Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SMART BATH
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a bathing cart which contains a water dispensing and
disposal system and all necessary attachments in a single mobile unit, for
bathing
bed-ridden patients in the convenience of the patient's bed where the cart is
brought
to the patient and a water-proof bathing sheet is placed on the bed in such a
fashion
that it creates a bath.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are currently several methods of cleansing bed-ridden persons. One is to
"sponge-bathe" the patient while the patient remains in the bed. This does not
allow for complete cleaning and, in spite the labor required, is an
ineffective cleaning
method. Another option is to place the patient in a wheelchair and wheel the
chair
into the .public bathing or shower area, which involves lifting the patient
out of the
bed and into the chair. The cleaning received in such a position is not
comfortable
for the patient. Furthermore, it is difficult for the caregiver to give a
thorough bath
and is not convenient.
Numerous attempts have been made in recent years to provide an effective and
efficient method of bathing a bed-ridden patient that is also comfortable for
the
patient and practical for the caregiver. There are a number of patents that
mention
the possibility of washing or facilitating the washing of bedridden persons.
Prior art
methods and techniques for bathing bed-ridden patients include Japanese Patent
Number JP11319016, which provides a specially equipped bed that allows a
caregiver to bathe the patient without wetting the mattress. This is
accomplished by
tying a bathtub cloth to an assembled frame in such a way that the cloth
creates a
bathing area; after the bath, the wastewater is drained by releasing a portion
of the
cloth.
Japanese Patent Number JP4090758 discloses a method of bathing of a bed-ridden
patient where the patient is enclosed in a bag-like waterproof enclosure,
water is
sprayed on the patient through a jet nozzle insertion port, and the wastewater
flows
out a drain groove and into a collection reservoir. In a similar technique,
Japanese
Patent Number JP4044764 provides a covered waterproof basin within which a
bedridden person is laid for bathing. Water enters the basin through an
injection
hole, and drains out a discharge hole. The water is accumulated by bending the
basin in various places.
European Patent Number EP0491679 describes an automated system that provides
bed-ridden patients with a means of turning over in bed as well as moving from
the
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bed to an adjoined bathing tub with minimal or no help of an attendant.
European
Patent Number EP0599123 presents a mechanical device for transferring
physically
handicapped persons between a bed and bathtub and for cleaning and attending
to
them.
US Patent Number 5,522,099 facilitates the bathing process of bed-ridden
patients
by providing a specially designed mattress cover that fits over the mattress
in much
the same fashion as a sheet and is sloped so that the waste water, accumulated
when washing patients in bed, drains off. Similarly, US Patent No. 4958389 is
a
waterproof sheet that attaches to a hospital bed to facilitate both showering
and
bathing of bed-ridden patients. This cover provides a method for containing
the
water as well as a drain port to enable convenient disposal of run-off water.
In
another variation, US Patent Number 6,088,848 is a modular portable shower
with
an impermeable liner and a modular frame that allows a bedridden person to be
showered while lying on bed.
Portable bathing methods are also addressed. US Patent Number 5,842,238
proposes a portable and adjustable cart that slides under a bed and out the
way,
equipped with a washstand that is positioned under a patient's head and is
especially
suitable washing the hair of bed-ridden persons. US Patent Number 5,678,257
describes a portable bathing unit that wheels up to the patient's bed where
the
patient is moved from the bed to the unit for bathing and then returned to the
bed.
US Patent Number 5,539,941 presents a portable system designed primarily for
lifting patients from a bed and transporting them. In a secondary application,
an
additional bathing cart is brought to the bed and used in combination with the
lifting
device to bathe bed-ridden patients.
All the solutions specified above provide caregivers assistance in bathing bed-
ridden
patients. However, none of the solutions offered above discloses a simple,
efficient
and portable system for bathing a non-ambulatory patient who is positioned on
a
bed, which comprises a self-contained unit with all of the components required
for
bathing said patient, including a disposable bathing sheet placed between bed
and
the patient, a temperature controlled water source and a wastewater disposal
method.
