CHILD WIPING ASSIST APPARATUS AND METHOD
An apparatus for assisting with wiping a child includes a stabilized base configured to sit on a horizontal surface and a first handle coupled to the stabilized base. The first handle is positioned such that a child bending over and grabbing the first handle with both hands opens the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean, such as during a diaper change. The apparatus may also include a second handle extending upwardly from the stabilized base higher than the first handle so that the second handle may be grabbed by the child in a standing position or during movement to and from the bent over position. A method for assisting with wiping a child while using the apparatus is also disclosed.
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/546,365, filed on Oct. 12, 2011 (pending), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method configured to assist with cleaning or wiping a child, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method that assists with cleaning or wiping a standing child.
BACKGROUNDIn the course of development for infants or children, a child generally progresses through multiple steps in learning how to go to the restroom like an adult. The process of “potty training” generally begins with the child wearing a diaper or similar personal sanitary garment, and eventually reaches a final stage where the child uses a regular toilet and wipes himself or herself following urination or a bowel movement. During this potty training process, a caregiver or guardian must continue to change the diapers and clean the child until the child learns how to perform these functions on their own.
To this end, the traditional method of laying the child down for changing and cleaning is generally used. In this position, the child lies on his or her back so that the legs and buttocks of the child may be lifted to provide access for removing a diaper and for wiping the private and anal areas of the child clean. While this method may be useful in a private home setting, the method is not desirable in a public restroom setting or a public daycare setting. In this regard, fold-out baby changing stations may not be rated for the weight of a child learning how to potty train, and laying on the restroom floor is a highly unsanitary option. Furthermore, some children dislike the lay down method of diaper changing and prefer to be changed in a different position. Thus, it would be desirable to wipe or clean the child without requiring that the child lies directly on the floor.
There are products available such as portable mats for temporarily covering surfaces such as a restroom floor during the changing and/or wiping of a child. However, these products still require a significant amount of room on a floor for the child to lay down for changing and/or wiping. There is a need, therefore, for an apparatus that addresses these and other problems associated with the process of changing and/or cleaning a child both in a private home setting and in a public setting during the potty training process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for assisting with wiping a child includes a stabilized base configured to sit on a horizontal surface. The apparatus also includes a first handle coupled to the stabilized base. The first handle has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central gripping portion. The first handle is positioned such that a child bending over while standing and grabbing the central gripping portion with both hands will open the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean. This enables easy cleaning of a child during potty training or diapering without necessitating the traditional process of laying a child on the horizontal surface.
In one aspect, the first end portion extends generally vertically upward from the stabilized base, and the second end portion also extends generally upward from the stabilized base. The central gripping portion extends generally horizontally between the first and second end portions. In another aspect, the apparatus includes a second handle coupled to the stabilizing base and extending upwardly from the stabilizing base higher than the first handle. The second handle is configured to be grabbed by the child when the child is in a standing position or when the child transitions between bending over and standing up. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second handles defines a T-shaped configuration with a central vertical portion extending upwardly from the stabilized base and a horizontal gripping portion coupled to the central vertical portion. In other embodiments, the second handle includes first and second end portions extending generally upwardly from the stabilized base and a U-shaped handle portion projecting forwardly and upwardly from the first and second end portions. One or both of the first and second handles may include a toy such as a steering wheel for distracting the child during wiping clean.
In another aspect, the stabilized base defines a platform for the child to stand upon while bending over and grabbing the first handle. The platform may include an outer periphery with raised edges such that the platform catches and contains any fecal matter that falls off the child during cleaning. The platform may also include footprint indicia that indicates where the child should stand on the platform during use. In some embodiments, the platform also includes elevated blocks that can support one of the feet of the child while bending over to more fully open the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean.
The stabilized base may also include a stationary lower support platform adapted to sit on the horizontal surface and an upper platform portion. The upper platform portion is coupled for free rotation with the stationary lower support portion. In these embodiments, a locking mechanism is provided and is operable to prevent rotation of the upper platform portion while the apparatus is in use. In another aspect, the platform includes at least one seam for folding the platform into a compact orientation for storage or travel between uses. The first handle may also be removable from the stabilized base during storage or travel.
