GB2403903A

GB2403903A - Infant bath tub

Info

Publication number: GB2403903A
Application number: GB0316699A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paula Sellers; Mark Cotter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-17
Filing date: 2003-07-17
Publication date: 2005-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-17
Also published as: GB0316699D0; GB2403903B

Abstract

The invention relates to an infant bath tub and a method of using an infant bath tub. There is provided an infant bath tub 1 comprising a bathing chamber 20 and a reservoir 30 wherein the bathing chamber 20 is arranged to hold water and accommodate an infant and the reservoir 30 is arranged to hold a supply of clean water which can be used to rinse the infant.

Description

INFANT BATH TUB

The present invention relates to an infant bath tub.

Various constructions of infant bath tub in which infants from new born to around one year in age can be washed are known. Known infant bath tubs comprise a body defining a bathing chamber arranged to hold water and to accommodate an infant to be washed. Known infant bath tubs can be lo arranged to be placed within a conventional bath and filled with water. Some known infant bath tubs are provided with carrying means such that they can be filled with water from a tap and carried to a location in which it is desired to wash an infant. Infant bath tubs constructed such that they can fit over a double sink are also known. Some known infant bath tubs are provided with plug holes and plugs to aid emptying of the bathing chamber.

Known infant bath tubs have proved adequate for many years. However, they have the disadvantage that, unless they are employed in a bathroom or kitchen, there is no convenient source of clean water with which to rinse an infant and in particular the infants face, head and hair 2s once washing of the infant has commenced and the water in the bathing chamber has become dirty.

In addition, bathing an infant can be a somewhat complicated and messy affair requiring the use of a number of cleaning preparations. Furthermore, it may be desirable to use a number of bath toys to keep the infant amused. These cleaning preparations and toys must be taken from their normal storage location for use and then returned afterwards. This increases the time involved to bath an infant and can be an onerous task whilst trying to keep an eye on the infant.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one disadvantage associated with known infant bath tubs whether discussed herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there lo is provided an infant bath tub comprising a bathing chamber and a reservoir wherein the bathing chamber is arranged to hold water and accommodate an infant and the reservoir is arranged to hold a supply of clean water which can be used to rinse the infant.

Suitably, the bathing chamber comprises a head end at which an infant's head can be located in use and a foot end at which an infant's feet can be located in use. The infant bath tub may thus comprise head and foot ends.

Suitably, the reservoir is located adjacent to the head end of the bathing chamber.

Suitably, the bath tub further comprises a storage container.

Suitably, the bath tub is constructed such that it can be free standing upon a substantially flat surface. Said surface may comprise a table, work-top, floor, or the base of a plumbed fixed bath.

Suitably, the bath tub is constructed such that it can be located over a double sink. The bath tub may be arranged such that that bathing chamber can be substantially located within a sink.

Suitably, the bath tub comprises a body defining the bathing chamber and reservoir. Suitably, the body further defines the-or each storage container. The bathing chamber and reservoir and preferably the or each storage container may thus be integral. Suitably, the body of the bath tub comprises a plastics material. Preferably, the lo body comprises high density polyethylene (HOPE).

The bath tub may comprise a first storage container and a second storage container. Suitably, the or each storage container is arranged to hold cleaning preparations, which may be packaged, and/or toys that a user wishes to employ when bathing an infant. Suitably, the or each storage container is located adjacent to the foot region of the bathing chamber. Suitably, the or each storage container comprises a blind cavity. Suitably, the or each storage container comprises side walls and a base wall. The base wall may be arranged to abut a surface upon which the bath tub is stood in use.

Suitably, the bathing chamber comprises first and second 2s upwardly extending side walls with a base wall therebetween.

All references to orientation, i.e. horizontal, lowermost, upwardly etc. used herein refer to the bath tub when it is positioned such that it can hold water and accommodate an infant, i.e. when the bath tub is in an in use position.

Suitably, the bath tub is arranged such that the bathing chamber is defined by inner faces of the side walls and base wall and outside faces of the side walls and base wall define the exterior of the bath tub including parts arranged to engage a surface upon which the bath tub is located in use.

Suitably, the base wall comprises a mid region which defines the lowermost point of the bathing chamber when lo the bath tub is in use and head and foot regions extending from opposed sides of the mid region and each extending therefrom with an upward direction. Suitably, the head region may be arranged to support an infant's head and torso, the foot region may be arranged to support an infant's feet and legs and the mid region may be arranged to support an infant's posterior.

The mid region may comprise a planar form and may be arranged to lie in a substantially horizontal plane when the bath tub is in use. Alternatively, the mid region may have a slight curvature in the head to foot direction of the bathing chamber.

