Combination vanity apparatus

Abstract

An anti-ligature vanity apparatus having a base unit, a counter portion with an integral sink basin, and a mirror assembly extending from the counter portion. The apparatus is configured for installation within a U-shaped or L-shaped alcove such that the front profile of the apparatus is substantially flush with surrounding walls to eliminate ligature points. In an L-shaped installation, a solid wall is secured to an exposed side of the apparatus to maintain anti-ligature integrity. The front profile of the apparatus features contiguous, angled, or sloped surfaces, and components such as a faucet and mirror are integrated in a recessed or seamless manner to further prevent ligature attachment.

Description

COMBINATION VANITY APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,518, filed July 25, 2024, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a vanity apparatus having a combination of components, specifically, a substantially anti-ligature combination vanity apparatus having a plurality of appliances integral thereto.BACKGROUND

[0003] Psychiatric hospitals, also known as mental health hospitals or behavioral health hospitals, are hospitals or wards specializing in the treatment of severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, dissociative identity disorder, major depressive disorder and many others. Psychiatric hospitals vary widely in their size and grading. Some hospitals may specialize only in short-term or outpatient therapy for low-risk patients. Other facilities may specialize in the temporary or permanent confinement of patients who need routine assistance, treatment, or a specialized and controlled environment due to a psychiatric disorder. Patients often choose voluntary commitment, but those who psychiatrists believe pose significant danger to themselves, or others may be subject to involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment. Psychiatric hospitals are sometimes referred to as psychiatric wards / units, psych, or wards / units or a behavior health unit when they are located as a unit within a hospital.

[0004] Modem psychiatric hospitals evolved from and eventually replaced the older “lunatic asylum” — considered presently as a defamatory and non-correct label for these facilities. The treatment of inmates in early lunatic asylums was sometimes brutal and focused on containment and restraint. With successive waves of reform, and the introduction of effective evidence-based treatments, most modern psychiatric hospitals emphasize treatment, and attempt where possible to help patients control their lives in the outside world, with the use of a combination of psychiatric medications and psychotherapy.

[0005] In many of the modern-day facilities, patients may have private, i.e., a single, room or semi-private, i.e., a double, triple, etc., room. These rooms may also include a bathroom or washroom (hereinafter “patient washroom”). The patient washrooms are the highest risk spaces in a psychiatric hospital or behavioral health unit, as these spaces typically are where patientscan be alone and / or isolated from observation. Since patients can be isolated in these rooms, there is an increased risk of potential self-harm, which can include suicide in extreme cases. The isolated nature of these bathrooms and / or patient washrooms is not exclusive to behavior health facilities or units, general hospital rooms share this characteristic. Even in some jail and / or prison settings, bathrooms can be private (in low-risk facilities) or semi-private, if the incarceration facility includes bathrooms within individual cells.

[0006] According to The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety 2018, a study conducted in 2014-2015 by the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) reported that between 48.5 and 64.9 hospital inpatient suicides occur per year in the United States and of those, between 31.0 and 51.7 are substantially related to psychiatric inpatients. NVDRS, and hospitals reporting to The Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event (SE) Database from 2010-2017, indicated that the most common method of suicide was hanging in both of these databases, 71.7% and 70.3%, respectively. Lastly, The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety 2018 concluded that prevention efforts should be primarily focused on mitigating risk associated with hanging, i.e., anti-ligature arrangements of structures, accessories, furniture, and the like.

[0007] Many of the aforementioned facilities already utilize anti-ligature appliances in patient bathrooms, such as “safe sinks”, toilets, and other appliances, as many states, such as New York, have specific requirements for appliances used in these facilities in order to receive licensed status. The New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS-OMH) provides a comprehensive listing of appliances in their Patient Safety Standards, Materials and Systems Guidelines Recommended by the New York State Office of Mental Health, 30th Edition, July 31, 2023:which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein (hereinafter “NYS-OMH Standards”). However, the comprehensive listing fails to include an option for a combination anti-ligature vanity apparatus or unit, i.e., one or more of the sink, faucet, toiletry ledge, soap dispenser, mirror, lighting, and access panel, are integral to the unit.

[0008] Moreover, as the comprehensive listing illustrates, although there are various appliances that are approved under the NYS-OMH, no company provides an entire line of approved appliances, requiring the facilities to pick from different companies, thereby creating a more “institutionalized” look to their patient washrooms with a variety of different brands of appliances having different appearances and styles.

[0009] Therefore, there is a long-felt need to combine various anti-ligature appliances into a singular unit, making installation and selection thereof simpler for facilities while complying with the NYS-OMH Standards.SUMMARY

[0010] The core concept of the invention is a single, prefabricated, multi-component antiligature vanity apparatus designed for high-risk environments, such as psychiatric hospitals or behavioral health facilities. The apparatus integrates essential washroom components — including a base unit, a counter with an integral sink basin, a mirror assembly, a faucet, and lighting — into a unified, seamless structure. The design is optimized for installation within a U-shaped or L-shaped alcove, ensuring that its front and side surfaces are flush with the surrounding walls to eliminate potential ligature points and enhance patient safety. A key aspect is the combination of safety, accessibility, and a less "institutionalized" aesthetic into one cohesive unit.

[0011] According to aspects herein, the present invention generally comprises a combination vanity apparatus, the vanity apparatus comprising a base unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, a counter portion affixed to and integral with the top end of the base unit, the counter portion having a sink basin disposed therein, the counter portion having top end and a front face, and a mirror assembly extending from the top end of the counter portion of the base unit, the mirror assembly having a front face and a depression arranged within the front face, wherein the apparatus is arranged to be installed within a U- shaped alcove or a L-shaped alcove such that the front faces provide substantially no ligature points.