In another embodiment according to the invention, a method for cleaning and wiping a child during diapering and potty training uses an assist apparatus. The method includes positioning the child in a standing position adjacent to or on top of a stabilized base of the assist apparatus sitting on a horizontal surface. The caregiver can then bend the child at the torso into a bent over position by instructing the child to grab and hold a first handle coupled to the stabilized base. This movement of the child will open up the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean. The method also includes wiping the child's anal and/or private areas clean of any urine or excrement while the child continues to hold the first handle for stability. The child may then be repositioned back to the standing position to enable the child to put a new diaper or underwear on over the child's anal and/or private areas.
In one aspect, the method also includes instructing the child to grab and hold a second handle coupled to the stabilized base while positioning the child in the standing position adjacent to or on top of the stabilized base. The child then moves between the standing position and the bent over position while grabbing one or both of the first and second handles for stability. The method may also include removing a soiled diaper or underwear from the child while the child is in the standing position. A platform with raised edges on the stabilized base catches and retrieves any urine or excrement that may fall from the child within the raised edges of the platform while removing the soiled diaper or underwear and while wiping the child's anal and/or private areas clean.
In another aspect, the method includes folding the platform at one or more seams after repositioning the child to the standing position so that the platform is made smaller for storage. When the platform includes a lower platform portion and a rotatable upper platform portion, the method further includes rotating the child after positioning the child in the standing position on top of the upper platform portion such that the child's anal and/or private areas face towards a caregiver. The upper platform portion may then be locked from further rotation with respect to the lower platform portion to stabilize the child during movement to the bent over position and during wiping. In embodiments where the platform includes elevated blocks, the method further includes moving one or both of the child's feet onto the elevated blocks while the child is in the bent over position to provide further access to wipe clean the child's anal and/or private areas.
These and other aspects of the embodiments of the invention will be more readily apparent from the detailed description below and the drawings.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
With reference to
With specific reference to
The stabilized base 14 also includes a locking mechanism 22 for locking the relative rotational positions of the lower support portion 18 and the upper platform portion 20. In one example, the locking mechanism 22 includes a locking pin 24 extending through the upper platform portion 20 and a pin handle 26 attached to the locking pin 24 above the upper platform portion 20. The locking pin 24 may frictionally engage the lower support portion 18 or may be selectively inserted into pin apertures (not shown) located at various radial positions adjacent an outer periphery 28 of the lower support portion 18. The pin handle 26 may be pulled upwardly to disengage the locking pin 24 from the lower support portion 18 to once again enable the upper platform portion 20 to rotate freely with respect to the stationary lower support portion 18. It will be understood that other known types of locking or clamping devices may be used for the locking mechanism 22 within the scope of the invention.
The first handle 16 is coupled to the upper platform portion 20 by a pair of handle receptacles 30 coupled to the upper platform portion 20. The handle receptacles 30 may be coupled to the upper platform portion 20 in various ways, including but not limited to adherence with adhesive and connection with fasteners such as threaded screws or bolts. The first handle 16 includes a first end portion 32 extending into one of the handle receptacles 30 and projecting generally vertically above the handle receptacle 30. The first handle 16 also includes a second end portion 34 extending into the other handle receptacle 30 and projecting generally vertically above the handle receptacle 30. The first handle 16 further includes a central gripping portion 36 extending from the first end portion 32 to the second end portion 34 in a generally horizontal orientation. In the context of the present application, being generally vertical or generally horizontal refers to general orientations of these handle portions and does not limit the portions to exactly horizontal and exactly vertical orientations. For example, the first and second end portions 32, 34 may be angled from the vertical orientation by up to 45 degrees from vertical. It will be understood that the first handle 16 may define alternative configurations in other embodiments consistent with the scope of the invention, such as a T-shaped handle that still includes first and second end portions (which may or may not be connected to the stabilized base 14) and a central gripping portion. Other alternatives for handle shape and connection to the stabilized base 14 are also possible for the first handle 16.
