A bath fixing device

Abstract

A bath or shower cubicle handle arrangement and a method of installing the same. The handle arrangement has a first connector, a second connector and a handle section that connects to the first and second connectors. Each connector has an elongate member having a head section and an end section distal from the head section. Each connector further has end element mounted on the elongate member and an expandable section arranged between the end element and the head section of the elongate member. The end element can be moved axially along the elongate member and when the end element is moved towards the head section, the expandable section is axially compressed to cause it to expand radially. The handle can be connected to the two connectors.

Description

[0001] A Bath Fixing Device

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a bath and / or shower fixing, particularly to handle for a bath or shower cubicle.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Handles are often provided on baths and shower cubicles to assist with getting into, and out of, the bath or shower. As baths and showers can be particularly slippery when wet, these handles can be especially important for children, the elderly and / or those with disabilities to provide support for them as then enter and exit the bath or shower.

[0006] Oftentimes, baths and shower cubicles are provided with apertures for fixing a handle thereupon. Where such apertures are not provided, holes can be drilled into the material of the bath or shower cubicle. To install the handle, one requires access to the inside surface of the bath or shower, where the handle is to be fitted, and also to the reverse side, which, on a bath, often requires removal of a side panel. Once access to both sides is available, one has to work from both sides of the hole to fit the handle. This can be difficult and is made easier by having two people fit the handle; however, this takes time and is difficult if a second person is not available. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a bath or shower cubicle handle arrangement having: a first connector; a second connector; and a handle section; wherein each connector comprises: an elongate member having a head section and an end section distal from the head section; an end element mounted on the elongate member; and an expandable section, preferably, a tubular elastomeric expandable section, arranged between the end element and the head section of the elongate member; wherein the end element can be moved axially along the elongate member and when the end element is moved towards the head section, the expandable section is axially compressed to cause it to expand radially; and wherein, the handle is held onto the bath or shower by the two connectors.

[0008] Thus, the bath or shower cubicle handle section fits onto two connectors that, when installed allow the handle to be firmly fastened in place. Henceforth, where a “bath” is described, it is intended to encompass both “bath” and “shower cubicle” and so it will be appreciated that “shower cubicle” may be inserted in addition to, or as an alternative to, “bath”.

[0009] The connectors are constructed such that they can be installed from a single side of the bath. To that end, each connector can be inserted into an aperture in a bath that is installed and fixed in place, without requiring access to the reverse side. This makes installing a handle much easier than existing systems, because access to only one side of the bath or cubicle is required. Additionally, whilst previously it might have been difficult or impossible to install a handle on a bath in a particular location, due to a lack of accessibility, the present invention allows for the installation of a handle. The connector comprises an elongate member and an expandable section, which preferably comprises a tube of elastomeric material. Once the expandable section is positioned on the reverse side of the surface of the bath, it can be compressed to expand it radially, thereby making it larger than the aperture and preventing the connector from being removed. This can provide a solid fixing onto which the handle can be connected.

[0010] Where a tubular elastomeric expandable section is employed, the connector may be reversible and reusable. This is to say that the handle section can be removed from a surface in which it is installed and reused. Thus, a tubular elastomeric material is preferable, otherwise, the handle can only be installed a single time before a replacement connector is required. The reversible nature of the tube of elastomeric material is particularly desirable. Additionally, where a tube of elastomeric material is used, the pressure on the surface in which the handle section is installed is more evenly distributed. Where, for example, a three-section expandable section is employed, the pressure exerted on the surface in which it is installed is focussed upon those three sections, rather than being more evenly dispersed. A further advantage of the use of a tubular elastomeric expandable section, or sleeve, is that the device can compress at an appropriate position, rather than being forces to yield at a predetermined position along its length. This allows a more secure fit as the tubular material compresses more evenly and at the correct position, opposed to being forced to yield at a position that might be too far in, or not far enough, depending upon the surface thickness. Therefore, where a tubular expandable section of elastomeric material is used the connector can more readily adapt to the surface thickness.

[0011] It is advantageous that the external surface of the tubular expandable section is closed or ‘solid’. This is to say that there are no slots or gaps in the external surface of the tubular expandable section. Thus, the structural integrity of the expandable section is maintained at the same time as providing flexibility. Whilst slits and slots may be present, these may increase the risk of water ingress, especially when the expandable section is axially compressed, because any slots or gaps may increase in width when compressed. Preferably, the elongate member is provided with an external threaded portion and the end element is provided with a corresponding internal threaded section, such that rotation of the elongate member adjusts the axial position of the end element relative to the head section of the elongate member. Using a threaded portion on the elongate member, and having a threaded portion on the end element, a nut-and-bolt type fitting can be produced. The nut can be prevented from rotating by the expandable member and so rotation of the bolt moves the nut axially up the bolt, thereby compressing the expandable element axially and causing it to expand radially.