SUMMARY OP INVENTION
This invention offers an alternative to the traditional method of bathing non-
ambulatory patients. The present invention discloses a system for bathing non-
ambulatory patients positioned on a bed including a disposable bathing sheet
placed
between bed and the patient. The system comprises: a water storage tank, which
is
filled with clean water prior to use; a rinsing hose, including a showerhead,
wherein
the rinsing hose is connected to the water storage tank; a disposable bathing
sheet
placed over the bed and under the patient; attaching devices located along the
sides
of the bed, provided for fastening the disposable bathing sheet to the bed; a
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wastewater tank, into which used water from the disposable sheet is drained;
and a
suction hose connected on one side to the disposable bathing sheet and on the
other to wastewater tank, provided for siphoning off used water.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises an
electric cable for charging the power source.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises
indicating means for indicating the events from the list of: low battery, time
left on
battery, time remaining to complete recharge, percentage charge, and level and
temperature of water in the water storage tank.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing
sheet
is water-impermeable.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing
sheet
may also be reusable.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing
sheet
includes openings along the edges that correspond to hooks placed along the
sides
of the bed and fasten to the bed.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the suction hose is
equipped
with a disposable end.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the rinsing hose is
equipped
with sensing means to ensure that proper water temperature is used.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the showerhead
comprises a
means for adjusting the water pressure.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the disposable bathing
sheet
is made of an absorbent drying material.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the filling hose is
equipped
with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong
direction.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the suction hose is
equipped
with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong
direction.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the rinsing hose is
equipped
with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong
direction.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank
is
designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.
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Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank
is
made of an insulated material in order to help maintain proper water
temperature.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank
is
equipped with automatic locking valves for restraining water flow in case the
water
temperature is too high.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the water storage tank
includes an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning
fluid,
sterilizing material.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a
heating device to heat water and maintain the water at proper temperature.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the attaching devices
are
from the group of: buttons, Velcro, clips, hooks, graspers, poles.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a
suction device located between the suction hose and the wastewater tank,
provided
to drain water from the disposable bathing sheet to the wastewater tank.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the system comprises a
bathing sheet container for containing the disposable bathing sheets.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the bathing sheet
container
is further equipped with a compression means.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank
includes
an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning fluid,
sterilizing
material.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater storage
tank
is designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank
includes
a drainage opening enabling to drain out water.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank
includes
a draining faucet.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the wastewater tank
includes
a disposable nylon liner located inside the wastewater tank.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the bathing actions
comprise
the steps of: filling up the water storage tank with clean water prior to use;
placing a
disposable bathing sheet over the bed and under the patient and attaching it
along
the sides of the bed; using the rinsing hose for bathing the patient lying in
bed; and
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using the suction hose for siphoning off used water from the disposable
bathing
sheet to the wastewater tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP DRAWING
Figure 1: Is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention as seen
in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The current invention is a completely portable bathing system that houses all
the
items necessary, including a temperature controlled water supply, for bathing
the
patient in his own bed. Novel to this invention is the bathing sheet that
allows for
creation of a bath right on the patient's bed. The bath is created by simply
placing
the waterproof bathing sheet on the bed and the fastening it in such a way
that it
creates a bathing space. Assembly is straightforward and uncomplicated. As
there
is no need for the patient to get out of bed, there is also no need for the
caregiver
to lift the patient. The patient can receive a proper bath in the dignity and
familiar
environment of his own room.
Before use, the cart (1) is connected to a standard wall socket by the
electric cable
(2) in order to charge the power source (3). When the services of the Smart
Bath
are required, the cart is disconnected from the wall socket by unplugging the
electric
cable. The electric cable is stored on the cart in the designated space. The
filling
hose (4) is removed from its storage place and connected at one end to a water
faucet (5) and at the other end to the water storage tank (6). The water
faucet is
opened and the water storage tank is filled. When the water level indicator
(7)
located on the side of the water storage tank shows that the water storage
tank has
the proper amount of water, the operator turns the water off, disconnects both
ends
of the filling hose and returns the hose to its storage space. The cart is
then
wheeled into position at the foot of the patient's bed.