Although the central gripping portion 36 is shown in these embodiments as having a generally straight shape between the first and second end portions 32, 34, it will be understood that the central gripping portion 36 may define other shapes such as arcuate or bent in other embodiments. Moreover, it will be understood that the first handle 16 may define different overall shapes other than the U-shaped version shown in these figures. In the illustrated embodiment, the central gripping portion 36 is connected to the first end portion 32 at a first elbow 38 and is connected to the second end portion 34 at a second elbow 40. To this end, the first handle 16 may be formed as an integral unit or may be assembled from various pipe-like portions. In one example, the first handle 16 may be formed of PVC or plastic pipe while the stabilized base 14 is formed from plywood, plastic, or another suitable structural material. The first and second end portions 32, 34 of the first handle 16 may be permanently coupled such as by adherence to the handle receptacles 30. Alternatively, the first and second end portions 32, 34 may define a snap fit or frictional engagement with the handle receptacle 30 such that the first handle 16 may be removed when necessary. In some embodiments within the scope of the invention, the apparatus 10 is a unitary injection-molded piece in which the first handle 16 and the stabilized base 14 are formed integrally, such as from plastic material.
The apparatus 10 of this embodiment also includes a second handle 42 configured to stabilize the child 12 in a standing upright position or as the child 12 moves between the standing upright position and the bent over position. The second handle 42 is coupled to the upper platform portion 20 by another pair of handle receptacles 30. The second handle 42 includes a first end portion 44 extending into one of the handle receptacles 30 and projecting generally vertically above the handle receptacle 30. The second handle 42 also includes a second end portion 46 extending into the other handle receptacle 30 and projecting generally vertically above the handle receptacle 30. The second handle 42 further includes a central gripping portion 48 extending from the first end portion 44 to the second end portion 46. The central gripping portion 48 is generally U-shaped and extends forwardly and upwardly from the first end portion 44 and the second end portion 46. Although the central gripping portion 48 is illustrated as including multiple straight portions, the central gripping portion 48 may be modified to have an arcuate shape or another shape in other embodiments. Similar to the first handle 16, the second handle 42 may be formed as an integral unit or may be formed as multiple pipe-like portions coupled together. Moreover, the second handle 42 may be permanently coupled (such as by adherence with adhesive) to the handle receptacles 30 or removably coupled to the handle receptacles 30 with a snap fit or frictional fit. As noted above, the second handle 42 may also be integrally formed as a unitary piece with the stabilized base 14 in other non-illustrated embodiments of the apparatus 10.
As shown in
The operation of the apparatus 10 is shown with a child 12 in various positions in
With reference to
With reference to
The apparatus 80 also includes the footprint indicia 50 and the first handle 16 as previously described. Thus, when the child 12 stands on the platform 82 at the location indicated by the indicia 50 and moves to a bent over position, the child 12 may grab the first handle 16 for stability during wiping and cleaning of the anal and/or private areas. The apparatus 80 also includes a pair of elevated blocks 88 coupled to the platform 82 and located on either side of the footprint indicia 50. The elevated blocks 88 enable the child 12 to move one foot or the other up onto the corresponding elevated block 88 while in the bent over position to more fully open the anal and/or private areas for wiping and cleaning. It will be understood that the elevated blocks 88 may be repositioned or reshaped into a non-cuboid shape in other embodiments of the apparatus. Moreover, the elevated blocks 88 may be added to any other embodiment of the apparatus described herein, including but not limited to the apparatus 10 of
Turning to
In summary, the various embodiments of the apparatus 10, 60, 80, 100, 120 for assisting with wiping a child enables the wiping clean of a child's anal and/or private areas in a standing and bent over position. The invention limits the amount of undesirable contact between the child and floor surfaces, especially public restroom floors. Furthermore, the apparatus 10, 60, 80, 100, 120 may easily be transported for use when potty training a child away from a private home setting. Additionally, the apparatus 10, 60, 80, 100, 120 enables wiping clean or changing of a child in a standing position for those children who dislike the lay down position. By positioning the apparatus 10, 60, 80, 100, 120 proximate to a toilet in a bathroom (in a public or private setting), the child may be encouraged to transition from diaper changing to regular toilet usage. The apparatus 10, 60, 80, 100, 120 improves and simplifies the cleaning process for caregivers and guardians teaching their children how to use the restroom like an adult.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.
