Abstract: A baby bathing system including a bathing tub, having a reservoir and a bath basin connected to the reservoir by a weir discharging bath water from the reservoir into the bath basin. A baby bath support insert is received within the bath basin downstream of the reservoir, the baby bath support insert having a flexible seat and a base projection projecting from the flexible seat towards the bath basin. The base projection is conformally seated against an interior surface of the bath basin and supports the flexible seat raised from the interior surface of the bath basin with the baby bath support insert received in the bath basin. The base projection includes at least one aperture extending through the base projection and disposed so that bath water from under the flexible seat communicates through the base projection with outer sides of the bath basin.

Abstract: Grab rail assemblies are disclosed for mounting on walls, such as the tiled walls of a showering area or a mud room. The assemblies are designed to aesthetically meld with the surrounding environment by having a front tile mounting panel. They may also be provided with a drainage system to avoid water collecting long term within the rail when the rail is used in a shower.

Abstract: Provided is bathtub accessory product and installation method. The bathtub accessory product is designed to be secured to a bathtub wall and have a universal end that permits the attachment of any number of bath accessories such as a grab bar or swivel seat. The bathtub accessory may be installed within the inner cavity of a bathtub to ensure a secure fit while also allowing ideal placement of a bath accessory for use by a bather.

Abstract: A tile-ready base includes a triangular top wall disposed in a horizontal plane when the base is secured to a corner. A first side wall depends from a first edge of the top wall and abuts a first vertical wall of a building. A second side wall depends from a second edge of the top wall and abuts a second vertical wall of the building. A front wall depends from a front edge of the triangular top wall and interconnects respective forward ends of the first and second side walls. Structural support ribs underlie the top wall and enhance the structural integrity of the base. Concavities are formed in the top wall in close proximity to the first and second side walls. Each concavity receives a screw and facilitates attachment of the base to the corner. The base is installed and tiled with no delay between installation and tiling.

Abstract: A bathing safety system and method is disclosed. The bathing safety system may include, for example, a first rod extending horizontally a length of a bathing enclosure; a second rod arranged vertically extending from a front edge of the bathing enclosure and having a first end adapted for engaging the first rod; a third rod arranged horizontally extending a width of the bathing enclosure and having a first end adapted for engaging the first rod; an attachment mechanism disposed at the front edge of the bathing enclosure and adapted for engaging a second end of the second rod; and a plurality of wall anchors securing first and second ends of the first rod to opposing walls, and for securing a second end of the third rod to another wall of the bathing enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for a perineal wash system, including a seat with a pair of pads and/or a conduit that redirects fluid from a hand-held spray nozzle to the perineal area of a person on the seat. The pads are separated and have front and rear access areas dimensioned to allow a caregiver to access the perineal area of a seated person. In one embodiment one pad is movable sideways. The frame supporting the seat is spaced a sufficient distance from the gap between the pads to not impede access to the perineum. In one embodiment a perineal washer is supported adjacent the seat. The washer receives a nozzle of a hose sprayer and redirects the fluid spray through a movable elongated conduit to direct a spray of liquid upward to the perineum. In one embodiment a commode pot below the seat has a gap sufficient to avoid pinching dangling body parts.

Abstract: A birthing stool is disclosed comprising a series of closed walls constructed from a non porous rigid material, molded into compound curves. The stool facilitates a range of physiologically effective positioning for labor and delivery and can be used submerged underwater during waterbirth. The stool ergonomically supports the body while also achieving structural integrity through a simple organic form that can be produced inexpensively using minimal material. All elements of the stool, including a seat portion that accommodates a laboring woman and her birthing partner, as well as handles and grips for carrying are integrated into a single part design, facilitating effective cleansing and disinfection of the apparatus. The invention includes the method of production of the stool, and describes method of using device.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory for a bath includes attaching a first mounting bracket to a structure; placing the accessory on a first side of a system wall that is visible after installation; placing a second mounting bracket on a second side of the system wall that is not visible after installation; attaching the accessory to the second mounting bracket through the system wall; and attaching the second mounting bracket to the first mounting bracket.

Abstract: A device for facilitating use of a bathroom fixture according to various exemplary embodiments can include at least a first planar body and a second planar body having a pair of opposed legs extending from each planar body defining a first opening and a second opening for receiving and conforming to a configuration of a base of a bathroom fixture. An interlocking element may be interposed between at least the first planar body and the second planar body for interlocking and stacking at least the first and second planar bodies to form a raised platform adjustable to a predetermined height based upon a user's height for facilitating use of the bathroom fixture according to the user's height. A skid-resistance bottom surface may be provided on either the first planar body or the second planar body for securing the raised platform to an underlying surface to prevent movement.

