Bathtub entry aid

Abstract

Bathtub entry aid (1) for facilitating entry into a bathtub (31) with the provision of a grab handle (2, 2b) which projects upwards over the bathtub rim (11) and is arranged on a frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25) fastened to the bathtub (31), wherein the grab handle (2, 2b) is arranged in a height-adjustable, displaceable and lockable manner in the frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25), wherein the bathtub rim (11) and the bathtub interior (51) are kept free from the parts of the frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25), wherein the bathtub entry aid (1) consists of a frame which consists of at least one or two tubular plug-in sleeves (12, 13) which are attached to the outside (33, 52) of the bathtub (31), into which plug-in sleeves (12, 13) height-adjustable and lockable plug-in tubes (3, 4) are inserted,which are connected to one another by a handle (2) connecting the two upper sides, and a locking device (42, 43) is arranged on each of the bathtub-side plug-in sleeves (12, 13) for adjusting the height of the plug-in tubes (3, 4), which locking device locks or releases the displacement of the plug-in tubes (12, 13) in the plug-in sleeves (12, 13), characterized in that each locking device (42) consists of an approximately half-open locking sleeve (24, 25) which is pivotally mounted on one side at the lower end of the plug-in sleeve (12, 13) and which can be clipped onto the profile of the plug-in sleeve (12, 13) under elastic deformation, and in that the locking sleeve (24, 25) carries at its upper end a locking pin (37) directed towards the plug-in sleeve (12, 13), which in the locked state are aligned with each other arranged plug-in holes (6, 20) in the plug-in tube (3, 4) and plug-in sleeve (12, 13).

Description

[0001] The subject of the invention is a bathtub entry aid according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Such bathtub entry aids are designed to be attached to the outside of the bathtub and provide an upper grab bar that serves as a point of support for a person entering or exiting the bathtub. The ability to attach an entry aid represents an improvement over known devices, such as those shown in US Pat. No. 870,086 A, which consist of a tensioning frame that is clamped outside the bathtub, between a projecting frame of the bathtub and the floor, and has a pivoting handle.

[0003] This involves using a grab handle that projects upwards over the edge of the bathtub and is arranged on a frame attached to the bathtub, as shown, for example, in DE 18 66 019 U or DE 20 2008 001 888 U1.

[0004] With such entry aids, attaching them firmly and securely to the bathtub is a challenge. There are known solutions that involve the entry aid being attached to the bathtub edge with a hook-shaped, bent or folded bar, which engages both the inside and outside of the bathtub.

[0005] There are entry aids that are limited to this type of hook-in solution. There are also other entry aids that, in addition to overlapping the bathtub's edge on both the inside and outside, also provide external attachment points for securing the entry aid to the outside of the bathtub.

[0006] Such attachment points are, for example, adhesive dots using double-sided adhesive tape or suction cups, as shown, for example, in DE 10 2004 021 986 B3.

[0007] The well-known bathtub entry aids have proven themselves to be widely effective, but they have the disadvantage that their attachment to the bathtub is insecure. Another disadvantage is that the upper grab bar, which the person can use to hold on to, always extends beyond the edge of the bathtub and is not retractable.

[0008] This has the disadvantage that if the person in the bathtub is being bathed or cared for in some other way by a stranger, the grab handle, which always extends beyond the edge of the bathtub, is an annoying obstacle to the accessibility of the person lying in the bathtub.

[0009] A further disadvantage is that the hooks that extend into the bathtub and overlap the edge of the bathtub are annoying and also make it difficult to access a person lying in the bathtub.

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a bathtub entry aid of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a secure attachment of the entry aid to the bathtub is ensured without impairing the accessibility of a person lying in the bathtub.

[0011] To achieve the stated object, the invention is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 1.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that 1. the handle is height-adjustable and can be moved and locked in the frame and 2. its upper limit can be lowered to or below the edge of the bathtub and 3. that the edge of the bathtub is kept clear of the frame parts.

[0013] The advantage of the invention is that there are no fastening elements for the entry aid that interfere with the bathtub's edge. Another advantage is that the entry aid's grab handle can be lowered into a specific position below the bathtub's edge, allowing full access to the person lying in the bathtub from the outside without parts of the frame on the bathtub's edge interfering with access to the bathtub.

[0014] A preferred feature of the invention is therefore that the entry aid is only attached to the outside of the bathtub and that the handle of this entry aid is designed to be retractable to or below the edge of the bathtub.

[0015] With this technical teaching, the essential difference to the state of the art is that the entry aid with its grab handle can be lowered below the edge of the bathtub and is also height-adjustable in order to fix and lock the grab handle above the edge of the bathtub as required.

