REPLACEABLE SUPPORT DEVICE FOR USE WITH BATHING APPARATUS

Abstract

An infant bathing system comprising a removable flexible support adapted to be secured with an infant bathing apparatus, such as an infant tub or infant bather is provided. The replaceable support device comprises, a flexible support member made from a flexible material and including a water permeable region. The water permeable region is preferably centrally positioned on the flexible support. The support member further including a securement portion adapted to securingly engage a rim portion of the bathing apparatus, and comprising an engagement member.

Claims

1. An apparatus adapted for use With a bathing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a flexible support member adapted to support an infant, the flexible support member comprising at least one flexible material including a water permeable region, and a securement portion comprising an engagement member, the engagement member being adapted to seemingly engage a rim portion of the bathing apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the engagement member comprises at least one extensible portion such that the securement portion is stretched over the rim portion of the bathing apparatus and secured therewith by way of a spring force.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water permeable region is centrally positioned on the flexible support member.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flexible support member further includes at least one limited stretch region, the limited stretch region positioned adjacent to the water permeable region.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible support member includes a padded head rest.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securement member is formed continuously about a periphery of the flexible support member.

7. A bathing system, the system comprising: a bathing apparatus and a replaceable support apparatus; the bathing apparatus comprising a rim; the support apparatus adapted to be removably secured with the rim of the bathing apparatus; the support apparatus comprising, a flexible support member adapted to support an infant, the support member comprising at least one flexible material including a water permeable region, and a securement portion comprising an engagement member, the securement portion adapted to securingly engage a rim portion of the bathing apparatus.

8. The bathing system of claim 7, wherein the engagement member comprises one or more extensible portion such that the securement portion is adapted to be stretched over the rim of the bathing apparatus and be secured therewith by way of a spring force.

9. The bathing system of claim 7, wherein the water permeable region is centrally positioned on the flexible support.

10. The bathing system of claim 8, wherein the support apparatus at least one limited stretch region is formed with the flexible support adjacent to the water permeable region.

12. The bathing system of claim 7, wherein the flexible support includes a padded head rest.

12. The replaceable support device of claim 7, wherein the securement member is formed continuously about a periphery of the support member.

13. The bathing system of claim 7, wherein the bathing apparatus is an infant bath tub.

14. The bathing system of claim 7, wherein the bathing apparatus is an infant bather.

15. A bathing system, the system comprising: a bathing apparatus and a replaceable support apparatus; the bathing apparatus comprising a rim; the support apparatus adapted to be removably secured with the rim of the bathing apparatus; the support apparatus comprising a flexible support member adapted to support an infant, the support member comprising at least one flexible material including a water permeable region, and a securement portion comprising an engagement member, the securement portion being adapted to securingly engage a rim portion of the bathing apparatus, and at least one limited stretch region formed adjacent to the water permeable region.

16. The bathing system of claim 15, wherein the engagement member comprises one or more extensible portion such that the securement portion is adapted to be stretched over the rim of the bathing apparatus and be secured therewith by way of a spring force.

18. The bathing system of claim 15, wherein the flexible support includes a padded head rest.

18. The replaceable support device of claim 15, wherein the securement member is formed continuously about a periphery of the support member.

19. The bathing system of claim 15, wherein the bathing apparatus is an infant bath tub.

20. The bathing system of claim 15, wherein the bathing apparatus is an infant bather.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a second exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from a lower perspective.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by a single sink.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by a double sink.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by the bottom of a bathtub.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention supported by the edges of a bathtub.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention of an infant bathtub with flexible support member.