The bathing sheet (~) can then be attached to the patient's bed. The bathing
sheet
is made of any water-impermeable, disposable, or reusable material and can be
of
any shape that is convenient to the shape of the bed, including flat or
flitted. The
bathing sheet has openings (9) of any shape located anywhere along each side
that
correspond to hooks (10) placed along the sides of the bed. The openings on
the
sheet may have any type of reinforcement. The hooks may be of any convenient
shape and will match the openings on the bathing sheet. The height and
direction
of the hooks is adjustable. The hooks are under covers that will help prevent
accidents and injuries. The bathing sheet is placed over the bed and under the
patient in a fashion similar to changing the bed sheets. The caregiver first
attaches
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the sheet to the far side of the bed by placing the openings over the
corresponding
hooks on the bed and then smoothes the sheet partially on the bed. The
caregiver
then rolls the patient over to the far side of the bed and finishes smoothing
out the
bathing sheet before rolling the patient back. Finally, the openings on the
near side
of the bathing sheet are placed on the corresponding hooks on the near side of
the
bed. At this point, if the sheet is equipped with drawstrings, the drawstrings
will be
tightened. Once the bathing sheet is in place, it creates the bath.
After the sheet is in place, the suction hose (11), equipped with a disposable
end
(12), is removed from its storage space on the cart and is attached to the
drain port
of the bathing sheet. The other end of the suction hose leads to the suction
device
(13), which siphons off the used water and drains it into the wastewater tank
(14).
The suction device is turned on by an on/off button or switch located either
on the
cart or on the device or by a foot operated pedal. Alternatively, the suction
hose
can lead directly to the wastewater tank.
The rinsing hose (15) with an attached showerhead (16) is removed from its
storage
space on the cart and attached to the water storage tank with either a screw
or snap
connector. The rinsing hose is equipped with a special temperature-sensing
valve to
ensure that proper temperature water is used. The showerhead may or may not
have a handle that allows the water pressure to be adjusted. The system is now
set
up to bathe the patient.
During the bathing process, water is drawn from the water storage tank through
the
rinsing hose by gravity and/or an attached electronic device. Gravity and the
suction
device continuously transfer the used water from the bathing sheet to the
wastewater tank. At the end of the bath, the caregiver towels the patient dry.
The
bathing sheet may have absorbent drying materials stored between two layers of
the
sheet, accessed by opening appropriately located perforations.
Once the bathing process is complete and 'the wastewater is completely removed
from the bathing sheet into the wastewater tank, the system is disassembled,
largely
the reverse of the previously described assembly process. The suction device
is
turned off. The drainage and rinsing hoses are detached and returned to their
respective storage spaces. The bathing sheet is unhooked from the bed and
deposited in the used bathing sheet container (17). This container may be
attached
to the cart and may or may not be quipped with a special sheet shredder that
operates only when its top cover is completely closed. The used bathing sheet
container may also be equipped with a special weight to press the sheets down.
The Smart Bath is now ready to be moved to the next patient or returned to
storage
to recharge the power source.
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ADD11'IONAL DETAILS AND OPTIONS FOR THE MAJOR COMPONENTS:
Cart (1):
The cart houses all of the components of the unit and sits on four or more
wheels equipped with brakes. The cart is constructed of any material or
combination of materials, will be made of any appropriate shape, size and
weight, and will include special handles for easy handling and maneuvering.
The cart may include shelves, drawers, hooks, etc. for storage. The cart may
also include special foot operated switches used to operate any of the various
components (0n/Off, drain, etc.).
Power Source (3):
A power source, which may be in the form of batteries or a power pack, is
located on the cart, completely insulated from the water. The power source
supplies power to any of the electric powered devices on the cart including
the heater, suction device, inflation device, shredding device, etc. It is
constructed out of any different materials and in any shape and size and may
be easily pulled out for replacement and maintenance. The power source is
operated with an On/OfF button or switch. An electric cable connects the
power source to any wall socket for charging or for use while connected. The
cable may be stored in a designated storage location on the cart, insulated
from all water sources. A power indicator is located on any of the tanks, or
the cart or the power source. There may also be any additional indicators
such as: "low battery", "time left on battery°', "time remaining to
complete
recharge°', °percentage charged", "status:
empty/charging/charged", etc.
