Bath and shower assist means

Abstract

Assist means to aid users of bath and shower facilities; said means having installation independent of the typical screw type wall fasteners. Assist means comprising a horizontal grip bar having longitudinal, lateral, and vertical restraints. The longitudinal restraints consist of compressible means rotatively attaching to each extremity of the grip bar. Said lateral restraints comprise tensile means, suction cups, or like means, securing the grip bar to an enclosure wall parallel to the bar. During installation the grip bar is rotated about its longitudinal axis, causing the compressible means at each extremity to forcefully engage an enclosure wall. The vertical restraints connect to the grip bar and to lower compressible means that secure said restraints to the rim of a bathtub. A tub entry-exit bar and lift bar attaching to said grip bar provide safe assistance for the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]It is well recognized by those who are safety conscious that falls in the home, particularly in the bathroom, are a serious problem that impacts many households. Especially are the elderly and physically disadvantaged susceptible; although the physically normal and able-bodied are also vulnerable. The American Disability Act (ADA) mandates the installation and use of grab bars in facilities that serve the physically disadvantaged. However, grab bars are also readily available to the general public for installation in private residences as an assist and fall preventive measure when bathing or showering[0002]As practical as it is to install fixed grab bars as a deterrent to falls in bathtubs and showers, testing by an independent agency has shown that their effectiveness can be greatly reduced if improperly connected to supporting walls. In a New York State laboratory test performed by the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) in April 2002, on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention overcomes these shortcomings and other limitations by providing assist means that do not require mechanical fasteners for installation in shower and tub/shower facilities. Therefore, the assist means are easily installed, removed or transferred from one location to another without involving mechanical fasteners in the process. The grip means part of the invention is a horizontal, rotatable grip bar extending from a first wall of a shower or tub/shower enclosure to a second wall that is opposite and generally parallel to the first wall. The grip bar parallels a third wall of the enclosure. Compressible means having significant grippin...

Problems solved by technology

It is well recognized by those who are safety conscious that falls in the home, particularly in the bathroom, are a serious problem that impacts many households.

Especially are the elderly and physically disadvantaged susceptible; although the physically normal and able-bodied are also vulnerable.

Although portable grab bars are av...

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