Abstract: A baby bathing apparatus comprising an easily stored, relatively planar expanse of material configurable into a relatively concave configuration for deployment at least partially within a basin, and a method of forming the same. A material and configuration of a deployed bathing apparatus comfortably and securely retain a baby during bathing. One or more fastening means can be employed to securely yet detachably retain the expanse in a deployed configuration, while also allowing the bathing apparatus to resume a non-deployed, relatively planar configuration.

Abstract: A baby bathing apparatus comprising an easily stored, relatively planar expanse of material configurable into a relatively concave configuration for deployment at least partially within a basin, and a method of forming the same. A material and configuration of a deployed bathing apparatus comfortably and securely retain a baby during bathing. One or more fastening means can be employed to securely yet detachably retain the expanse in a deployed configuration, while also allowing the bathing apparatus to resume a non-deployed, relatively planar configuration.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory for a bath includes attaching a first mounting bracket to a structure; placing the accessory on a first side of a system wall that is visible after installation; placing a second mounting bracket on a second side of the system wall that is not visible after installation; attaching the accessory to the second mounting bracket through the system wall; and attaching the second mounting bracket to the first mounting bracket wherein the system wall has a first portion that is both parallel to the structure and extends above the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, and a second portion that is both parallel to the structure and extends below the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket.

Abstract: Provided is bathtub accessory product and installation method. The bathtub accessory product is designed to be secured to a bathtub wall and have a universal end that permits the attachment of any number of bath accessories such as a grab bar or swivel seat. The bathtub accessory may be installed within the inner cavity of a bathtub to ensure a secure fit while also allowing ideal placement of a bath accessory for use by a bather.

Abstract: A shower bench includes an L-shaped first brace with legs attached to vertical shower walls. A bench subassembly includes a cross brace, a foam block, and a T-shaped beam made of cementitious bonding agent that adheres the cross brace to the foam block and also adds strength to a front edge of the foam block. The brace and the block are cut to fit horizontally against the first brace with legs overlapping, such that the braces form a rigid geometric arrangement that supports the block. Ends of the braces are screwed together. The large uniform surfaces of the block are covered with tile and grout. The resulting assembly is extremely rigid and non-flexing, such that cracking of the tile and grout is substantially minimized, even when the bench is loaded up to 400 lbs.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes primary and secondary sections. Each section has a primary face and a secondary face. Each face has a peripheral side wall, interior and exterior edges, and front and rear edges. A hinge couples the side walls of the sections at the interior edges. In this manner movement between deployed and collapsed orientations is allowed. Four primary legs are pivotally secured to the primary face between its peripheral side wall. Two secondary legs are pivotally secured to the secondary face adjacent to its exterior edge between its peripheral side wall. The legs are pivotable between the collapsed and deployed orientations perpendicular to the primary and exterior faces. Holes are provided in the peripheral side walls adjacent to the exterior edges. A handle has legs reciprocally received within the holes. The handle has a grip. The grip couples the legs for carrying purposes.

Abstract: A tiled structure comprises a layer of adhesive mortar, a bracket having a substantially flat base mounting portion with a plurality of perforations embedded in an adhesive mortar with the mortar flowed through the perforations and substantially covering opposite sides of the base mounting portion, and a tile veneer bonded to the adhesive mortar over at least one side of the base mounting portion.

Abstract: A bathtub shortener and position stabilizer for maintaining a user in an upright position and inhibiting the motion of sliding out of an upright position while bathing in a bathtub is provided. The bathtub shortener and position stabilizer comprises a main body having at least one side wall, a top wall, and a mounting wall. A combination foot rest and foot pad is securable to one of the side walls of the main body. A securing mechanism secured to the mounting wall of the main body releasably secures the main body to the bathtub in a position contactable by the user wherein the combination foot rest and foot pad are constructed from softer material than the main body and wherein upon releasably securing the main body to the bathtub, the combination foot rest and foot pad face the user allowing the user to contact the combination foot rest and foot pad thereby maintaining the user in an upright position.