[0016] One difference from the prior art is that the entry aid is exclusively attached to the outside of the bathtub, so that the previously considered disadvantageous hooks and retaining elements that overlap the bathtub edge are now completely eliminated. According to the features of the invention, the bathtub edge is thus kept completely free of fixtures, because the entry aid is only attached externally to the outside of the bathtub.

[0017] There are various embodiments for this external attachment, with a first preferred embodiment featuring an adhesive bond between the associated adhesive surfaces of the entry aid and the exterior of the bathtub. Such adhesive surfaces can be designed to withstand high loads and can be made with air-curing adhesives, but also with two-component adhesives and the like, so that these adhesive points can be arranged on the exterior of the bathtub in an extremely strong and highly resilient manner. One such preferred adhesive bond is described, for example, in DE 101 52 052 A1.

[0018] Such preferred adhesive bonds ideally withstand tensile forces in the range of 400 Newton per adhesive point, assuming an adhesive surface of approximately 3 cm x 3 cm or a diameter of 5 cm.

[0019] In addition to this highly durable adhesive connection, other types of fastening are also possible on the outside of the bathtub, such as screw-dowel fastening, wedge or screw connections, clamp connections or even suction cups.

[0020] All of these fixtures are characterized by the fact that they can only be attached to the outside of the bathtub, regardless of the bathtub's exterior design. It can also be tiled, in which case it is preferable for the adhesive points of the entry aid to align with the tile pattern to avoid covering tile joints.

[0021] Of course, it is also possible to bridge such tile joints and also to create reliable adhesive points using an adhesive technology according to the invention.

[0022] The entry aid is glued to the sides of the bathtub outside and therefore does not require any space inside the bathtub, providing more room to lie down and eliminating the risk of injury to the person lying in the bathtub.

[0023] Thanks to its adhesive attachment, the entry aid is significantly more stable and therefore safer than clamped or screwed bathtub entry aids, which cannot be optimally adapted to, for example, at least two curved contours of the bathtub. By using at least two, but preferably four, adhesive points, the force is distributed across multiple tiles. Common tile patterns were taken into account when determining the spacing of the adhesive adapters, and the tile grid matches the adhesive grid—thus, generally, eliminating the need to seal joints.

[0024] Such a new entry aid preferably has the following features: 1. The handle is height adjustable, meaning it can be used safely by people of different heights. 2. The grab bar can be retracted so that it is at the same height as, or below, the top edge of the bathtub (or even slightly below). This allows a caregiver to easily care for a person in the tub. "Normal" use of the bathtub for people who do not require assistance entering is possible in the retracted position (thus avoiding the "nursing home" feel). 3. By means of at least one, preferably two, independent plug-in sleeves for the plug-in tubes to be inserted there, various handles (with different lengths and shapes) can be used, which are adjusted to the required length by means of the plug-in tubes that can be screwed onto the handle. 4. The possibility of using different grab handles already available on the market simplifies storage, purchasing and logistics and at the same time increases the flexibility of the manufacturer and its specialist retail customers. 5. In addition, pre-bent handles can also be used.

[0025] A highly reliable adhesive bond is described, for example, in DE 10 2016 105 617 B4, which originates from the same applicant. The disclosure therein is intended to be fully encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0026] Overall, therefore, a damage-free attachment of the entry aid to the exterior of any bathtub is preferred, regardless of the bathtub's exterior design. It can be built into a tile enclosure, but it can also be freestanding.

[0027] In any case, the advantage of the invention is that the grab handle - regardless of its shape and contour - is designed to be retractable to the same level or preferably below the edge of the bathtub, which means that it is a height-adjustable bathtub entry aid that can be attached exclusively to the outside of the bathtub and whose grab handle is designed to be retractable at least equal to or below the edge of the bathtub.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entry aid consists of two spaced-apart plug-in sleeves that can be attached to the corresponding exterior of the bathtub using adhesive adapters. These plug-in sleeves are preferably designed as tubular sleeves and are preferably round-cylindrical. However, the invention is not limited to this. The profile of the plug-in sleeves can be of any desired shape, such as square, rectangular, elliptical, or any other desired shape.

[0029] Two plug-in tubes arranged at a distance from each other are adapted to the inner profile of the plug-in sleeves. These tubes can be easily moved in the interior of the plug-in sleeves, adjusted in height, and locked in the plug-in sleeves using a special locking mechanism.

[0030] The plug-in tubes are inserted and locked into the upward-facing plug-in receptacles of the plug-in sleeves arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. The two plug-in tubes are preferably connected—removably or permanently—to a handle, which in a preferred embodiment is straight.

[0031] It is preferred if two spaced-apart sleeve tubes are attached to the handle, which are connected to the upper ends of the plug-in tubes or inserted into them. Such a connection is preferably a non-detachable plug-in or adhesive connection.

