Abstract: A self-heating outdoor bathtub to better simulate natural hot spring pools. Allows use of major components salvaged from discarded water heaters. Inconspicuous appearance, low value, and durability, eases concerns of theft or vandalism. A water heating unit and a flexible tarp, serving as a bathing container, joined by an open water passage between the two. The heating unit supplying heat from below.

Abstract: A foldable bathtub assembly accommodated in a space under a bed includes: a base arranged on a floor surface to be movable between a first place under the bed and a second place on the side of the bed; a bathtub supporting frame mounted on the base to allow movement of the bathtub supporting frame in a vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position; and a bathtub made of watertight flexible cloth or plastic sheet, wherein the bathtub is fixed on its upper periphery to and suspended from the bathtub supporting frame. When the bathtub is folded and the bathtub supporting frame is in its lower position, the whole height of the bathtub assembly is sufficiently reduced to allow accommodation of the assembly in the space under the bed. When the base of the bathtub assembly is pulled out to the second place on the side of the bed and the bathtub supporting frame is vertically moved to its upper position, the bathtub assembly forms a bathtub having a sufficient depth.

Abstract: A variable size, portable above-the-ground swimming pool comprising a frame portion having a flexible liner portion attached thereto. The frame portion includes a plurality of first wall members which are of a first length. Attached to and extending between the top ends of the first wall members are a plurality of rim members. The liner portion includes an upper rim which defines a plurality of horizontally oriented rim sleeves sized to slidably receive respective ones of the rim members. Extending downwardly from the upper rim is a sidewall which defines inner and outer surfaces. Disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall are a plurality of vertically oriented wall sleeves which are sized to slidably receive respective ones of the first wall members, while attached to the sidewall is a floor. The sidewall is of a first height, and is selectively collapsible to a second height which is less than the first height.

Abstract: A portable spa apparatus comprising a peripheral side wall composite and a floor, which combine to define a tub capable of accommodating at least one occupant and a quantity of liquid. The peripheral side wall composite has an inner liquid-impervious layer; a central layer of flexible, foamed thermoplastic material providing insulating capabilities; and an outer layer of reinforced material. The outer layer has properties that render it capable of withstanding stresses resulting when the spa is partially filled with liquid. Moreover, the peripheral side wall, when constructed, is capable of standing generally upright when the tub is partially filled with liquid. The peripheral side wall and floor are of such construction to be portable and collapsible. Methods for making and using a portable spa apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of forming an inflatable tub that includes shaping inner and outer plastic sheets to form tub upright side walls and end walls, and corners between the walls; bonding the sheets at each wall to form panels bonded together at certain locations, and introducing inflation fluid between the sheet to space them apart from one another at other locations about the panels by inflation pressure, whereby each wall defines upright inner and outer sides with substantially uniform maximum spacing between the inner and outer sides along the inflated walls between the corners; and providing the tub with a bottom wall defined by bottom plastic sheet structure connected to lowermost extents of the side and end walls and the corners.

Abstract: An apparatus for the hygiene care of a person confined to a bed, comprising an inflatable tub with two cavities therein that is easily placed under a person and inflated. The device is equipped with separate drains and aprons which create pockets that contain disposable waste water bags which retrieve all waste water from the bed. The inflatable bed is supplied with water and air from a free-moving service apparatus. The inflatable bed and service apparatus are integral parts and together provide a practical and convenient method to administer personnel hygiene care to a person confined to a bed.

Abstract: A portable foldable containment (10) is illustrated for use in containing spilled material and preventing environmental contact. Containment (10) includes a floor (14) and integral side walls (16, 18, 20, 22). Rigid side braces (A) internal braces (B) and wall bracing elements (C) provide support to enable walls (16, 18, 20, 22) to extend upright a considerable distance. Internal braces (B) consist of a first brace segment (26), a second brace segment (28) and a hinge (30). Wall bracing elements (C) consist of a vertical leg (64), a horizontal leg (66), and a resilient hinge (68). These components enable the internal braces (B) and wall bracing elements (C) to be folded allowing walls (16, 18, 20, 22) to be laid horizontally for passage of a vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable article for a person to rest thereupon and which is capable of generating massage bubbles for the person when the inflatable article is immersed in water. The inflatable article is composed of at least three layers of PVC sheets which include a first layer of PVC sheet, a second layer of PVC sheet, and a third layer of PVC sheet. The first layer and the second layer are heat-sealed together at a plurality of upper joints so as to form at least one inflatable air chambers between the first layer and the second layer, with a plurality of upper and lower vent holes being, respectively, formed in those areas of the heat-bonded first layer and second layer other than the air chamber so as to communicate the water around the inflatable article with the region below the second layer.

Abstract: A flexible bathing fluid permeable mesh sheet is attached to a rectangular frame. A flexible and collapsible bathing fluid impermeable sheet is attached to the frame below the mesh sheet and spaced apart therefrom for forming an open fluid receptacle. The mesh sheet is attached to the frame with straps which may be adjusted for allowing the patient to be placed substantially coplanar with the frame and away from the fluid collected in the impermeable sheet or lowered toward the impermeable sheet to provide an immersion bath.

Abstract: An infant support having a supporting hammock and securement structure therefor for securing the supporting hammock to plural side frame members of the support. An infant holding device is provided and is movable between a first position overlaying from side-to-side an upwardly facing surface of the support hammock and a second position thereof lying at a side thereof. A releasable connection is provided for facilitating a releasable securement of the infant holding structure in the first position, a release of the releasable connection structure facilitating a movement of the infant holding structure to the second position. A pair of parallel rocker slats are provided and a releasable coupling structure is provided for securing each end region of a rocker slat to the lower end of a pair of laterally spaced legs to enable the infant support to be rocked when said rocker slats are connected to the lower ends of respective ends of a transversely spaced pair of legs.

Abstract: A bathing device for use in a hospital or nursing home environment comprises a rectangular chamber surrounded on five sides by inflatable interconnected panels. An integral head and neck support are provided at one end of the rectangular chamber. A drain unit penetrates the chamber and is connected to a hose for drainage of the bathing device. Air is provided to the interconnected panels through a resealable inlet. Air is also provided to the head and neck support though a resealable inlet. The bathing device is designed to be utilized in a hospital bed. A sloped inflated bottom panel facilitates drainage.

Abstract: An invalid patient lifting and turning apparatus which includes an open framework for being positioned above a bed, an elevator supported by the open framework and a patient support straps for being positioned on a mattress of the bed underneath the patient and remaining underneath the patient at all times. The straps are removable and replaceable for extending laterally from side-to-side along the length of the patient for supporting the patient's head, trunk and legs. Connecting straps are provided for connecting the patient support straps and the elevator thereby permitting the patient support straps to lift the patient above the mattress surface for cleaning and bed-linen changing. A reservoir is provided for being positioned on the mattress under the patient while the patient is suspended above the mattress so that the patient can be bathed or showered in the bed.

Abstract: A portable bathing apparatus comprising a body length container having an inflatable wall which forms a shallow tub for holding water for bathing a person, the wall has a valve for inflating the wall from a source of air, the container is provided with a rigid bottom portion with a fluid egress means including a control valve for draining water from the container and removable apertured cushion means resting on its bottom portion.

Abstract: A bed apparatus (1) combines a bed body (3) and a collapsible bathtub (103). The bathtub (103) is vertically collapsible to be storable in a spaced under a bottom plate (106) of the bed body (3). The collapsible tub is movable by a guide member (104) between a position under the bottom plate (106) and a position on a side of the bottom plate (106). In an unused state, the bathtub (103) is stored in the space under the bed body in order to facilitate an effective use of a relatively narrow room.

Abstract: a foldable, portable solar tanning box of sun reflective fabric having a floor comprising plural hingedly connected floor panels, and end walls and side walls, all hingedly connected to the floor. Cooperating fasteners are secured to each of the end walls and adjacent portions of the side walls for holding the side and end walls in the erected position. The fasteners on each of the end walls cooperate with each other to hold the box in the folded position. By this construction and arrangement, the fasteners on the end walls are employed for not only holding the box in the erected position but also for holding the box in the folded position.

Abstract: A shower apparatus for children in which an insert tubular framework assembly is defined by a generally parallelpiped configuration. The insert framework assembly is positioned in a bathtub and is connected to the water nozzle in a conventional manner to permit a child to safety utilize the shower apparatus within the bathtub. A deformable and adjustable shower head is mounted to the tubular framework assembly and can be positioned relative to the child within the tubular framework.

Abstract: A bed with an integrated commode and inflatable bathing section includes a mattress (70) and a secondary support surface. The secondary surface is supported by a frame (90) and legs (92) and (94). Two padded sections (96) and (98) are disposed on the upper surface thereof. The end of the support section is comprised of a horizontal bar (100) and leg (102). A pad (106) is disposed on the upper surface thereof. The horizontal bar (100) can be lowered to a foot rest position or disposed in the same plane as the bar (90) to provide a resting position. A commode (18) is disposed under the center padded section (98) which has a hole (112) disposed therein. A splash guard (110) is disposed thereon. An inflatable bathing section (122) is provided for being disposed over the padded sections (96), (98) and (106), or in place thereof. The bathing section (122) has a vinyl surface (124) with a peripheral tube (126) disposed therearound. The tube (126) is inflatable with a pump (130).

Abstract: A cover for a conventional bathtub is disclosed. A removably mountable side flap protects the side of the conventional bathtub. A removably mountable top part protects the top of the conventional bathtub. A removably mountable internal part protects the internal part of the conventional bathtub, VELCRO.RTM. in use for removably mounting the side flap, if necessary, the top part, if necessary, the internal part if necessary, to the bathtub and to each other if necessary, so that whenever the bathtub is in the threat of danger the VELCRO.RTM. provide contact points for the side flap, the top part, and the internal part and are the vulnerable areas on the conventional bathtub.

Abstract: A portable bath tub apparatus 10 is provided for facilitating the bathing of bedridden persons. The portable bath tub apparatus 10 includes an inflatable bath tub 16. An air pump 60 and tank 61 are provided to inflate the bath tub 16. A movable water storage tank 40 is coupled to the bath tub 16 by a water pump 46 which facilitates the movement of water from the tank to the bath tub 16 . A heat dispenser 56 is provided to heat the water in the tank 40 so that the water in the bath tub 16 can be maintained at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A bathing device comprises an air inflatable bathtub and shampoo bowl of flexible material. When deflated, the bathing device lies flat for convenient storage and portability. When inflated, it expands to form a bathtub in which a person may sit, a sloped backrest against which the person may lean and a shampoo bowl behind the backrest for receiving water used to shampoo and person's hair. Drains are provided for draining water from the bathtub and shampoo bowl upon completion of bathing. A bathing device also comprises an air inflatable shampoo cap of flexible material, which when deflated folds flat. When inflated, the shampoo cap fits and seals with the head of a person to accommodate shampooing the person's hair while confining wash water to the cap. The shampoo cap may be used separately from or together with the shampoo bowl and bathtub, and if desired it may be an integral part of the same.

Abstract: A disposable bath in the form of a body having top and bottom walls and sealed side and end edges. The body is formed of a water impervious material with a soft inner liner. A main aperture is formed in the top wall of the body permitting access to an interior chamber in the body and is closable by a closure member. Preferably, the closure member is in the form of one or two flaps which are sealingly attachable to each other and to the body to sealingly close the main aperture. A second aperture to allow the head of a user to fit therethrough is also formed in the body. An elastic strip is mounted in the body about the second aperture to snugly conform the second aperture to the shape of a user's neck. An upstanding flange is mounted about the periphery of the second aperture to prevent fluid outflow from the interior of the body. An inlet is formed in the body to allow the supply of fluid into the interior chamber of the body and/or the discharge of fluid from the body.

Abstract: A shower stall booth is converted into a bath by supporting an integral sheet of waterproof material against the upstanding walls of the shower stall. Support components extend across the open side of the shower stall to further support the waterproof sheet. A second embodiment enables the waterproof insert to extend outward from within the stall shower to any desired length and breadth. A third embodiment enables the waterproof tub insert to extend upward to any desire height. Fourth and fifth embodiments accomplish the shower stall bath conversion by means of affixing either a watertight wall or a partial tub insert to the open side of the shower stall.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a hospital bed to facilitate the showering and/or bathing of bed-ridden patients is comprised of a compliant rectangular waterproof sheet whose perimeter has a multitude of tethers which secure the sheet tightly upon the mattress. A splash cuff is upraised from the upper surface of the sheet to retain water, and a drain port extends through the splash cuff to enable run-off water to be conveniently disposed of.

Abstract: An in-bed bathing process and apparatus therefor comprising the steps of filling one compartment of a sealed tank, internally divided by a flexible diaphragm into two compartments, with pressurized water to distend the diaphragm into the other compartment, moving the water-filled tank to the bedside of the bed-ridden person, encasing the person in a body-encapsulating, water-proof sheath, pressurizing some of the water from the tank into the sheath through a transfer line, for bathing the person, connecting a shower nozzle to the transfer line and rinsing the person, then draining the rinse water from the sheath through another line into a bag hung next to the tank, and including provisions for placing a wash tray behind the person's head for washing their hair in the bed and draining the water into the sheath for capture in the bag.

Abstract: A portable spa having a vertically rigid side wall, and a flexible inner including inflatable seat chambers which may be connected in series for filling with a fluid and inflatable backrest chambers which are partially filled with fluid and air.

Abstract: A portable decontaimination chamber to be used by hazardous material decontaminators. The unit has a tubular substructure that is readily assembled and has a vessel portion formed from a plastic film attached to the superstructure. The base of the vessel rests on the ground, and the person to be decontaminated steps into the vessel to be doused with water which collects therein for ultimate disposal.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with inflatable plastic baby baths similar in shape to a rubber tire inner tube having an impervious web across the ring. The web is preferably midway between the top and the bottom of the inflatable tube or annulus, and by inflating the article while hot during manufacture a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance can be produced. Such a plastic bath can be made virtually immovable on a smooth surface by expelling air from under the web and causing a partial vacuum. The diameter of the inflated tube is sufficiently great relative to the width of the web to prevent the web touching the supporting surface in normal use.

Abstract: A collapsible bathtub adapted for placement on top of a mattress employs a horizontal flexible plastic rectangular sheet having two opposite sides and two opposite ends. First and second flexible plastic parallel side walls are integral with the sheet, each side wall having a collapsed position at which it is essentially coplanar with the sheet, each side wall having an erect position at which it extends vertically upwards from a corresponding one of the two sides of the sheet; First and second flexible plastic end walls disposed at right angles to said side walls are integral with said sheet.

Abstract: An adjustable type of wheeled sick bed can also act as a wheel chair, having a spring mattress in three sections pivoting with each other. The mattress is structured in a weblike network, and under its front and rear sections are provided rocker gears for rotating the sections from a horizontal position to yield the wheel-chair. A sump is provided beneath the central section of the mattress to exhaust via a drainage pipe or urinal. A plastic covering is hung vertically to cover the front and rear sections of the bed, to shield the patient while taking a bath on the bed, the sullied water of the bath exiting via the sump and drainage pipe. The central part of the bed, at a point corresponding to the buttocks of a patient lying in the bed, is provided with a soft, hollow-set round urn, to allow the patient sitting on the bed to eliminate. The sick bed is easy to assemble and disassemble, and is portable, light-weight and highly versatile.

Abstract: An invalid bed has a bedstead, a mattress support mounted on the bedstead, a mattress placed on the mattress support, a bedpan movable between a horizontal position and a tilted position, a rotary table pivoted to the bedstead, a number of containers mounted on the rotary table, a rotation device for rotating the rotary table, and a sealing device for sealing the opening of the container.

Abstract: A collapsible, gas-inflatable hot tub which is for use in locations where hot water is not accessible or where hot baths are not available. The water of the hot tub is solar heated by making the walls of the water-holding receptacle black, and by providing an insulating cover for the water-holding receptacle that keeps the heat in until a bath is taken. The bottom of the receptacle is connected to a perforated hose for supplying forced air to the bottom of the receptacle in order to form air bubbles. The hot tub is reinforced by transverse ribs at the bottom.

Abstract: An improved portable bathing apparatus useful for washing toxic substances from a patient in a prone position includes a support platform mounted on a support frame, a circumferential rail with a sheet attached to the rail, the rail being movable between a position parallel with the table to a position above the table to define a vessel. Specialized liners may be positioned within the vessel for use when bathing a patient to wash toxic substances therefrom. A stretcher with a special stainless steel construction and configuration is provided for support of a patient within the vessel.

Abstract: An inflatable reservoir for containing a liquid, more especially an inflatable swimming pool, formed from a single sheet of a flexible and fluid tight material defining a bottom supporting thereover the liquid filling the reservoir and a peripheral space formed by the remainder of the sheet folded back on itself inwardly over the whole of its periphery so as to form approximately a tube filled partially with liquid and partially with gas, discontinuous mechanical connection means being provided for connecting the free edge of the folded down remainder of the sheet to the bottom.

Abstract: An improved portable bathing apparatus is comprised of a generally planar platform mounted on a movable cart with a flexible tub enclosure supported on the platform by a framework that may be raised and lowered. An arrangement of articulated arms driven by a mechanical linkage operates to move the framework between the tub formed and a tub collapsed position. The linkage includes a special locking mechanism to insure that the framework will maintain the formed tub enclosure.

Abstract: A portable spa including a base platform sufficiently dimensioned to support one or more occupants and being of an inflatable structure capable of being expanded or collapsed for use or storage respectively. A containment wall is interconnected between the base platform and a support frame so as to define a contained space with the remaining components of the spa in which water may be circulated. Fluid directing jets are mounted on an exposed surface of the platform so as to provide a turbulent action within the water of the contained space. The support frame as well as other structural components of the spa may be collapsible so as to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the spa at any of a plurality of locations.

Abstract: An inflatable hot tub is provided with one or more stacked endless loops of inflatable tubes and sidewalls and a floor or bottom wall. An insulating cover, preferably secured around its entire periphery with an elastic band to the topmost tube, is manually removable and provides insulation by preferably either rigid closed cell synthetic foam or one or more inflation chambers. The tubes may be connected together and to the bottom wall. Pressurized gas may be provided in air jet bubbles to the bottom of the tub through a motor driven pump and heater, with a supply hose extending over the top periphery of the tubes or through the bottommost tube and side wall if present. The air jets may lead from a rigid or flexible pipe or combinations thereof, extending around the lower periphery of the floor, which pipe may be circular in cross section or of quarter-round cross section having its right angle portion fitting in the corresponding right angled joint between the side and bottom walls of the tub.

Abstract: Seamless, free-standing, self-supporting waterbed safety liner formed into a prepackaged unit. Sheets of liner plastic are laid-out, the corners folded into hospital corners, and strips of rigid riser material are placed to overlap the folded corners a few inches and secured thereto. The riser material is then rotated 270.degree. along their axes and bent along a medial score to bring the overlapped corner to the outside. Methods of folding the completed liner and installation are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable bathing tub for invalids, especially bed-ridden persons. There is a large waterproof sheet which is laid on one half of the width of the bed, while the person rolls to the other half. Then the person rolls onto the half where the sheet has been placed, and the remainder of the sheet is extended over the second half of the bed, and the margins are gathered up close to or onto the person when the person is approximately centered on the bed. A frame of four L-shaped members, preferably made of plastic material, is erected to form a rectangular enclosure of low walls around the person. The edges of the waterproof sheet are then placed against these low walls and extend up the inside surfaces of the walls and are folded over the top edges of the walls, held there by spring clips. Water is then added to this shallow tub, so the person may bathe or be bathed. An outlet conduit allows the water to be drained when the bath is completed.

Abstract: A mattress for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia comprises a base to overlie an operating table and an inflatable wall extending around the periphery of the base. The wall includes a pair of discontinuities which permit the patient's arms to extend across the inflated wall. A sealing cuff and flap encompass the arm and seal the discontinuity to prevent egress of water from around the patient. A recess is provided in the wall adjacent the patient's head to allow the anethetist access to the patient when the wall is inflated.

Abstract: A bathtub especially for use on a bed and comprising a flexible liner, one rigid support frame for each of two side walls, frame holding means for each side wall, and a support beam between each side wall to hold said frames upright and spaced apart such that the end walls of said flexible liner will also be held upright by tension; and a method of bathing a bedridden person using said bathtub by sliding said flexible liner under said person, installing said frames in planar contact with said sidewalls, installing said beams to hold said side walls and said end walls upright, and filling said bathtub as desired.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of seamless, free-standing, self-supporting waterbed safety liners by placing a form onto sheets of liner plastic, folding the corners up adjacent the side walls of the form into hospital corners, lapping excess plastic into the form, applying glue to selected areas of risers, placing strips of rigid riser material against the corners, reverse lapping the excess plastic to secure it to the glue areas on the risers, and removing the form. Methods of folding the completed liner and installation are disclosed.

Abstract: A liner for a water bed wherein the liner includes a flat planar flexible panel forming the bottom and integral upright sides covered with a flexible material, the material forming the bottom and sides presenting a water tight enclosure, the sides being reinforced by rigid panel members, the entire liner being self supporting in a first position forming a liner for enclosing the mattress of a water bed therein and foldable to a second folded position for transport or storage.

Abstract: A collapsible bathing assembly utilizes a flexible liner housed within a cabinet. Rigid side walls for supporting the side walls of the liner are pivotally joined to the cabinet, and by pivoting action move the liner into and out of the cabinet. The rigid side walls and a rigid bottom support plate serve as the side walls and front wall of the cabinet when the liner is positioned within the cabinet and the bathing assembly is not in use. A rigid end wall is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis adjacent to the bottom of the liner to provide for the adjustable supporting of one of the ends of the liner, particularly to provide for collapsing of that liner end onto the bottom of the liner, resulting in easy access to the bathtub for an invalid. A framework is provided to support the top of the cabinet and to facilitate installation of the bathing assembly, including plumbing. The liner may be omitted, if desired, in which case the walls are provided with water-tight seals.

Abstract: This invention involves a new and unique inflatable bathtub for bedridden patients. More particularly, the bathtub includes a thin pliable sheet such as vinyl, which may be disposed of after one or more uses. The pliable sheet has a multiplicity of the first portion of attaching members located around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. In a preferred embodiment, these first portions of the attaching members are simply apertures around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. The pliable sheet is placed under the patient in the well-known manner of changing bed sheets while the patient remains in the bed. An inflatable rim member made of heavy-duty material and having the cooperating second portion of the attaching members is then placed around the patient. The second portion of the attaching members may simply be hooks which cooperate with the multiplicity of apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding in the showering of bathing of bed patients, which apparatus includes disposable non-porous sheets adapted to be fitted within a basin for collecting shower and bath water after use. The basin is removable from the bathing apparatus frame structure so that it may easily be maneuvered under a bed patient, and then used similar to a stretcher to transport the bed patient from the hospital bed to the apparatus support structure. Water collected during the bathing procedure is directed into a holding tank which includes a water pump and drain hose for draining such shower or bath water into an appropriate lavatory drain.

Abstract: A light weight, two piece cot comprising first and second rectangular shaped molded members which form a contoured surface for supporting a person when fitted together. Each member has two sides and two ends and an upward facing surface with a ridge formed around said surface along two sides and one end. The first member is elongated having four walls along its two sides and two ends respectively for supporting its upward facing surface and the second member has three walls along its two sides and along said one end respectively for supporting its upward facing surface. The ridge free end of the second member is supportable by the ridge free end of the first member.

Abstract: A light weight, one piece molded cot which has a contoured sleeping surface with four downward extending walls for supporting the sleeping surface above the floor. The bottom edges of the side walls flange outward and trap air below the cot.