BATHING AID FOR INFANTS

Abstract

A soft floatation baby bath support for holding and supporting a baby during a bath. The baby bath support comprises a middle water-permeable basin through which water can pass freely and a peripheral padded region, surrounding the middle basin. The padded region comprises a covering filled with low-density buoyant particles.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to baby products and more specifically to a soft floatation support for holding a baby during a bath.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Giving a baby a bath is one of the daily routine tasks performed by a parent or other caregiver. It is also one of the tasks that require maximal attention, especially when the infant is too young to be seated and must be held and fully supported by the caregiver. Typically, when performed by a single person, the caregiver cradles the baby's upper body with one hand to keep the baby's head above water and uses his/her other hand to wash and rinse the baby. Holding a wet and slippery baby with only one hand and performing the washing with the other hand is not only a cumbersome operation but also an operation that may put a parent, especially a new one, under tension and anxiety which in turn may be transferred to the baby, making the bathing into an unpleasant instead of an enjoyable experience.

There exist various baby supporting structures and safety seats especially designed for being placed inside a bathtub or a sink for supporting a baby in a reclining or a sitting position. There are also available baby tubs, known as anatomic baby tubs, which are shaped to fit baby anatomy so as to keep the baby in a bathing position and prevent it from slipping. However, these devices are rigid, non-flexible structures, typically made of molded plastic, which do not provide a soft support that conforms to the baby's body but rather impose on the baby a certain position. The imposed position may reduce the baby's comfort during bath and although may be optimal for a baby of a certain size or age may not be optimal at other ages, thus limit the range of ages for which it can be used without compromising the baby's comfort. Moreover, prior art baby bath supporting devices are single-use structures. Thus, when not in use they occupy space in the bathroom and when outgrown they have no further use.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a soft floatation support especially designed for providing a safe and comfort support for a baby during a bath. The baby bath support of the invention is having an ergonomic structure that conforms to the baby's body and is adapted to support a growing baby in a wide range of ages, especially during the 0 to 6 months period when growing rate is most rapid. The bath support is made of washable, quick-drying materials and when dry it can serve as a supporting pillow for holding a young baby or as a huggable toy to be played with. Other advantages of the baby bath support of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a soft floating support for holding and supporting a baby during a bath. The baby bath support comprises a middle water-permeable basin through which water can pass freely and a peripheral padded region, made of a covering filled with low-density buoyant particles, which surrounds the basin section. The padded region comprises a head end section, a foot end section and two side sections. In accordance with one embodiment, the sections are separated from each other at least partially by seams.

Preferably, the basin and the covering are formed from elastic, quick drying, non-absorbent, washable fabric such as a fabric containing a spandex fiber. The low-density buoyant particles are preferably foamed plastic particles such as polystyrene foam beads. Preferably, the support is made of 100% synthetic materials.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the baby bath support is formed from two identical aligned sheets of a fabric cut to have a predetermined perimeter which are joined together along the perimeter to form an outer seam and along an inner seam of a closed-line shape. The region defined between said inner and outer seams is filled with the low-density buoyant particles. Preferably, the baby bath support of the invention is constructed to have a toy appearance so that, when dry it may also serve as a soft toy. Optionally, the support is provided with attaching means for attaching the support to a bathtub.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the support is constructed for supporting a baby in a reclining position wherein the padded peripheral region is divided to a head end section for supporting the baby's head, a foot end section for supporting the baby's feet and two side sections extending between said head end and foot end sections and wherein the sections are separated from each other at least partially by seams.

