Child Bathing Apparatus

Abstract

An improved bath apparatus providing 360 degree protection during bathing, is comfortable, easier and safer to use than conventional bathing apparatus, and is collapsible for storage and support. The apparatus includes a protective seat having plural protruding foam members in a radial pattern that when placed in a sink or other bathing basin, extend up the walls of the sink or basin and form a bowl shaped protective padding that provides 360 degree protection for the child. The base foam members have open spaces between them for providing for easy circulation and drainage of water.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/802,558 filed on Jun. 10, 2010, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/274,561 filed on Aug. 20, 2009, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the general field of bathing apparatus for infants and small children, and more specifically toward an improved bath apparatus providing 360 degree protection during bathing, is comfortable, easier and safer to use than conventional bathing apparatus, and is collapsible for storage and support. The apparatus includes a protective seat having plural protruding foam members in a radial pattern that when placed in a sink or other bathing basin, extend up the walls of the sink or basin and form a bowl shaped protective padding that provides 360 degree protection for the child. The base foam members have open spaces between them for providing for easy circulation and drainage of water.

Infant bath seats and apparatus are available in various shapes and sizes and typically formed of sponge-like material such as polyurethane foam. Prior art infant bathing apparatus has usually disclosed support for the child in a reclining position; however, other than a simple back rest, there has not been found apparatus disclosing adequate support for the child when in a sitting or upright position.

Examples of infant bathing seats and apparatus of interest are shown and described in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,460 issued to Bernstein, et al. on 27 Oct. 1992 entitled BATH SEAT; U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,000 issued to Pfaeffle on 7 Apr. 1998 entitled Infant Bathing Apparatus With Faucet Guard; U.S. Pat. No. 6,507,959 issued to Sundberg, et al. on 21 Jan. 2003 entitled Bath Station, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,993 issued to Dunn on 12 Oct. 1999 entitled Bath Sponge Support for Infants. Although these inventions are adequate for their intended use, they do not teach or suggest the inherent advantages disclosed in the instant invention.

Thus, in view of the known prior art there is a need for an improved infant bathing apparatus that is constructed to be used in a wide variety of sink shapes, sized and depths, allows water to flow freely within the bath seat during bathing, provides for adequate drainage during use, provides sot, resilient, 360 degree support to a sitting child, is easy to set up and use, folds up for easy transportation, and has the advantage of blocking the faucet controls from the infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides just such a solution by having an improved apparatus for protecting and entertaining an infant or small child during bathing in a sink basin, or similar receptacle. The apparatus includes a protective base or seat having plural protruding foam members, that when placed in a sink or other water basin extend up the walls of the sink or basin and form a bowl shaped protective padding that provides 360 degree protection for the child. Adjacent foam members have open spaces therebetween providing for easy circulation and drainage of water, and the base or seat may have holes for further water drainage.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved child bathing apparatus that is simply, easily and quickly set up in a sink or other bathing basin.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved child bathing apparatus that has a safe enclosure for the child.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide an improved child bathing apparatus that has provision for water circulation and drainage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved child bathing apparatus that is machine washable and dryable.

In a particular embodiment, the current invention is an apparatus comprising a central portion and a plurality of members, where each member is attached to the central portion, where each member and the central portion comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer, where the top layer comprises a plush material, where the bottom layer comprises a breathable mesh, slippage resistant material, where the filler layer comprises a water-resistant foam-like material.

In another embodiment, the current invention is a child bathing apparatus comprising a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer, where the top layer, bottom layer and filler layer form a central portion and a plurality of member portions radiating from the central portion, where the top layer comprises a plush material, wherein the top layer forms an external surface of the child bathing apparatus, where the bottom layer comprises a breathable mesh, slippage resistant material, wherein the bottom layer forms an external surface of the child bathing apparatus, where the filler layer comprises a water resistant foam-like material.

In a further embodiment, the current invention is a child bathing apparatus comprising a central portion and a plurality of members, where each member is attached to the central portion, where each member and the central portion comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer, where the top layer consists of a plush material, where the bottom layer consists of a breathable mesh, slippage resistant material, where the filler layer consists of a water-resistant foam-like material, where the top layer forms an external surface of the apparatus, wherein the bottom layer forms an external surface of the apparatus, wherein the filler layer forms no part of an external surface of the child bathing apparatus.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of child bathing apparatus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 shown placed within a bathing basin.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating the child in the protective enclosure of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 shown placed within a sink with the child in a seated position with the radial petal-like members in a protective position.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing a different method of attachment of the protruding petal-like members in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing means for web means for connecting the protruding petal-like members in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the means for connecting the protruding petal-like members shown placed within a wash basin sink with the child in a reclining position with the petal-like members in a protective position.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing a different embodiment of the base or seat in flattened arrangement.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base or seat embodiment of FIG. 7 in expanded arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a child bathing apparatus according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

