Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BATHING PLATFORM FOR A BATHTUB
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[01] The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right
in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on
reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Grant No. F0627-R awarded by
The Department of Veterans Affairs.
BACKGROUND
[02] Field of the Invention
[03] The present disclosure generally relates to bathing devices and more
particular relates to a bathing platform that covers an installed bathtub.
[04] Related Art
[05] Lavatory devices that assist in bathing or showering are common among
the elderly and disabled patient population. The National Center for Health
Statistics has reported that about 10 percent of all people over the age of 65
have
difficulty bathing, and about 6 percent receive help. In an assessment of home
aids, adaptations and personal assistance received after traumatic spinal cord
injury (SCI) in a population of 2.5 million inhabitants in Denmark, the most
common aids or adaptations reported were related to the bathtub or shower
(69%). Despite the increased awareness for bathroom assistance, no room at
home poses more threats to safety than the bathroom. The National Safety
Council reports that 7.8% of all injury episodes in the bathroom involved
persons
of age 65 or older. This is because the greatest danger in the bathroom is
slipping
and falling when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower.
[06] To meet the needs of the aging population, the home health care services
industry has grown from 40.8 million dollars in 2005 to 57.2 million dollars
in 2009.
Similar growth is predicted into the future based on the growing number of
aging
individuals entering retirement and desiring to stay within their homes.
During this
same period, the accessible bathtub and shower industry grew from 119.1
million
dollars in 2005 to 148.5 million dollars in 2010. A similar growth rate was
seen in
the bath and pool lift industry that grew from 36.6 million dollars in 2005 to
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45.6 million dollars in 2010. This growth rate of 4.5% per year is projected
to
continue as the boomers retire.
[07] Individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction confront equivalent or
even
more significant challenges in the bathroom. The fixtures being developed by
the
design team will also serve this estimated population of 262,000 persons with
SCID (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center). There are approximately
12,000 new cases of spinal cord injury each year. Of these injuries, 51.9% are
tetraplegia and 45.2% are paraplegia (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
Center). This level of injury leads to diminished abilities and, in some
cases,
individuals will require caregiver assistance for bathing and other activities
of daily
life. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center (NSCISC) in
Birmingham,
Alabama, tracks over 91% of this population as living in private residences.
The
need to remain in the home is as compelling for a spinal cord injured patient
as it
is for the aging, prolonging independence, reducing health care costs and
maintaining a high quality of life.
[08] Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that overcomes these
significant problems found in the conventional systems as described above.
SUMMARY
[09] The present disclosure describes a bathing platform that covers a
conventional bathtub as typically found in North America and can be placed
equally over a right hand or a left hand bathtub. It is designed for use by
ambulatory individuals that cannot sit at the bottom of a bathtub or
individuals with
spinal cord injury/dysfunctions who cannot transfer from their wheelchair to
the
bottom of a bathtub. The bathing platform is designed to rest on the front rim
and
the other three sides of standard size bathtubs within a home or a facility.
[10] The present invention describes a novel bathing platform that can be
placed equally over a right-hand or left-hand bathtub and designed for use by
ambulatory and non-ambulattory individuals (e.g., elderly individuals and/or
individuals with spinal cord injury ("SCI") or traumatic brain injury ("TBI"))
who
cannot transfer to and/or from the bottom of a normal bathtub. The bathing
platform rests on two or more sides of standard size bathtubs and assists in
the
bathing of individuals within a home or facility. The bathing platform
contains
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several features that assist users in transferring safely from a standing
position or
from a wheelchair onto the bathing platform. These features include a height
similar to wheelchair height, and a higher rim. Additional features are
incorporated
in the design that facilitates an easy bathing process, including: a contoured
backrest, a deep leg and feet soaking area, and a drain that connects to the
main
bathtub drain.
[1 1 ] The proposed invention comprises two design features that distinguish
the
proposed invention from other similar technologies: 1) a symmetrical design
that
enables placement over at least a portion of the length and width of a right
hand
or left hand bathtub, 2) removability, which abolishes the requirement of
permanent installation. The fact that the bathing platform can be removed and
installed with minimal effort facilitates installation in the home and
assisted-living
facilities, especially compared with similar technologies that have to be more
permanently installed.