Suitably, the leg region extends upwardly at an angle of between 20 and 60 , more preferably between 30 and 50 , relative to the horizontal and preferably also the plane of the mid region. Suitably, the head region extends upwardly at an angle of between 20 and 60 , more preferably between 30 and 50 , relative to the horizontal and preferably also the plane of the mid region.

Suitably, the base wall comprises a curved form.

Suitably, the base wall curves in the head to foot direction. Suitably, the base wall does not curve in the side to side direction.

Suitably, the head region and mid region of the base wall are linked by a curved zone. Suitably, the head region of the base wall is substantially planar apart from the zone immediately adjacent the mid region of the base wall which has a curved form. Suitably, said curvature is in the head to foot direction of the bath tub.

Suitably, the foot region and mid region of the base wall are linked by a curved zone. Suitably, the foot region is substantially planar apart from the zone immediately adjacent the mid region of the base wall which has a curved form. Suitably, said curvature is in the head to foot direction of the bath tub.

Suitably, the mid region comprises a planar zone which is arranged, in use, to form a lowermost point of the bath tub. Suitably, the outer face of the lowermost point of the base wall of the bath tub is arranged such that it can abut a surface upon which the bath tub is located in use.

Suitably, the first and second side walls of the bath tub are each arranged to extend in a substantially vertical plane.

Suitably, the upper edge of each side wall forms an outer upper edge of the bath tub and of the bathing chamber.

Suitably, the upper edge of the head region of the base wall forms an internal upper edge of the bath tub which separates the bathing chamber from the reservoir.

Suitably, the remaining upper edge or edges of the reservoir comprise outer upper edges of the bath tub.

Suitably, the upper edge of the foot region of the base wall forms an internal upper edge of the bath tub which separates the bathing chamber from the or each storage container. Suitably, the or each storage container comprises outer upper edges of the bath tub. The bath tub may comprise two storage containers which may comprise a lo wall having an internal upper edge which separates the two.

Suitably, the uppermost point of the foot region of the base wall lies below the uppermost points of the side walls. Suitably, the uppermost point of the foot region of the base wall lies below the uppermost point of the head region of the base wall. Suitably, the uppermost point of the head region of the base wall lies above the uppermost points of the side walls.

Suitably, the foot region of the base wall comprises an upper edge which lies below the level of the upper edges of the side walls and the head region of the base wall.

Suitably, the side walls each comprise an upper edge which lies below the level of the upper edge of the head region of the base wall.

Suitably, the side walls each have an upper edge comprising a rim. Suitably, the rim is defined by a continuation of the upper section of the side wall in a non-upwardly extending direction. Suitably, the side wall extends upwardly from its lowermost point and turns through substantially 180 at its upper edge to extend downwardly and form the rim. The rim may thus comprise a substantially n,, shaped channel.

Suitably, the rim forms the outer upper edge of the bathing chamber and of the bath tub. Suitably, the rim comprises an extension arranged to extend upwardly from the upper edge of the side wall to, and preferably above, the upper edge of the head region of the base wall.

lo Suitably, the body of the bath tub defines a rim arranged to form an upper outer edge of the bath tub. Suitably, the rim extends around the upper outer edge of the bath tub such that it is continuous. Suitably, the rim provides rigidity to the bath tub. Suitably, the rim provides grip means by which the bath tub may be carried.

Suitably, the portion of the rim surrounding the side walls of the bathing chamber and preferably also the or each storage container, lies in the same, substantially horizontal, plane. The rim may be arranged such that it can engage the upper edge of a sink over which the bath tub may be located in use.

Suitably, the reservoir comprises upwardly extending side walls and a base wall. Suitably, the side walls lie in a substantially vertical plane. Suitably, the base wall is substantially planar and may lie in a substantially horizontal plane. The outer face of the reservoir base wall may be arranged such that it can engage the upper surface of a draining board of a sink, or a kitchen work top, if the bath tub is located over a sink. Suitably, the reservoir base wall lies in substantially the same plane as the rim of the bath tub.

Suitably, the bath tub is constructed such that the spill level of the reservoir lies above the spill level of the bathing chamber. Thus, in use, water from the bathing chamber which has been dirtied may not be able to be s accidentally caused to overflow into the clean water in the reservoir.

By "spill level" it is meant the point at which water will spill from a vessel if the vessel is filled beyond that lo point.

