DISPOSABLE CLEANING AUXILIARY TOOL

Abstract

The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool comprises a flexible sheet-like non-liquid-permeable material being made to have a bottom portion, a duct portion arranged so as to extend further therebeyond from a location serving as soiled water outlet provided at an outer periphery of said bottom portion, a pouch-like water-receiving portion arranged at a surface at one side or surfaces at both sides of an extended tip of said duct portion, a cylindrical gas filled portion arranged at an outer peripheral portion other than the location serving as soiled water outlet at said bottom portion, and a gas filling inlet for filling said cylindrical gas filled portion, and is capable of being folded and stored when the cylindrical gas filled portion is not filled with gas, a concavity formed when the body of the bedridden individual pushes downward serves as a reservoir, another concavity formed serves as a drainage path.

Claims

1. A disposable cleaning auxiliary tool, both sides of which are capable of being used, which comprises a flexible sheet-like non-liquid-permeable material, and which has a bottom portion, a duct portion arranged so as to extend further therebeyond from a location serving as soiled water outlet provided at an outer periphery of said bottom portion, a pouch-like water-receiving portion arranged at a surface at one side or surfaces at both sides of an extended tip of said duct portion, a cylindrical gas filled portion arranged at an outer peripheral portion other than the location serving as soiled water outlet at said bottom portion, and a gas filling inlet for filling said cylindrical gas tilled portion; wherein the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool is capable of being folded and stored when the cylindrical gas filled portion is not filled with gas; wherein, when the cylindrical gas filled portion has been filled with gas by way of the gas filling inlet, the inflated cylindrical gas filled portion serves as a cylindrical platform for supporting and permitting placement thereon of a portion of the body of a bedridden individual, a cylindrical wall for preventing water from said bottom portion from overflowing, and a cylindrical column that is inserted within the pouch-like water-receiving portion and that makes the pouch-like water-receiving portion capable of standing on its own after receiving water; and wherein the bottom portion is supported and made more or less planar by the inflated cylindrical gas filled portion, a concavity formed when a location at the bottom portion which was made more or less planar and on which a portion of the body of the bedridden individual is placed is pushed downward serves as a reservoir, each time that a portion of a sheet which was made more or less planar is pushed downward a concavity is formed that serves as a drainage path causing water to be guided from said reservoir to the duct portion and the pouch-like water-receiving portion.

2. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool according to claim 1 wherein the gas filling inlet is provided with a mechanism for preventing backflow of gas from the cylindrical gas filled portion.

3. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool according to claim 1 wherein, when the cylindrical gas filled portion has been filled with gas by way of the gas filling inlet, the cylindrical gas filled portion is U-shaped, C-shaped, or in the shape of the character .

4. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool according to claim 1 used by causing the duct portion to hang down from a side face of a bed or futon bedding on which the bedridden individual is placed, causing an opening at the pouch-like water-receiving portion provided at the extended portion which is directed upward so as to be capable of receiving soiled water during cleaning of the body of the bedridden individual.

5. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool according to claim 1 wherein the cylindrical gas filled portion length is provided with a depression or slit having a depth which is less than a diameter of the cylindrical gas filled portion.

6. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool according to claim 1 wherein an outer peripheral side of the cylindrical gas filled portion is provided with a depression or slit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing to assist in describing how one embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention might be used.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a right side view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a left side view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a (a) front view (FIG. 8 (a); and rear view at FIG. 8 (b)) of another embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a drawing to assist in describing how another embodiment of a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention might be used.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a drawing to assist in describing how a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention might be used.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a drawing to assist in describing how a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention might be used.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a drawing to assist in describing how a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with a means of the present invention might be used.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0053] Below, embodiments for carrying out the present invention are described as appropriate with reference to the drawings below.

