Abstract:
A bathing aid device comprises adjustments to accommodate varying user body shapes and sizes and may be used in conjunction with most, if not all, bathtubs. The bathing aid device, when used as described, allows for more complete and safer bathing for those incapable of bathing themselves. The device includes a kneeling platform for being placed beside a bathtub, a column assembly, which extends from the kneeling platform to a position above and preferably slightly forward relative to the bathtub wall, and which holds a preferably pivotal clavicle-region support. The user leans on the clavicle-region support, and, because of its location relative to the bathtub and the user&#39;s upper chest, and because of its small dimensions, the support is especially comfortable and effective. The user need not rest on the device with her/his elbows, arms, shoulders, or breasts, and, instead, the user is well supported high up on her body and can easily reach around the device to assist an infant, bather, or pet inside the bathtub. The preferred column assembly is quickly and easily removable, without loosening any fasteners, in order to move the assembly out of the way before the user rises or lifts a child out over the bathtub wall.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a device used to provide comfort and support to a person assisting in the bathing of another person in a bathtub and more particularly to a bathing aid device that is capable of being used adjacent to and in conjunction with a typical household bathtub. 
         [0003]    The use of the invented device will be immediately recognized as extremely practical in any situation where a capable person such as a parent or caregiver is charged with aiding the bathing of a person who is incapable of properly bathing himself or herself, such as an infant or an elderly or handicapped individual. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Various kneeling benches and pad systems have been disclosed in the patent literature. 
         [0000]    For example: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,877,602, Silverman, addresses a kneeling bench used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable Silverman relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,069,124, Wojtalewicz, et.al, addresses a prayer rail used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable. Wojtalewicz, et.al. relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,101,259, Landau, addresses a prayer bench used primarily for religious purposes, makes no mention of use with bathtubs or for bathing, and is non-adjustable. Landau relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,575, Terry, addresses a bath aid with a general operating principle similar to the present invention, however, the Terry device is non-adjustable, makes no mention of foot discomfort, and relies upon the ribcage of a user for upper body support. In Terry, the ribcage support system is the same width as the kneeling portion, which the inventors believe would hinder the user&#39;s shoulders and arms. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,897, Barnabie, addresses a bathtub wall pad, which is non-adjustable, makes no mention of foot discomfort, and relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. The Barnabie pad simply provides a cushion on the bathtub wall as the user leans on it with his forearms or elbows. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,675, Tinen, addresses a bathtub wall pad that is non-adjustable, and makes no mention of foot discomfort. Tinen relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support (see  FIG. 2  of Tinen) and simply provides a cushion on the bathtub wall as the user leans on it with his forearms or elbows. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,535, Frawley, etal., addresses a bath aid, wherein the user sits upon the device rather than kneels. Frawley, et al. relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. 
         [0013]    US2003/0145374 A1, Schultz, addresses a bath aid that is non-adjustable, makes no mention of foot discomfort, and relies upon the forearms/elbows of a user for upper body support. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention relates generally to devices used to aid in assisting a person to bathe in a bathtub, or in bathing of a pet, or in other tasks that requires kneeling beside a bathtub. The present invention may be used with most conventional household bathtubs and contains adjustment means to render it useable with most sizes and shapes of bathtub and users with varying body shape and size. 
         [0015]    Many persons, including the elderly, handicapped and infants, require assistance in bathing. Typically, a person assisting in the bathing of individuals such as those described above is subjected to considerable strain and discomfort due to the body position that must necessarily be assumed to assist in bathing. This position requires the assisting person to bend the upper body over and above the sidewall of the bathtub and remain in this position for extended lengths of time, relying only upon the muscles of the body to remain in this position. The position of the attending person also requires that all of the body weight be supported on the knee joints, with the added complication of the feet and ankle joints being bent at an un-natural and uncomfortable angle, all of this occurring on the relatively hard and immovable surface of the floor adjacent to the bathtub. 
         [0016]    Use of the present invention allows the user to remain comfortably in the position required to assist a bather by providing support structures for those parts of the body that would experience pain and discomfort without the employment of the invented device. 
         [0017]    A further advantage of the present invention is, that by eliminating the pain and discomfort experienced when assisting a person to bathe in the conventional way, the invented device allows the user to be more attentive to the task at hand, thereby providing a safer environment for the bather and attendant, with the added bonus of a more complete cleansing for the individual being bathed. 