Suitably, the bathing chamber is constructed such that the spill level thereof lies below the level of the outer upper edges of the bathing chamber. Suitably, the spill level of the bathing chamber is defined by the upper edge of the foot region of the base wall of the bathing chamber. Thus, the bath tub is suitably arranged such that if water overflows from the bathing chamber it overflows, at least initially, within the bath tub and is contained thereby. Suitably, the bath tub is arranged such that water overflows into the or each storage container. Suitably, the spill level of the bathing chamber lies below the level at which an infants head is supported in the bathing chamber. There may thus be no danger of an infant's head becoming submerged and presenting a drowning risk.

Suitably, the spill level of the reservoir lies above the upper edge of the side walls of the bathing chamber.

Suitably, the spill level of the reservoir is defined by the upper edge of the head region of the base wall of the bathing chamber. Suitably, the spill level of the reservoir lies at a point lower than the outer upper edges of the reservoir. Suitably, the reservoir is arranged such that if water overflows therefrom it overflows into the bathing chamber. Preferably, the upper edge of the head region of the base wall of the bathing chamber lies at the same height throughout its length. Thus, substantially the entirety of the length of the upper edge of the head region of the base wall of the bathing chamber may define the reservoir spill level. Alternatively, the upper edge of the head region of the base wall of the lo bathing chamber may comprise an overflow channel. The overflow channel may define the spill level of the reservoir. Suitably, said overflow channel comprises a portion of the upper edge of the head region which terminates at a lower point than the remainder thereof.

Suitably, the bath tub is constructed such that the portion defining the reservoir spill level is located in a position such as to ensure that water which overflows from the reservoir is directed into the bathing chamber and contained by the bath tub. The bath tub may be provided with guides to direct water which overflows from the reservoir into the bathing chamber. The guides may comprise ridges protruding from the inner face of the head region of the base wall of the bathing chamber at either 2s side of its upper portion. The guides may thus substantially prevent water overflowing from the reservoir from being able to spill over the rim of the bath tub.

The bath tub may be constructed such that water can flow more rapidly over the spill level of the bathing chamber than of the reservoir. Thus, there may be no danger of submerging an infants head and presenting a drowning risk.

Suitably, the bathing chamber is provided with drainage means. Suitably, the drainage means comprise a releasably sealable aperture through which water can pass. Suitably, the aperture is located in the mid region of the base s wall. Suitably, the drainage means comprise a plug hole and a plug arranged to releasably stopper the plug hole and prevent the passage of water therethrough until such time as a user wishes to empty the bathing chamber.

lo Suitably, the reservoir is provided with drainage means.

Suitably, the drainage means comprise a releasably sealable aperture through which water can pass. Suitably, the aperture is located in the base wall. Suitably, the drainage means comprise a plug hole and a plug arranged to releasably stopper the plug hole and prevent the passage of water therethrough until such time as a user wishes to empty the reservoir.

Suitably, the bath tub comprises support means such that it can be free standing upon a flat surface. Suitably, said support means comprise feet arranged to abut a surface upon which the bath tub is stood in use.

Suitably, the support means comprises the base wall of the bathing chamber. Suitably, the support means comprises the mid region of the base wall of the bathing chamber and first feet arranged to extend therefrom. Suitably, said first feet comprise extensions to the first and second side walls of the bathing chamber respectively. Suitably, said extensions extend towards the head end of the bath tub.

Suitably, the support means further comprise one or more second feet arranged to lie at the foot end of the bath tub. Suitably, the or each second foot may comprise the or each storage container.

Suitably, the bathing chamber comprises a non-slip surface, arranged to be contacted by an infant, extending across part of the extent thereof. Suitably, the non-slip surface extends for at least 50% of the surface area of lo the inner face of the base wall. Suitably, the non-slip surface is arranged to extend for between 60-90% of the surface area of the inner face of the base wall, more preferably between 70 and 80% thereof. Suitably, the non- slip surface is arranged to extend over the majority of the head and mid regions of the base wall. Suitably, the non-slip surface comprises a foam material, preferably a closed-cell foam material, most preferably ethylene foam.

The bathing chamber may comprise a temperature indicator.

The reservoir may comprise a temperature indicator. The or each temperature indicator may comprise a temperature indicating material arranged to indicate that water in contact therewith is either above or below a first predetermined temperature. The or each temperature indicator may comprise a temperature indicating material arranged to indicate that water in contact therewith is either above or below a second predetermined temperature.

Suitably, a temperature below the first predetermined temperature is too cold to be suitable for bathing an infant. Suitably, a temperature above the predetermined first temperature may be appropriate for bathing an infant. Suitably, a temperature above the second predetermined temperature is too hot to be suitable for bathing an infant. Suitably, a temperature below the predetermined second temperature may be appropriate for bathing an infant. Preferably, a temperature between the first and second predetermined temperatures is suitable for bathing an infant.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of washing an infant in the lo bathing chamber of a bath tub comprising a clean water reservoir in addition to a bathing chamber, said method comprising charging the bathing chamber and reservoir with clean water, locating an infant in the bathing chamber and subsequently washing the infant and then rinsing the infant with clean water from the reservoir.