Disposable Shampoo Tool Materials

[0054] While there is no particular limitation with respect to the material(s) employed in the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) in accordance with the means of the present invention so long as it is a soft resin capable of being molded into non-liquid-permeable flexible sheeting, considering the fact that it should be manufactured at low cost and that it should be such as to permit little space to be taken up when it is stored, a film-like substance made of resin is employed, it being preferred that a film-like material made of soft plastic or soft vinyl be employed. It is more preferred that polyethylene film or the like or a film made of resin such as polypropylene film be employed. So as to make it possible for part of the weight of the body of a bedridden individual placed thereon to form a concavity at a bottom portion thereof, thickness of the film is on the order of 0.015 mm to 0.05 mm, on the order of 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm being preferred, and on the order of 0.02 mm to 0.03 mm being more preferred. Furthermore, so long as it is of such thickness as to make it possible for the weight of the head of a bedridden individual to form a concavity at a bottom portion thereof, it is also possible to employ composite sheeting in which film made of resin and nonwoven fabric and/or metal film are laminated together by means of heat, adhesive, or the like. Furthermore, so long as it is such as to make it possible for the weight of the head of a bedridden individual to form a concavity at a bottom portion thereof, there is no objection to employment of single-ply film sheeting or multi-ply film sheeting made up two or more plies.

[0055] Furthermore, because employment of a check valve at the gas filling inlet for causing the interior of the gas filled portion to be filled with gas will make it possible for workers to efficiently perform the air filling procedure, and will facilitate unimpeded performance of the procedure when the procedure is being done by a single person, it is preferred. As the gas, besides the breath of the worker and air, it is also possible to employ any of various types of gases. Furthermore, a canister, pump, or the like may be employed to cause this to be filled with the necessary amount of air or other such gas by way of the gas filling inlet.

Manufacturing Method

[0056] Any of various adhesive and/or bonding means such as heat-sealing, adhesive, compression bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like may be used to manufacture the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with the means of the present invention using soft resin sheeting that is non-liquid-permeable and flexible such as has been indicated at Materials, above. For example, a member having cylindrical sheeting which will serve as a cylindrical gas filled portion and having a check valve or other such air backflow prevention mechanism, a bottom portion, a duct portion arranged so as to extend further therebeyond from a location which will serve as soiled water outlet provided at the outer periphery of the bottom portion, and the aforementioned soft resin sheeting which will form a pouch-like water-receiving portion arranged at the surface at one side or the surfaces at both sides of the extended tip of said duct portion may be stacked atop each other, and heat-sealing, adhesive, compression bonding, or ultrasonic bonding may be used to carry out adhesion/bonding to form the cylindrical gas filled portion, check valve or other such air backflow prevention mechanism which is arranged at the cylindrical gas filled portion, bottom portion, duct portion which is arranged so as to extend further therebeyond from a location serving as soiled water outlet provided at the outer periphery of the bottom portion, and pouch-like water-receiving portion arranged at the surface at one side or the surfaces at both sides of the extended tip of said duct portion in accordance with the means of the present invention. Furthermore, by using soft-resin pouch-like sheeting that is non-liquid-permeable and flexible, causing a check valve or other such air backflow prevention mechanism to be arranged at a location which will serve as a cylindrical gas filled portion, using a die to perform heat-sealing at a temperature of around 200° C., and cutting an opening at a pouch-like water-receiving portion arranged at the surface at one side or the surfaces at both sides of the extended tip of a duct portion, it is also possible to manufacture a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool, both sides of which are capable of being used, and which comprises a flexible sheet-like non-liquid-permeable material, in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, by causing one end of a soft-resin sheeting material that is non-liquid-permeable and flexible to be folded back upon itself to form a location which will serve as a cylindrical gas filled portion, causing a check valve or other such air backflow prevention mechanism to be captured therebetween at a portion thereof, causing the other end of said sheeting material to be folded back upon itself so as to form a pouch-like water-receiving portion, and using a die to cause heat-sealing to be respectively performed at the peripheral edges at the location which will serve as cylindrical gas filled portion and at which the check valve or other such air backflow prevention mechanism is captured, and at the location at which the pouch-like water-receiving portion will be formed, it is also possible to manufacture a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool, both sides of which are capable of being used, and which comprises a flexible sheet-like non-liquid-permeable material, in accordance with the present invention.

Usage Procedure

[0057] As an example of a usage procedure for a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) in accordance with the means of the present invention, a procedure that may be employed when carrying out shampooing is indicated below.

[0058] 1. A disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) in accordance with the means of the present invention which is folded up is taken out and is unfolded.

