Abstract: The present invention relates to a bathing aid designed to reduce the workload on the caregiver in bathing the physically challenged, elderly or similar persons requiring nursing care. In an embodiment of the invention, the bathing aid is provided with an upward-opening cover 16 for covering the open top 12a of the bathtub 12 except for an opening for allowing the bather P to stick their head through. The cover 16 is supported by arms 18 urged upward by gas springs 19. The upward-opening cover 16 allows the caregiver to stand whichever side of the bathtub 12 and opens or closes the cover 16 without difficulty. Furthermore, the cover's upward-opening structure is advantageous for reducing the installation space because it does not require the additional side space that would be necessary if the cover is constructed to open sideward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bathing aid, which is reduced in size and does not occupy a large space when not used, and which significantly reduces the workload on caregivers. In an embodiment of the invention, a bathtub 12 is supported by a movable unit 14 that vertically moves by the driving power of a motor and by rollers 13 running on a guide slope 15. When not used, the bathtub 12 is stored under a tank 11 in a close to upright position, so that the bathing aid occupies only a small space when not used. To use the bathing aid, the movable unit 14 is lowered and, accordingly, the rollers 13 roll down the guide slope 15. With this motion, the bathtub 12 changes its orientation from a position where the open top of the bathtub 12 is directed obliquely forward to a position where the open top is directed almost upward. The bathtub 12 is automatically driven by the electrical driving power of the motor; the caregiver has only to make some key operations.

Abstract: In an automatic shampoo machine a recess is formed in a side wall of a basin to ensure water passage to the nape of the neck of a person being shampooed. A plurality of neck support members each including a bent wire arrangement is provided in a spaced relation in the recess. With the neck resting on top portions of the neck support members, the nape of the neck is rinsed by water sprayed from a stationary nape rinsing nozzle, and movable lower nozzles, through the recess. A pad for receiving the neck resting thereon is releasably attached on a peripheral portion of the basin to prevent fatigue of the neck and splashing of rinse water. Thus, the person can have his hair and nape washed in a comfortable posture.