[0012] It will be appreciated that whilst a nut-and-bolt arrangement provides a simple elongate member and end element, the arrangement may involve other items. For example, a lever may be employed to move the elongate member axially, with an end element connected to the end, or adjacent the end, of the elongate member. Such a lever may have a head section and a cam to provide a lever arrangement to compress the expandable section axially. Other arrangements, for example, a ratchet mechanism to draw the end element towards the top of the connector, may be employed.

[0013] It is advantageous that a washer is provided between the expandable section and the head of the elongate member, and it is further advantageous that a sleeve is provided between the head section of the elongate member and the expandable section. Preferably, the sleeve has a non-threaded internal section and, in one arrangement, at least one protrusion around its external surface. Having a washer and / or a sleeve with an internal surface that does not engage with the elongate member, allows for a smoother movement of the elongate member within the connector and, further, it can reduce the risk of the expandable section rotating. Clearly, if the expandable section is able to rotate then it may not properly compress and / or there may be rotational torsion in the connector, once installed. By having the washer and / or sleeve in place, the expandable section is, to a large degree, isolated from rotating with the elongate member, which allows the end element to move along or with the elongate member to compress the expandable section axially. Similarly, where the connector employs an elongate member that moves axially through the washer and / or sleeve to move the end section, having an internal surface that does not engage with the elongate member, for example a smooth internal surface, allows for movement that is less likely to fail or jam. The sleeve may also function to reduce the risk of the expandable section compressing inwardly towards itself. By having the sleeve, or collar, extending into the expandable section, an internal core or surface is provided that forces the expandable section to expand radially outwardly, rather than it being able to contract radially. A further function of the sleeve is to ensure that a gap is created between the expandable element and the head section into which a fixing element can be received. The sleeve may be provided with a radially extending rib around its external surface, or one or more radially extending protrusions around its surface.

[0014] It may be beneficial that the expandable section has a radially extending flange at its end proximal the head section of the elongate member. A useful advantage of a radially extending flange, or lip, provided at the end of the expandable section is that it can protect the surface of the bath from damage by providing a softer and / or yieldable surface between the washer and the bath. In turn, this reduces the risk of the connector being over-tightened and the washer causing mechanical damage to the material of the bath. Additionally, or alternatively, the flange reduces the likelihood of the expandable section rotating during installation, because the flange increases the friction between the expandable section and the bath surface.

[0015] In one arrangement, the head section of the elongate member has an aperture therein for receiving a grub screw. Whilst it is envisaged that the handle may slot onto the connector, in order to secure the handle thereupon, a grub screw is particularly useful for retaining the handle upon the connectors. Other connection mechanisms might be used, for example, push-fit or a latch mechanism; however, a grub screw provides a quick and reliable fixing that can be readily released if required.

[0016] In an alternative arrangement, the handle section is provided with apertures extending therethrough and in which the connectors are received, with the head section of the elongate member is accessible in the aperture. Thus, the connectors may be placed into the handle section prior to installation and the connectors operated through the apertures in the handle to fix the handle in place. As a result, the process of fixing the handle in place can be undertaken quickly by placing the connectors into respective apertures in the surface to which it is being fixed and operating the connectors to radially expand the expandable section, thereby locking the handle in place on the surface.

[0017] Preferably, the head of the elongate member is larger than at least one end of the aperture, so that it cannot pass therethrough. The aperture, which may be a bore or channel through the handle, may be tapered or have a step therein to prevent the head of the elongate member passing through the aperture. This prevents the handle simply slipping off the connectors and it also ensures that the end element moves axially along the elongate member and towards the head of the connector.

[0018] The invention extends to a method of installing a handle arrangement as set out herein, wherein: the first connector is, from an internal surface of a bath or shower cubicle, fixed into an aperture in a surface; the second connector is, from an internal surface of a bath or shower cubicle, fixed into an aperture in the surface; and the handle is connected to the first and second connectors.

[0019] Thus, the present invention extends to a method of installing the type of bath handle arrangement that is described herein. The method may include the steps of creating the apertures into which the connectors are to be fitted, although it will be appreciated that they may be formed during the manufacturing process.

[0020] The method set out herein allows for quick and easy installation of a handle. This allows for retrofitting of handles without complicated and time-consuming installation. One person can quickly install a handle onto a bath or shower cubicle, which can significantly reduce the cost of installation.

[0021] The invention further extends to a shower cubicle or a bath having a handle arrangement as described herein. The bath or shower cubicle may be fitted with a handle as described herein, with connectors that include the expandable section and that can be fitted from a single side of the bath or shower cubicle. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a handle arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a connector of the handle arrangement of Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the connector of Figure 2;

[0026] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the connector of the present invention in the installed position;

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handle arrangement of Figure 1 in a pre-installed position;

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the handle arrangement of Figure 1 in an installed position;

[0029] Figure 7 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 7;

[0031] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of part of the handle of Figure 8;

[0032] Figure 10 is a side view of the handle of Figure 8 in a second position; and Figure 11 is a cross-section view of part of the handle of Figure 10.