Preferably, the method employs a bath tub according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the bath tub is located such that it is free standing upon a substantially flat surface prior to the infant being located within the bathing chamber. The flat surface may comprise a table, work-top, floor or the base of a plumbed fixed bath. Alternatively, the bath tub may be located over a double sink prior to the infant being located within the bathing chamber.

The bath tub may be located in a location in which washing of the infant is to be performed prior to the bathing chamber and reservoir being charged with water.

Alternatively, the bathing chamber and reservoir of the bath tub may be charged with water in a first location and the bath tub then carried to a second location in which washing of the infant is to be performed.

Suitably, the infant is washed with water from the bathing chamber.

Suitably, the washing of the infant employs cleaning preparations/agents. Once the baby has been washed the water in the bathing chamber may be dirty and may contain 0 cleaning agents.

Suitably, after the infant has been washed at least the head and/or face and/or hair of the infant are rinsed with clean water from the reservoir. Suitably, the majority of the infant's body may be rinsed with clean water from the reservoir.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an infant bath tub located on a surface; Figure 2 is a side view of the bath tub of Figure 1 showing hidden detail; Figure 3 is an end view of the bath tub of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view of the bath tub of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an infant bath tub; Figure 6 is an alternative perspective view of the bath tub of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an alternative perspective view of the bath tub of Figure 5; Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of the bath tub of Figure 5 showing hidden detail; and Figure 9 is a side view in partial cross-section of the bath tub or Figure 1 located over a double sink.

As best illustrated by Figures 1 to 4 an infant bath tub 1 comprises a body 10, defining a bathing chamber 20 arranged to hold water and accommodate an infant (not shown) and a reservoir 30 arranged to hold clean water.

The body 10 further defines first and second storage containers 40, 50 which can hold bath toys and/or cleaning preparations/agents. The reservoir 30 is located at a head end 2 of the bath tub and the storage containers 40, at the foot end 3. The bathing chamber 20 comprises a base wall 60 and first and second side walls 70, 80. The base wall 60 comprises a mid region 90, head region 100 and a foot region 110.

As best illustrated by Figure 3 the mid region 90 comprises a substantially planar form and extends in a substantially horizontal plane with the head and foot regions loo, 110 extending upwardly therefrom. The foot region comprises a substantially planar zone 111 linked to the mid region 90 by a curved zone 112. The head region ! comprises a substantially planar zone 101 linked to the mid region 90 by a curved zone 102.

The inner face 61 of the base wall 60 is arranged to support an infant and a part of the outer face 62 is arranged such that it can abut a surface 4 upon which the bath tub is located in use.

The side walls 70, 80 each extend upwardly from the base lo wall in a substantially vertical plane. The side walls 70, 80 turn through substantially 180 at their upper edges 71, 81 to form a rim 120 having the form of an n', shaped channel.

The rim 120 also extends around outer upper edges 41, 52, 31 of the storage containers 40, 50 and the reservoir 31 such that the rim forms a continuous upper edge of the bath tub 1. Each side wall 70, 80 comprises an extension 72, 82 forming a foot having an outer face 73, 83 arranged to abut a surface 4 on which the bath tub is located in use.

The foot region 110 of the base wall 60 terminates in an upper edge 113. The upper edge 113 defines the spill level of the bathing chamber 20 ( i. e. the level beyond which the bathing chamber cannot be filled without overflowing) and separates the bathing chamber 20 from the storage containers 40, 50. If water overflows the bathing chamber it thus flows into the storage containers rather than over the outside edges of the bath tub.

The two storage containers 40, 50 each comprise side walls 42, 43, 44, 52, 53, 54 and a base wall 45, 55 with a side wall of each sharing a common upper edge 49 separating the two containers.

The base walls 45, 55 each have an outer face 46, 56 arranged to abut a surface upon which the bathtub is located in use.