[0032] The plug-in tubes form an approximately U-shaped part with the handle connecting the upper ends, the base legs of which are formed by the handle and the U-legs by the plug-in tubes.

[0033] The invention is not limited to the straight, elongated design of the grab handle. The grab handle can be formed into any desired shape—even three-dimensionally—and is preferably designed as a straight grab handle, but can also be designed as a bent bar handle, a curved handle, or a bent or triangular grab handle. It is preferred that, in all embodiments and all shapes of the grab handle, the height adjustment mechanism between the plug-in tubes and the plug-in sleeves be designed in such a way that the grab handle, regardless of its shape and design, can be lowered to or below the edge of the bathtub.

[0034] The use of two spaced-apart plug-in tubes that can be inserted into and locked into associated, spaced-apart, and parallel plug-in sleeves is a preferred embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to this.

[0035] In another embodiment, it can be provided that there is only a single plug-in tube to which a single plug-in sleeve is assigned, and in this case the handle on this plug-in tube would then be approximately T-shaped, so that a particularly simple, walking stick-like holding situation on the outside of the bathtub is created.

[0036] In another embodiment, it is also possible to use three parallel plug-in tubes instead of the two parallel plug-in tubes, to which three plug-in sleeves are assigned, which can be attached to the outside of the bathtub with the help of strong adhesive fastenings.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height adjustability of the entry aid can be determined by means of an easily operable locking device, so that different heights can be set.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the locking device essentially consists of two half-sleeves which are parallel to one another and at least partially elastically encompass the plug-in sleeves in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner, which half-sleeves are received in a lower pivot bearing of the respective plug-in sleeve and carry at least one locking pin in their upper, pivotable part, which engages through a first associated plug-in bore in the region of the plug-in sleeve and, when passing through this plug-in bore, engages into an associated aligned plug-in bore in the outer surface of the plug-in tube and thus fixes the plug-in tube in the plug-in sleeve in a height-adjustable manner.

[0039] If, on the other hand, the locking sleeve is pivoted outwards, the locking pin comes out of engagement with the plug-in hole in the plug-in sleeve and out of engagement with the corresponding aligned plug-in hole in the plug-in tubes, so that a simple, one-handed and easy-to-use height adjustment is possible.

[0040] The simple adjustment of this height adjustment is achieved by the fact that the two locking sleeves are captive and simply pivotally mounted at their lower ends on the lower ends of the plug-in sleeves, so that there is no risk of them falling off or being torn off the plug-in sleeves when these locking sleeves are operated. For this purpose, a pivot bearing is provided between the lower side of each plug-in sleeve and the lower side of the associated locking sleeve.

[0041] Instead of a pivot bearing between the plug-in sleeve and the locking sleeve that can only be pivoted by a small angle of, for example, 10 degrees, other options for captivity can of course also be provided.

[0042] In another embodiment, the pivot bearing can be omitted and the connection between the lower end of the plug-in sleeve and the lower end of the locking sleeve can be designed to be elastically flexible. The locking sleeve is preferably designed as a flexible, tubular, semicircular-profile part to ensure reliable locking of the height adjustment, along with the locking pin located at the upper end.

[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the pivot bearing is omitted altogether and that the respective locking sleeve only engages over the respective plug-in sleeve in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner and can only be snapped onto the outer circumference of the plug-in sleeve, so that it can be easily removed from the plug-in sleeve.

[0044] All embodiments of the locking device, which are directed to a pivotable or non-pivotable or removable design of the respective locking sleeves on the associated plug sleeves, are encompassed by the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the locking sleeves used for height-adjustable locking can be completely omitted and a suitable locking device can be arranged directly on the outside of each plug-in sleeve. The locking device preferably works with a locking pin that can be axially moved into two positions. Such pin-like locking devices consist of a short sleeve, one end of which is connected to the outside of the plug-in sleeve and inside which the locking pin can be moved under spring load. The locking pin can be pulled out of the sleeve with the fingers of one hand against the force of the spring until its pin end is disengaged from the aligned plug-in holes between the plug-in tube and plug-in sleeve. It can be locked in this extended position by turning it.As soon as the new height setting has been found by aligning the plug holes, it is turned and the previously tensioned spring moves the locking pin into the sleeve so that the locking pin engages both plug holes under spring load and remains in this working position.

[0046] The alignment of the plug holes between the plug tubes and the plug sleeves can be found by line-like markings on the plug tubes or by tactile notches when the sleeve-like parts are moved relative to each other.

[0047] The subject matter of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from the combination of the individual patent claims with one another.

[0048] All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial configuration depicted in the drawings, could be claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. The use of the terms "essential" or "according to the invention" or "essential to the invention" is subjective and does not imply that the features so named must necessarily be part of one or more patent claims.