[0059] 2. Air is blown into the interior of the cylindrical gas filled portion by way of the gas filling inlet (3) to cause the interior thereof to become filled with air and cylindrical in shape. Because placement of the bedridden individual's neck thereon will cause an increase in pressure which will tend to cause the wall portion on the side opposite the side on which the bedridden individual's neck is placed to rise up, care should be taken not to blow too much air thereinto. Where a depression or slit is provided at the wall face, because the reduced thickness at the part of the wall portion corresponding to the depression (10) or slit (10) allows the cylindrical gas filled portion (2) to flex, this will suppress the tendency of the wall portion to rise up; but even where this is the case, too much air should not be blown thereinto.

[0060] 3. Standing at the bedside of the bedridden individual who is the subject of the shampoo procedure, while supporting the head of the bedridden individual with one hand, the other hand is used to remove the pillow that was being used, and the wall portion at which the cylindrical gas filled portion (2) of the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) which has been inflated with air is present is inserted beneath the neck of the bedridden individual.

[0061] 4. The disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) is arranged in such fashion as to allow the portion which extends from the bottom portion thereof to hang against the side face of the bed, and the head of the bedridden individual is then gently moved down onto the bottom portion. Investigation is carried out to confirm that the weight of the head of the bedridden individual has caused a concavity (11) to form at the bottom portion (7).

[0062] 5. If a finger sinks easily when pressed into the wall portion at which the cylindrical gas filled portion is present, a little additional air should be blown thereinto by way of the gas filling inlet (3) in supplemental fashion.

[0063] 6. Cleaning of the head and head hair is begun. A small amount of water sufficient to cause water to flow into and collect in the concavity at the bottom portion of the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) is poured onto the head of the bedridden individual from a polyethylene terephthalate bottle or other such container of on the order of 500 mL filled with water.

[0064] 7. The water that has collected therein is repeatedly taken up in the hands and poured on the head of the bedridden individual to adequately moisten the head hair and scalp.

[0065] 8. The portion of the sheet in the duct portion and flat portion of the bottom portion where water does not collect is pushed downward to produce a concavity in the sheet and form a drainage path (14), and the water is guided toward the water-receiving pouch (8) and is made to drain thereinto.

[0066] 9. Shampoo is used to clean the head hair and scalp of the bedridden individual.

[0067] 10. The hands are used to clear away as much of the foam from the shampoo as is possible.

[0068] 11. A small amount of water sufficient to cause water to flow into and collect in the concavity (11) at the bottom portion of the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) is poured onto the head of the bedridden individual from a polyethylene terephthalate bottle or other such container.

[0069] 12. The water that has collected therein is repeatedly taken up in the hands and poured on the head of the bedridden individual to wash away the shampoo.

[0070] 13. The extended portion of the sheet is pushed downward to produce a concavity in the extended portion and form a drainage path (14), and the water is guided toward the pouch-like water-receiving portion (8) and is made to drain thereinto.

[0071] 14. The procedure at 11 through 13 is repeated several times.

[0072] 15. The head hair and scalp of the bedridden individual are treated with conditioner (or treatment formula).

[0073] 16. The procedure at 11 through 13 is repeated several times.

[0074] 17. A towel or the like is used to wipe the moisture from the head hair and scalp of the bedridden individual.

[0075] 18. While supporting the head of the bedridden individual with one hand, the other hand is used to remove the disposable cleaning auxiliary tool (1) and to insert the pillow therebeneath.

[0076] 19. The soiled water (15) that has collected in the pouch-like water-receiving portion (8) of the disposable shampoo tool (1) is discarded. By cutting the portion below the pouch-like water-receiving portion (8), the soiled water can be easily discarded. Where there is a separate intended use for the soiled water such as for flushing of a flush toilet, this may be carried to the location where it will be used without cutting the portion below the pouch-like water-receiving portion (8) so that it may be used thereat.

WORKING EXAMPLE 1

[0077] As a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with the means of the present invention, pouch-like polyethylene film of thickness 0.03 mm was used, heat-sealing being carried out at a temperature of around 200° C. to cause adhesion of members corresponding to a cylindrical gas filled portion and a gas filling inlet having an air backflow prevention mechanism, following which an open portion was cut into a pouch-like water-receiving portion so as to cause the pouch-like water-receiving portion to be provided with an opening, to manufacture a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool having a structure as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 (Working Example 1).

