Smart bath

Abstract

The present invention discloses an entirely mobile system and method for bathing non-ambulatory patients in the more convenient and pleasant environment of the patient's own bed. The invention consists of a maneuverable cart housing, a clean water supply and all other necessary apparatus and optional accessories for bathing a patient. A key feature of the Smart Bath is a special waterproof and disposable bathing sheet placed over the bed and under the patient which is easily and conveniently manipulated into the shape of a bath.

1 . A system for bathing non-ambulatory patients positioned on a bed including a power source and a filling hose, wherein the system is connected to a wall socket prior to use in order to charge a power source, the system comprising: 
 a water storage tank, which is filled with clean water prior to use;    a rinsing hose, including a showerhead, wherein the rinsing hose is connected to the water storage tank;    a disposable bathing sheet placed over the bed and under the patient;    attaching devices located along the sides of the bed, provided for fastening the disposable bathing sheet to the bed;    a wastewater tank, in which used water within the disposable sheet is drained into; and    a suction hose connected from either side to the disposable bathing sheet and to the wastewater tank, provided for siphoning off used water.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an electric cable for charging the power source, wherein the system is connected to a wall socket prior to use in order to charge a power source.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising indicating means for indicating the events from the list of: low battery, time left on battery, time remaining to complete recharge, percentage charge, and level and temperature of water in the water storage tank.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the disposable bathing sheet is water-impermeable.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the disposable bathing sheet is reusable.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the disposable bathing sheet includes openings at the end for corresponding to hooks placed along the sides of the bed and fastening to the bed.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction hose is equipped with a disposable end.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the rinsing hose is further equipped with a sensing means to ensure that proper water temperature is used.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the showerhead further comprises means for adjusting the water pressure.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the disposable bathing sheet is made of an absorbent drying material.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the filling hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the rinsing hose is equipped with a one-way valve, in order to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water storage tank is designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water storage tank is made of an insulated material in order to help maintain the proper water temperature.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water storage tank is equipped with automatically locking valves for restraining water flow in case the water temperature is too high.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water storage tank includes an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning fluid, sterilizing material.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a heating device to heat water and maintain the water at proper temperature.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching devices are from the group of: buttons, Velcro, clips, hooks, graspers, poles.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a suction hose located between the suction device and the wastewater tank, provided to drain water from the disposable bathing sheet to the wastewater tank.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a bathing sheet container for containing the disposable bathing sheets.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bathing sheet container is further equipped with compression means.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wastewater tank includes an opening for introducing a material from the list of: cleaning fluid, sterilizing material.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wastewater storage tank is designed with a diagonal bottom to enable the water to exit completely.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wastewater tank includes a drainage opening enabling to drain out water.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wastewater tank includes a draining faucet.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wastewater tank includes a disposable nylon liner placed within the wastewater tank.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bathing process comprises the steps of: 
 filling up the water storage tank with clean water prior to use;    placing a disposable bathing sheet over the bed and under the patient and attaching it along the sides of the bed;    using the rinsing hose for bathing the patient lying in bed; and    using the suction hose for siphoning off used water from the disposable bathing sheet to the wastewater tank.