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings illustrating only one embodiment. Further essential features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and their description.

[0050] They show: Fig. 1: Perspective view of a height-adjustable bathtub entry aid in its extended position Fig. 2: the same representation as Fig. 1, but the entry aid is shown in the lowered position Fig. 3: an exploded view of the parts of the boarding aid in disassembled state Fig. 4: an exploded view according to Fig. 3 with the parts of the boarding aid in a partially assembled state Fig. 5: another drawing of the allocation of the parts of the boarding aid shortly before completion of the final assembly Fig. 6: the same drawing as Fig. 5 with further assembly progress Fig. 7: the attachment of the entry aid to the outside of a bathtub in the extended position according to Fig. 1 Fig. 8: the same situation as Fig. 7, in the retracted state of the boarding aid according to Fig. 2 Fig. 9: a sectional view through the entry aid showing the individual interlocking parts in the assembled state Fig. 10: the same sectional view as Fig. 9 in unlocked position Fig. 11: the same representation as in Fig. 10, whereby a locking position is reached in the retracted state Fig. 12: an enlarged detailed view of the lower pivot bearing between the plug-in sleeve and the locking sleeve Fig. 13: a modification of the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 12 with a walking stick-shaped entry aid Fig. 14: a modified version of a locking device in section Fig. 15: another variation of the entry aid according to the Fig. 1 to 13 with a bent grab handle that is retracted below the edge of the bathtub. Fig. 16: a modified version of the locking sleeves 24, 25 Fig. 17: a schematic plan view of the boarding aid according to the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 12 Fig. 18-22: various designs of grab handles that can be placed on the edge of the bathtub and extend at least partially into the bathtub

[0051] In Fig. 1, the entry aid 1 is shown in its extended position, which means that the assistance is shown for a person in need of assistance, who can enter the bathtub 31 in a particularly easy manner because they can grasp the grab handle 2 raised above the bathtub edge 11 with both hands or with one hand and step over the bathtub edge 11 to reach the interior of the bathtub 31. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer side 33 of the bathtub 31 is lined with tiles 41, but the invention is not limited to this. The bathtub can have any desired cladding, or the bathtub can also be provided as a freestanding bathtub with an untiled exterior.

[0052] In Fig. 2 is the same bathtub as in Fig. 1, with the entry aid 1 shown in the lowered position. In this illustration, it is important that no parts of the entry aid 1 protrude beyond the bathtub edge 11, and that the hook-shaped retaining elements that extend over the bathtub edge, which are recognized as disadvantageous in the prior art, are completely eliminated, thus providing a smooth, all-round bathtub edge free of fixtures. This provides the best possible accessibility to the interior of the bathtub 31 and to a person lying there.

[0053] The Fig. 3 to 7 show assembly steps in chronological order, with the entry aid 1 after Fig. 3 consists of an upper handle 2, which is preferably straight. However, the invention is not limited to this, as will be apparent from the later Fig. 14. The grab handle 2 can also be designed in any desired shape; it can be triangularly deformed in horizontal or vertical extension, it can be serpentine, arched, or designed in any other desired shape, wherein it is merely preferred that the entry aid 1 makes it possible to lower the grab handle 2 preferably to the level of or below the level of the bathtub rim 11.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the handle 2 with its downwardly projecting sleeve tubes 2a is connected to a respective plug-in tube 3, 4 via a connection point 5, which will be explained later as a preferred screw connection.

[0055] Since the parts present in pairs, such as plug-in tubes 3, 4 or the associated plug-in sleeves 12, 13, as well as the associated locking sleeves 24, 25, are designed exactly identically, it is sufficient for the following description to describe only the function of one part of this connection, because the other part is designed exactly the same and functions the same.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, each of the plug-in tubes 3, 4 is designed as a cylindrical tube, whereby it is possible to design such a tube from plastic or metal.

[0057] It can also be provided that the connection point 5 between the sleeve tube 2a of the handle 2 and the plug-in tube 3, 4 is omitted, and that the entire handle 2 continues integrally into the plug-in tubes 3, 4, thus forming a single plastic or metal part that is essentially U-shaped. The handle 2 then forms the base leg of this U-shape.

[0058] A mechanical separation between the handle-side sleeve tubes 2a and the straight plug-in tubes 3, 4 at the connection points 5 has the advantage that different handles 2 of different shapes and material choices can be easily connected to the existing straight, hollow-cylindrical plug-in tubes 3, 4.

[0059] For this reason, various handles can be combined with existing plug-in tubes 3, 4, whereby it is also possible to connect the sleeve tube 2a arranged at the end of the handle 2 directly to the handle 2 in one piece or to screw it to the handle 2.

