Support for bathing assistant

Abstract

It is an object of the invention to provide devices for supporting a caregiver (referred to herein as a “bathing assistant”) while assisting an infant, child, or other individual, or a pet or other animal, in need of assistance during bathing in a conventional bathing tub.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A support for positioning a bathing assistant at an edge of a bathing tub, comprising:
 a base member configured to position over the edge of a bathing tub, the base member comprising
 (i) a frame comprising first and second side members and a top member which together form an approximately “U” shaped channel which engages the bathing tub by locating the top member on the bathing tub edge, whereby the first side member is positioned inside the bathing tub and the second side member is positioned at a generally opposing location outside the bathing tub; 
 (ii) a first holding member adapted to receive and secure a second holding member at the top of the frame, and 
 (iii) a clamping attachment configured to releasably secure the frame to the edge of the bathing tub by clamping the first and second side members to the bathing tub; and 
   a platform member comprising an upper support surface and a lower surface, said lower surface comprising said second holding member.   
     
     
         2 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the first holding member releasably receives and secures the second holding member. 
     
     
         3 . A support according to  claim 2 , wherein the first holding member comprises at least one first pin hole adapted to receive a securing pin, and the second holding member comprises at least one corresponding second pin hole, whereby the second holding member is secured to the first holding member by insertion of the securing pin through the first pin hole and the second pin hole. 
     
     
         4 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the height at which the first holding member receives and secures the second holding member is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . A support according to  claim 4 , wherein the first holding member comprises at least one first pin hole adapted to releasably receive a securing pin, and the second holding member comprises a plurality of corresponding second pin holes arranged in a vertical direction, whereby the second holding member is secured to the first holding member by insertion of the securing pin through the first pin hole and one of the second pin holes, and wherein the selection of the second pin hole adjusts the height at which the first holding member receives and secures the second holding member. 
     
     
         6 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper support surface is substantially planar. 
     
     
         7 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle of incidence of the upper support surface is greater than 0° and less than 60°. 
     
     
         8 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle of incidence of the upper support surface is adjustable. 
     
     
         9 . A support according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper support surface comprises a waterproof padded material.