         [0018]    The present invention comprises a lower portion, for placement beside a bathtub, which has an upper surface appropriately positioned to receive the knees and lower legs of a kneeling person. From the lower portion extends a column assembly that holds at or near its upper end a support for the upper chest of a user, and, most preferably, the clavicle area between the shoulders. The column assembly preferably positions the entire, or substantially the entire, upper chest/clavicle support substantially forward of the lower portion, so that said support may be over a bathtub wall or even forward of the central plane of the bathtub wall. The support is preferably small, so as not to extend to the right and left far enough to interfere with the user&#39;s shoulders and arms, and so as not to extend down far enough to interfere with the user&#39;s breasts. The support preferably pivots relative to the column assembly, so that it supports, but also moves with, the user as the user leans further over the bathtub and adjusts his/her position to assist the bather. The column assembly may be a single arm/column, which is preferred, as this minimizes or eliminates interference with the shoulders, arms, and breasts. Alternatively, the column assembly may be multiple arms/columns, a solid curved plate(s), or other designs, preferably not extending to the left, right, or rearward far enough to interfere with the shoulders, arms, breasts, or stomach of the user. Preferably, the column assembly is quickly and easily removable from the lower portion, for example, so that the arm system may be removed prior to the user lifting up a baby out of the bathtub and rising from the device. 
         [0019]    In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a lower padded assembly, designed to immovably rest, when in use, upon the floor adjacent to a bathtub, the padded portion supporting and cradling the knees and lower legs of a user. Mounted removably within the lower assembly, a vertical, height adjustable support column extends upwardly from the lower assembly. Upon the upper end of the vertical support column is mounted the adjustable upper body support assembly. The entire vertical support column may be instantly removed from the lower assembly and laid aside a suitable distance when not in use, thereby allowing for a greater degree of safety during ingress and egress of a bather from the bathtub. 
         [0020]    The invented device is designed and constructed so as to be portable and conveniently stored when not in use, therefore, it would preferably be comprised of lightweight yet suitably strong, waterproof material, such as, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bathing aid device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4 , showing one embodiment of vertical support column locking means. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a partial elevation view of a detail of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 , showing the detail of the upper body support. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a plan view of an alternative upper body support cushion having a triangular shape. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a plan view of an alternative upper body support cushion having a T-shape. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of the front of a female user, illustrating in solid lines the preferred location of the rectangular support cushion, and, in dashed lines, the preferred location of a triangular support cushion. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing one embodiment of a horizontal adjustment means. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing an alternate joining means for the vertical support column. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , showing the in-use body position of a user. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , and  11 , showing the vertical support column removed and the user lifting the baby out of the bathtub. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a completely padded pedestal. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional elevation view according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a flexible cushion assembly extending from the bathing aid device and positioned at the top of the bathtub wall. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Referring to the Figures, there are shown five, but not the only five embodiments of the invented bathing aid device that may be used to assist a person in the bathing of another person within a bathtub, in bathing a pet, or other tasks requiring kneeling at a bathtub. Use of the invented device also allows a more complete and safer bath for those incapable of bathing themselves. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , the preferred bathing aid device comprises complete bathing aid device  1 . Device  1  comprises generally vertical support structure  10  and lower portion  12 . Lower portion  12 , in the preferred embodiment, comprises pedestal  18  having base  21  and cushion well  22 , within which rests cushion  20 . Upon bottom surface  23  of base  21  are secured friction strips  24  which prevent unintended movement of pedestal  18  and device  1  upon a floor surface when a user occupies the invented device. Preferably, there are no wheels, casters, or other rollers on the bottom of the device  1 . Within upper surface  25  of pedestal  1   8 , hole  26  is provided to accept and secure slidably moveable vertical support column assembly  14  at end  30  of lower tube  28 . 
         [0038]    Vertical support column assembly  14  is comprised of lower tube  28  and upper tube  38 . Upper tube  38  is constructed so as to slide vertically within lower tube  28 , the two tubes being secured to one another by vertical height adjustment means  36 . Lower vertical support tube  28  has attached, by suitable means, lateral support block  34  is designed to provide stability in a lateral direction by resting against bathtub outer wall  80 . Suitable means of attaching support block  34  to support tube  28  may include screws, clamps, bolts, integral molding, or other fasteners. Support block  34  is constructed of a non-marring material, such as, but not limited to, rubber, so as to prevent damage to the bathtub finish. Support block  34  may extend farther along the length of the column assembly  14 , or farther to the left and right, than is shown in the Drawings, and, hence, father along the bathtub wall  80 , if desired. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , it may be observed that vertical height adjustment means  36 , comprised of threads  52  and quadrants  54  at end  32  of lower tube  28 , and threaded locking ring  50 , allows end  40  of upper tube  38  to enter and slide within lower tube  28 . With locking ring  50  assembled to lower tube  28 , and upper tube  38  inserted within lower tube  28 , upper tube  38  may be vertically adjusted for proper height to suit the user. Locking ring  50  may then be tightened upon threads  52 , thereby compressing quadrants  54  against the outer diameter of tube  38 , fixing upper tube  38  immovably within lower tube  28 . Shown in  FIG. 5  is one, but not the only, vertical locking means that may be used. Other vertical locking means may be used, for example, a cotter-pin style lock, a set-screw style lock, a clamp lock, or others that will be envisioned by those of skill in the art after viewing this disclosure and the drawings. 