[0033] Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0034] Figures 1 to 6 show a bath or shower cubical handle 10 that comprises a first connector 12, a second connector 14 and a handle section 16. The first connector 12 and the second connector 14 are substantially identical.

[0035] Each connector 12 / 14 is constructed from an elongate member in the form of a bolt 18, which has a head section 20 and a shaft section 22. The head section 20 is provided with a profile for receiving a tool, for example a slot for a screwdriver or an aperture for a hexkey. The shaft section 22 has an external thread 24 extending along at least part of its axial length. The bolt 18 has an end section 26 at the end of the shaft section 22 that is distal from the head section 20, and the external thread 24 extended into the end section 26.

[0036] The connectors 12 / 14 further comprise a sleeve 30, which is in the form of a tubular element that has an internal diameter sufficiently large to receive the bolt 18 therethrough. The sleeve 30 has an external rib 32 extending around its external surface, although it will be understood that rather than being continuous, the rib may be formed from a plurality of ribs or flanges extending part way around the external surface.

[0037] A tubular expandable section 34 is provided, which is constructed from a resiliently yieldable material, such as an elastomeric material. The expandable section 34 has a bore 36 through the centre and is formed with a radially extending flange 38 at a first end 40. Contained within the expandable section 34, preferably at or adjacent a second end 42 is an end element in the form of a nut 44. The nut 44 has a hole through its centre and the internal surface of the hole is provided with an internal thread 46. The nut 44 is preferably retained within the expandable section 34, but it may be removeable therefrom.

[0038] To assemble the connector 12 / 14, a washer 48 is placed upon the first end 40 of the expandable section 34, on top of the flange 38, after which the sleeve 30 is placed within the washer 48. The sleeve 30 sits in the washer 48, with the rib 32 of the sleeve being larger than the internal bore of the washer 48 so that one end of the sleeve sits atop the washer 48, and one end of the sleeve 30 extends through the washer 48 and into the expandable section 34. The bolt 18 is then placed within the sleeve 30 and into the expandable section 34, where the external thread 24 engages with the internal thread 46 of the nut 44. Once the respective threads are engaged, when the expandable section is prevented from rotating, rotation of the bolt 18 results in the nut 44 moving axially along the bolt 18. Sleeve 30 ensures that a gap is created between the expandable element and the head section 20.

[0039] The parts of each connector 12 / 14 may be held together to prevent them coming apart, or they may be releasably fitted together. The handle section 16 has an aperture 50 at each end, which may be positioned in the intended underside of the handle section 16. The aperture 50 is sized to receive a grub screw 52 therein.

[0040] When the connector 12 / 14 is assembled, it can be inserted into an aperture in a bath or shower cubicle. The unexpanded expandable section 34 is placed into the aperture until the flange 38 of the expandable section 34 touches against the surface into which the connector 12 / 14 is being fitted. Once within the aperture, the bolt 18 is rotated, which may be by way of a manual or motorised hand tool. Upon rotation of the bolt 18 the nut 44 travels up the threaded section 24 of the bolt and, in doing so, this axially compresses the expandable section 34. As the sleeve 30 is contained within the expandable section 34, the axial compression of the expandable section 34 results in a radial expansion of the expandable section 34. Thus, the diameter of the expandable section 34 increases to a dimension that is greater than the diameter of the aperture into which it is being fitted. As a result of the radial expansion, the expandable section 34 is prevented from passing back through the aperture, as shown in Figure 6. Thus, the connector 12 / 14 is held firmly within the wall of the bath or the shower cubicle.

[0041] Once the connectors 12 / 14 have been installed, the handle section 16 can be connected to them. The handle section 16 may have various connection mechanisms; however, a recess in the handle section 16 is the simplest mechanism. To that end, recesses in the respective ends of the handle 16 are placed over the head section 20 of the bolt 18. Due to the sleeve 30, the head section 20 of the bolt 18 will protrude from the bath surface. Additionally, because the head section 20 has a larger diameter than both the shaft section 22 of the bolt 18 and the sleeve 30, there will be a space, or void, underneath the head section 20. When the handle section 16 is fitted over the connectors 12 / 14, the grub screws 52 can be inserted into the respective apertures 50 in the handle section 16. Once fitted into the aperture 50, the grub screw 52 extends into the connector 12 / 14 and underneath the head section 20 of the bolt 18, to engage hold the handle section 16 firmly in place on the connectors 12 / 14. Thus, the grub screw 52 prevents the handle section 16 from being removed from the connectors 12 / 14. Figures 7 to 11 show a further embodiment in which the handle 60 comprises a handle section 62 having an elongate mid-section 64 and ends 66. Arranged in each end 66 are respective apertures 68, each end 66 housing a connector 70.