[12] The inventors have demonstrated proof-of-concept with a "mock" prototype
composed of plywood. Using this mock design, the inventors tested the efficacy
and safety of the bathing platform by allowing ten patients with paraplegia to
sample the prototype. All of these volunteers lived independently and had
documented history of transferring to bathing devices with minimal assistance.
A
universal response to the bathing platform was how sturdy it felt compared to
shower benches and chairs. The sturdiness resulted in a relaxed confidence
with
the bathing platform across all volunteers and knowledge that it would not
somehow fail them. The volunteers took a very similar approach by parking next
to the bathing platform for a transfer. They all worked to get the front
corner of
their seat as close as possible to the bathing platform. One volunteer who
struggled with this had swung his footrest to the side, which put it between
his
chair and the bathtub. Some volunteers did not touch the bathing platform as
they
aligned. Of all the volunteers, one used the vertical grab bar to assist with
positioning his chair. All volunteers employed a "three-step process" while
transferring to the bathing platform: 1) they aligned their chair, 2) they
lifted
themselves to the outside edge of the bathing platform and 3) they reset their
hands for the final move onto the bathing platform. The wide outside rail was
appreciated as a transition surface to sit on and change hand position while
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transferring. Once the volunteers moved out of their chairs and onto the wide
edge of the bathtub, almost all of them stopped to reset their hands. At this
point,
several of the volunteers used the metal grab bar mounted on the wall as a
support to lift themselves onto the bathing platform. Many of them kept their
hands
down low and used the raised edge at the back side of the bathing platform.
Once
inside the bathing platform, all of the volunteers described a feeling of
being "safe
and contained," with no fears of falling out of the unit. They also
appreciated the
strength of the backrest, which allowed them to lean back without fear of the
backrest failing. Almost all of the volunteers suggested that padding be
applied to
the bathing platform to relieve pressure. A result of the raised foot position
incorporated into the design was that it helped people access their feet for
washing. The bathing platform raises the legs so they can lean forward to
reach
their feet without fear of falling off the seat. It also simplifies moving a
foot up and
into a crosslegged position, which facilitates foot washing. During shower
simulation, the volunteers emphasized water management and avoiding
splashing. The bathing platform kept many of the patients balanced so they did
not have to hold onto anything. If they did hold on, they used the wall-
mounted
grab bar and more than the side rails to support themselves while washing.
Transferring out and exiting the bathtub was the same "three-step process,"
except in reverse. The volunteers with the weakest abdomens had some struggles
with the depth of the seat. This was a surprisingly high lift for some of
them, and
they had to drag their body up to the top of the rail to place their feet in
the foot
well.
[13] Positioned over a bathtub the bathing platform is at wheelchair height to
assist a user transferring safely and easily from a wheelchair. An ambulatory
individual can also take advantage of the higher position of the rail to sit
and
transfer. Certain advantages of the bathing platform include that it is
designed for
ambulatory access or wheelchair level transfer, designed to be symmetrical for
placement over a right hand or a left hand bathtub, designed to fit a variety
of
standard bathtub widths, designed with a contoured backrest, designed with a
deep leg and foot well for soaking, and designed to drain in the main bathtub
drain.