The present invention relates to bathing apparatus for infants and small children. It is primarily intended for bathing a baby or small child in a sink, or other water receptacle or basin meant for containing and draining water. It protects the child from the unsanitary surface of the sink while providing comfort by isolation from the cold, hard surface of the sink. The apparatus includes a central protective base or seat having multiple radially protruding members, such that when the apparatus is placed in a sink or other bathing basin, the protruding members extend up the walls of the sink or basin and form a bowl shaped protective padding that provides 360 degree protection for the child. The adjacent protruding members have open spaces between them for easy circulation and drainage of water. The center seat may, as shown in the several views, include holes for additional drainage, however, it is understood that the holes are optional since it may be desired to maintain a certain level of water in the bathing apparatus during bathing. The center seating portion and the protruding members are formed of foam or other soft resilient material.

In addition to forming a protective enclosure for the child, the apparatus may be configured to block potentially dangerous or troublesome objects, such as faucet controls, from the child. Further, the protruding members, being in a petal-like form, are conducive to creating a variety of familiar shapes such as a flower, an octopus, footballs, baseball bats, surf boards, princesses, animals, bugs, letters, numbers, etc. designed to attract and entertain the child. The child will be enticed to grab the “petals” of foam and thus distracted the baby from the potentially dangerous or troublesome objects.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of child bathing apparatus, generally designated 10, for supporting and protecting a child during bathing. Apparatus 10 includes a center or central seating body portion 11 having multiple members 12 connected to and protruding in radial manner from the center portion 11. Although eight protruding members 12 are shown in petal-like configuration it is understood that the number can be varied as desired, and they may have other configuration, or even different configurations one from the other, as may be suitable in accordance with the invention. For instance, configurations may be adopted to fit a variety of sink shapes or aesthetic designs. Both the center portion 11 and the protruding members 12 are formed of a soft, flexible, compressible, resilient, water absorbent, fast-drying material such as polyurethane foam. The material further provides a non-slippery padding for the child on top and a non-slippery surface which contacts the basin. Also, selected other material may be cut and attached, such as sewn, to the foam to achieve either a more soft or more effective non-slip surface. The adjacent protruding members 12 have open spaces between them for easy circulation and drainage of water. The center portion 11 is shown to include drainage holes as indicated by holes 11a (four shown, one designated), although as previously, the holes are optional. In FIG. 1 apparatus 10 is shown for positioning in bathing basin 13.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus 10 positioned within the bathing basin 13. The center portion 11 is placed on the bottom of the basin 13 with the members 12 bent up along the sides of the basin 13 to form a protective 360 degree padded non-slip support for the child.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 illustrating the child 15 in the protective enclosure of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the child 15 and the apparatus 10 as depicted in FIG. 3 shown positioned within a sink 14 with the child 15 in an upright seated position and protected by members 12. When bathing an infant, it is common for a sink 14 to be used as it has various advantageous ergonomic features, such as allowing the user to stand erect when bathing the child 15. It also presents a smaller, easier controlled environment with a broad counter space for handily positioning baby bath products as well as for drying and dressing the child 15. As indicated, the apparatus 10 inhibits access and manipulation of the faucet controls by the infant.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a baby bath seat constructed according to a different embodiment of the invention. Generally designated 20, this embodiment of the invention shows petal-like members 21 connected to the central portion 22 with hook and pile means, generally designated 23. It is understood that other appropriate means such as snap-on or plug-in configurations can be used. Further, as previously discussed the indicated holes in the seat are optional.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a baby bath seat constructed according to a different embodiment of the invention, generally designated 30. In this embodiment the members 12 are connected by flexible resilient porous webbing, generally indicated 31, and again the indicated holes in the seat are optional.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 6 positioned within the bathing basin 13. As indicated, the center portion 11 is placed on the bottom of the basin 13 with the members 12 bent up along the sides of the basin 13 to form a protective 360 degree padded non-slip support for the child 15.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a baby bath seat constructed according to a different embodiment of the invention, generally designated 40. In this embodiment the apparatus 40 is constructed in helix-like manner to collapse to a planar configuration as shown in FIG. 7, and expand, as illustrated FIG. 8, to provide improved child bathing apparatus that is simple, easily and quickly set up, and provides a safe enclosure for the child. The base 41 indicates optional holes 41 a for water circulation and drainage.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the child bathing apparatus. The apparatus 10 is a child bathing apparatus that has a body portion, or center portion, 11 and a plurality of members 12. The center portion 11 includes stitching 51 in the shape of an “X” that has been sewn through multiple layers, described in more detail below. Each member 12 includes stitching 52 down the centerline of the members that has been sewn through multiple layers, also described in more detail below. Stitching is also located around the edges of each member 12.