[0060] In the outer surfaces of the plug-in tubes 3, 4, a number of plug-in bores 6 are arranged at a grid spacing, which serve for height adjustment and into which the respective locking pin 37 of the locking device 42, to be explained later, engages.

[0061] Furthermore, optically recognizable markings 7 can be provided on the outer sides in order to make the height adjustability of the plug-in tubes 3, 4 in the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 attached to the bathtub side visible.

[0062] Thus, the grab handle 2 together with the plug-in tubes 3, 4 attached to it can be pushed downwards into the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 in the direction of arrow 28 at any desired height or can be pulled out of these plug-in sleeves on the bathtub side in the direction of arrow 28'.

[0063] The profile of the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 is adapted to the profile of the plug-in tubes 3, 4. A round-cylindrical profile is preferred, but other profile shapes can also be used.

[0064] Each plug-in sleeve 12, 13 preferably consists of a round-cylindrical tube, which is connected via connecting pieces to associated, spaced-apart cover sleeves 19, which are suitable for covering adhesive adapters 14, 15. Each adhesive adapter 14, 15 preferably consists of a disc 16 carrying a threaded receptacle 17, wherein the rear side of the respective disc 16 carries an adhesive surface 18 facing the outside of the bathtub 31.

[0065] The adhesive connection using the adhesive adapters 14, 15 can be implemented in various ways, with an adhesive connection as described in DE 10 2016 105 617 B4 or DE 101 52 052 A1 being preferred. Of course, other fastening methods can also be used, such as suction cups, screw connections, dowel-screw connections, and the like.

[0066] If adhesive adapters 14, 15 are used in the preferred case, this type of adhesive provides the advantage that a damage-free attachment to the outside 33 of the bathtub 31 is provided and that even an attachment to the tiles 41 is possible without destroying or otherwise damaging the tiles during disassembly.

[0067] This also allows for easy disassembly of the adhesive adapters 14, 15 from the outside 33 of the bathtub 31 when the entry aid 1 is to be finally removed from the bathtub 31.

[0068] To Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 it is also noted that the handle 2 can carry a handle pad 8.

[0069] In the Fig. 4 shows the extended position of the handle 2 in the sockets 12, 13, wherein the locking device 42 is not yet in the engaged position.

[0070] In Fig. 5 shows the assembly progress in that the locking device 42 is in the extended position of the handle 2 according to Fig. 4 is mounted. In the lower part of the two identically designed locking sleeves 24, 25, profile-like pivot receptacles 32 are provided which break through the wall and which can be clipped or pivoted onto associated pivot bearings 22 which are adapted in profile and protrude from the outer surface of the respective plug-in sleeve 12, 13.

[0071] Due to the elastic deformability of the clamping sleeves 26, 44, which are designed as half or three-quarter shells and form the upper side and the lower side of the locking sleeves 24, 25, the respective lower clamping sleeve 26 with its pivot receptacle 32 can be clipped onto the pivot bearing 22 on the plug-in sleeve side under elastic deformation in order to achieve a reliable and captive pivot connection between the two parts.

[0072] During assembly, the respective locking sleeve 24, 25 is pivoted downwards in the direction of arrow 23, so that the assembly position is Fig. 6 is achieved, whereby the pivot bearing consists of the two parts 22, 32.

[0073] The Fig. The position shown in Figure 6 shows the unlocked position, wherein a locking pin 37 is arranged on the inside of the respective locking sleeve 24, 25 and a handle 27 is present which carries the locking pin 37. The locking pin is pulled out of the mutually aligned plug holes 6, 20, so that the two parts 3, 4 and 12, 13 can be moved relative to each other for height adjustment.

[0074] The upper clamping sleeves 44 of the locking sleeves 24, 25 can be clipped onto the upper ends of the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 by elastic deformation. The locking connection is formed by two locking holes 45 arranged in the open, bow-like ends of the clamping sleeves, which can be snapped onto opposite locking knobs 49 on the outer sides of the plug-in sleeves 12, 13.

[0075] To actuate this locking device 45, 49, a handle 27 is arranged on the outside of the locking sleeve.

[0076] An alternative to this arrangement is shown by the Fig. 16 will be explained.

[0077] The Fig. Figure 7 shows the fully assembled position of the bathtub entry aid 1 on a bathtub 31 on its outer side 33. The grab handle 2 protrudes with the projection 9 above the top of the bathtub rim 11. This ensures a particularly safe entry aid 1 for persons who want to enter the bathtub 31.

[0078] However, if the bathtub entry aid 1 is in its securing position according to Fig. 8 is moved in the direction of arrow 28, the locking device 42 is actuated and the locking sleeves 24, 25 are moved in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow 23 in Fig. 5 is pivoted, whereby the locking pins 37 come out of engagement with the mutually aligned plug holes 6, 20 in the plug tubes 3, 4 and the plug sleeves 12, 13.