In accordance with another embodiment, the support is constructed for supporting a baby in a sitting position wherein the basin is shaped to include two extensions extending outwardly and toward the foot end of the support for receiving the baby's legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric elevational view of a baby bath cushioned support in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a baby supported on a cushioned support of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a baby bath support of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the support shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cushioned support of the invention placed in a baby tub;

FIG. 7 demonstrates an embodiment of the invention according to which the baby bath support is a multi-use device that may be used as a playing toy;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention according to which the baby bath support is adapted to support a baby in a sitting position;

FIG. 9 is an isometric side view of the baby bath support of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a baby in a sitting position supported on the support of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a floating cushioned support for holding a baby safely and comfortably in a bathtub and to allow a parent or other caregiver to confidently bathe the baby using both his/her hands. The bath support of the invention is specifically designed for assisting in bathing a baby in a safe and relaxed manner by providing a soft support that adjusts itself to conform to the baby's body so that the baby is always in a comfortable position. The support comprises a middle basin section through which water can easily pass when the support is placed in water and a peripheral padded region filled with buoyant particles to provide the support with lift and buoyancy and to maintain the baby's head always above the water. When dry, the cushioned support may be used as a supporting pillow for holding young babies and as a huggable soft toy for older ones. The support is fabricated from washable, quick-drying synthetic materials to minimize growth of mold and mildew. It can also be easily folded to be packed in a space-saving compact manner and is readily portable for carrying during travel for example.

It will be appreciated that the terms “baby” and “infant” are used interchangeably in the context of the present invention, referring to young children ranging in ages from newborns infants and up to toddlers of about 2 years old.

Referring to drawings 1 to 7 in which identical numerals refer to similar parts, there is shown a floating cushioned support, generally designated 10, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Support 10 comprises a middle basin section 12 surrounded by peripheral padded region 14. Section 12 comprises a water permeable elastic fabric that allows water to freely pass through so that when immersed in water a pool of water is formed thereabove. Section 12 is adapted to receive the baby's torso. Padded region 14 comprises an elastic covering 16 stuffed with low-density buoyant particles. Padded region 14 comprises a head section 22 to support the baby's head, a foot section 24 to support the baby's feet and two side sections 26 to support the baby's arms. Padded region 14 serve as a soft non-slippery cushion to support the baby's body parts lay thereon while the filling material of region 14 provides buoyancy to the support to ensure that the edges of the support, and in particular the head portion, are always maintained above water level. In use, a bathtub is filled with water to a desired level, then support 10 is immersed in the water to form a water pool above section 12. The baby is then placed with his bottom on section 12 and his head supported on section 22. As illustrated in FIG. 2, middle section 12 deflects under the baby's weight so the baby's torso is partially immersed in water while cushioned region 14 cradles the baby in a natural comfortable position. It is recommended to fully soak the support in the warm bath water before placing the baby on so as to displace the air occupying the space between the particles of the filling material by the warm water. The volume of water within padded region 14 maintains the support at substantially the same temperature as that of the water. In order to wet the baby's body during the bath, foot section 24 can be easily pressed or bent downwardly to lower the baby's body into water. When released, foot section 24 will return immediately to its floating raised position. This operation can be repeated during the bath. Alternatively, water from the tub can be poured onto the baby's body.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show support 10 in a greater detail. As best seen in FIG. 3, section 12 is generally of an oval shape defined by seam 13. Section 12 is preferably slightly tapered toward foot section 24. Padded sections 22, 24 and 26 are arranged circumferentially around section 12 and are separated from each other by seams 32 and 34 for preventing flowing of filling material from one section to another. The division of padded region 14 into sections as well as the particular locations of seams 32 and 34 enhance the stability of support 10 by providing bending or “weak” lines that do not coincide with the natural tendency of the support to fold around its center under the baby's weight. Further, seams 32 and 34 serve as hinges around which support 10 can be easily bent downwardly or upwardly for facilitating bathing the baby without disturbing the stability of support 10.