[0028] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the embodiment in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Before the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described, it is to be understood that the claimed apparatus is not limited to specific embodiment discussed, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Provided is an apparatus 10 for bathing an infant. Apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is mounted with the base. In this embodiment, the cradle includes a frame (discussed in greater detail below) over which is secured a support member, such as fabric hammock 16, which has portions 17 thereof that are comprised of a water permeable material, and in this particular embodiment, a mesh material. In use, the base 12 is supported by a support surface, such as edges of a sink, and the cradle 14 is able to be rotated relative to the base. By enabling the cradle to be rotated, the positions of the infant relative to the water source can be adjusted without having to lift the infant off of the cradle 14 and reposition the infant. The alignment of the infant relative to the caregiver may also be similarly adjusted.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, other details of certain preferred features are discussed. As discussed, the apparatus 10. includes a base 12 and a cradle 14, which is mountable with the base 12. The base 12 includes a first surface 20 and an opposed second surface 22. As shown, when in its intended operating position, the first surface 20 is the bottom surface of the base and the second surface 22 is the top surface of the base. Base 12 may be formed of plastic, wood, metal, carbon fiber, or other similarly resilient and rigid material or combination of materials. Preferably, however, base 12 is formed of a plastic, such as polypropylene. Base 12 may be integrally formed, but may be comprised of a plurality of parts bonded or otherwise secured together. For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred that base 12 is a molded unitary piece. Although not depicted, it is further contemplated that the base may include an adjustable portion, such as two telescoping portions, that enable the base to be widened.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, the first surface 20 of the base 12 includes engagement members 24, 26, 28, and 30. In this embodiment, the engagement members are integrally formed with the base 12. It is contemplated that the engagement members nay be otherwise secured to the base. It is also contemplated that the engagement members may be adjustable to allow for the base to be engaged with non-standard sinks.

[0033] In this embodiment, engagement members 24 and 26 each define an engagement portion in the form of ledge 32. Ledge 32 is configured to generally fit with the curvature of the edge of standard sinks. Since many sinks are generally of standard sizes, it is preferred that the engagement members 24 and 26 are spaced on the base 12 such that they will fit securely with the edges of a standard sink.

[0034] In addition to engagement members 24 and 26, engagement members 28 and 30 may also be included. Engagement member 28 and 30 define a bottom edge, such as foot 34, which may be rested on the bottom of a receptacle, such as a bathtub. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the edge 34 may include a non-slip material, such as a soft elastomer, or may include suction cups to provide added stability. Engagement members 28 and 30 further define an engagement portion, such as ledge 33 which may also engage the edge of a standard sink. As shown, the spacing between engagement members 28 and 30 is less than the spacing between engagement members 24 and 26. This enables the engagement members 28 and 30 to be used with small sinks, or when the base is oriented differently, such as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, engagement members 30 may further define a yoke shaped portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to straddle a divider of a double sink. As shown, the engagement member may be a formed portion of the first surface 20 or may extend from the first surface 20. While not depicted, the engagement members may engage the support, such as a sink, by way of a non-mechanical engagement, such as with magnets embedded within the base that will magnetically engage with the sink and secure the apparatus 10 in position.

[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second surface 22 of the base 12 further defines a cradle interface 38. In this embodiment, the cradle interface 38 takes the form of an annular lip. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the cradle interface may take other forms, including without limitation an annular recess or track, or a rotational hub. The cradle interface 38 defines a vertical, axis 40 that preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the base second surface 22. In this particular embodiment, the base 12 defines aperture 42. Aperture 42 enables the apparatus 10 to be lighter in weight, to require less material and thus present cost savings, and also to allow water to flow through to the sink.

[0036] The cradle 14 includes a first surface 44 and a second surface 46. In its intended operational orientation, the second surface 46 is the top surface and the opposed first surface 44 is the bottom surface. The second surface 46 of the cradle 14 is configured to support an infant in a reclined position. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle second surface is generally in a reclined horizontal position such that the infant rests on top of the cradle in a supine position. The amount or degree of recline of the second surface 46 relative to horizontal may, in some instances, range from 0 degrees to less than perpendicular. It is preferred that the recline is generally a reclined horizontal position that may range from about 0 degrees to 45 degrees, and in more preferred embodiments, the cradle second surface 46 is between about 0 degrees, i.e. completely horizontal, and 30 degrees elevated relative to the horizontal. In the preferred embodiment shown, the cradle second surface 46 is slightly convex so as to provide a curvature for the infant to support its head in a slightly raised position, and includes portions between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees. Referring to FIG. 3, the cradle 14 includes a frame 48 and a support such as hammock 50 made of a flexible fabric material stretched over the frame 48. The fabric is preferably of a slightly stretchable material that will provide cushioning to the infant and conform somewhat to the infant's body. The hammock 50 may include a water permeable portion 52, such as made of mesh. As shown, the water permeable portion 52 is positioned over an opening 55 in the frame 48, which is aligned with the aperture 42 of the base 12. Water is then caused to flow through the water permeable portion 52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. It is preferred that other than the water permeable portion 52, the other portions of the hammock are substantially water impervious such that the convex shape of the cradle 14 causes the water to flow through opening 55 and aperture 42 to the sink. The hammock 50 preferably includes an elastic perimeter that may be stretched and pulled over the edge of the frame 48.