[0012] The present invention also may comprise an anti-ligature vanity apparatus comprising a combination vanity apparatus with a pair of oppositely disposed side faces and a plurality of units, the units comprising: a base unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, the base unit having a counter portion extending from the top end, the counter portion having a sink basin arranged therein; an intermediate unit extending from the top end of the base unit, the intermediate unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, the bottom end of the intermediate unit connected to the top end of the base unit; and, a mirror unit extending from the top end of the intermediate unit, the mirror unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face, and a rear face, the front face having a cutout arranged therein, the bottom end of the mirror unit connected to the top end of the intermediate unit, wherein the pair of sides faces are arranged to be mounted within an alcove such that the bottom end of the base unit is raised and spaced apart from a floor surface in a substantially parallel manner,thereby providing no ligature points of the front faces of the plurality of units and substantially providing no access points to the pair of side faces.

[0013] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a combination vanity apparatus which may comprise a base unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, a counter portion affixed to and integral with the top end of the base unit, the counter portion having a sink basin disposed therein, the counter portion having top end and a front face, and a mirror assembly extending from the top end of the counter portion of the base unit, the mirror assembly having a front face and a depression arranged within the front face, wherein the apparatus is arranged to be installed within one or more of: a U-shaped alcove such that the front faces provide no ligature points; or, a L-shaped alcove such that the front faces and one of a pair of sides of the apparatus have no ligature points, and further where another of the pair of sides of the apparatus is adapted to have a solid wall secured thereto such that the another of the pair of sides of the apparatus and the solid wall have no ligature points.

[0014] In other aspects, the present disclosure relates to an anti-ligature vanity apparatus having a unitary body having a front profile, a rear profile, a top end, and a bottom end, a counter portion arranged on the unitary body, the counter portion having a sink basin integrally formed therein, and a mirror assembly arranged on the unitary body and extending upwardly from the counter portion, where the front profile comprises a plurality of contiguous surfaces that are substantially free of protrusions or depressions capable of functioning as a ligature point, and wherein the counter portion and the sink basin protrude forwardly from a lower portion of the unitary body to define a clearance space thereunder.

[0015] Further, it is a general object of the various embodiments of the present invention to not only provide for a substantially anti-ligature combination vanity apparatus, but also to provide for an accessibility-accommodating apparatus, where the aforementioned counter portion and / or sink basin protrudes distally in a horizontal fashion while being designed to provide for a space underneath the sink basin, thereby allowing accessibility devices, e.g., wheelchairs and the like, to have adequate space for patients requiring their assistance, to use the anti-ligature combination vanity apparatus.

[0016] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:Figures 1A and IB generally illustrate left and right perspective views the present invention installed in an alcove, particularly a “U-shaped” alcove;Figures 2A and 2B illustrate respective perspective views of the inventions shown in Figures 1A and IB, respectively;Figures 2C and 2D illustrate a left-side and a right-side view of the inventions shown in Figures 2A and 2B, respectively;Figure 3 illustrates a top-front view of the invention shown in Figure 1A;Figure 4 illustrates a left-side view of the invention shown in Figure 1A;Figure 5 generally illustrates a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line X-X in Figure 2 A;Figure 6 illustrates the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 6 with various accessories installed on and / or in the present invention;Figures 7A and 7B illustrate partial exploded views of the invention shown in Figure IB;Figure 8A is an exemplary side-view illustration of the invention shown in Figure 1A installed in an “L-shaped” alcove; and,Figure 8B is a representative top plan view of the invention shown in Figure 8A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0019] It is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known, or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the present invention described herein.

[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “contains”, and / or “containing”, should be interpreted as being substantially synonymous with the terms “comprising” and / or “comprises”.

[0022] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0023] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0024] If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0025] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and / or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and / or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and athird element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0026] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of’ and “comprising at least one of’ in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of” is used herein.

[0027] The phrases, “fluid communication”, “communication”, “fluidly connected”, “fluid connection”, and / or substantial equivalents thereof, is meant to mean two or more components are connected such that a substance, e.g., gases, fluid, liquid etc., can flow between and / or within the two components.

[0028] The term “anti-ligature”, as used herein, is intended to mean a specific structural configuration, arrangement, organization, and / or functional result of a structural configurations, such that a component does not substantially possess a “ligature risk” and / or “ligature point”. “Ligature risk” and / or “ligature point” and “anti-ligature” are intended to be defined as anything which could be used attach a cord, rope, tether, wedge, and / or other material, or an anchor allowing the aforementioned materials to be attached via the anchor, for the purposes of self-harm, e.g., hanging, strangulation, and the like. Other acceptable definitions of “ligature risk”, “ligature point” and “anti-ligature” are defined by the New York State Office of Mental Health. See, supra. As such, the following is a non-exhaustive list of items presenting one or more of a “ligature risk”, or “ligature point”: fasteners, door hinges, door closers, windows and vision panels, access doors, ceiling systems, shower and privacy curtains, clothes and towel hooks, closet bars, mirrors, toilet partitions, window treatments, bulletin boards, picture hanging systems, cabinet hardware, sprinkler heads, showerheads, medical gas enclosures, HVAC devices and covers, thermostats, electrical receptacles, light fixtures, fire alarm components, door handles, door bumpers or stoppers, wall base, trim strips between assemblies, toilet accessories, grab bars, fire extinguisher and hose cabinets, furniture, lavatories, lavatory faucets and activators (or “actuators”), valves, shower controls and activators (or “actuators”), and plumbing traps and piping.