In a particular embodiment of the current invention, a user obtains a child bathing apparatus such as one described above and shown in FIG. 1, though it must be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of the above disclosed embodiments of the child bathing apparatus may be used. The user then places the child bathing apparatus into a water basin, such as a sink. A child is placed onto the child bathing apparatus while it is in the water basin, and water is set to flow over the child and/or child bathing apparatus. The child is supported and protected by the child bathing apparatus. At the same time, water is allowed to flow over the child and child bathing apparatus into the water basin. The user may then bathe the child as desired. When finished, the child is removed from the child bathing apparatus. The child bathing apparatus is then preferably removed from the water basin and allowed to dry. While the child bathing apparatus may simply be laid out to dry over a period of time, the drying process may be accelerated by ringing out or otherwise compressing the child bathing apparatus to force out any water retained therein.

During bathing, the child bathing apparatus has multiple possible configurations. As will be easily understood from the drawings, the child bathing apparatus may be placed into a water basin with the center in the middle of the water basin and the members extending therefrom to and up any enclosing walls of the water basin. Alternatively, one member can be folded underneath the center portion thereby acting as a wedge to angle and/or raise up the center portion.

The child bathing apparatus according to the current invention is made up of three main components. A filler material is placed within a cover, where the cover is made of two different materials. In a particular embodiment, the filler material is a water-resistant, quick drying foam-like material, and more specifically one-pound density, open-cell polyurethane foam that is die cut from sheets that are one and one-quarter inches thick. Such a foam material provides a balance of good cushioning for the child as well as drying capability. A denser foam filler material will dry slower while a less dense foam filler material does not provide a good cushion for a child in the child bathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes materials that are non water absorbing, such as closed cell foam, skinned foam or cushioning materials made from soft egg-crate like shaped polymer sheet.

The cover of the child bathing apparatus has a top layer (which comes in contact with the child when bathing) and a bottom layer (which comes in contact with the water basin when bathing). The top layer, or top surface, is made from a plush, soft, durable, washable and finely textured material that has a mink-like feel, an example is made from 100% polyester. At the same time, this layer should readily absorb heat from adjacent running water to provide a warm and comfortable surface for a child. The bottom layer is made from a highly breathable yet tight-nit mesh material, an example is made from 100% polyester, preferably using a tricot knit. The bottom layer is specifically designed for its breathability and to enable the filler material of the child bathing apparatus to dry quickly. The bottom layer should also resist slippage on smooth basin surfaces, such as sinks and bathtubs. Both the top layer and bottom layer should naturally resist mold and mildew.

In an alternative embodiment, the filler material is made from a closed cell polyurethane foam. In a further embodiment, the filler material is made from a skinned foam or integral skin foam. In yet another embodiment, the filler material is made from a non-water absorbing foam substitute that would feel like foam, in terms of providing padding, but would be non-water absorbing. This foam substitute material would be produced from polymer sheet, formed polymer sheet, extruded polymer materials, or some combination of the aforementioned.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the child bathing apparatus of the current invention is made from a single layer of material. This layer is a foam layer that is made from an open-cell polyurethane foam or a cushioning foam-like material that is die cut from sheets or molded into the desired shape. The polyurethane foam material has a density greater than one-half pound, and in a particular embodiment it has a one-pound density. There is no cover that surrounds the single foam layer; rather, the child and water basin would each be in direct contact with the foam or foam like material layer during use. The surfaces of the foam or foam like materials would be prepared (by either chemical or mechanical means) in such a manner to provide non-slip surfaces when in contact with the baby and in contact with the basin.

A child bathing apparatus according to the current invention may be manufactured according to the following method. A center filler is cut as well as a plurality of member fillers. Described in more detail above, the filler material is a soft, resilient material such as polyurethane foam. Covers for the center and each of the plurality of members are cut as well, which will include a top layer and a bottom layer and have larger dimensions than the filler material such that they may be affixed together around the filler material. Each member is attached to the center filler. Alternatively, the member with its cover is attached to the center portion with its cover. However, each member is not secured to another member (other than via the center portion), which therefore allows for each member to move independently from the other and is only restrained by its attachment to the center portion. The combined filler (center and members) is then placed within the cover, between the top layer and the bottom layer. The cover is sewn together around the edges and through certain portions of the filler. Specifically, the cover has stitching in the central portion of the member that run down the centerline of each member, which holds the filler in place within the member, and the center member has stitching sewn into the center that holds the filler in place within the center, an example is stitching in the shape of an “X”.