Abstract: A bathing system assembly has; an accessory such as a grab bar, a seat or the like; a first mounting bracket affixed to a structural wall; and a second mounting bracket attaching the accessory to a bath wall. The second mounting bracket cooperates with the first mounting bracket for easy installation of the bath wall and accessory to the structural wall, e.g., stud wall. The bathing system wall including the accessory and the second mounting bracket is manipulated by an installer so that the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket cooperate to support the wall and the grab bar. Because the accessory is attached directly to the second mounting bracket, flanges and attachment means for hardware are eliminated. The accessory may be attached to the second mounting bracket through the bath wall at a first location and attached to the first mounting bracket at a second location.

Abstract: A portable commode, shower, and bath wheelchair apparatus comprising a first support frame, a second support frame, a mechanical interface interconnecting the first support frame to the second support frame thereby forming a first contiguous support member and a second contiguous support member. A seat assembly is slidingly attached to both the first contiguous support member and to the second contiguous support member.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a portable personal support system and method of providing the same. In some embodiments, provided is a portable personal support including a frame having a support member of sufficient height to be grasped by a human while in a standing position. The frame including a three-sided barrier having at least one front barrier portion to be disposed in front of user during use and at least two side barrier portions to be disposed on either side of the user during use. At least one of the barrier portions includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion complementary to the first panel portion coupled to one another to form an integral barrier portion. At least a portion of the first panel portion includes a first edge portion, and at least a portion of the second panel includes a second edge portion complementary to the first edge portion that engage one another.

Abstract: A seat assembly for sliding along opposing rims of a bathtub is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat member, a friction element affixed to the seat member so as to extend under the seat member, and a flexible slider affixed to the seat member so as to also extend under the seat member. The slider and friction element are positioned and configured so that in a first state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims without additional weight on the seat member, the slider holds the friction element up off a rim while facilitating sliding of the seat member along a rim. In a second state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims with a human weighing over 50 pounds sitting on the seat member, the friction element can contact the rim and thereby impede sliding of the seat member along a rim.

Abstract: A toilet transfer system is described for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet. The system comprises a base unit that is attached to a toilet and that may be supported by one or more legs. The system further comprises a transfer board that is rotatably coupled to the base unit, allowing the transfer board to be positioned in a variety of positions without need to detach the toilet transfer system from the toilet. The transfer board may be pointed forward to allow the wheelchair to be positioned for transfer, pointed towards the wheelchair for transfer, and pointed back for compact storage between transfers and for normal use of the toilet. A coupling system accommodates height differentials between the toilet and the wheelchair, and allows the transfer board to become lifted up off the base unit and/or rotated without becoming misaligned from the base unit.

Abstract: A bath aid device includes a base formed with a padded area for kneeling. A seat is carried by a seat support mounted to the base for movement between a sitting position of the seat away from the padded area for kneeling and a stored position of the seat toward the padded area for kneeling, and a chest support mounted to a chest support extension mounted to the base for reciprocal movement between lowered and raised positions of the chest support relative to the base, and in the raised position of the chest support for pivotal movement between a deployed position of the chest support away from the padded area for kneeling and a stored position of the chest support toward the padded area for kneeling. The chest support extension is supported between the base and the seat support in the stored positions of the seat and the chest support.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a toilet between a position where it is accessible to a person of restricted mobility and a storage position when not in use. The apparatus comprises two cooperating platforms, a first platform which rests on the floor of a room which houses the apparatus and a second platform. The first platform has a guide along an edge, and the second platform has an edge that is slidably received in the guide, and is supported so that it is capable of limited translational movement without rotation relative to the first platform. A physically impaired person can occupy a chair on the first platform, and can slide the second platform relative to the first to move a portable toilet on the second platform between a position in which it can be used and a storage position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety bar for a bathtub to help prevent children from falling into a tub. The bar can be moved from a lower position to an upper position to form a barrier to keep children out of a tub. Alternatively, the device when it is in its extended position can be used to provide an additional support for a user when sitting in a tub, so that the user does not slide in the tub.

Abstract: A bath environment, such as a shower or a tub enclosure, has an outer wall and an area built into the outer wall that extends out of the bath environment. The area supports a user so that a user may pivot thereon to enter into the bath environment.

Abstract: A spa wall mounted head rest directs a curved sheet of water against a user's neck and shoulders. The head rest is fed by two laterally spaced apart water flows and includes an internal manifold to uniformly direct the flows across a curved outlet. The resulting curved flow is uniformly directed against the user's neck and shoulders. The head rest has a curved back to allow mounting in a corner of the spa wall and includes an easily removable and replaceable head rest cover allowing easy maintenance.

