Method and Kit for Bath and Shower Accessibility of Handicapped Individuals

Abstract

This invention relates to a kit and method for for allowing a handicapped user to use a standard bathtub and/or shower by providing a ramp and bathtub or shower insert which is uniquely designed to fit within any standard bathtub or shower without the need for costly demolition and replacement. Such a system requires little to no installation and may be made portable and lightweight for storage and/or travel. The invention works with any type of bathing enclosures, bathtub, or shower.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of entering a bathtub or shower by users of a wheeled mobility device, the bathtub or shower having a inner floor and one or more side walls with a height which is greater than the inner floor, comprising:
 a) providing a ramp having a top surface, a first end and a second end, the second end being higher than the fist end to produce an incline between the first end and the second end,   b) placing the ramp against the side wall of the bathtub or shower,   c) providing a platform having a top surface and an underside surface with two or more feet attached thereto, with the dimensions of the platform being such that platform does not extend beyond the height of the sidewalls of the bathtub or shower,   d) inserting the platform into the bathtub or shower such that the feet are in contact with the floor of the bathtub or shower,   e) moving the wheeled mobility device up the incline of the ramp and onto the top surface of the platform.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of exiting the bathtub or shower by moving the wheeled mobility device off of the top surface of the platform and down the incline of the ramp top surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is formed of two or more rectangular pieces of material laid adjacent to one another and secured to a support frame. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is configured to hold a weight of up from about 200 to about 1,000 lbs. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is constructed of a marine grade plastic material, wood, foam or metal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the platform comprises a first, second, third and fourth sides which are configured to substantially touch a first, second, third and fourth inside wall of the bathtub or shower, respectively. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more feet have a height of between 10-36 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more feet have a height of between 2-10 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the platform includes one or more non-slip portions. 
     
     
         10 . A kit for entering a bathtub or shower by users of a wheeled mobility device, the bathtub or shower having a inner floor and one or more side walls with a height which is greater than the inner floor, comprising:
 a) a ramp having a top surface, a first end and a second end, the second end being higher than the fist end to produce an incline between the first end and the second end,   b) a platform having a top surface and an underside surface with two or more feet attached thereto, with the dimensions of the platform being such that platform does not extend beyond the height of the sidewalls of the bathtub or shower.   
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform contains one or more holes through which water is able to drain through. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is formed of two or more rectangular pieces of material laid adjacent to one another and secured to a support frame. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is formed of a solid piece of material with one or more holes through which water is able to drain through. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is configured to hold a weight of up from about 200 to about 1,000 lbs. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform is constructed of a marine grade plastic material, wood, foam or metal. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the platform comprises a first, second, third and fourth sides which are configured to substantially touch a first, second, third and fourth inside wall of the bathtub or shower, respectively. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the two or more feet have a height of between 10-36 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the two or more feet have a height of between 2-10 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the top surface of the platform includes one or more non-slip portions. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the second end of the ramp does not extend beyond the height of the sidewalls of the bathtub or shower.