The head region 100 of the base wall 60 terminates in an upper edge 103. The upper edge 103 defines the spill lo level of the reservoir 30 and separates the bathing chamber 20 from the reservoir 30. If water overflows the reservoir it thus flows into the bathing chamber rather than over the outside edges of the bath tub. In the embodiment shown best by Figure 4 the bath tub comprises :5 guides 104, 105 comprising elongate ridges protruding a short distance from the inner face 61 of the head region of the base wall 60 of the bathing chamber 20. The guides 104, 105 lie at the either side of the upper portion of the head region 100. The guides are positioned to help minimise the possibility of overflowing water from the reservoir which flows over the upper edge 103 of the base wall 60 spilling over the rim 120 of the bath tub rather than into the bathing chamber 20. The guides 104, help to ensure overflowing water from the reservoir is directed into the bathing chamber 20 and thus contained by the bath tub.

The reservoir 30 has side walls 32, 33 and a base wall 34.

The base wall 34 has an outer face 35 arranged such that it can abut a draining board if the bath tub is located over a double sink.

The body 10 of the bathtub 1 comprises high density polyethylene. The bathing chamber 20 of the embodiment shown by Figures 1 to 4 further comprises a non-slip surface 130 comprising a closed-cell foam mat applied to the major part of the base wall 60.

The bathing chamber and reservoir each additionally comprise a plughole 140, 150 and plug 141, 151. The plugs 141, 151 comprise a surface coating arranged to change lo colour when they are above a certain temperature.

In use, the plugs 141, 151 of the bath tub 1 are positioned in the plugholes 140, 150 and the bathing chamber 20 and reservoir 30 are charged with water. An infant is then placed in the bathing chamber and washed.

This causes water in the bathing chamber to become dirty.

Fresh water from the reservoir is then used to rinse at least the head and/or hair and/or face of the infant and preferably most of the infant's body.

The infant is then lifted from the bath tub and dried.

The plugs 141, 151 are then removed when the bath tub is in a location where it is desirable to drain the bathing chamber and reservoir. For example, if bathing has been performed in the living room the bath tub may be carried to a bathroom and placed in a plumbed fixed bath before the plugs are removed.

In use, the bath tub 1 can be stood upon a flat surface 4 as illustrated by Figure 1 such as on a table, work-top, a floor or on the base of a plumbed fixed bath. In this arrangement outer faces 46, 56, 62, 82, 83 of the storage i containers 40, 50 and bathing chamber 20 abut the surface such that the bath tub is free-standing.

Alternatively, the bath tub can be located over a sink 5 s as illustrated by Figure 9 such that the outer face 36 of the reservoir 30 abuts the draining board 6 and the rim abuts the sink S edges.

An infant bath tub according to the present invention may lo advantageously allow an infant to be washed anywhere in the home and be rinsed with a supply of clean water without necessitating separate containers for clean water.

Accordingly, an infant bath tub of the invention may be highly convenient to use.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any lo novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. An infant bath tub comprising a bathing chamber and a I

reservoir wherein the bathing chamber is arranged to hold water and accommodate an infant and the reservoir is arranged to hold a supply of clean water which can be used to rinse the infant.
2. An infant bath tub according to Claim 1, wherein the lo bathing chamber comprises a head end at which an; infant's head can be located in use and a foot end at which an infant's feet can be located in use and wherein the reservoir is located adjacent to the head end of the bathing chamber.
3. An infant bath tub according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the bath tub further comprises a storage container.
4. An infant bath tub according Claim 3, wherein the bath tub comprises a first storage container and a second storage container.
5. An infant bath tub according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the or each storage container is located adjacent to the foot end of the bathing chamber.
6. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bath tub is constructed such that the spill level of the reservoir lies above the spill level of the bathing chamber.
7. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the spill level of the bathing chamber lies below the level at which an infants head is supported in the bathing chamber.
8. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bathing chamber is constructed such that the spill level thereof lies below the level of outer upper edges of the bathing chamber and wherein the bath tub is thus arranged such that if water overflows from the bathing chamber it overflows, at least lo initially, within the bath tub and is contained thereby.
9. An infant bath tub according to Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the bath tub is arranged such that water overflows into the or each storage container.
10. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bathing chamber is provided with drainage means.
11. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bath tub is constructed such that it can be located over a double sink.
12. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bath tub is constructed such that it can be free standing upon a substantially flat surface.
13. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bathing chamber comprises a non-slip surface, arranged to be contacted by an infant, extending across part of the extent thereof.
14. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the bathing chamber comprises a temperature indicator.
15. An infant bath tub according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir comprises a temperature indicator.

lo
16. An infant bath tub substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of washing an infant in the bathing chamber of a bath tub comprising a clean water reservoir in addition to a bathing chamber, said method comprising charging the bathing chamber and reservoir with clean water, locating an infant in the bathing chamber and subsequently washing the infant and then rinsing the infant with clean water from the reservoir.
18. A method according to Claim 17, wherein the method employs a bath tub according to any of Claims 1 to 16.