Abstract: A cushioned bath lounger adapted for use in a bathtub, or spa, and positioned proximate to the back surface of the bathtub. The cushioned bath lounger presenting a resting place for the head and shoulders of a reclined bather. The lounger having first and second support rails anchored to each side of the bathtub. A flexible support member is positioned between and attached to each support rail. The flexible support member has a first chamber with a visco-elastic pad positioned within to support the bathers head. The flexible support member may also include a second chamber configured to be inflated by air. The air filled second chamber then provides gentle floatation support to the reclined bather when immersed in a bath. The flexible support of the lounger may be adjustably positioned between the support rails and locked in place. The lounger may also be configured such that the flexible support may glide freely along the support rails to provide a rocking motion to the reclined bather.

Abstract: A bath aid is provided for supporting a person kneeling at a bathtub. The bath aid comprises a lower pad, a middle pad, and an upper pad which includes a tub attachment mechanism fixed to a bottom surface thereof. A first hinge mechanism pivotally connects a front edge of the lower pad to a lower edge of the middle pad, while a second hinge mechanism pivotally connects an upper edge of the middle pad to a lower edge of the upper pad. The bottom surface of the lower pad rests on a floor surface, while the bottom surface of the upper pad may be fixed to the bathtub by the tub attachment mechanism when in an open position.

Abstract: While showering elderly people can become disoriented and slip and fall. By standing in the soft Shower Safety Ring a fall can be broken and prevent injury. Handicap and others may benefit from this device which slides horizontally and vertically. It also folds down when not in use and is out of the way.

Abstract: A padded bathtub bar has resilient gripping feet and is adjustable in length by turning an actuating wheel. The pad is removable, and the bar may be washed in the dishwasher, as it has no metal parts. The bar may be placed in a variety of locations to allow various comfortable and stable bathing positions. The removable pads may come in a variety of sizes and configurations. The bathtub bar is lengthened and shortened by converting rotational movement of a hand rotation wheel into translational movement of an inner translation cylinder. As the hand rotation wheel is turned in one direction an attached threaded actuation rod turns as well. As it rotates within a threaded translation nut, the nut, the attached inner translation cylinder and one of the feet are caused to translate outward. Turning the hand wheel in the other direction retracts these elements and shortens the bathtub bar. A removable foot assembly is inserted into an end of the inner translation cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for supporting an animal during grooming of the animal. A base has a drain, such as, for example, a drain hole and/or drain holes, which may allow the liquids to flow through the base. The base is supported by, for example, a leg and/or the side walls of a wash tub. The leg pivots from a first position to a second position and/or has a length which adjusts to allow the leg to push against the surface of the wash tub. Moreover, the animal is placed on top of the base and may be groomed by the user while on the base.

Abstract: Furniture capable of being assembled in one way to produce a step stool and in another way to produce a kneeler. The furniture includes a base unit and a lid releasably secured to the base unit to produce the step stool or to produce the kneeler. The furniture includes an armrest and a connecting member. The kneeler is configured for use alongside a bathtub.

Abstract: A cushion device for use when at least partially submerged in the water of a bath, a hot tub or the like, comprising a flexible hollow, enclosed shell having upper and lower ends, and being capable of containing liquid without substantial leakage, and having a plurality of ports that can allow gas or liquid to enter into or to escape from the shell, the ports being provided with closure means which can substantially prevent entry and escape of gas or liquid from the shell. The shell is capable of maintaining a substantial volume by virtue of a spacing device or its own inherent firmness, rigidy or stiffness, when the shell is open to ambient water or air pressure, and further comprises a weight tending to hold the lower end of said device in a position below said upper end when the device is submerged or partially submerged. The device is designed to fill automatically with water while a bathtub is being filled.

Abstract: A healthcare device intended for use by persons with either temporary or permanent limited mobility as a paraplegic or near paraplegic, who possess full use of the upper body and upper extremities. An intermediary device between the bedside commode where use of lower extremities permits walking, and the bedpan where a person is immobile or requires the help of an attendant or caregiver. This toilet or commode does not require the user to stand or sit independently, and there is no need to turn around for use. It is comprised of a wedged shaped, smooth surface, ventrally cantilevered bench with a toilet opening above a suspended waste collection bucket at the enlarged far end. Enclosed on three sides by a girdling fence rail, it is approached directly by a wheelchair user who, with chair brakes set, can slide forward onto the co-planer bench using the parallel side rails to aid in forward and backward movement.