[0037] It is contemplated that the cradle 14 may alternatively comprise a solid structure that may include apertures, as opposed to the hammock stretched over a frame. In such an embodiment, the apertures would preferably be sized so as to allow water to flow through to the sink, but sufficiently small to prevent the infant front accidentally inserting a finger or toe through the aperture. The apertures would preferably be formed in vertical alignment with the opening 55 and aperture 42. The solid cradle may also include a padded surface.

[0038] The first surface 44 of the cradle 14 includes a base interface 52 that is engageable with the cradle interface 38 of the base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the base interface 53 defines an annular rim that mates with the annular lip of the base. In some preferred embodiments such as shown, the base interface 53 may include one or more guide members 54. The guide members 54 prevent relative lateral or horizontal movement of the cradle interface 38 relative to the base interface 53. In this particular embodiment, since the cradle interface 38 and base interface 52 are circular, the guide members 54 also prevent lateral or horizontal movement of the cradle 14 relative to the base 12. In this embodiment the guide members further include a detent, such as hook portion 56, which locks under a shoulder 58 formed with cradle interface 38. In this way, the base and the cradle are fixed to one another. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the cradle 14 to be readily detachable from the base.

[0039] Although described such that the guide members are formed with the base interface to engage with the cradle interface of the base, it should be appreciated that other configurations can be utilized. For example, the guide members may be formed with the cradle interface of the base so as to engage the base interface of the cradle. As another alternative, guide members may be formed on both of the cradle interface and the base interface.

[0040] As described above, each of the cradle interface 38 and the base interface 52 may be continuous, i.e., forming complete tracks. However, the cradle interface and the base interface 52 may each include separated curved or arcuate sections, such that the cradle interface and base interface cooperate to form a complete track.

[0041] In the previous discussion, the interaction between the cradle interface and the base interface allows for a sliding rotation of the cradle relative to the base. Although not depicted in the drawings, it is also contemplated that at least one of the cradle interface and the base interface may include a plurality of indices for predetermined specific relative orientations of the cradle relative to the base. For example, a total of 12 indices spaced such as the numbers on the face of a clock, would allow the cradle to be oriented in 12 different positions relative to the base, e.g., at 15 degree intervals. Preferably rotation of the cradle relative to the base is achieved by simply turning the cradle while the base remains stationary on the sink or tub. In some embodiments, however, the indexes . ay include the step of lifting of the cradle vertically from the base, rotating the cradle relative to the base, and then lowering the cradle back onto the base.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, use of the apparatus 10 with a standard single sink is discussed. Apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 24 and 26 of base member 12 engage the front and back edges of aa standard single sink 62. Although not indicated by number or visible from the perspective shown, similar engagement members may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the base. When thus placed, the water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50, which is positioned over the opening 55 in the frame 48 and the aperture 42 (FIG. 2) of the base 12, is positioned over the open portion of the sink 62. Water flows towards the water permeable portion 52, through opening 55, and aperture 42 to the sink. The base interface 52 and cradle interface 38 (FIG. 3) are configured such that regardless of how the cradle 14 is rotated relative to the base 12, opening 55 and aperture 42 remains stationary relative to the sink.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 is shown on a standard double sink 64. Similar to with the single sink in FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 28 (not shown in drawing) and 30 of base member 12 engage a side of a standard double sink 64 and a divider 66. Again, although not shown, engagement members similar to engagement members 28 and 30 may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the apparatus 10. In this embodiment, at least engagement member 30 defines a yoke shaped portion 36 (FIG. 4) configured to straddle the divider 66. It should be understood that engagement members 28 and 30 may also be used with a single sink when orienting the apparatus 10 ninety-degrees from the manner depicted in FIG. 5. As before, the water permeable portion 52 of the hammock 50, the opening 55 in the frame 48, and the aperture 42 of the base 12 are positioned over the open portion of the sink 64.