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[14] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the
following
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[15] The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood
from a review of the following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[16] FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform for a left hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[17] FIG. 1B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform for a right hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[18] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform for a left hand bathtub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[19] FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[20] FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[21] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a
bathing platform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[22] FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a
bathing platform with a bather according to an embodiment of the invention;
[23] FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of
ambulatory
access to a bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the
invention;
[24] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a
wheelchair
transfer to the bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the
invention;
[25] FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a
wheelchair
transfer to the bathing platform according to a previous embodiment of the
invention;
[26] FIGS. 10A ¨ 10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the
invention;
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[27] FIGS. 11A ¨ 11C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 10A ¨ 10C according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[28] FIGS. 12A ¨ 12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[29] FIGS. 13A ¨ 13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 12A ¨ 12C according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[30] FIGS. 14A ¨ 14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[31] FIGS. 15A ¨ 15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 14A ¨ 14C according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[32] FIGS. 16A ¨ 16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[33] FIGS. 17A ¨ 17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A ¨ 16C according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[34] FIGS. 18A ¨ 18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform with a support according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[35] FIGS. 19A ¨ 19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 17A ¨ 17C according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[36] FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example dimensions for
standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[37] FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example dimensions for
standard bathtubs on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an
embodiment of the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[38] Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide for a bathing platform
configured to cover a conventional bathtub that facilitates reduced injury
access to
existing bathing facilities and provides simplified transfer from a wheelchair
to use
the bathing facilities. For example, one embodiment disclosed herein includes
a
bathing platform that rests on the upper surface edges of an existing bathtub
and
provides a bathing platform with a soaking well for the user while also taking
advantage of existing bathing facilities such as plumbing for bathing water
and
drainage. After reading this description it will become apparent to one
skilled in
the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and
alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present
invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments
are
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed
description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to
limit the
scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[39] FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform 20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 comprises an
elongated platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a backrest
22,
a first long side having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having
an
upper rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side.
Advantageously, a
bottom surface portion of each of the first and second long sides is
configured to
engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and support the elongated platform.
In
alternative embodiments, a bottom surface portion of one or both of the first
and
second short sides is configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10
for
additional support of the elongated platform.
[40] FIG. 1B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform 20 for a right hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 comprises an
elongated platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a backrest
22,
a first long side having an upper rail surface 24, a second long side having
an
upper rail surface 24, a first short side and a second short side. As
previously
discussed, a bottom surface portion of each of the first and second long sides
and
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one or both of the first and second short sides is configured to engage an
upper
surface of the bathtub 10 and collectively support the elongated platform.
[41] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating an example bathing
platform
20 for a left hand bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In
the
illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface of each of the first and second
long
sides are engaged with an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and the top surface
24
of each of the first and second long sides forms a wide rail configured to
support a
user when transferring onto or of of the platform 20. In the illustrated
embodiment,
the platform 20 also includes a backrest 22.
[42] FIG. 3 is a side view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20
placed on a cross section of a bathtub 10 according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform comprises an
elongated platform 20 having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first long
side,
a second long side, a first short side and a second short side. A bottom
surface
portion of the first and second long sides is configured to engage an upper
surface of the bathtub 10 and support the elongated platform 20. The
engagement
of the bottom surface portion of the first and second long sides with an upper
surface of a bathtub 10 is not shown due to the cross sectional view. However,
the
illustration does show the engagement of a bottom surface portion of the first
and
second short sides with an upper surface of the bathtub 10. Advantageously,
the
elongated platform 20 may be configured such that a bottom surface of at least
two of the first long side, second long side, first short side and second
short side
engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 and thereby support the elongated
platform 20 abover the bathtub 10.
[43] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated platform 20 includes a
proximal section and a distal section separated by a middle section, wherein
the
proximal section comprises a first well 40 configured to hold water and
wherein
the proximal section is positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including
the
bathtub drain 15. Additionally, the elongated platform 20 also comprises a
platform drain 25 positioned at a low point in the first well 40 of the
proximal
section, the platform drain 25 configured to allow water to drain from the
elongated platform 20 to the bathtub 10.
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[44] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment the distal section of the
elongated platform 20 comprises a second well 42 that is also configured to
support a bather and hold water. The elongated platform 20 also comprises a
channel 50 that is configured to allow water to flow from the second well 42
to the
first well 40.
[45] Also in the illustrated embodiment, the first short side of the elongated
platform 20 borders the distal section of the elongated platform 20 and the
elongated platform 20 includes a backrest 22 extending upward from the first
short
side. Advantageously, in various embodiments the elongated platform 20 is
symmetrical along a central axis parallel to the first and second long sides
so it
can be positioned over a convention bathtub that is either left handed or
right
handed.
[46] FIG. 4 is a top view diagram illustrating an example bathing platform 20
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the
bathing platform 20 comprises a backrest 22 and two rails 24 formed by an
upper
surface of each long edge of the platform 20. The platform 20 also comprises a
second well 42 connected to a first well 40 by a channel 50. At a low point in
the
first well 40 is a platform drain 25 that is configured to allow water to
drain out
from the first well 40 of the platform 20 and into the bathtub 10.
[47] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a
bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the bathing platform 20 comprises second well 42 and a first well
40
that are connected by a channel 50 such that fluid can flow from the second
well
42 into the first well 40. The platform 20 also includes a plurality of
support ridges
23 configured to increase the stability and load bearing capability of the
platform
20. Also shown in the illustrated embodiment is a drain tube 30 connecting the
platform drain 25 to the bathtub drain 15. The drain tube 30 advantageously
reduces or eliminates the need to clean the surface of the bathtub 10 beneath
the
platform 20 because the bathing water from the bathing platform 20 drains
directly
form the platform 20 to the bathtub drain 15.
[48] FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating an example cross section of a
bathing platform 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the
illustrated
embodiment, a user is shown sitting on the bathing platform 20 and resting
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against the backrest 22. The feet of the user are in the well 40 near the
platform
drain 25, which extends through a lower surface of the platform 20 in the well
40.
[49] FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of
ambulatory
access to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a user employs the surface of the
rail 24
to position the user's body for transfer from a position on the floor near the
bathtub
to a position on the bathing platform 20. The user may also hold onto a rail
26
during the transfer from the floor to the platform 20.
[50] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a
wheelchair
transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the user positions the wheelchair
near
the bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20. The user may grasp the backrest 22 or
a
handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform 20. The
height
and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20 provides a transitional
surface that
the user can employ to facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing
platform 20. A channel 50 facilitates the flow of water from the second well
42 into
the first well 40 so that the water can drain from the bottom of the first
well 40 into
the bathtub 10.
[51] FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a
wheelchair
transfer to the bathing platform 20 according to a previous embodiment of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the user positions the wheelchair
near
the bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20. The user may grasp the backrest 22 or
a
handle 26 when transferring form the wheelchair onto the platform 20. The
height
and width of the wide rail 24 of the platform 20 provides a transitional
surface that
the user can employ to facilitate transfer from the wheelchair to the bathing
platform 20. Advantageously, the height of the upper surface of the rail 24 is
configured to be substantially level with the height of the surface of a seat
of the
wheelchair.
[52] FIGS. 10A ¨ 10C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub 10 and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an
embodiment
of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is
positioned above a conventional bathtub 10. The bathing platform 20 is
partially
supported by the bathtub 10 and by a support 60. The support 60 comprises two
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or more legs 64 that are connected to each other by one or more cross members
66. Each leg 64 has two or more feet 62.
[53] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 60 comprises three legs 64
connected to each other by two cross members 66. Each leg 64 includes two feet
62. The first and second legs 64 of the support 60 are positioned inside the
bathtub 10 and the third leg 64 is positioned outside the bathtub 10. Two
cross
members 66 are each connected at a first end to the first leg 64, at a middle
portion to the second leg 64 and at a second end to the third leg 64. The
cross
members 66 each extend over the edge of the bathtub 10 between the second leg
64 and the third leg 64.
[54] As previously discussed, the elongated platform 20 has a top surface and
a
bottom surface, a first long side, a second long side, a first short side and
a
second short side. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface
of
the edge of the bathtub 10 is left exposed and available for the user to
access
during transfer to the bathing platform 20.
[55] Accordingly, one or more bottom surface portions of the first long side,
the
second long side, the first short side and the second short side are
configured to
engage one or more of the cross members 66 and/or an upper surface of the
bathtub 10 to support the elongated platform 20. For example, the long side of
the platform 20 that is adjacent to the user transfer approach side of the
bathtub
is configured to engage the cross members 66 while the long side of the
platform 20 that is furthest away from the user transfer approach side of the
bathtub 10 may be configured to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to
support the elongated platform 20. Alternatively the long side of the platform
20
that is furthest away from the user transfer approach side of the bathtub 10
may
be configured not to engage an upper surface of the bathtub 10 to support the
elongated platform 20 such that the elongated platform 20 is primarily
supported
by the support 60.