Another embodiment for manufacturing the child bathing apparatus includes the steps of obtaining a bottom layer, a top layer and a filler layer. Each layer is cut or otherwise made into a similar shape that includes a center portion and a plurality of members. The layers are then stacked on top of each other, such that the filler layer is between the bottom layer and the top layer. The three layers are then sewn together. The outer edges of the bottom layer and top layer are sewn together along with sewing lines that secure the three layers together along the center portion of each member, an example is stitching the shape of an “X” in the middle of the center portion.

An additional embodiment for manufacturing the child bathing apparatus includes the steps of obtaining a bottom layer, a top layer and a filler layer. The top layer and the bottom layer each have a surface that includes an adhesive laminated thereto. Each layer is cut or otherwise made into a similar shape that includes a center portion and a plurality of members, with each layer having the same width and height, though the thicknesses may be different. The top layer and bottom layer are then affixed to the filler layer using the adhesives of the top layer and bottom layer respectively, thereby creating a laminate structure. Such a manufacturing method results in a child bathing apparatus where the three layers (top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer) are visible from the side.

Various designs are possible according to the current invention. In one embodiment, the child bathing apparatus appears to be a flower, with the center portion being the center of the flower and each member representing a petal of the flower. In a like manner, other design are contemplated including an octopus, bats around a baseball, footballs around a helmet, surfboards around a sun, and dolphins around a ball.

The child bathing apparatus also includes an added member for hanging the item to dry. In a particular embodiment, the hanging member is a fabric loop that is also the product's information tag. The hanging member can be attached to the back side of the circular base member or on the back of or at the tip of one of the members that is attached to the center member.

A child, as used herein, is an individual that is to be bathed using the current invention. While the child bathing apparatus is most beneficially used for children, it is nonetheless possible and anticipated to be within the scope of this invention that individuals of any age may use the child bathing apparatus as it is described herein. Placing an individual into the child bathing apparatus, as used herein, shall include without limitation placing an individual onto a surface of the child bathing apparatus.

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting a child during bathing in a basin, comprising:

a central portion and a plurality of protruding members, where each member is attached to the central portion, where the central portion comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer,

where the top layer comprises a plush material,

where the bottom layer comprises a breathable mesh, that is slip resistant when it contacts the basin surface,

where the filler layer comprises a fast-drying foam-like material, and

wherein each protruding member includes a top surface that is soft for contact with the child.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fast-drying foam-like material of the filler layer is polyurethane foam.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fast-drying foam-like material of the filler layer is greater than one-half pound density polyurethane foam.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each protruding member further comprises a filler layer, where the top surface and filler layer of each member are sewn together.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the top surface and filler layer are sewn together down the centerline of the protruding member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer of the central portion are sewn together.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer of the central portion are sewn together with sewing lines in the middle of the central portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each member is not secured or otherwise connected to another member except via the central portion.

9. An apparatus for supporting a child during bathing in a basin, comprising:

a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer, where the top layer, bottom layer and filler layer form a central portion and a plurality of member portions radiating from the central portion,

where the top layer comprises a plush material, wherein the top layer forms an external surface of the child bathing apparatus,

where the bottom layer comprises a breathable mesh material that is slip resistant when it contacts the basin surface,

where the filler layer comprises a fast-drying foam-like material.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the filler layer forms no part of an external surface of the child bathing apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plush material of the top layer is made from 100% polyester.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the water resistant foam-like material is polyurethane foam.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the breathable mesh, slip resistant material of the bottom layer is a tricot knit fabric.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer of each member are sewn together.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top layer, filler layer and bottom layer are coupled together to form a laminate structure, where the middle layer is exposed around the perimeter of the structure.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer of the central portion are sewn together.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the top layer, bottom layer, and filler layer of the central portion are sewn together with sewing lines in the middle of the central portion.

18. An apparatus for supporting a child during bathing in a basin, comprising:

a central portion and a plurality of members, where each member is attached to the central portion, where each member and the central portion comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filler layer, and where the filler layer is between the top layer and bottom layer,

where the top layer consists of a plush material,

where the bottom layer consists of a breathable mesh, that is slip resistant when it contacts the basin surface,

where the filler layer consists of a fast-drying foam-like material,

where the top layer forms an external surface of the apparatus, wherein the bottom layer forms an external surface of the apparatus, wherein the filler layer forms no part of an external surface of the child bathing apparatus.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the fast-drying foam-like material is polyurethane foam.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the filler layer consists of an egg-crate like structure formed from a soft thin polymer sheet that provides foam-like properties.