[0079] This allows the height of the handle 2 to be changed so that the handle 2 can be moved downwards in the direction of arrow 28 so that it can be adjusted according to Fig. 8 with its lowering depth 29 preferably lies below the bathtub edge 11. In this way, a safe lowering position of the entry aid 1 is ensured, because preferably no part of the entry aid 1 protrudes beyond the bathtub edge or even into the bathtub.

[0080] Out of Fig. 4 it can also be seen that on the outside of the respective plug-in sleeve 12, 13 a mounting hole 21 is provided, which can be Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Through this mounting hole 21, a hexagon socket screw 36 is accessible, which engages with its bolt thread 35 into an associated threaded receptacle 17 on the disc 16. In this way, the disc 16 of the adhesive adapter 14, 15 is firmly fastened to the outside of the plug-in sleeve 12, 13 with the hexagon socket screw 36.

[0081] The Fig. Figure 9 shows the locking device 42 between the associated parts 3, 4; 12, 13 and 24, 25, illustrated in a specific extended height setting. It can be seen there that the locking pin 37 is arranged on the rear side of a handle 27, and the locking pin 37 extends through a plug-in bore 20 in the respective plug-in sleeve 12, 13, thereby extending through the aligned plug-in bore 6 in the area of ​​the plug-in tube 3, 4. In this way, the parts 3, 4 and 12, 13 are locked against each other in a selected height setting.

[0082] Out of Fig. 9 shows the fastening of the handle 2, wherein it can be seen that there is a screw connection 34 between the top of the plug-in tube 3, 4 and the sleeve tube 2a of the handle 2.

[0083] The Fig. 9 also shows that, in order to make the height adjustment position haptic, it can additionally be provided that inwardly directed elastically springy locking lugs 40 are present on the inner surface of the plug-in sleeve 12, 13, which engage in associated notches 38 in the surface of the respective plug-in tube 3, 4 and audibly lock into place there.

[0084] It is provided that the notches 38 lie on an alignment line 39 with the plug-in bores 6, so that an audible locking is only given when the plug-in bore 6 is in opposition to the plug-in bore 20 in the plug-in sleeve 12, 13.

[0085] Such a haptic detent setting can be audible and / or haptically felt.

[0086] The Fig. 10 shows the same situation as Fig. 9 with the locking sleeve 24, 25 open, whereby it is now possible to pull the plug-in tube 3, 4 out of the plug-in sleeve 12, 13 in the direction of arrow 28' and then fix it again. Fig. 11 shows in comparison to Fig. 10 the retracted position shortly before the plug-in tubes 3, 4 are secured in the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 by means of the locking sleeves 24, 25 and the locking pins 37 arranged there.

[0087] The Fig. 12 shows an enlarged view of the pivot bearing, wherein the pivot receptacle 32, which is profiled as a recess in the outer surface of the clamping sleeve 26, can be elastically clipped onto the pivot bearing, which has an approximately similar profile, on the outside of the plug-in sleeve 12, 13.

[0088] This assigns a defined pivot angle to the respective locking sleeve 24, 25, preferably in the range of approximately 10 degrees. This ensures that the locking sleeve 24, 25 cannot be pivoted away from the plug-in sleeve 12, 13 by an undesirably large pivot angle.

[0089] The Fig. Figure 13 shows a modified embodiment of an entry aid 1, a walking stick-like design of the handle 2 in the form of a T-shaped handle 2b. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, and the above description applies analogously to this simple embodiment. Only a single plug-in tube 3, 4 is provided, which is received in a single plug-in sleeve 12, 13 and can be locked and unlocked using a single locking sleeve 24, 25.

[0090] The same conditions also apply to the Fig. 15 shown entry aid 1, which in the retracted state is retracted below the bathtub edge 11, whereby the previously straight handle 2 is now curved and the same reference numerals apply to all parts.

[0091] In a further version according to Fig. 14, it can be provided that the locking sleeves 24, 25 serving the height-adjustable locking device 42 are completely omitted and that a suitable locking device 43 is arranged directly on the outside of the respective plug-in sleeve 12, 13. The locking device 43 preferably operates with a locking pin 37 that can be moved into two displacement positions. Such a locking device 43 consists of a short sleeve 48, one end of which is connected to the outside of the plug-in sleeve 12, 13 and in whose interior the locking pin 37 can be moved under spring load.

[0092] In this case, a helical compression spring 46 is accommodated in the sleeve 48, which is supported with one end on the inside of the sleeve 48 and with its other end on a pin-side stop 47.