[0029] Additionally, anti-ligature components, devices, and / or apparatuses, are determined based on two categories or criteria of evaluation: 1. primary; and, 2. secondary. The primary category may include: ligature resistance to looping, ligature resistance to wedging, cutting, jumping, tamper resistance, weaponization, contraband storage, PICA (i.e., an eating disorder / ingestion), and the like. The secondary category may include: ligature resistance by combining a ligature with other readily available objects, ligature resistance that is the result of the configuration in a product is installed, codes and regulations (applicable to a specific component or product), therapeutic environment and appearance, constructability, durability, maintenance, and the like. Further, anti-ligature components, devices, and / or apparatuses may also achieve the highest “level” of anti-ligature recognition if the device / component does not afford a ligature risk when a paper clip, used in concert with another object, develops a ligature risk thereon and / or therewith, e.g., a paperclip being inserted, lodged, wedged, etc., into a seam or edge of a device / component.

[0030] The aforementioned discussion regarding ligature risk and anti-ligature components, devices, and / or apparatuses is intended to provide an understanding to one having skill in the art of the invention recited in the appended claims and how the disclosed embodiments, and foreseeable alternative embodiments thereof, through at least one or more of its components, configuration, combination, and functionality imparted through its structural configuration, results in an anti-ligature arrangement of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that the appended claims, and elements recited therein, possess an anti-ligature characteristic of the present invention.

[0031] The term “tamper-resistant fasteners”, as used herein, are substantially synonymous with “security screws”, “security fasteners”, “tamper-proof fastener”, “tamper-proof screw”, and similar derivatives thereof, including screws, bolts, rivets, and the like, and is intended to mean a fastener having one or more of a unique head configuration, body, threading, a combination thereof or the like, making the same substantially impossible to remove without a specialized tool and / or method. Additionally, the aforementioned term(s) is also intended to mean a fastener that complies with International Standard ISO 10664:2014, “Hexalobular internal driving feature for bolts and screws”, which also includes the gauging method.

[0032] Adverting now to the Figures, Figures 1A and IB generally depict an embodiment of the present invention, anti-ligature combination vanity apparatus 10 (hereinafter “vanity apparatus”), installed within alcove A. In preferred arrangements, alcove A is U-shaped, e.g., there may be a backwall arranged between walls Wi and W2, which are substantially colinear and spaced apart. Walls Wi and W2 are arranged on floor F in a manner consistent with a high-risk institution, as described supra. In other words, the walls of the alcove are secured to a floor in a manner which substantially eliminates, or at least substantially mitigates, self-harm and / or ligature risk. In a preferred embodiment, walls W3 and W4 extend from, and are substantially perpendicular to walls Wi and W2, respectively, where walls W3 and W4 are also parallel to and spaced apart from one another. As shown, this configuration allows alcove A to accept installation of vanity apparatus 10 between walls W3 and W4, in an anti-ligature manner in conjunction with the configuration of vanity apparatus 10, as further detailed, infra. It should be noted that the aforementioned “back-wall”, which would be connected to walls Wi and W2.

[0033] In a preferred installation of vanity apparatus 10 within alcove A such that the respective sides of vanity apparatus 10 are substantially flush with surfaces W3’ and W4’ of walls W3 and W4, and a perimeter, i.e., front edges 10c and lOd, of the respective sides of vanity apparatus 10, are caulked, or sealed via a tamper-resistant sealant, where the sides abut surfaces W3’ and W4’ of walls W3 and W4. A “tamper proof’ or “tamper resistant” sealant requires a Shore D hardness of up to 58 to 16, respectively, to prevent the sealant from being easily removed from a joint — where two components abut or meet.

[0034] Vanity apparatus 10 is shown removed from the U-shaped alcove in Figures 2A and 2B, which generally illustrate perspective views thereof. In some embodiments, vanity apparatus includes front end 12, back end 14, bottom end 16, and top end 18. In view of Figures 1A and IB, bottom end 16 should be interpreted as an end of vanity apparatus 10 proximate floor F and top end 18 should be interpreted as an end of vanity apparatus 10 distal to floor F (in other words, the end of vanity apparatus that would be arranged proximate and / or abutting a ceiling within a U-shaped alcove).

[0035] In a preferred arrangement, vanity apparatus 10 comprises base unit 20 and mirror assembly 42. In other embodiments, vanity apparatus 10 comprises base unit 20 having counter portion 22 integral thereto, intermediate section 32 extending from base unit 20, and mirror assembly 42 extending from intermediate section 32. In some embodiments, intermediate section 32 may be at least one of: an integral portion of mirror assembly 42; and, an integral portion of base unit 20.

[0036] Figures 2C and 2D illustrate respective side views of vanity apparatus 10. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, sides 10a and 10b are preferably affixed to the respective surfaces of the walls that form the U-shaped alcove. Preferably, an anti-ligature compliant installation of vanity apparatus 10 therein, is accomplished with at least a plurality of tamper-resistant fasteners fixedly securing side 10b to surface W3’ of wall W3 and at least a plurality of tamperresistant fasteners securing side 10a to surface W4’ of wall W4, as generally illustrated inFigures 1A and IB. To assist such installation, sides 10a and 10b may comprise a plurality of additional components to mitigate or prevent removal, tampering, partial or complete dislodge, of vanity apparatus 10 from within the U-shaped alcove. It should be noted that if sides 10a and 10b are not exposed, regular fasteners may be used. Thus, in some arrangements, sides 10a and 10b may be depressed, i.e., do not horizontally extend to front edges 10c and lOd, respectively, therefore, one or more of a plurality of spacers, reinforcements, or extensions may be present on sides 10a and 10b. Spacers 100-111, show on sides 10a and 10b, preferably extend to the respective horizontal length of front edges 10c and 10b, i.e., substantially colinear therewith. Spacers 100-111 are preferably arranged to be fixedly secured to sides 10 and 10b and each include an inner aperture, the apertures substantially surrounding respective apertures on sides 10a and 10b. The apertures within sides 10a and 10b are preferably arranged to accept tamper-resistant fasteners therein to secure the sides to the walls, while the respective spacers are arranged to substantially abut the respective surfaces of the walls and surround any fasteners arranged therein — preventing horizontal movement of vanity apparatus 10 therebetween. Additionally, reinforcements 112 and 113 may be arranged on sides 10a and 10b of base unit 20 proximate front face 24 of front end 12 (or the front face) of vanity apparatus 10. Reinforcements 112 and 113 are preferably fixedly secured to sides 10a and 10b and also similarly arranged to spacers 100-111 such that they may substantially abut the respective surfaces of the walls.

