Inflatable bathtub for bedridden patients

Abstract

This invention involves a new and unique inflatable bathtub for bedridden patients. More particularly, the bathtub includes a thin pliable sheet such as vinyl, which may be disposed of after one or more uses. The pliable sheet has a multiplicity of the first portion of attaching members located around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. In a preferred embodiment, these first portions of the attaching members are simply apertures around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. The pliable sheet is placed under the patient in the well-known manner of changing bed sheets while the patient remains in the bed. An inflatable rim member made of heavy-duty material and having the cooperating second portion of the attaching members is then placed around the patient. The second portion of the attaching members may simply be hooks which cooperate with the multiplicity of apertures. The multiplicity of apertures of the pliable sheet are then joined to the attaching hooks of the inflatable rim member, and the rim member is then inflated to created a water impervious container surrounding the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the rim member is an inflatable linear member which can be curved around the patient and which has attaching means located at each end. This embodiment is particularly suitable for patients in traction, or for patients where movement is very painfully and must be kept to a minimum. Thus, for storage, the linear member and inflatable rim may be rolled or folded, and when needed for use, the member is unrolled, curved around the patient and then joined together at its two ends to form a ring or rim surrounding the patient. The invention further includes a combination spray and suction drainage system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.