In accordance with embodiment 10, head section 22 is of an arched shape while foot section 24 is of a double lobe shape. Padded side sections 26 extending along opposite sides of section 12 are slightly narrower than sections 22 and 24. However, it will be realized that the shape of support 10 is not restricted to the particular shape shown in the figures but may assume other shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. The height of padded section 14 (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to section 12 plane) is preferably in the range of 8 to 20 cm such that in a flat position, padded region 14 extends from about 4 to about 10 cm in each above and below section 12. The different padded sections of region 14 may be constructed to have different heights. Preferably section head 22 is slightly higher than the height of foot section 24, which in turn is higher than side sections 26. Such a height distribution provides that during the bath the baby's head is maintained higher than its legs and allows the baby to freely move its arms above side sections 26.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, covering 16 and section 12 are fabricated from washable, quick-drying, non-absorbent, elastic material such as a spandex (elastane) containing fabric (e.g., Lycra®) and is filled with low-density non-absorbing granular material such as foamed plastic beads. For example, fabricating the support from a 250 gr/m², 20% spandex 80% polyamide fabric filled with 3 mm foamed polystyrene beads was found to be highly suitable. The use of a spandex-polyamide combination provides high elasticity and facilitates easy cleaning and quick drying. It also renders the support a soft and pleasant touch. However, other synthetic elastic fabrics which allow water transfer but which do not absorb water may be used. The construction of the support from 100% synthetic materials provides that the support is mold and mildew resistant.

Support 10 is preferably formed from at least two aligned pieces of fabric material cut to define the outline of the support. The at least two cut pieces are joined together by sewing along the outer periphery of the cut pieces to form seam 15 and along inner seam 13 to define unpadded basin section 12. At this stage, a filling opening is left unstitched along seam 15. In the example shown here the opening is located at the head edge 38. To enhance safety and visibility, after forming seams 13, 15, the so formed covering is inverted through the opening so as to conceal the stitches. Further in order to enhance safety, covering 16 is preferably made from four identical cut pieces to form of a double covering for protecting from tearing up and from spillage of filling material. Seams 32 and 34 that divide the padded peripheral 14 into head, foot and side sections, may be also formed at this stage (i.e., before inverting and filling) leaving small openings between seams 32, 34 and seam 13 and/or seam 15 through which a narrow hose, connected to reservoir of filling material, may be inserted. Alternatively, seams 32 and 34 may be sewn after filling. Seams 13 and 15, as well as 32 and 34 are sewn with elastic thread for facilitating the elasticity of support 10 and its ability to conform to the baby's body. After cover 16 is inverted, periphery 14, defined between seams 13 and 15, is filled with filling material 30 to the desired extent. The filling opening 38 is then seamed to complete the support fabrication. It will be appreciated that due to the elasticity of covering 16, padded sections 22, 24 and 26 may be filled with different amounts of granular filling material to obtain a desired level of firmness and buoyancy.

The support may be made in a variety of sizes to fit babies of various sizes. The dimensions (length×width) of the support should be such as to comfortably receiving the baby while leaving sufficient padded area around the baby. Typical exemplary sizes for the support are 60×35×10 cm (length×width×height) for babies of up to about 12 Kg and 65×47×15 cm filled with about 300 for babies of up to about 15 Kg. Typically, the padded region is filled with about 150 to about 400 gr of buoyant particles such as foamed polystyrene beads.