[0037] The following description should be taken in view of Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 generally illustrates a top-front view of vanity apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 1A and IB and Figure 4 generally shows a left-side view of vanity apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0038] In some arrangements, base unit 20 includes front face 24, bottom edge 26, rear face 28, and top edge 30, where top edge 30 is a top or upper surface of counter portion 22. Front face 24 may be arranged with sections 24a through 24d, or alternatively, may be arranged as curvilinear face between bottom edge 26 and top edge 30. In either arrangement of front face 24, front face 24 does not substantially have any edges, depressions, angles, openings, etc., which could function as an anchor point for ligature, nor does front face 24 have any edges, seams, depressions, angles, openings, etc., which would allow for a paper clip to be fixed thereto. As such, sections 24a-24d abut one another in a manner that would only minimally provide for a visual seam, i.e., a seam that does not have a depth compared to the outer most edge of front face 24. It is also contemplated that sections 24a-24d could be integral with one another such that no visual seam is present.

[0039] It should be appreciated that bottom “edge” 26 may also be described as bottom “face”, “surface”, etc. and is structurally “an end” of vanity apparatus 10 in direction D4 or most proximate floor F in Figures 1A, IB, and 3. Thus, a similar interpretation is also intended with respect to rear face 28 and top edge 30. The aforementioned is illustrative and not intended to be restrictive as to the scope of the appended claims.

[0040] Intermediate section 32 is defined as the unit or member of vanity apparatus 10 which connects base unit 20 to mirror assembly 42. In a preferred embodiment, intermediate section 32 is a housing having faucet 52 extending therefrom and may also include piping, conduit, or the like, thereby allowing faucet 52 to be in fluid communication with an external water source via a conduit and / or pipe (See Figure 6, infra). Intermediate section 32 includes front face 34, bottom end 36, rear face 38, and top edge 40. Faucet 52 extends from front face 34 and is secured thereto in an anti-ligature fashion, e.g., seams, edges, contours, etc. are not present such that ligature points can be established, nor can a paperclip be fixed to faucet 52, front face 34, or the contact point between front face 34 and faucet 52. Faucet 52 is preferably an anti-ligature configured faucet, non-restrictive and illustrative examples of such are provided in the Patient Safety Standards, Materials and Systems Guidelines Recommended by the New York State Office of Mental Health, 30th Edition, July 31, 2023, discussed supra. In some embodiments, faucet 52 is in communication with at least one faucet actuator 54, such that actuation thereof, would stop / start flow of water through faucet 52 from a water source. Faucet actuator 54 may be an anti-ligature toggle, knob, handle, or other valve-switch. Faucet actuator 54 could comprise a motion sensor and / or a touch sensor. Faucet actuator 54 could also include a timer having a predetermined interval for allowing water-flow through faucet 52 upon patient activation. Illustrative examples of acceptable types of faucets, consistent with the scope of the present invention include: SF400 Ligature-Resistant Sensor Faucet, www.besafeprod.com; SF380 Ligature-Resistant Metering Faucet, www.besafeprod.com; ELR Touch Free LigatureResistant Faucet 4” Center, 8” Center with Escutcheon, www. chi cagofaucets co ; EC-3113-VF05 Sensor Activate Faucet, www.tsbrass.com; WH3375-SO Best Care LigatureResistant Sensor Activated Faucet,Best Care Conical Ligature Resistant Faucets (Nos. WH3376 - Single temperature with pneumatic pushbutton, WH3377 - Dual temperature with pneumatic pushbutton, WH3376- PPZ - Single temp with Piezo touch button, WH3377-PPZ - Dual temp with Piezo touch buttons), www whitehallmfg. com .

[0041] It should be appreciated that bottom edge 36 may also be described as a bottom “face”, “surface”, etc. and is structurally “an end” of intermediate section 32, i.e., whereintermediate section 32 is joined to base unit 20. Thus, a similar interpretation is also intended with respect to rear face 38 and top edge 40. The aforementioned is illustrative and not intended to be restrictive as to the scope of the appended claims.

[0042] Mirror assembly 42 generally comprises front face 44, bottom edge 46, rear face 48, and top edge 50. In a preferred embodiment, top edge 50 is angled downwardly in the direction towards counter portion 22. In a preferred embodiment, front face 44 is angled such that it extends away from rear face 48 in the direction towards top edge 50. Top edge 50 and front face 44 may be integral, thus limiting the presence of seams (i.e., potential ligature points). Bottom edge 46 of mirror assembly 42 extends from top edge 40 of intermediate section 32, such that there is substantially no seam therebetween and thus no potential ligature point.

[0043] It should be appreciated that bottom edge 46 may also be described as a bottom “face”, “surface”, “portion”, “element”, “member” and is structurally “an end” of mirror assembly 42 or a component of mirror assembly located distally from top edge 50, i.e., where mirror assembly 42 is joined to intermediate section 32. Thus, a similar interpretation is also intended with respect to rear face 48 and top edge 50. The aforementioned is illustrative and not intended to be restrictive as to the scope of the appended claims.