Filling Hose (4):
The filling hose, made from any standard hose material and of any suitable
size, diameter, length and shape, connects any water faucet to the water
storage tank for filling the tank. When not in use, the filling hose can be
coiled and stored on a designated storage hook located on any of the water
tanks or cart or in a designated storage space. The filling hose is equipped
with a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction
out of the hose. The hose attaches to the water storage tank either by
screwing the hose into the tank or by inserting the hose into the tank until
it
clicks or snaps in place. The filling hose is adaptable to attach to any type
of
faucet and connects to a water faucet in order to fill the water storage tank.
Water Storage Tank (6):
The water storage tank contains the clean water to be used for bathing the
patient. The tank may or may not have a diagonal bottom to enable the
water to exit completely. The water storage tank may be constructed from
different materials including insulated material in order to help maintain the
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proper water temperature, and may have opaque or transparent materials in
some or all places. The water storage tank may be built as single unit or in
multiple parts and will be in different shapes and sizes.
A heating device, powered by the power source, will be located in proper
proximity to the water storage tank to heat the water and maintain it at a
proper temperature. Options for placing the heating device include
incorporating the heating device into the body of the water storage tank,
placing the heating device inside the water storage tank, seating the heating
device under water storage tank, or designing the water storage tank in a
shape that will fit around heating device without the heating device
contacting the water.
The water temperature control, the water temperature indicator and the
water level indicator each can be located either on the water storage tank or
on the cart. The water storage tank is equipped with automatically locking
valves in the water outlets in case the water temperature is too high. There
is a beep/sound device to indicate when a specified amount of water has
been removed from the tank. The tank is easily removed for maintenance or
replacement. The tank includes a special faucet to adjust the water flow at
water intake or exit point as well as an opening for introducing any powder or
fluid (cleaning fluids, sterilizing materials, etc.) into the tank.
Other options for the water storage tank include one-way valves in each
water outlet; light indicators for: "on/off", "temperature is too high/low",
"temperature is ready", etc.; and the ability to rotate the tank in different
directions.
Bathing Sheet (8):
The bathing sheet sits on the patient's bed and is configured in such a way
that it forms the bathing area. The bathing sheet can be supplied folded
individually or from a roll or cylinder. The basic bathing sheet has openings
along each side that correspond to attaching devices or hooks placed along
the sides of the bed. The openings on the bathing sheet and the hooks on
the bed may be of any convenient and matching shape. The attaching
devices may be permanent or removable fixtures placed anywhere on the bed
or may be placed on floor and connected to the bed or not. Some options 'for
the attaching devices or hooks may include a device of any shape, inserted
below mattress, with an vertical arm and a hook at the top or a retractable
string that is pulled from one end of the bed or cart and attached to the
other
end to hold sheet;
There are many options for forming the sheet sides into a bath including:
~ Using buttons to hold sheet in place;
~ Using Velcro to hold sheet in place;
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~ Using special clips to hold sheet in place;
~ Placing different types and shapes of graspers around bed with
corresponding shapes at the corners of the bathing sheet. These
graspers could be part of the sheet or detachable and reusable
~ Folding the bathing sheet in a particular way in order to form a bath
(folding instruction are shown on sheet);
~ Two tubes, poles, pipes or strings that protrude from the cart,
extending the full length of the bed and attached across the end of the
bed. The bathing sheet can then be attached by any method to form a
bath;
~ Two vertical poles connected across their tops with string that is
connected to the cart and placed at the end of bed to form a string
frame on which the sheet is placed;
~ Running a string through the bathing sheet in different places to hold
sheet on special hooks;
Options that will improve the draining process include:
~ Multiple drainage openings on the bathing sheet;
~ Partially or completely inflating the bathing sheet;
~ Equipping the bathing sheet with a draining port and tube that
attaches to the suction hose;
~ Constructing the bathing sheet of two layers held together at an outer
frame. The top layer would have drain openings. The two layers are
separated by "pipes" made out of any material or filled with air.