         [0040]    The upper portion of upper tube  38 , at end  42 , is oriented generally perpendicularly to the vertical support column and has attached upper cushion support column  44  and adjustment means  46  for upper cushion assembly  16 . In the drawings, an angle of 90 degrees is illustrated in upper tube  38 , however, other angles of bend may be used, with the intent being to secure the lower tube  28  to the front region of the pedestal  18  and yet place the upper cushion assembly  16  over and above, or slightly in front of the bathtub wall, or at least slightly in front of the bathtub wall central vertical plane. “Front” and “forward” indicate the direction the user typically faces when using the device, that is, to the left in  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  14 . The vast majority of bathtub walls are 14-18 inches high (measured from the floor) and the Vertical support column  14  is preferably dimensioned to adjust to lengths that fit a variety of users, while placing the cushion assembly above, and not touching the bathtub wall. Typically, the support column  14  will place the cushion assembly at about 20-26 inches above the bottom of the device (and the floor), about 4-8 inches above the top surface  81  of the bathtub wall, and forward from the front extremity of the pedestal  18 . The upper surface of the cushion  48  is preferably about 5-10 inches above top surface  81 . 
         [0041]    The pedestal  18  typically abuts against the bathtub wall  80 , with the preferred straight and rigid front surface  27  of the pedestal being the front extremity of the pedestal that contacts the wall  80 . The support column  14 , therefore, extends forward beyond the front extremity of the pedestal  18 , and places the pivot point of the cushion preferably 2-8 inches (optimally 3-6 inches) forward of the front extremity. This way, the center of the cushion  48  preferably will be forward from said front extremity throughout its pivot. 
         [0042]    The pivot point of the cushion assembly  16  preferably directly over, or forward from, the vertical central plane of the bathtub wall, for example, about up to 6 inches (and optimally 1-3 inches) forward from said central plane; this way, the center of the cushion  48  preferably will be forward from said central plane throughout its pivot. In this way, the cushion assembly  16  of the preferred embodiment positions the shoulders above the bathtub “well” or at least above and slightly forward relative to the center plane of the bathtub wall. This helps keep the shoulders and arms from being encumbered by the wall  80 , as the user reaches into the bathtub. Unlike the prior art devices that are adapted to receive and cushion the forearms or elbows of the user, at the level of the top of the bathtub wall, the present preferred embodiment supports the center clavicle area of the user several inches above the top surface  81  to keep the entirety of the user&#39;s shoulders, arms and elbows unencumbered by the device and the bathtub wall. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 , it may be seen that upper support assembly  16  is comprised of cushion  48 , base plate  47  with attached pivot brackets  45  and  49 , and adjustment means  46 . Attached to the lower surface of cushion base plate  47  are pivot brackets  45  and  49 . Within pivot bracket  49  is smooth hole  68 . Within pivot bracket  45  is threaded hole  66 . Pivot brackets  45  and  49  fit snugly but not rigidly upon two sides of support column  44 , and holes  66  and  68  correspond to and communicate with holes  70  in support column  44 . Adjustment knob  46 , comprised of shaft  62  and threads  64  is inserted through pivot brackets  45  and  49  and column  44  such that threads  64  on shaft  62  may be coupled to threaded hole  66 , thereby rigidly securing upper cushion assembly  16  in a fixed position as desired by the user. Shown in  FIG. 6  is one, but by no means the only method of pivotal adjustment of cushion assembly  16 . 