[0044] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used in a bathtub. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 may be placed in the bottom of a bathtub 70. Although not required, it is preferred that if used in the bottom of a bathtub 70 that the engagement members 28 and 30 include a non-slip material, such as a soft elastomer. Preferably, engagement members 28 and 30 extend sufficiently away from the first surface 20 such that the cradle is elevated sufficiently above the bottom of bathtub 70 such that the infant is held above the bath water. It should further be recognized that apparatus 10 may be used in situations other than the bathing of an infant. For example, the apparatus could serve as a small recliner for the infant. Although not shown, the apparatus 10 may include straps or other Means for securing the infant on the apparatus 10.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be used on a bathtub. As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 is placed such that engagement members 26 and 24 of base member 12 engage sides of bathtub 72. As with previous embodiments, the orientation of the cradle relative to the base may be rotationally adjusted as desired.

[0046] To use the apparatus 10, a caregiver may place the engagement members of the base with a support surface, such as a tub or sink surface. The caregiver may then place an infant on the cradle second surface 46. It is contemplated that the infant may be placed on the cradle second surface 46, and then the apparatus 10 with infant placed on the support surface. The angle of the infant relative to the water source may be adjusted by rotating the cradle 14 relative to the base 12. This enables the caregiver the ability to position the infant and avoid interference from the faucet, and then position the infant as desired. During the bath, the position of the infant relative to the caregiver may be similarly adjusted to enable better access to the infant's body parts. The repositioning may be done without need for lifting the infant.

[0047] As discussed, one feature of the present invention is a flexible support member, such as hammock 50, which is stretched over frame 48. As discussed below, it is contemplated that the flexible support member may be configured to be secured over the rim of an infant bath tub.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a preferred embodiment of an infant, bath tub with removable flexible support is discussed. Infant bathing apparatus 100 includes a bath tub 110 and a support member 112. The bath tub defines a molded plastic body 114 having an upper rim 116 and further defining a bathing basin 118 sized for bathing a young child and having a bottom surface 119. The upper rim 116 of the body 114 circumscribes or surrounds the bathing basin 118. The removable flexible support member 112 comprises a securement portion 122 that comprises at least one engagement member 120. In the embodiment shown, the engagement member is formed from a single continuous extensible member formed around the support member 112. In some embodiments, the engagement member 120 may include a plurality of extensible sections spaced about the outer edge portion of the support member 112. In some embodiments, it may be desired to have the securement portion 122 formed laterally inward from the outer edge portion so as to allow a portion of the material to drape over the edge of the tub. In certain embodiments where the engagement member 120 includes one or more extensible portions, these are are adapted to be stretched from an original condition so as to stretch over the upper rim 116 of the tub 110, and to have a bias to return towards the original condition. In other words. the one or more extensible portions, are stretched over the upper rim 116 and the engagement member 120 tightens over the rim by way of a spring force so as to secure the support member 112 on the underside or outer portion of rim 116 of the tub 110. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement member 120 may be a ring-type element that deforms slightly and snap fits with the underside of the rim. In yet other embodiments, the engagement member 120 may include a plurality of hooks or ties that engage catches formed with the rim 116. The engagement member 120 may alternatively include one half of a hook and loop enclosure that engages with the second half of a hook and loop enclosure secured with the rim of the tub.

[0049] In some embodiments, the support member 112 may include several features. For example, in this preferred embodiment, the support member 112 includes a central water permeable region 124. In a preferred form, region 124 is formed of a mesh fabric that allows for additional stretch to cradle the infant therein. A padded section 126 is optionally provided as a head rest for the infant. Disposed on opposed sides of the water permeable region 122 are limited stretch regions 128 and 130. Regions 128 and 130 are configured to provide additional vertical support for the water permeable region 124, again so as to cradle the infant.

[0050] With the infant tub 110, the support member 112 preferably suspends the infant above the bottom surface 119 of the tub. One reason for this is that the umbilical cord stump of a newborn should be kept dry. By suspending the infant above the tub, and cradling the infant in the central water permeable region, the umbilical cord stump will not inadvertently get wet.

[0051] Having described this invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications may be made of this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the breadth of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents.