Bathing aid

Abstract

A bathing aid adapted to support the body of a person attending to a child in a bathtub. The bathing aid supports the body of a person kneeling adjacent the bathtub and reaching into the bathtub. The bathing aid includes a frame mounted to the bathtub, at least one post vertically extending from the frame, and a cushioned support pad mounted to the post. The cushioned support pad is positioned to support the torso of the user to minimize muscle strain and free the hands of user. The height of the post and the orientation of the support pad may be varied to enhance the comfort and support of the user. Aspects of the invention may also be used for non-bathing applications, for example, by healthcare professionals, animal caretakers, assembly-line workers, and technicians.

1 . A support structure adapted to support an person accessing the inside of an enclosure, the enclosure having a vertically-extending sidewall, the support structure comprising: 
 a frame adapted to engage the vertically extending sidewall;    at least one post vertically extending from the frame, the post having a first end mounted to the frame and a second end;    a cushioned support pad mounted to the second end of the post, the cushioned support pad adapted to support the person while the person accesses the inside of the enclosure.    
   
   
       2 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the vertically extending sidewall comprises a substantially horizontal ledge, and wherein the frame is supported on the horizontal ledge.  
   
   
       3 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vertically extending post comprises at least one vertically adjustable post.  
   
   
       4 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned support pad is adapted to support the person by contacting the torso of the person.  
   
   
       5 . The support structure as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the cushioned support pad is adapted to support the person by contacting one of the chest of the person and the midsection of the person.  
   
   
       6 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the vertically extending sidewall of the enclosure comprises and outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the frame engages the inner surface and the outer surface of the vertically extending sidewall.  
   
   
       7 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned support pad is pivotally mounted to the second end of the post  
   
   
       8 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned support pad is adapted to reduce loading on at least one the back of the person and the legs of the person.  
   
   
       9 . The support structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises one of a bathtub, basin, spa, and pool.  
   
   
       10 . The support structure as recited in  claim 9 , herein the enclosure comprises a bathtub and the person comprises a person washing an occupant of the bathtub.  
   
   
       11 . A bathing aid adapted to support a person kneeling on the floor adjacent a bathtub and bathing an occupant of the bathtub, the bathtub having a vertically extending sidewall having an upper ledge, the bathing aid comprising: 
 a frame adapted to engage the vertically extending sidewall;    at least one post vertically extending from the frame, the post having a first end mounted to the frame and a second end;    a cushioned support pad mounted to the second end of the post, the cushioned support pad adapted to support the torso of the person while the person bathes the occupant of the bathtub.    
   
   
       12 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the vertically extending sidewall comprises a substantially horizontal ledge, and wherein the frame is supported on the horizontal ledge.  
   
   
       13 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the at least one vertically extending post comprises at least one vertically adjustable post adapted to adjust to the height of the person.  
   
   
       14 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the cushioned support pad is adapted to support the person by contacting one of the chest of the person and the midsection of the person.  
   
   
       15 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the vertically extending sidewall of the enclosure comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the frame engages the inner surface and the outer surface of the vertically extending sidewall.  
   
   
       16 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the cushioned support pad is pivotally mounted to the second end of the post.  
   
   
       17 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 16 , where the pivotally mounted cushioned support pad further comprises means to fix the orientation of the cushioned support pad.  
   
   
       18 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the frame comprises at least one horizontal member and a plurality of vertical members mounted substantially perpendicular to the at least one horizontal member.  
   
   
       19 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the at least one horizontal member and the plurality of vertical members include protecting covering adapted to minimize damage to the enclosure.  
   
   
       20 . The bathing aid as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the enclosure comprises one of a bathtub, basin, spa, and pool.