[0044] It should be noted that base unit 20, intermediate section 32, and mirror assembly 42 may be referred to as “units”, i.e., portions that comprise vanity apparatus 10.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the sides (e.g., 10a and 10b shown in Figures 2A and 2B) of vanity apparatus 10 fixedly secured to surfaces W3’ and W4’ of walls W3 and W4. This may be accomplished by a plurality of methods known in the art, such as traditional bolts, screws, nails, and the like. It should be noted that the methods of securing the sides of vanity apparatus between two walls, is not subject to the requirements of the NYS-OMH Standards as these fasteners are not accessible to patients, i.e., the fasteners are arranged behind front faces 24, 34, and 44, and top edge 50, whereas front edges 10c and lOd (See Figures 1A and IB) abut surfaces W3’ and W4’ of walls W3 and W4 such that those fasteners are not accessible to a patient standing on floor F and facing front faces 24, 34, and 44.

[0046] In some embodiments, side 10a of vanity apparatus 10 See Figure 2A) may comprise side 20a of base unit 20, side 32a of intermediate section 32, and side 42a of mirror assembly 42. Similarly, side 10b of vanity apparatus 10 (See Figure 2B) may comprise side 20b of base unit, side 32b of intermediate section 32, and side 42b of mirror assembly 42.

[0047] As described above and generally illustrated in Figure IB, vanity apparatus 10 includes front end 12, which generally includes all of the surfaces accessible to a patient in forward direction FD. As such, front end 12 may comprise sections 24a-24d of base unit 20,surface 22a of counter portion 22 of base unit 20, front face 34 of intermediate section 32, respective front surfaces of frame 64a, panels 44a-44c of mirror assembly 42, and top edge 50 of mirror assembly 42. It should be noted that top edge 50 may comprise another panel, similar to panels 44a-44c.

[0048] In one possible arrangement of vanity apparatus 10, depression 72 is arranged within surface 22a of counter portion 22 proximate side 20a. In other arrangements, counter portion 22 may include a pair of depressions arranged proximate sides 20a and 20b. In a preferred embodiment, depression 72 is configured such that its respective edges are either integrally formed within surface 22a, or those edges have a fillet arrangement such that no ligature points (such as seams or hard edges) are formed between depression 72 and surface 22a of counter portion.

[0049] Mirror assembly 42 may include cubby 70 arranged therein, specifically within panel 44b (or within panel 44a). In alternative embodiments, mirror assembly 42 may include a pair of cubbies respectively arranged within panels 44a and 44b. In a preferred embodiment, cubby is configured such that its respective edges are either integrally formed within the respective panel of mirror assembly or those edges have a fillet arrangement such that no ligature points (such as seams or hard edges) are formed between the edges of cubby 70 and the respective panel of mirror assembly 42.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken generally along line X-X in Figure 2A of a possible embodiment of vanity apparatus 10. Mirror 66 is shown secured within frame 64a, where frame 64a is fixedly secured within cutout 64 of mirror assembly 42. Preferably, frame 64a is affixed within cutout 64 by a plurality of tamper-resistant fasteners, and mirror 66 is secured within frame 64a by a plurality of tamper-resistant fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, mirror 66 may be comprised of at least one or a polished stainless steel, mirrored glass, polycarbonate, and a combination thereof, however, such examples are non-restrictive and only intended to be illustrative. Examples of anti-ligature mirrors that may be installed within frame 64a may include: Tuffak 15 Polycarbonate Mirror, Item #P200002M, 0.236, ~48"x96", Papermask 2 sides; and, Sabie Innovative Plastics, Lexan, Dura-Mir, -0.25” (-6 mm), polycarbonate. It should be noted that when mirror 66 is installed within frame 64a, a tamper-resistant sealant is installed between the outer edge of the mirror and the inner edge of the frame (i.e., “the joint” or seam therebetween). A “tamper proof’ or “tamper resistant” sealant requires a Shore D hardness of up to 58 to 16, respectively, to prevent the sealant from being easily removed from a joint.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, sink basin 56 is integrally formed within counter portion 22, such that there is a seamless transition between surface 22a of counter portion 22 and sink basin 56. In other words, the counter portion of base unit 20 is a solid surface having an integral sink “bowl”. Within sink basin 56 proximate intermediate section 32 is one or more of first drain 58 and second drain 60. Preferably, first drain 58 is a drain aperture in fluid communication with drain reservoir 62 and second drain 60 is an overflow drain aperture in fluid communication with drain reservoir 62. Drain reservoir 62 is arranged within base unit 20. First drain 58 may be a ligature resistant linear drain and second drain 60 may be similarly constructed. As in the shown embodiment, sink basin 56 may be arranged with a sloped lower surface that slopes in a downward direction towards drain reservoir 62. It should be appreciated that the configuration of sink basin 56 is such that no hard edges and / or seams are present therein, affording an anti-ligature configuration. It should be appreciated that a preferred embodiment, only first drain 58 is arranged within sink basin 56. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of first drain 58 and second drain 60 are integrally formed with sink basin 56, eliminating the need for an additional drain portion to be installed therein, which additional component could introduce a ligature risk.

[0052] The arrangement of sink basin 56 of counter portion 22, is such that there is a horizontal distance from the “main body” of vanity apparatus, i.e., to protrudes distally, and there is exists a space thereunder. Such configuration makes vanity apparatus accessible, such that movement-assistance devices can fit underneath sink basin 56, e.g., a wheel and the like. This allows vanity apparatus 10 to be used within patient populations that require accessibility accommodations.