[56] Additionally in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated platform 20 has
a
proximal section and a distal section separated by a middle section, wherein
the
proximal section comprises a first well configured to hold water and wherein
the
proximal section is positioned above a portion of the bathtub 10 including the
bathtub drain. Advantageously, the distal and middle sections are sloped to
allow
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water to collect in the first well and drain out to the bathtub 10 as
previously
described. In one embodiment, the distal section may include a second well and
the middle section may include a channel that allows water to flow from the
distal
well to the proximal well.
[57] Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 includes
a
backrest to support the user in an upright position while using the bathing
platform
20. The backrest extends upward from one of the short sides of the platform
20.
Advantageously, the platform 20 is configured to be symmetrical along a
central
axis parallel to the first and second long sides. This symmetry allows the
platform
20 to be positioned over a right hand bathtub or a left hand bathtub. Another
advantage of the platform 20 is that it can be positioned for use with a first
bathtub
and then moved and positioned for use with a second bathtub, thereby
eliminating
semi-permanent installation of the bathing platform 20. Although not shown,
the
platform 20 may also include a drain tube connecting the platform drain to the
bathtub drain.
[58] FIGS. 11A ¨ 11C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 10A ¨ 10C according to an
embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, referring
specifically
to the cross section in FIG. 11C, the three legs 64 are shown and one cross
member 66 is shown connecting a portion of the first leg 64 to a portion of
the
second leg 64. Also, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, certain interference areas 70 are
illustrated. The interference areas 70 are areas where a portion of the
bathing
platform 20 would undesirably engage a portion of the inner surface of the
bathtub
or a portion of the bathing facilities such as a water spout. Accordingly,
along
the interference areas 70, the bathing platform 20 is configured with one or
more
recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20 with a portion of the inner
surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any bathing facilities at one
or more
interference areas 70. Advantageously, preventing engagement of the bathing
platform 20 with the surface of the bathtub 10 at the interference areas 70
allows
the bathing platform 20 to be fully and properly supported along the short
sides
and the long sides of the platform 20 that engage an upper surface of the
bathtub
10 and also along the cross members 66 of the support 60.
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[59] FIGS. 12A ¨ 12C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment
of
the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is
adapted to
a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[60] FIGS. 13A ¨ 13C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 12A ¨ 12C according to an
embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 20 is
configured with one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20
with a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any
bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
[61] FIGS. 14A ¨ 14C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment
of
the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is
adapted to
a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[62] FIGS. 15A ¨ 15C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform 20 with a support 60 of FIGS. 14A ¨ 14C according to an
embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 20 is
configured with one or more recesses to prevent engagement of the platform 20
with a portion of the inner surface of the bathtub 10 or with a portion of any
bathing facilities at one or more interference areas 70.
[63] FIGS. 16A ¨ 16C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment
of
the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is
adapted to
a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[64] FIGS. 17A ¨ 17C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 16A ¨ 16C according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[65] FIGS. 18A ¨ 18C are perspective view diagrams illustrating an example
bathtub and bathing platform 20 with a support 60 according to an embodiment
of
the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the bathing platform 20 is
adapted to
a different size and shape and orientation of a conventional bathtub 10.
[66] FIGS. 19A ¨ 19C are cross section diagrams illustrating the example
bathing platform with a support of FIGS. 18A ¨ 18C according to an embodiment
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of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 20 fits within
the
standard dimensions of the conventional bathtub 10 and does not undesirably
engage any portion of any bathing facilities.
[67] FIG. 20A is a top view diagram illustrating example dimensions for a
standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[68] FIG. 20B is a side view diagram illustrating example dimensions for a
standard bathtub 10 on which a bathing platform can be mounted according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[69] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative
blocks,
features and elements described in connection with the figures and the
embodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented using alternative
materials and alternative shapes that carry out the same functions described
herein. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative
components,
blocks, features, and steps have been described above generally in terms of
their
functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented precisely as
described
above depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed
on
the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality
in
varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation
decisions
should not be interpreted as a departure from the scope of the invention. In
addition, the grouping of functions within a particular module, block, or step
is for
ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module,
block or step to another without departing from the scope of the invention.
[70] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable
any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various
modifications
to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and
the
generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments
without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be
understood
that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the
subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is
further
understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other
14
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WO 2018/081572 PCT/US2017/058778
embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the
scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.
