head  35  are moderated and supplied separately, enabling the providing of different types of fluid onto a subject&#39;s head simultaneously. 
     In further exploration of the various types of fluids handles by the pump assembly  24 , the pump assembly  24  further comprises a fluid pump  38  and an air pump  39  as indicated in  FIG. 6 . Accordingly, the plurality of conduits  27  further comprises a plurality of fluid conduits  40  and a plurality of air conduits  41 . This conception includes at least one embodiment wherein the plurality of air conduits  41  and the plurality of air conduits  41  refer to the same physical component employed for varying purposes, depending on the needs of an individual operator at any given time. Further, the plurality of outlet heads  28  further comprises a plurality of fluid outlets  42  and a plurality of air outlets  43  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The plurality of fluid conduits  40  is connected between the plurality of fluid outlets  42  and the fluid pump  38 , wherein the fluid pump  38  operably disperses any contents of the at least one fluid source  26  through the plurality of fluid outlets  42 . This function constitutes any washing or lathering operations accomplished with the present invention, including any other assisted bathing operations as may be realized by a reasonably skilled individual. Adjacent to this functionality, the plurality of air conduits  41  is connected between the plurality of air outlets  43  and the air pump  39 , wherein the air pump  39  disperses pressurized air from the plurality of air outlets  43 . This arrangement enables the subjects to be air- or blow-dried from the same angles that fluid might be dispensed from, enabling a full-body touchless drying process. 
     It is further recognized that the areas that are most critical to wash are often the most difficult to access, specifically, the groin, backside, and genital areas. In the case of assisted living facilities, washing these areas may be uncomfortable for both the care provider and the patient. Accordingly, the present invention further comprises a seat module  45  mounted to the base chair segment  22  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The seat module  45  comprises a seat base  46 , an ergonomic depression, a supporting platform, a lateral sidewall  48 , a central culvert  49 , and a plurality of perforations  50 . The ergonomic depression is delineated by the lateral sidewall  48 , wherein the ergonomic depression is shaped to conform to a human pelvic region. In practice, the ergonomic depression constitutes a sunken region approximating the profile of a subject&#39;s hips and buttocks, enabling the subject to sit down into the ergonomic depression to directly expose the genital area to the plurality of outlet heads  28  therein. 
     Further, the central culvert  49  is formed into the ergonomic depression to directly bracket a subject&#39;s genital region with appropriately scaled instances of the plurality of outlet heads  28  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Adjacent to this structure, the seat base  46  provides support for the subject&#39;s buttocks within the ergonomic depression while simultaneously raising the actual seating position above the outflow of ‘grey’ water flowing through the culvert. Accordingly, the seat base  46  is mounted to the lateral sidewall  48  across the ergonomic depression, above the central culvert  49 . Additionally, the plurality of perforations  50  is formed through the lateral sidewall  48  with the plurality of perforations  50  being aligned with the plurality of outlet heads  28  on the base segment. This arrangement enables the sides and bottom of the subject&#39;s pelvic region to be washed directly, avoiding the potential issue of the lateral sidewall  48  creating a new inaccessible band of skin around the subject&#39;s thighs. Further, the plurality of perforations  50  prevents the creating of a seal between the ergonomic depression and the user&#39;s body by providing a route for pressure to equalize, thus preventing a potentially painful and embarrassing incident of a subject being stuck to the seat base  46  after a washing. Instead, a perfect seal is nigh-impossible to form with the plurality of perforations  50  occupying the most-likely sealing surface. 
     In terms of efficiency, the present invention incorporates a variety of features and functionalities aimed at limiting water waste while still delivering an effective full-body wash. It is further considered that the present invention is configured to retain all wastewater and ‘grey’ (used) fluids after use. As indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the present invention further comprises a fluid reclamation system  52  comprising a plurality of channels  53 , a collection drain  54 , a return conduit  55 , and a greywater reservoir  56 . The collection drain  54  is mounted to the mobile chassis  20 , wherein the collection drain  54  is in fluid communication with the greywater reservoir  56  through the return conduit  55  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The greywater reservoir  56  is ideally positioned on the lower extremis of the mobile chassis  20  to maintain a low center of gravity, and to ensure that all wastewater normally flows into the greywater reservoir  56  post-use. Accordingly, the plurality of channels  53  is distributed across the base chair segment  22  and the at least one articulated chair segment  23 , wherein the plurality of channels  53  each terminate adjacent to the collection drain  54 . Each of the plurality of channels  53  is configured with a slope or taper suitable for draining any pools of standing water or accumulated suds from the exposed areas of the present invention. Further, the mobile chassis  20  ideally defines a basin or similar structure to prevent spillage of any wastewater or debris. With the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the mobile chassis  20  serves as a self-contained washing basin for the plurality of outlet heads  28  and the overhead module  31 , enabling the present invention to be used in non-traditional settings that are typically not capable of supporting shower facilities. For example, the present invention may be brought directly into the living quarters of a mobility-compromised patient and used on-site, rather than relocating the patient to a designated showering area. 
     It is further considered that the present invention may be configured to provide support to a subject&#39;s legs and torso, whereby the supports are independently adjustable relative to the base chair segment  22 . This positional flexibility enables the present invention to adapt to suit the comfort of an individual patient, while also enabling a caregiver to manipulate the subject&#39;s posture as necessary without manually adjusting the subject. As indicated in  FIG. 1  the at least one articulated chair segment  23  is an upper chair segment  58  and a lower chair segment  59 , generally corresponding to an upper-body support and a lower-body support respectively. The upper chair segment  58  is mounted to the adjustable armature  21  adjacent to the base chair segment  22  as shown in  FIG. 8 , enabling the upper chair segment  58  to be repositioned independent of either the base chair segment  22  or the lower chair segment  59 . Additionally, the lower chair segment  59  is mounted to the adjustable armature  21  adjacent to the base chair segment  22 , opposite the upper chair segment  58  across the base chair segment  22 . The adjustable armature  21  is configurable to independently adjust the angle of the upper chair segment  58  and the lower chair segment  59  relative to the base chair segment  22 . This three-body arrangement is ideally flexible across a range of angular relations, enabling a subject to be maneuvered through any posture from seated to nearly upright, according to their preferences and the needs of any onsite caregivers. In another instance, the upper chair segment  58 , the base chair segment  22 , and the lower chair segment  59  may be sequentially raised and tilted forward to assist a subject in standing upright, using the adjustable armature  21  as a lifting aid. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.