[0093] The locking pin 37 can be pulled out of the sleeve 48 with the fingers of one hand, against the force of the helical compression spring 46, until its end disengages from the aligned plug-in holes 6, 20 between the plug-in tube 3, 4 and the plug-in sleeve 12, 13. It can be locked in this extended position by turning it. Once the new height setting has been found by aligning the plug-in holes 6, 20, it is turned, and the previously tensioned helical compression spring 46 pushes the locking pin 37 into the sleeve 48, so that the locking pin 37 engages both plug-in holes 6, 20 under spring load and remains in this working position.

[0094] The Fig. 16 shows an alternative to the description of the Fig. 6. There it is shown that the handle 27 on the outside of the locking sleeves 24, 25 for pivoting operation can be omitted and instead the bow-like ends of the clamping sleeves 44 are bent outwards to allow large gripping surfaces 50 for grasping the clamping sleeves 44 so that they can be pivoted.

[0095] What all embodiments have in common is that the entry aid 1 can be mounted, preferably without damage, on the outside of a bathtub 31 and is thus also easily removable, yet still has such a strong holding force that it does not tear off or damage the outside of the bathtub when actuated. A further advantage is that there are no fixtures on the bathtub edge 11 or even beyond the bathtub edge 11 into the interior, and that the interior of the bathtub 31 is kept completely free of any fixtures.

[0096] The Fig. 17 shows generally the basic principle of the embodiments according to the previous Fig. 1-16, wherein it can be seen that the frame 3,4; 12,13; 24, 25 is fastened to the outside 52 of the bathtub with its adhesive adapters 15 and therefore the previously described grab handles 2, 2b are also located on the outside 52 of the bathtub and the bathtub edge 11 is kept free from all fittings of the frame 3,4; 12,13; 24, 25 and from the grab handle 2, 2b.

[0097] From this basic principle of this group of inventions according to the Fig. 1-16 deviating from the Fig. 18-22 to a second group of inventions, the features of which are the subject of patent claims 14 et seq. The two groups of inventions share the common principle of attaching the frame 3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25 exclusively to the outer side 33, 52 of the bathtub 31 and not arranging any frame-side fastening parts on the bathtub rim 11.

[0098] What is different about the second group of inventions, however, is the possibility that the grab handle 2, 2c-f can extend over the bathtub edge 11 or rest on it in the retracted position. There is the possibility that the grab handle can be lowered to rest on the bathtub wheel as a stop and does not protrude into the interior of the bathtub, or, as a second possibility, that it also protrudes into the interior of the bathtub 31, forming an additional grab handle there. In this embodiment, the grab handle can be reached from the outside 52 and also from the inside 51 of the bathtub 31.

[0099] Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is also provided that the frame 3,4; 12,13; 24, 25 is attached exclusively to the outside 52 of the bathtub. In deviation from the embodiments of the Fig. 1-17, however, it is provided here that the respective handle 2c-2f either only covers the bathtub edge 11 or even according to the embodiments according to the Fig. 18-22 can protrude inwards beyond the bathtub interior 51. This makes the advantages of the embodiments of the first group of inventions according to the Fig. 1-17, namely that the parts of the frame do not protrude into the interior of the bathtub and do not occupy the bathtub edge 11, because the frame is attached exclusively to the bathtub outer side 52.

[0100] In some cases, however, it has proven advantageous if the grab handle 2, 2c-2f or at least parts of the grab handle protrude into the interior of the bathtub 31, because then an additional handle is provided for a person lying in the bathtub 31, which the person can hold on to and pull themselves up.

[0101] All following Fig. 18-22 show handles 2c-2f that are arranged predominantly in a horizontal plane and whose plane is oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the plug-in sleeves 12, 13. The invention is not limited to this. In embodiments not shown in the drawings, it may also be provided that the handles 2c-2f, which are predominantly oriented in a horizontal plane, are additionally deformed or bent in a vertical direction.

[0102] This shows the Fig. 18 a U-shaped handle 2c, the base legs of which are connected to the upper end of the plug-in sleeves 12, 13 or to additional sleeves 2a and the middle of the bracket 53 of which extends over the bathtub edge 11 inwards into the bathtub interior 51.

[0103] The Fig. 19 shows one of Fig. 18 modified embodiment, in which a triangular handle 2d is shown instead of a U-shaped handle 2c.

[0104] The Fig. 20 shows a modified example of the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, that it is generally also possible to install the grab handle 2c, 2d in reverse. In this case, the base legs of the U-profile, namely the bracket ends 54, protrude beyond the bathtub edge 11 and into the bathtub interior 51. This provides the advantage for a person lying in the bathtub that, thanks to the bracket ends 54, an additional grab handle is provided, which is also easily accessible from the bathtub interior 51 of the bathtub 31.

[0105] The Fig. Figure 21 shows a self-contained grab handle 2e, which extends both over the bathtub rim 11 into the interior and over the outer side 52 to the outside. In the example shown, it is designed as a circular ring. It can also have any other shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, or square.