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a similar illustration of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5, specifically, showing possible components that may be used in concert with vanity apparatus 10 when installed within a U-shaped alcove (as shown in Figures 1A-1B and 3). In a preferred embodiment of vanity apparatus 10 includes one or more lighting elements, e.g., lighting elements 76 and 78. Lighting elements 76 and 78 may comprise various styles of lights, such as LED or alternatives, providing an overhead light (e.g., lighting element 78) and a ground light (e.g., lighting element 76). Lighting elements 76 and 78 are preferably lighting fixtures, such that lighting element 78 is arranged to be installed within aperture 64f of panel 64c and lighting element 76 is arranged to be installed within aperture 26a of bottom edge 26 (i.e., the bottom panel of base unit 20) — both of which are configured within their respective apertures in an anti-ligature manner. Both lighting elements 76 and 78 are arranged to be installed within their respective apertures such that their respective bodies are flush with the substrate, i.e.,lighting element 76 is flush with the bottom panel of base unit and lighting element 78 is flush with panel 64c, and any edges / seams / gaps are filled with tamper-resistant sealant. It is also contemplated that lighting elements 76 and 78 are concealed, in other words, installed behind a panel having an anti-ligature configuration. A illustrative example of the lighting elements includes the Behavioral Solar Duo Med Multifunction LED, ww _am. c .com.. It should also be appreciated that apertures 26a and 64f may have a fail-safe recessed flange confinement that is used in conjunction with the lighting elements to provide greater anti-ligature configuration, and / or may be configured such that an anti-ligature panel may be installed therein, thereby concealing the respective lighting fixture. Electrical conduits 80 and 82 and switch conduit 84, are in electrical communication with the lighting elements and in electrical communication with VAC (alternating current) or VDC (direct current) sources proximate back end 14. Further, electrical conduits 80 and 82 and switch conduit 84 are arranged within vanity apparatus 10 such that patient access is prevented. Switch conduit 84 may control lighting element 78 and is an actuator or switch (e.g., an anti-ligature configured button or switch, a touch panel, button or switch, or the like), may be provided on front face 34 of intermediate section 32. Lighting element 76 may also include a switch conduit that is in electrical communication with the aforementioned switch, or alternatively, another switch arranged on front face 34.

[0054] In some embodiments, base unit 20 is substantially hollow underneath counter portion 22 — allowing various plumbing components, water pipes / conduits, etc., to be arranged therein. Section 24b of base unit 20 may have access panel 68 arranged therein, which substantially closes off a substantially central aperture within section 24b. Access panel 68 is fixedly secured to section 24b via at least one tamper-resistant fastener in a manner that closes off the aperture within section 24b, preventing access to the hollow inner area of base unit 20. It should be noted that the base and access are configured such that no through access is available, i.e., designed to prevent the ability for a small know to be wedged straight through the gap, thereby further limiting potential ligature attachment points.

[0055] Figures 7A and 7B generally illustrate an exploded view of the invention shown in Figures 2A and 2B, respectively. As shown, vanity apparatus 10 may be configured as separate components which are assembled and the following description and illustrative embodiments are merely illustrative of many possible assembly options of the present invention, so long as foreseeable alternatives provide for the anti-ligature configuration of the present invention as disclosed. In one possible embodiment, mirror assembly 42 comprises a variety of components which may be assembled by one or more of at least one interlocking connection (i.e.,substantially similar to known tongue and groove components and configurations), tamperresistant fasteners, or standard fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, quick-connect fasteners, and the like).

[0056] Mirror assembly 42 may comprise four (4) portions 42i through 424. Portion 42i, or the outer frame assembly, substantially houses portions 42i, 42s, and 424 therein. Portion 42i generally includes bottom edge 46 (the bottom panel of portion 42i), side panels 46a and 46b extending from the bottom panel, panel 44c, and top edge 50 (the top panel of portion 42i). Panel 44c and the top panel are connected at respective ends to side panels 46a and 46b such that they are abutting and arranged distally in relation to the bottom panel, providing a space therein. Panel 46a includes notch 46d therein proximate the bottom panel. Panel 46a also includes notch 46f therein proximate panel 44c. Panel 46b includes notch 46e therein proximate bottom panel, providing a space between the bottom panel and panel 46a. Panel 46b includes notch 46g therein proximate the bottom panel, providing a space between the bottom panel and panel 46b. The bottom panel also includes aperture 46c therein.

[0057] Portion 42i generally includes frame 64a, top frame member 64b, panel 64c, and mirror 66. Frame 64a may comprise a four-member and substantially rectangular frame, where frame 64a is arranged to house mirror 66 therein. Top frame member 64b and panel 64c are fixedly secured to the topmost end of frame 64a. In some arrangements, panel 64c includes aperture 64c’ therein and top frame member 64b (comprising a panel) is arranged such that a portion of aperture 64c’ is blocked, forming a smaller aperture, aperture 64f (or “lighting aperture”), therein. As discussed supra, aperture 64f is arranged to accept lighting element 78 therein (See Figure 6). Preferably, mirror 66 is installed within frame 64a via tamper-resistant fasteners and may also include tamper-resistant sealant applied between an internal edge of frame 64a and an external edge of mirror 66. Both of top frame member 64b and panel 64c are fixedly secured to the top of frame 64a via tamper-resistant fasteners. It should be appreciated that in alternative configurations top frame member 64b and panel 64c may comprise a singular panel. In one embodiment, panel 64c includes extensions 64d and 64e extending from opposite terminating ends thereof. When portion 42i is assembled, extensions 64d and 64e are slidably engaged at least partially within notches 46g and 46f of side panels 46a and 46b, respectively — similar to a “tongue and groove” or “vertical joint” connection. In some embodiments, panel 64c includes grooves 64h and 64i arranged within the surface proximate mirror 66, i.e., a bottom surface.