[0042] As with the embodiment of figures 1 to 6, the connector comprises a tubular expandable section 34, which is constructed from a resiliently yieldable material, such as an elastomeric material. The expandable section 34 has a bore 36 through the centre and is formed with a radially extending flange 38 at a first end 40. Contained within the expandable section 34, preferably at or adjacent a second end 42, is an end element in the form of a nut 44. The nut 44 has a hole through its centre and the internal surface of the hole is provided with an internal thread. The nut 44 is preferably retained within the expandable section 34, but it may be removeable therefrom. The nut 44 has an internal thread and it is prevented from rotating within the tubular expandable section 34.

[0043] A bolt 72 passes through the aperture 68 of each end section 66. The bolt 72 has a threaded external surface 74 and the bolt 72 is received within, and engaged with, the nut 44. The head of the bolt 76 is designed to be slightly larger than the aperture 68, so that it cannot pass through the aperture 68. The head of the bolt 76 is provided with a slot or other tool-receiving shape to allow a tool to rotate the bolt 76. As the bolt 72 cannot pass through the aperture 68, and as the nut 44 cannot rotate within the expandable section 34, rotation of the bolt 72 within the handle section 62 draws the nut 44 towards the head of the bolt 76. Axial movement of the nut 44 along the bolt 72 compresses the expandable section 34, causing it to expand radially outwards, as shown in figures 10 and 11.

[0044] To install the handle 60, the nut 44 is arranged at the end of the bolt 72 distal from the bolt head 76, and so the expandable section 34 is in a non-compressed position, thus having a relatively narrow diameter. The expandable section 34 is inserted into an aperture on the bath or shower so that it extends through the wall thereof and protrudes from distal side of the bath or shower cubicle surface. The flange 38 is thus on one side of the wall and the nut 44 is on the opposing side of the wall.

[0045] Once the handle 60 is in position, the bolt 72 can be rotated using an appropriate tool and the nut 44 moves axially along the bolt 76, thereby causing radial expansion of the expandable section 34. As such, the expandable section 34 increases in width and clamps the wall between the expanded section on one side of the wall of the bath or shower cubical and the flange 38 on the other side of the wall. Thus, the handle 60 is firmly clamped onto the wall of the bath or shower cubicle. As the expandable section 34 is waterproof, as watertight seal can be formed so that water does not leak through the handle 60.

[0046] The present invention allows for a handle to be installed from one side of a surface, without requiring access to the other side of the surface.

Claims

Claims1. A bath or shower cubicle handle arrangement having: a first connector; a second connector; and a handle section; wherein each connector comprises: an elongate member having a head section and an end section distal from the head section; an end element mounted on the elongate member; a tubular elastomeric expandable section arranged between the end element and the head section of the elongate member, the tubular expandable section having a radially extending flange at its end proximal the head section of the elongate member; and wherein the end element can be moved axially along the elongate member and when the end element is moved towards the head section, the expandable section is axially compressed to cause it to expand radially; and wherein, the handle section is fixed to the bath or shower by the two connectors.

2. A handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is provided with an external threaded portion and the end element is provided with a corresponding internal threaded section, such that rotation of the elongate member adjusts the axial position of the end element relative to the head section of the elongate member.

3. A handle arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a washer is provided between the radially extending flange of the tubular expandable section and the head section of the elongate member.

4. A handle arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a tubular sleeve is provided that has at least one peripheral protrusion on its external surface and between the ends of the tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve being positioned partlywithin the tubular elastomeric expandable section such that the at least one peripheral protrusion is arranged between the flange of the expandable section and the head section of the elongate member and wherein, preferably, the sleeve has a non-threaded internal section.

5. A handle arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve extends towards the head section of the elongate member to create a space to for receiving a grub screw.

6. A handle arrangement according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the handle section is provided with apertures extending therethrough and in which the connectors are received, with the head section of the elongate member is accessible in the aperture.

7. A method of installing a handle arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: the first connector is, from an internal surface of a bath or shower cubicle, placed into an aperture in a surface of the bath or shower cubicle such that the flange of the expandable section is on the internal surface and the end element is on the opposing side of the bath or shower cubicle wall; the second connector is, from an internal surface of a bath or shower cubicle, place into an aperture in the surface of the bath or shower cubicle such that the flange of the expandable section is on the internal surface and the end element is on the opposing side of the bath or shower cubicle wall; and the connectors are operated to expand the tubular elastomeric section radially, thereby clamping the connectors to the surface if the bath or shower cubicle with the flange of the expandable section on one side and the radially expanded section on the opposing side.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the handle section is subsequently connected to the two connectors.

9. A shower cubicle or a bath having a handle arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images