[0106] The Fig. 22 shows in comparison to Fig. 20 finally the fastening of an approximately horseshoe-shaped handle 2d in the form of the handle 2f, rotated by 180 degrees, in which the center of the bracket 53 extends into the interior of the bathtub 31 and thereby forms an additional handle in the interior. Drawing legend 1 boarding aid 2 handles 2a sleeve tube 2b Grab handle 2c Grab handle 2d grab handle 2nd handle 2f grab handle 3 plug-in tubes 4 plug-in tubes 5 Connection point 6 plug-in holes (in 3, 4) 7 Marking 8 grip pads 9 Overhang 11 Bathtub edge 12 plug-in sleeves 13 Plug-in sleeve 14 adhesive adapters 15 adhesive adapters 16 slices 17 threaded receptacle 18 Adhesive surface 19 Cover sleeve 20 plug-in holes (in 12, 13) 21 Mounting hole 22 swivel bearings (of 12, 13) 23 Arrow direction 24 locking sleeve 25 locking sleeve 26 clamping sleeve 27 Handle 28 Arrow direction 28' 29 Lowering depth 30 adhesive points 31 Bathtub 32 swivel shots (of 24, 25) 33 outside (of 31) 34 Swivel connection 35 bolt threads 36 hexagon socket screw 37 Locking pin 38 notch 39 Vanishing line 40 locking lug 41 tiles 42 locking device (with 24, 25) 43 Locking device (between 3, 4 and 12, 13, Fig. 14) 44 upper clamping sleeve 45 locking hole (in 44) 46 helical compression spring 47 stop 48 sleeve 49 locking knobs (in 44) 50 grip surfaces 51 Bathtub interior 52 Bathtub exterior 53 Middle of the temple (from 2c, 2d, 2f) 54 temple end (from 2d, 2f)

Claims

[1] Bathtub entry aid (1) for making it easier to get into a bathtub (31) with the provision of a handle (2, 2b) which projects upwards over the bathtub edge (11) and is arranged on a frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25) fastened to the bathtub (31), wherein the handle (2, 2b) is arranged in a height-adjustable manner in the frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25) and can be locked, wherein the bathtub edge (11) and the bathtub interior (51) are separated from the parts of the frame (3, 4; 12, 13;24, 25) are kept free, wherein the bathtub entry aid (1) consists of a frame which consists of at least one or two tubular plug-in sleeves (12, 13) which are parallel to one another and arranged at a mutual distance from one another and are fastened to the outer side (33, 52) of the bathtub (31), into which plug-in sleeves (12, 13) height-adjustable and lockable plug-in tubes (3, 4) are inserted, which are connected to one another by a handle (2) connecting the two upper sides, and on the bathtub-side plug-in sleeves (12, 13) for adjusting the height of the plug-in tubes (3, 4) a locking device (42, 43) is arranged in each case, which locks or releases the displacement of the plug-in tubes (12, 13) in the plug-in sleeves (12, 13); characterized bythat each locking device (42) consists of an approximately half-open locking sleeve (24, 25) which is pivotally mounted on one side at the lower end of the plug-in sleeve (12, 13) and which can be clipped onto the profile of the plug-in sleeve (12, 13) under elastic deformation, and that the locking sleeve (24, 25) carries at its upper end a locking pin (37) directed towards the plug-in sleeve (12, 13) which, in the locked state, passes through plug-in bores (6, 20) in the plug-in tube (3, 4) and plug-in sleeve (12, 13) which are arranged in alignment with one another. [2] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the bathtub entry aid (1) is attached exclusively to the outside (33, 52) of the bathtub (31). [3] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the bathtub entry aid (1) is attached to the outside (33, 52) of the bathtub (31) by detachable means. [4] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the bathtub entry aid (1) is attached to the outside (33, 52) of the bathtub (31) with adhesive adapters (14, 15). [5] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that for the use of plug-in tubes (3, 4) of different lengths, their connection to the handle (2) is designed as a screw connection (5, 34). [6] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the displacement of the plug-in tubes (3, 4) in the plug-in sleeves (12, 13) for the purpose of opposing the plug-in bores (6, 20) is effected by a haptically perceptible detent (38, 40) and / or by optically recognizable markings (7) on the plug-in tubes (3, 4). [7] Bathtub entry aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the frame (3, 4; 12, 13; 24, 25) of the bathtub entry aid (1) consists of a single, tubular plug-in sleeve (12 or 13) fastened to the outside (33, 52) of the bathtub (31), in which only one plug-in tube (3 or 4) is received in a height-adjustable and lockable manner and that at the upper end of the plug-in tube (3 or 4) only an approximately T-shaped handle (2b) is connected to the plug-in sleeve (12 or 13).

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