Claims
1. An apparatus for assisting with wiping a child, comprising:
- a base configured to sit on a horizontal surface, the base including a handle receptacle; and
- a first handle coupled to the base at a single stationary location defined by the handle receptacle, the first handle having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central gripping portion, wherein the first end portion extends generally vertically upward from the base, the second end portion extends generally vertically upward from the base, and the central gripping portion extends generally horizontally between the first and second end portions,
- wherein the first handle is positioned such that the central gripping portion is located adjacent to the base with the first handle out of reach for a standing child until the child bends over, and wherein a child bending over while standing and grabbing the central gripping portion of the first handle with both hands opens the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean.
2. (canceled)
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base defines a platform for the child to stand upon when bending over and grabbing the first handle.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platform includes an outer periphery having raised edges such that the platform catches and contains any fecal matter that falls off the child during cleaning of the child.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platform includes footprint indicia to indicate where the child is to stand when bending over and grabbing the first handle.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platform includes elevated blocks configured to support one of the feet of the child while bending over to more fully open the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base includes a stationary lower support portion adapted to sit on a horizontal surface and an upper platform portion coupled to the stationary lower support portion such that the upper support portion freely rotates with respect to the stationary lower support portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the stabilized base includes a locking mechanism operable to prevent rotation of the upper platform portion with respect to the stationary lower support portion when the locking mechanism is actuated.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platform is configured to be folded into a compact orientation for storage or travel during non-use.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first handle is removable from the stabilized base during storage or travel.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a second handle coupled to the base and extending upwardly from the stabilizing base higher than the first handle, the second handle configured to be grabbed by the child when the child is in a standing position or when the child transitions between bending over and standing up.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second handle includes a central vertical portion extending upwardly from the base and a horizontal gripping portion coupled to the central vertical portion to define a T-shaped configuration.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second handle includes first and second end portions extending generally vertically upward from the stabilized base and a U-shaped handle portion projecting forwardly and upwardly from the first and second end portions.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second handles includes at least one of a toy or steering wheel to distract the child during cleaning.
15. A method for cleaning and wiping a child during diapering and potty training while using an assist apparatus, the method comprising:
- positioning the child in a standing position adjacent to or on top of a base of the assist apparatus sitting on a horizontal surface;
- bending the child at the torso into a bent over position by instructing the child to grab and hold a first handle coupled to the base, thereby opening up the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean;
- wiping the child's anal and/or private areas clean of any urine or excrement while the child continues to hold the first handle for stability; and
- repositioning the child back to the standing position to enable the child to put a new diaper or underwear on over the child's anal and/or private areas.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the assist apparatus includes a second handle extending from the base, and the method further comprises:
- instructing the child to grab and hold the second handle while positioning the child in the standing position adjacent to or on top of the base; and
- moving the child between the standing position and the bent over position while the child grabs one or both of the first and second handles for stability during the movement between positions.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the base of the assist apparatus includes a platform for the child to stand on, the platform including raised edges, and the method further comprises:
- removing a soiled diaper or underwear from the child while the child is in the standing position; and
- catching and retrieving any urine or excrement that may fall from the child within the raised edges of the platform while removing the soiled diaper or underwear and while wiping the child's anal and/or private areas clean.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the base of the assist apparatus includes a platform for the child to stand on, and the method further comprises:
- folding the platform into a compact orientation after repositioning the child back to the standing position such that the platform is made smaller for storage.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the base of the assist apparatus includes an upper platform portion for the child to stand on and a lower platform portion configured to sit on the horizontal surface, and the method further comprises:
- rotating the child after positioning the child in the standing position on top of the upper platform portion of the base such that the child's anal and/or private areas face towards a caregiver; and
- locking the upper platform portion from further rotation with respect to the lower platform portion to stabilize the child during movement to the bent over position and during wiping.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the base includes elevated blocks on a platform for the child to stand on, and the method further comprises:
- moving one or both of the child's feet onto the elevated blocks while the child is in the bent over position to provide further access to wipe clean the child's anal and/or private areas.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first handle consists only of the first end portion, the second end portion, and the central gripping portion such that no additional structures extend away from the first handle other than the handle receptacle and the base.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 8, 2012
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2014
Inventor: Daniel RICHARDSON (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 14/344,177
International Classification: A47K 17/02 (20060101); A47K 7/00 (20060101);