         [0044]    Alternatively, upper cushion assembly  16  may be left securely attached yet pivotally moveable upon support column  44 , wherein cushion assembly  16  may move relative to the support column assembly  14 , in response to the movements of the body of a user. Thus, the upper cushion assembly  16  may be allowed to pivot freely, at the upper end of the column assembly  14 , preferably from slightly tilted toward the center plane of the bathtub (about 10-20 degrees forward from horizontal), to horizontal (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), and rearward to a position in the range of 35-60 degrees rearward from horizontal. Most preferably, the upper cushion assembly  16  pivots from 10-20 degrees forward from horizontal to 45 degrees rearward from horizontal ( FIG. 11 ). Thus, the assembly  16  preferably freely pivots up to about 80 degrees (or more preferably about 65 degrees) and has stops or other limiting structure at each end of the pivot path (at about horizontal and at about 60 degrees) to prevent the cushion assembly from pivoting further, and to prevent the cushion assembly from “flopping” too far either direction (that is, too far counter-clockwise or clockwise in  FIG. 11 ). Alternatively, the cushion assembly  16  may be pivotally connected to the column assembly  14  by other means, for example, a biased pivot connection, such as one that is biased rearward and provides slight resistance to the user leaning over the bathtub, or a flex connection that allows pivoting relative to the column assembly  14  by means of a flexible member rather than a pivot axle. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the dimension X is preferably in a range of about 6-10 inches (optimum being approximately 8 inches) and dimension Y is preferably 4-8 inches (optimum being approximately 6 inches), or at least not more than 8 inches at the left and right ends of the cushion assembly (above the breasts). The bathing aid device  1  is sized and shaped so that the upper cushion assembly  16  is located in relation to the bathtub wall and the user&#39;s body so as to bear against the clavicle portion of the user&#39;s upper chest area, and the upper cushion assembly is dimensioned and shaped to allow for proper and comfortable upper body support, while, most importantly, permits complete freedom of movement of the arms of a user. Especially, the width of the upper cushion assembly (approximately 8 inches wide) permits the user to reach unhindered around the cushion assembly  16  into the bathtub even to the point that the user may use both hands very close to each other inside the bathtub to do intricate and careful work in front of the user. This is especially advantageous and important relative to the bathing of an infant. (See  FIG. 11 ). With respect to a female user, the upper cushion assembly  16  bears against the upper chest area in such a way as to not impinge upon nor cause discomfort to the breasts. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , it will be observed that a female user is positioned upon the preferred device, and is bathing an infant. The knees K of the user P are cradled upon and within cushion  20  of pedestal  18 . Preferably, there is no seat for the user extending up from the pedestal  18 . Dimension D, denoting the height above the floor of cushion  20 , is preferably 5-7 inches (optimally approximately 5½ inches), thereby allowing the feet F of the user P to assume a natural, comfortable position. It will also be noted that upper cushion  48  bears against the area of the upper chest above the breasts, especially important to a female user. Preferably, during normal use, the cushion assembly  16  does not contact, and does not support the user at or below the breasts, at the lower ribcage or other part of the lower chest or stomach, and does not contact the user&#39;s elbows or forearms. While the inventors acknowledge that some “upper breast” tissue, such as upper muscle or other upper tissue associated with the breasts, may be in the vicinity of the cushion assembly during use of the device, the preferred device is adapted for contact and weight-bearing between the user&#39;s body and the upper cushion to be substantially above the breasts and substantially in the clavicle area. In alternative embodiments, the inventors foresee that the cushion may have a substantial portion that contacts the user between the breasts, but, again, not centered against, or substantially encroaching on, either of the breasts. This is primarily because of the discomfort that would be experienced by many users if contact, and especially weight-bearing, were to occur between the upper cushion and one or both breasts. Thus, the preferred embodiments, while being effective for anyone desiring support while kneeling beside a bathtub, are especially comfortable for nursing mothers and women in general. 
         [0047]    Further, because the upper cushion  48  supports the user between the shoulders, rather than below the shoulders, the preferred device  1  provides superior support, comfort, and strain-relief compared to support lower on the user&#39;s body; when support is lower on the user&#39;s body, the user must still lean over and substantially forward from the support, which typically results in more back and/or shoulder strain, discomfort, and less secure and safe positioning of the user relative to the bathtub and the bather. It will also be seen that the preferred device allows for complete freedom of movement of the arms A of a user, thereby affording increased function and safety, especially with respect to bathing of an infant B. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , it will be observed that when bathing is completed, the entire vertical support structure  10  may be removed from pedestal  18 , occupying only the momentary use of one hand of the user, thereby allowing the other hand to continue to provide support for the bather, which is especially desirable in the case of an infant. Support structure  10  may be laid aside from pedestal  18  a suitably safe distance, and when so accomplished, affords much easier and safer egress from the bathtub. With the support structure so removed, if, in the case of an infant, he or she is accidentally dropped, or a person exiting or entering the bathtub should stumble or fall, injury potential is greatly reduced or eliminated, as no part of the invented device remains in close proximity to the bathtub with the exception of the pedestal  18 , which is designed with smooth and rounded edges and/or cushioning to reduce injury potential. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , it will be readily apparent that other upper support cushion shapes may be employed besides the rectangular shape shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 . For example, a triangular cushion  148 , or a t-shaped cushion  248  may be used, as these serve well to support the upper chest/clavicle area of the user without bearing/impinging on the breasts. The lower corner of the triangle cushion  148 , or the lower branch of the T cushion  248 , may bear on the upper chest between the breasts, and, hence, will still be comfortable.  FIG. 8  illustrates the preferred cushion location, that is, between the shoulders and above the breasts of the user. Attachment means to upper cushion support column  44  would remain the same as those shown in the preferred embodiment, or as designed by one of skill in the art. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an alternate embodiment of the invented device is shown, wherein an adjustment means  70  is provided in the horizontal portion of upper support tube  38 . The adjustment means  70  is similar to the adjustment means  36  shown in  FIG. 5 , but is not limited to this means and other securing methods may be employed, such as a cotter-pin style lock, a set-screw style lock, a clamp lock, or others that will be envisioned by those of skill in the art after viewing this disclosure and the drawings. Such a horizontal adjustment means may be valuable, as it may allow the user to adjust the position of the upper cushion assembly  16  to the proper location relative to the user&#39;s body. Typically, this will place the upper cushion assembly  16  several inches above, and several inches forward, of the center of the top surface  81  of the bathtub wall  80 . 