Anywhere on the bottom layer, a draining device attaches to the
suction hose. The water will drain through the openings on top layer
and down through to the suction hose;
~ Special devices made of rubber, plastic, string or any other material
that will lift up specific areas of the sheet in order to control the
drainage direction.
Suction Hose (ii):
The wastewater from the bath flows through the suction hose into the
wastewater tank. One end of the suction hose connects to the bathing sheet;
the other end connects to the wastewater tank. The suction device may be
attached along part of the suction hose. The suction hose is made from any
standard hose material and may be of any suitable size, diameter, length and
shape. When not in use, the suction hose can be coiled and stored on a
designated storage hook located on any of the water tanks or cart or in a
designated storage space. The hose will be equipped with a one-way valve to
prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction out of the hose. The hose
attaches to the wastewater tank either by screwing the hose into tank or by
inserting the hose into the water storage tank until it clicks or snaps in
place.
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Optional devices attached to sheet can be connected to the suction hose by
screwing, clicking, etc. These optional devices include devices such as spoon-
like or other geometrical shapes that are placed on sheet to assist with
suctioning off the water
Suction Device (13):
The suction device is attached between drainage hose and wastewater tank
and is used to drain the wastewater from the bathing sheet into the
wastewater tank. It may be operated by pressing a button or switch or by a
footswitch. The suction device is powered by the power source and is
completely insulated from water. The suction device is constructed of any
different materials and in different shapes and sizes and could be equipped
with indicators showing: "on/off", "current status: draining/idle", etc. The
device may be easily pulled out for maintenance or replacement
Wastewater ?ank (14):
The wastewater tank receives and stores all of the used water from the bath.
The tank may or may not have a diagonal bottom to help the water exit
completely. The wastewater tank may be constructed from different
materials including insulated material, and may have opaque or transparent
materials in some or all places. The wastewater tank may be built as single
unit or multiple parts and will be in different shapes and sizes.
The water level indicator can be located either on the wastewater tank or on
the cart. The tank is easily removed for maintenance or replacement. The
tank includes a special faucet to adjust the water flow at water intake or
outlet points as well as an opening for introducing any powder or fluid
(cleaning fluids, sterilizing materials, etc.) into the tank. The wastewater
tank
can either be connected to the suction device or connected directly to
draining hose, bypassing the suction device.
The wastewater tank has a draining faucet located on the bottom area of the
tank. This draining faucet may be pulled out for maintenance or replacement.
There is also a large drainage opening located on the bottom area of the
tank. The tank could also be drained by rotating the entire wastewater tank
on its axis.
In order lengthen to the life of the wastewater tank, there is an option to
insert a special disposable nylon liner inside the tank, allowing the liner to
be
replaced rather than the tank. In the event that the nylon liner is used, the
wastewater tank can either be equipped with a puncturing device that makes
an opening at the bottom of the liner or the liner could have a hose at the
bottom that aligns with an opening in the tank and locks together.
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Other options for the wastewater tank include one-way valves in each water
outlet; light indicators showing water level, "on/off", etc.; and the ability
to
rotate the tank in different directions.
Rinsing Hose (i5):
The rinsing hose runs between the water storage tank and the showerhead
and is made from any standard hose material and may be of any suitable
size, diameter, length and shape. When not in use, the rinsing hose can be
coiled and stored on a designated storage hook located on any of the water
tanks or cart or in a designated storage space. The hose will be equipped
with a one-way valve to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction
out of the hose. One end of the rinsing hose attaches to the water storage
tank either by screwing the hose into the tank or by inserting the hose into
the water storage tank until it clicks or snaps in place. The rinsing hose is
adaptable to fit different types of showerheads as required.
List of Com~~onents for Dravarinc~s
1. Cart
2. Electric Cable
3. Power Source
4. Filling Hose
5. Water Faucet
6. Water Storage Tank
7. Water Level Indicator
Bathing Sheet
9. Openings
10. Hooks
11. Suction Hose
12. Disposable End
13. Suction Device
14. Wastewater Tank
15. Rinsing Hose
16. Shower Head
17. Used Bathing Sheet Container
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