WORKING EXAMPLE 2

[0078] As a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with the means of the present invention, pouch-like polyethylene film of thickness 0.03 mm was used, and hot-melt adhesive was used to cause adhesion of the respective parts, to manufacture a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool having a structure as shown in FIG. 8 through FIG. 12 (Working Example 2).

WORKING EXAMPLE 3

[0079] The disposable shampoo tools manufactured at Working Example 1 and Working Example 2 were used in accordance with the foregoing usage procedure to clean the head hair and scalp of a bedridden individual. As a Comparative Test, cleaning of the scalp and head hair at the head of a bedridden individual was carried out using a conventional Kelly-pad-type shampoo tool.

[0080] When the disposable cleaning auxiliary tools of Working Example 1 and Working Example 2, these being disposable cleaning auxiliary tools in accordance with the means of the present invention, were used, it was possible in each case for all operations from preparation to completion of cleaning to be performed by a single person. Moreover, cleaning was completed using a mere 1.5 L of cleaning water. There was moreover no occurrence of water leakage during cleaning. And when the reverse side was used as well, it was likewise possible in each case for all operations from preparation to completion of cleaning to be performed by a single person. While the contaminated water was allowed to collect in a bucket, there was no leakage of wastewater, and cleaning was completed using a mere 1.5 L of cleaning water. On the other hand, when the conventional-type shampoo tool of the Comparative Test was used, more than 5 L of cleaning water was required. Furthermore, it was difficult for all operations from preparation to completion of cleaning to be performed by a single person, the bucket needed to be replaced frequently, and there was occurrence of water leakage.

[0081] Furthermore, upon investigating the odor from the head before and after cleaning, it was found when a disposable cleaning auxiliary tool in accordance with the means of the present invention was used to perform cleaning using 1.5 L of water at 41° C. that the odor was less following cleaning. In contradistinction thereto, it was found when a conventional shampoo tool was used to perform cleaning using 1.5 L of water at 41° C. that cleaning was inadequate, oily components and so forth remained on the scalp, and the odor of the head remained unchanged relative to what it had been before cleaning.

WORKING EXAMPLE 4

[0082] Moreover, the disposable shampoo tools manufactured at the foregoing Working Examples 1 and 2 were also used to carry out cleaning of the lumbar region or gluteal region of a bedridden individual. As a result, in similar fashion as when carrying out the foregoing shampooing, it was likewise possible for all operations from preparation to completion of cleaning to be performed by a single person without causing leakage of water. Furthermore, it was possible to finish cleaning using an amount of cleaning water used that was 1.5 L, and by using an additional 1 L it was also possible to satisfactorily ensure cleanliness of the gluteal region in particular. It was also found that changes in the posture of the bedridden individual could be easily accomplished.

[0083] On the other hand, with the conventional shampoo tool used for the foregoing comparison, as water immediately flowed over the rubber surface, to perform cleaning it was necessary to continuously pour water on the bedridden individual, and a large amount of water was required. Moreover, when the amount of water was changed, the rubber jerked up, causing the contaminated water to spill into the surrounding area.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0084] 1 Disposable cleaning auxiliary tool [0085] 2 Cylindrical gas filled portion [0086] 3 Gas filling inlet [0087] 4 Wall portion [0088] 5 Opening at wall portion where cylindrical gas filled portion is present [0089] 6 Opening at pouch-like water-receiving portion [0090] 7 Bottom portion [0091] 8 Pouch-like water-receiving portion [0092] 8a Duct portion [0093] 9 Air backflow prevention mechanism [0094] 10 Depression or slit in wall face [0095] 11 Concavity formed where sheet is pushed downward at location at bottom portion where head of bedridden individual is placed; i.e., reservoir [0096] 12 Polyethylene terephthalate bottle [0097] 13 Water [0098] 14 Concavity formed where sheet is pushed downward at extended portion of sheet; i.e., drainage path for guiding water from reservoir to pouch-like water-receiving portion [0099] 15 Soiled water