Portable body wash tub

Abstract

A portable device is described that allows for on-site washing of bodies, conveniently, inexpensively and without the need for assistance from the body, which may be incapacitated, immobile, resistive or dead.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A washing apparatus comprising:
 a tub comprising four side walls and a bottom connected at their respective edges with water tight joints, said tub further comprising a drain, wherein said tub is of a size suitable for the washing of a body; and   a sturdy tray comprising a flat rigid surface having an area and shape that is similar to, but smaller in every dimension than, the surface area of the top opening of said tub, and further comprising angled support hangers configured to engage at the corresponding top rim edge of said tub along two opposite edges of said sturdy tray configured to support said sturdy tray in said tub at a predefined distance below the top surface area opening of said tub, wherein at least one edge of said sturdy tray does not contact the inner surface of any wall of said tub.   
     
     
         2 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tub is molded as one contiguous structure. 
     
     
         3 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tub further comprises an at least one attachment device configured to serve as an entry port for a water source hookup. 
     
     
         4 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tub further comprises carrying handles. 
     
     
         5 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the drain further comprises a shut off valve. 
     
     
         6 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sturdy tray and the angled support hangers are configured such that the sturdy tray is supported by the angled hangers that fit over the top rim of the corresponding edges of the tub such that the sturdy tray is depressed within the tub a distance of about two inches. 
     
     
         7 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sturdy tray and the angled support hangers are configured such that the sturdy tray is supported by the angled hangers that fit over the top rim of the corresponding edges of the tub such that the sturdy tray is depressed within the tub at an angle a distance of about two inches, and that one end is approximately ¼ inch deeper into the tub than the other end. 
     
     
         8 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sturdy tray and the angled support hangers are configured such that the sturdy tray is supported by the angled hangers that fit over the top rim of the corresponding edges of the tub such that the sturdy tray is depressed within the tub a distance of about two inches at its midpoint and slopes downward a couple degrees towards both ends. 
     
     
         9 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the sturdy tray further comprises a gasket that is attachable around the entire edge sufficient to fill the gaps between the edges of the sturdy tray and the sidewalls of the tub. 
     
     
         10 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tub is made from stainless steel. 
     
     
         11 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the sturdy tray is made from stainless steel. 
     
     
         12 . The washing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tub and sturdy tray are each made of a material chosen from the group: aluminum, titanium, metal alloy, plated metal, plastic, polycarbonate, PVC, composite resin, glass or glass alternative such as plexiglass and the like, or a combination of the foregoing. 
     
     
         13 . A washing apparatus comprising:
 a sturdy tray comprising a flat rigid surface having an area and shape that is similar to, but smaller in every dimension than, the surface area of the top opening of a pre-existing tub with which it is configured to be used, and further comprising angled support hangers configured to engage at the corresponding top rim edge of said tub along two opposite edges of said sturdy tray configured to support said sturdy tray in said tub at a predefined distance below the top surface area opening of said tub, wherein at least one edge of said sturdy tray does not contact the inner surface of any wall of said tub.