[0058] Portion 42s of mirror assembly 42 includes panel 44a and support 44d extending perpendicularly therefrom. Support 44d includes end 44h and protrusion 44f extending distallyin relation to end 44h. Portion 424 of mirror assembly 42 includes panel 44b and support 44e extending perpendicularly therefrom. Support 44e includes end 44i and protrusion 44g extending distally in relation to end 44i. Support 44e may also include cubby 70 arranged therein.

[0059] In some arrangements, intermediate section 32 includes top edge 40 (i.e., the top member or panel thereof), and sides 32a and 32b (i.e., the side members or panels thereof). The top member may include notches 40a through 40d (or slots), where notches 40c and 40d are defined by a space between the top member and sides 32a and 32b, respectively.

[0060] In some embodiments of vanity apparatus 10, mirror assembly 42 is assembled and connected to intermediate portion 32 via notches 40a-40d. Portions 42s and 424 of mirror assembly 42 slidably engage notches 40a and 40b, specifically, at least a portion of protrusions 44f and 44g slidably insert in direction DI, within notches 40a and 40b, thereby limiting further movement in direction DI, and preventing horizontal movement in directions D5 and D6. Once portion 42i is connected to portion 42i (as described supra), notches 46d and 46e engage notches 40c and 40d — somewhat similar to a lap joint or cross lap joint — such that bottom edge 46 (or bottom panel) is positioned underneath top edge 40 of intermediate section, thereby limiting further movement of portion 42i in direction DI and preventing horizontal movement in directions D5 and D6. Additionally, when portion 42i is connected to portion 42i and engaged with intermediate section 32, ends 44h and 44i of portions 42s and 424 slidably engage grooves 64h and 64i of panel 64c, preventing movement of portions 42s and 424 in direction D2. It should be noted that one or more of: fasteners; or, tamper-resistant fasteners, may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned assembly.

[0061] Lastly, Figure 8A generally shows vanity apparatus 10 installed in an L-shaped alcove, which is an alcove with a back wall and only one side-wall and Figure 8B is a representative top plan view of the same. As shown, one of the sides of apparatus 10, e.g., sides 10a and 10b, is secured to a single wall of the L-shaped alcove, e.g., surface W3’ of wall W3, and the opposite side, e.g., side 10a is exposed. To install apparatus 10 in the L-shaped alcove, a solid wall, e.g., solid wall SW is secured to side 10a of apparatus 10, where solid wall SW has an identical profile to side 10a. Preferably, solid wall SW is seam-welding to side 10a, in addition to at least one of reinforced mounting fasteners, which potential positions are substantially shown in hidden-lines, and tamper-resistant fasteners, thereby creating a substantially seamless and substantially anti-ligature wall on side 10a of apparatus 10. It is foreseeable and intended within the scope of the present invention, that both of sides 10a and10b could be configured in the aforementioned fashion, thusly allowing apparatus 10 to be mounted to a flat- wall, e.g., only the back- wall.

[0062] Thus, the embodiments shown and described herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise indicated or inherently incompatible, features, elements, and functionalities described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of other embodiments. Such combinations, modifications, and alternatives are considered to be part of the disclosure and are within the scope contemplated by the appended claims. As such, it will be appreciated that various changes, substitutions, and variations may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Such modifications and alternatives, including those foreseeable or understood by a person having skill in the art based on the disclosure as a whole and in accordance with the technology of the disclosure, are intended to fall within the scope of the claims, including any combinations of features supported by the description.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0063] 10 Anti-ligature combination vanity apparatus; 10a First side; 10b Second side; 10cFirst front edge; lOd Second front edge; 12 Front end; 14 Back end; 16 Bottom end; 18 Top end; 20 Base unit; 20a Side; 20b Side; 22 Counter portion; 22a Surface; 24 Front face; 24a Section; 24b Section; 24c Section; 24d Section; 26 Bottom edge; 26a Aperture; 28 Rear face; 30 Top edge; 32 Intermediate section; 32a Side; 32b Side; 34 Front face; 36 Bottom edge; 38 Rear face; 40 Top edge; 40a Notch; 40b Notch; 40c Notch; 40d Notch; 42 Mirror assembly; 42i Portion of mirror assembly; 42i Portion of mirror assembly; 42s Portion of mirror assembly; 424 Portion of mirror assembly; 42a Side; 42b Side; 44 Front face; 44a Panel; 44b Panel; 44c Panel; 44d Support; 44e Support; 44f Protrusion; 44g Protrusion; 46 Bottom edge; 46a Side panel; 46b Side panel; 46c Aperture; 46d Notch; 46e Notch; 46f Notch; 46g Notch; 48 Rear face; 50 Top edge; 52 Faucet; 54 Actuator; 56 Sink basin; 56a Outer surface; 58 First drain; 60 Second drain; 62 Drain reservoir; 64 Cutout; 64a Frame; 64b Top frame member; 64c Panel; 64d Extension; 64e Extension; 64f Aperture; 64g Aperture; 70 Cubby; 72 Depression; 74 Access Panel; 76 Lighting element; 78 Lighting element; 80 Electrical conduit; 82 Electrical conduit; 84 Switch conduit; 86 Inflow plumbing; 88 Outflow plumbing; 100 Spacer; 101 Spacer; 102 Spacer; 103 Spacer; 104 Spacer; 105 Spacer; 106 Spacer; 107 Spacer; 108 Spacer; 109 Spacer; 110 Spacer; 111 Spacer; 112 Reinforcement; 113 Reinforcement; A Alcove; F Floor; FD Forward direction; DI Direction; D2 Direction; D3 Direction; D4 Direction; D5 Direction; D6 Direction; SW Solid wall; W1 Wall; W2 Wall; W3 Wall; W3’ Surface; W4 Wall; W4’ Surface.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. A combination vanity apparatus, comprising: a base unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face; a counter portion affixed to and integral with said top end of said base unit, said counter portion having a sink basin disposed therein, said counter portion having top end and a front face; and, a mirror assembly extending from said top end of said counter portion of said base unit, said mirror assembly having a front face and a depression arranged within said front face; wherein said apparatus is arranged to be installed within one or more of: a U-shaped alcove such that said front faces provide no ligature points; or, a L-shaped alcove such that said front faces and one of a pair of sides of said apparatus have no ligature points, and further where another of said pair of sides of said apparatus is adapted to have a solid wall secured thereto such that said another of said pair of sides of said apparatus and said solid wall have no ligature points.

2. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1, wherein said apparatus is installed within one of said alcoves such that said bottom end of said base unit is raised and spaced apart from a floor underneath.

3. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1 further comprising a mirror fixedly secured within said depression of said front face of said mirror assembly.

4. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 2 further comprising a lighting element arranged within said bottom end of said base unit.

5. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1 further comprising a lighting element arranged within said depression of said front face of said mirror assembly.

6. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1 further comprising an intermediate section integral to and arranged between said top end of said base unit and said mirror assembly, said intermediate section having a faucet extending therefrom, said faucet having an actuator, said faucet being a ligature-resistant faucet.

7. The combination vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1, wherein said front face of said base unit includes an access panel therein, said access panel secured to said front face via at least one tamper resistant fastener.

8. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 1, wherein said sink basin includes at least one drainage aperture therein, said drainage aperture arranged to be fluidly connected to a conduit arranged within at least one or more of said base unit and said counter portion, said at least one drainage aperture being a ligature-resistant aperture.

9. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 6, wherein said faucet is arranged to be fluidly connected to a conduit arranged within at least one or more of said intermediate portion, said base unit, and said counter portion, said conduit in fluid communication with a water source.

10. The anti -ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 8, where said at least one drainage aperture is a ligature resistant linear drain.

11. An anti-ligature vanity apparatus, comprising: a combination vanity apparatus with a pair of oppositely disposed side faces and a plurality of units, said units comprising: a base unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, said base unit having a counter portion extending from said top end, said counter portion having a sink basin arranged therein; an intermediate unit extending from said top end of said base unit, said intermediate unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face and a rear face, said bottom end of said intermediate unit connected to said top end of said base unit; and, a mirror unit extending from said top end of said intermediate unit, said mirror unit having a top end, a bottom end, a front face, and a rear face, said front face having a cutout arranged therein, said bottom end of said mirror unit connected to said top end of said intermediate unit; wherein said pair of sides faces are arranged to be mounted within an alcove such that said bottom end of said base unit is raised and spaced apart from a floor surface in a substantially parallel manner, thereby providing no ligature points of said front faces of said plurality of units and substantially providing no access points to said pair of side faces.

12. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 11 further comprising one or more of an overhead lighting element or a floor lighting element, said overhead lighting element arranged within said cutout proximate said top end of said mirror unit, said flooring lighting element arranged within said bottom end of said base unit.

13. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 11, wherein said intermediate unit includes a faucet extending therefrom, said faucet having an actuator, said faucet being a ligature-resistant faucet.

14. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 11, wherein said sink basin comprises one or more of a drain aperture or an overflow drain aperture, wherein said drain aperture is arranged to be in fluid communication with a conduit, wherein said overflow drain aperture is arranged to be in fluid communication with said conduit.

15. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 14, wherein said drain aperture is a ligature resistant linear drain and said overflow drain aperture is a second ligature resistant linear drain.

16. The anti -ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 11, wherein said mirror assembly further comprises a frame, said frame fixedly secured within said cutout, said frame having a mirror fixedly secured thereto.

17. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 11, wherein said bottom end of said mirror unit comprises at least one protrusion and said top end of said intermediate unit comprises at least one slot, said at least one protrusion arranged to engage said at least one slot, thereby securing said mirror unit to said intermediate unit.

18. An anti-ligature vanity apparatus, comprising: a unitary body having a front profile, a rear profile, a top end, and a bottom end; a counter portion arranged on the unitary body, the counter portion having a sink basin integrally formed therein; and, a mirror assembly arranged on the unitary body and extending upwardly from the counter portion; wherein the front profile comprises a plurality of contiguous surfaces that are substantially free of protrusions or depressions capable of functioning as a ligature point; and, wherein the counter portion and the sink basin protrude forwardly from a lower portion of the unitary body to define a clearance space thereunder.

19. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, wherein the top end of the unitary body comprises a surface angled downwardly toward the front profile.

20. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, further comprising an intermediate portion arranged between the counter portion and the mirror assembly, the intermediate portion having a ligature-resistant faucet extending from a front face thereof.

21. The anti -ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, wherein the mirror assembly comprises a frame and a mirror secured within the frame, and wherein an outer surface of the mirror is substantially flush with a front surface of the frame.

22. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, further comprising at least one lighting element arranged within an aperture of the unitary body, wherein an outer surface of the at least one lighting element is substantially flush with an outer surface of the unitary body.

23. The anti -ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, wherein one of the mirror assembly or the counter portion comprises a recessed storage cubby having filleted edges.

24. The anti-ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, wherein the unitary body further comprises a pair of oppositely disposed, substantially planar side faces configured to abut respective wall surfaces.

25. The anti -ligature vanity apparatus recited in Claim 18, wherein a lower portion of the unitary body comprises a front face having an access panel secured thereto with at least one tamper-resistant fastener.

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