Abstract: A cushioned support apparatus (10) for use in combination with a conventional bathtub/spa (100) wherein the support apparatus (10) includes a pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) formed integrally with a main upper body support unit (11) having an upper backrest portion (25) wherein, the upperback rest portion (26) is also provided with an elongated non-skid friction skirt member (40); and, wherein, the pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) are further provided with a plurality of contoured recesses (33) (34) dimensioned to receive and support bath accessories (200) and (201).

Abstract: A lift assisting device and a stabilizing device for a bather and a showerer, respectively. The device includes a rope and a plurality of rungs. The rope is suspended from a ceiling. The plurality of rungs are operatively connected to the rope for grasping by the bather to assist in lifting and the showerer for stabilizing. The plurality of rungs are molded around the rope so as to form an integral unit therewith. The rope is one-piece for integrity and passes through the plurality of rungs to define a path that is double-helix-like that prevents the bather and the showerer from falling if one of the plurality of rungs fails since double lengths of the rope pass through each of the plurality of rungs.

Abstract: A new and improved bathing chair and method of using the bathing chair for positionment within a bathtub is described. The bathing chair having a generally U-shaped framework comprising a seat; a support rod; a pair of U-shaped frame members; a pair of caps; a pair of bottom support members; a pair of top support members; a base member; a yoke member; and a collar. The support rod has a generally S-shaped configuration, in which the top end of the support rod is pivotally attached to the seat. Each of the U-shaped frame members has an upside down J-shaped configuration at the proximate end and an upside down L-shaped configuration at the distal end. The pair of caps are attached to the distal ends of the pair of U-shaped frame members. The pair of bottom support members are connected the bottom portions of each U-shaped frame members together. The pair of top support members are connected to the top portions of each U-shaped frame members together.

Abstract: A device includes a base providing an upwardly-directed cavity having a mouth at an upper end thereof and configured to receive a portion of a child and to hold water. A lid is movably coupled to the base and movable into a tub position and a stool position, the lid extending angularly upward and away from the cavity to provide a back rest when in the tub position and the lid being disposed at least partially over the mouth and providing a substantially horizontal top surface when in the stool position. The base and lid provide a bathtub capable of holding a portion of a child therein and water for bathing the child when the lid is in the tub position and provide a step stool adapted to support the weight of a person standing on the substantially horizontal surface when in the stool position.

Abstract: A support system to support a disabled person in a bathing environment, a pole mounted between the ceiling and the floor; a vertically adjustable, padded, underarm support, attached to the pole, to fit under the arms of a user at various selected heights; and a vertically adjustable seat attached to the pole.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for individuals, especially those with disabilities which render them incapable of readily getting into and out of a bathing position in a bathtub. The appliance consists of an inflatable seat with a top seat surface and side, back, front, and bottom walls made of a resilient material of single ply construction. The seat, when deflated, is flattened and crushed into a thin layer which can then be readily rolled into a compact unit and stored and transported in an accompanying carrying case. A bath mat type extension is secured to the front wall of the seat to supply a non-skid surface to the user while in the bathtub and for facilitating the roll-up aspect of the invention. The appliance employs the use of an air pump and air hose for supplying and delivering air to the seat, along with a valve for controlling the flow of air. A remotely operated device for controlling the operation of the air pump is also provided.

Abstract: A device includes a base providing an upwardly-directed cavity having a mouth at an upper end thereof and configured to receive a portion of a child and to hold water. A lid is movably coupled to the base and movable into a tub position and a stool position, the lid extending angularly upward and away from the cavity to provide a back rest when in the tub position and the lid being disposed at least partially over the mouth and providing a substantially horizontal top surface when in the stool position. The base and lid provide a bathtub capable of holding a portion of a child therein and water for bathing the child when the lid is in the tub position and provide a step stool adapted to support the weight of a person standing on the substantially horizontal surface when in the stool position.

Abstract: A device includes a base providing an upwardly-directed cavity having a mouth at an upper end thereof and configured to receive a portion of a child and to hold water. A lid is movably coupled to the base and movable into a tub position and a stool position, the lid extending angularly upward and away from the cavity to provide a back rest when in the tub position and the lid being disposed at least partially over the mouth and providing a substantially horizontal top surface when in the stool position. The base and lid provide a bathtub capable of holding a portion of a child therein and water for bathing the child when the lid is in the tub position and provide a step stool adapted to support the weight of a person standing on the substantially horizontal surface when in the stool position.