         [0051]    One will note that the preferred slidable and removable connection of the support structure  10  to the pedestal  18  is accomplished by simply sliding the end  30  of lower tube  28 , into hole  26 . With such a connection, the support structure is held generally upright and does not pivot or move except when it is lifted straight up for removal. The hole  26  is formed by a rigid and sturdy cylindrical wall recess into the base  21 , or a bore into a rigid and sturdy portion of the base  21 . The hole  26  and the wall/material that define it, are preferably recessed into the base  21  so that no portion of the connection structure protrudes above the surface of the base/pedestal. This way, when the lower tube  28  is removed, there is no protruding bracket or other structure that could be a danger to a falling person or a dropped infant. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , it may be seen that an optional and less-preferred pivotally locking means  90  may be used at the lower end of lower support tube  28  to secure it to pedestal  18 . Shown is one, but by no means the only method of accomplishing this. Attached to the upper surface  25  of pedestal  18  are pivot brackets  91  and  93 . Within pivot bracket  91  is smooth hole  95 . Within pivot bracket  93  is threaded hole  97 . Pivot brackets  91  and  93  fit snugly but not rigidly upon the outer diameter of support tube  28 , and holes  95  and  97  correspond to and communicate with holes  99  in support tube  28 . Adjustment knob  92 , comprised of handle  94 , shaft  96  and threads  98  is inserted through pivot brackets  91  and  93  and tube  28  such that threads  98  on shaft  96  may be coupled to threaded hole  97 , thereby rigidly securing lower support tube  28  in a fixed position. Such an optional locking system may be used to secure the lower support tube  28  to the pedestal  18 , without the tube  28  extending into the pedestal  18 . Once loosened, to allow the tube  28  to pivot relative to the pedestal  18 . This option may be preferred by those who do not want the support structure  10  to be easily removable, so that the parts are not separated or lost, and/or that want the support structure  10  to pivot to a collapsed position against the pedestal  18  for storage. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , illustrated is an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which pedestal  18  is completely covered on its upper surface by cushion  82 . Rising upwardly from the lower portion of pedestal  18  is standpipe  84 , designed to accept the lower end of vertical support column assembly  14 . The top of standpipe  84  is recessed below the upper surface of cushion  82  so as not to create a safety hazard. In the event that an elderly, handicapped or infant person, upon egress from the bathtub, should fall, with vertical support column  14  having been removed, the body comes into contact with a completely cushioned surface, thereby contributing to the prevention of injury. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , shown is an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a flexible appendage may be added to and/or used with the present invention, serving as a bathtub wall cushion and/or storage system  90 . A flexible panel  86  is attached to pedestal  18  and is drawn upwardly along the sidewall of the bathtub until cushion  88  rests upon the top surface  81  of the bathtub sidewall. Weights or magnets could be employed, sewn within the flexible material, to aid in retaining cushion  88  upon the top of the sidewall of the bathtub. Panel  86  and cushion  88  may be employed as an added safety feature, preventing potential injury occurring from unintentional contact with the top portion of the sidewall of the bathtub. Further, storage pockets (not shown) may be added as desired, preferably on the panel  86  outside the bathtub wherein the infant of other bather cannot reach the items stored. The system  90  may be easily detachable from the device  1 , or may be rolled-up to, and stored with, the pedestal. 
         [0055]    Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the broad scope of the following claims.