The bath support of the invention may be placed in any tub, including a rigid baby bathtub, a foldable baby tub, a sink, a standard household bathtub and the like. Of course, in any tub the baby should never be left unattended. When used in a baby bathtub 60, as illustrated in FIG. 6, support 10 may extend the full length of the tub so that it is held in place by the tub's walls. In bigger tubs, such as a standard household bathtub, the support may be placed anywhere within the tub. To provide added safety, the device may be provided with anchoring means such as suctions cups (not shown) for anchoring the device to the bath walls or floor. It will be realized that although mainly aimed as a bathing aid, the support of the invention may serve as a floating support or a floating toy on other water bodies such as pools and the like. It will be further realized that the bath support of the invention, when dry, may be used as a soft, pleasant-to-touch cushion that may be placed on any surface for holding a baby, as a pillow or as a playing toy. The support may also serve as a bath toy for older children. In order to enhance its attraction as a playing toy, the support may be designed to include elements that appeal to a child's imagination and creativity. FIG. 7 demonstrates an example according to which the support includes such an element in the form of a pair of eyes 42 attached to head portion 22. In accordance with this example, the overall shape of the support, enhanced by mouth-like filling extension 38 and the two-lobe shaped foot section 24 resembles a fish or a whale. Elements such as eyes 42 are attached only to one surface of the support so that the baby can be placed on the other plain surface.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 is particularly suitable for supporting a baby in a supine position. FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of the baby bath support of the invention, generally designated 80, adapted for supporting a baby in a sitting position. Similarly to support 10, support 80 also comprises a middle basin section 82 through which water can pass freely and a padded peripheral region 84 surrounding basin 82. Support 80 is fabricated from similar materials as described above in association with embodiment 10 and is formed in a similar manner by joining together at least two identical cut pieces of fabric along their circumferential to form seam 91 and along inner closed-line shaped seam 83 to define basin 82. A filling opening 88 provides for the filling of padded filling the padded In accordance with this embodiment, basin section 82 is shaped to include two extensions 81 extending outwardly and toward the foot end of the support for receiving the legs of an infant sitting thereon, leaving narrow padded side section 96 connecting between padded sections 92 and 94. As best seen in FIG. 9, the structure of basin 82 divided padded region into two pillow-like sections foldable against each other. As illustrated in FIG. 10, support 80 allows for comfortably supporting a baby 200 sitting in a bathtub 65 protected between head end padded section 92 and foot end section 94, thus preventing the baby from slipping. Support 80 is especially designed for babies that can sit already by themselves, enhancing their safety and amusement during bath. Support 80 allows free movements of the baby's arms and allows the baby to rock on its bottom back and forth against the soft support. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7-10, the foot end section 94 terminates with a tapering end 95 for enhancing the fish-like appearance of support 80 and further providing the baby with an amusing element to be played with. However, it will be easily realized that section 94 may assume other shapes as well.

Claims

1. An ergonomic baby bath support for supporting a baby during a bath, the support comprising: an elongate non-padded middle basin made of water permeable elastic fabric;a peripheral padded region, surrounding said middle basin, comprising a water permeable covering filled with low-density buoyant particles; andwherein the peripheral padded region is divided into a head end section, a foot end section and two side sections, wherein said middle basin has a length greater than the length of said two side sections and is configured to at least partially support the baby, and wherein said two side sections are each hingedly attached to said head end section and said foot end section to thereby prevent the flow of the low-density particles from one section to another and to enhance the stability of the support by providing hinge points that do not coincide with the centerline of said two side sections.

2. The bath support of claim 1 wherein said middle basin and the covering are formed from at least two sheets of elastic fabric of a non-rectangular perimeter, said at least two sheets are joined together by a circumferential seam extending along said perimeter and by an inner seam of a closed-line shape, wherein said inner seam delimits said middle basin and wherein said covering is formed between said circumferential and inner seams.

3. The bath support of claim 2 wherein said fabric is a quick drying, non-absorbent, washable fabric.

4. The bath support of claim 2 wherein said fabric contains spandex fiber.

5. The bath support of claim 1 wherein said low-density buoyant particles are foamed plastic particles.

6. The bath support of claim 1 wherein said low-density buoyant particles are polystyrene foam beads.

7. The bath support of claim 1 wherein the support is made of 100% synthetic materials.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The bath support of claim 1 constructed for supporting a baby in a sitting position wherein said middle basin is shaped to include two extensions extending outwardly and toward the said foot end section of the support for receiving the baby's legs.

13. The bath support of claim 1 constructed to have a toy appearance.

14. (canceled)

15. The bath support of claim 1 wherein said separating seams extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support.

16. The bath support of claim 2 wherein said basin is of a substantially oval shape.

17. The bath support of claim 1 wherein the height of the head end section is larger than the height of the foot end section and wherein the height of the foot end section is higher than the height of the side sections.

18. An ergonomic baby bath support for supporting a baby during a bath, the support comprising: an elongate non-padded middle basin made of water permeable elastic fabric;a peripheral padded region, surrounding said middle basin, comprising a water permeable covering filled with low-density buoyant particles; andwherein the peripheral padded region is divided into a head end section, a foot end section and two side sections, wherein said middle basin has a length approximately equal to or greater than the length of said two side sections and is configured to at least partially support the baby, and wherein said two side sections are each hingedly attached to said head end section and said foot end section to thereby prevent the flow of the low-density particles from one section to another and to enhance the stability of the support by providing hinge points that do not coincide with the centerline of said two side sections.