Patent Application
20160338557
This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus including any one of (A) a grab-bar assembly, (B) a selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from a set of bathroom-accessory extensions, or (C) a grab-bar assembly and a selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from a set of bathroom-accessory extensions.
Grab-bar assemblies (also called, grab bars) are safety devices that are mountable to a wall, and are configured to enable a handicapped person to maintain their balance, lessen fatigue while standing, hold some of their weight while they maneuver, and/or have something to grab onto in case of a slip or fall. A caregiver may use a grab-bar assembly to assist with transferring a patient from one place to another. A person may use a grab-bar assembly to hold onto as the user climbs a staircase or in case of a fall.
Grab bars are most commonly used in a bathroom environment for the above-mentioned reasons. Bathrooms can be dangerous environments due to the potential for exposing wet surfaces to the user, and the numerous maneuvers typically required (to be performed by the user) in the bathroom. Bathrooms typically have a flush toilet, and a sink, possibly a bathtub or shower along with common bathroom accessories such as a towel holder, soap dish, a dispenser for toilet paper, or a robe hook that are typically mounted to the wall surfaces in a convenient location.
It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing grab-bar assemblies and with existing bathroom accessories (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:
A handicapped person, from time to time, may desire to reach a bathroom accessory, and as well may need further assistance that is provided by a grab-bar assembly.
The handicapped person may want to combine and deploy bathroom accessories with grab-bar assemblies.
Preferably, it is desired to provide, for some embodiments, a combination of bathroom accessories and grab-bar assemblies that are coordinated in such a way that the combinations provide a common decorative appearance. In this manner, the handicapped person may be able to enjoy, in their homes, instances of the combination of bathroom accessories and grab-bar assemblies that share a common decorative appearance (as opposed to having uncoordinated decorative appearances).
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes bathroom accessories and a grab-bar assembly configured to be coordinated, in combination, in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for bathroom accessories. The apparatus includes a grab-bar assembly configured to be coordinated, in combination, with the bathroom accessories in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for a grab-bar assembly. The apparatus includes bathroom accessories each configured to be coordinated, in combination, with the grab-bar assembly in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) a first apparatus. The first apparatus is for a working surface and is for a selected bathroom-accessory extension. The selected bathroom-accessory extension is selectable from a set of bathroom-accessory extensions in which each bathroom-accessory extension of the set has a unique structural configuration that is different from each other. Each bathroom-accessory extension of the set of bathroom-accessory extensions has a connection-interface zone. The first apparatus includes a grab-bar assembly that is configured to be securely connected to the working surface. The grab-bar assembly presents a user-graspable surface. The grab-bar assembly is configured to securely connect and extend from the connection-interface zone of the selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from the set. The user-graspable surface remains exposed, at least in part, for user-gripping usage once the grab-bar assembly is securely connected to the working surface and is securely connected to the selected bathroom-accessory extension. The grab-bar assembly is configured to be coordinated, in combination with each bathroom-accessory extension that is selected from the set. This is done in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) a second apparatus. The second apparatus is for a working surface and is for a grab-bar assembly that presents a user-graspable surface. The second apparatus includes a selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from a set of bathroom-accessory extensions each having a unique structural configuration that is different from each other. Each bathroom-accessory extension of the set has a connection-interface zone. The connection-interface zone of the selected bathroom-accessory extension is configured to securely connect and extend from the grab-bar assembly. The user-graspable surface of the grab-bar assembly remains exposed, at least in part, for user-gripping usage once the grab-bar assembly is securely connected to the working surface and is securely connected to the selected bathroom-accessory extension. The selected bathroom-accessory extension (that is selected from the set) is configured to be coordinated, in combination with the grab-bar assembly. This is done in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) a third apparatus. The third apparatus is for a working surface. The third apparatus includes a selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from a set of bathroom-accessory extensions in which each bathroom-accessory extension of the set has a unique structural configuration that is different from each other. Each bathroom-accessory extension of the set has a connection-interface zone. The third apparatus also includes a grab-bar assembly. The grab-bar assembly is configured to be securely connected to the working surface. The grab-bar assembly presents a user-graspable surface. The grab-bar assembly is configured to securely connect and extend from the connection-interface zone of the selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selectable from the set. The user-graspable surface of the grab-bar assembly remains exposed, at least in part, for user-gripping usage once the grab-bar assembly is securely connected to the working surface and is securely connected to the selected bathroom-accessory extension. The grab-bar assembly and the selected bathroom-accessory extension that is selected from the set are configured to be coordinated, in combination, with each other. This is done in such a way that the grab-bar assembly and the selected bathroom accessory extension that is selected from the set, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
Other aspects are identified in the claims.
Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.
In accordance with a first major embodiment as depicted in
It will be appreciated that fabrication details are known to those skilled in the art. The various components of the first apparatus 100 may include or be formed from a rigid (strong) material, such as metal. Preferably, some components of the first apparatus 100 may be formed by a molding process such as injection molding using a moldable material (plastic or metal). More preferably, the materials used in the first apparatus 100 is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and/or warm to the touch (such as a plastic material). The materials (plastic materials) are selected that provides good rigidity and does not suffer ill effects from water exposure. An anti-bacterial component may be added to the parts (components) of the first apparatus 100 in such a way that the parts are configured to reduce (at least in part, bacterial growth that may form on the parts of the first apparatus 100.
The cross section of the grab-bar assembly 300 is of such a dimension that may cause molding challenges such as cooling distortion and sink marks. Therefore, for the case where the cross section is molded, the cross section may need to be molded with an insert, or with a technique that causes a middle section of the grab-bar assembly 300 to be hollow (such as, a gas assisted injection molding technique).
The grab-bar assembly 300 may have any suitable shape. As depicted in
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In accordance with an embodiment, the connection-interface zone 214 of each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) is configured to securely connect to (directly or indirectly) and extend from (directly or indirectly) the mount assembly 304 of the grab-bar assembly 300 (as depicted in
In accordance with a more specific embodiment, the connection-interface zone 214 of each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) is configured to securely connect to (directly or indirectly) and extend from (directly or indirectly) (to generally interface with) the universal connection portion 306 of the user-graspable surface 302 (as depicted in
Referring to the embodiment as depicted in
It will be appreciated that fabrication details are known to those skilled in the art. The various components of the second apparatus 102 may include or be formed from a rigid (strong) material, such as metal. Preferably, some components of the second apparatus 102 may be formed by a molding process such as injection molding using a moldable material (plastic or metal). More preferably, the materials used in the second apparatus 102 is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and/or warm to the touch (such as a plastic material). The materials (plastic materials) are selected that provides good rigidity and does not suffer ill effects from water exposure. An anti-bacterial component may be added to the parts (components) of the second apparatus 102 in such a way that the parts are configured to reduce (at least in part, bacterial growth that may form on the parts of the second apparatus 102.
In accordance with a second major embodiment (as depicted in any one of
The second apparatus 102 includes (and is not limited to) the selected bathroom-accessory extension 200. The selected bathroom-accessory extension 200 is selectable from the set 202 of bathroom-accessory extensions. Each of the bathroom-accessory extensions of the set 202 has a unique structural configuration that is different from each other. Each bathroom-accessory extension (204, 206, 208, 210) of the set 202 has (provides or defines) the connection-interface zone 214. In general terms, the connection-interface zone 214 of the selected bathroom-accessory extension 200 is configured to securely connect and extend from (directly or indirectly) the grab-bar assembly 300. The user-graspable surface 302 of the grab-bar assembly 300 remains exposed, at least in part, for user-gripping usage once the grab-bar assembly 300 is securely connected to the working surface 900 and is securely connected to the selected bathroom-accessory extension 200. The selected bathroom-accessory extension 200 (that is selected from the set 202) is configured to be coordinated, in combination with the grab-bar assembly. This is done in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
In accordance with an option, the connection-interface zone 214 of each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) is configured to securely connect to and extend from the mount assembly 304 of the grab-bar assembly 300.
In accordance with another option, the connection-interface zone 214 of each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) is configured to securely connect to and extend from (generally to interface with) the universal connection portion 306 of the user-graspable surface 302 (as depicted in
Each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) includes an accessory cover cap 216 configured for interfaced conformal fit with the mount assembly 304. It will be appreciated that the shape and/or the geometry of the accessory cover cap 216 of each of the bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) are different or are the same (etc.), depending on the connection design that is deployed an/or is required.
The bathroom-accessory extensions (204, 206, 208, 210) are selected from the group consisting of a first bathroom accessory extension 204, a second bathroom accessory extension 206, a third bathroom accessory extension 208, and a fourth bathroom accessory extension 210. The first bathroom accessory extension 204 includes a peg assembly (such as, a towel peg). The second bathroom accessory extension 206 includes a soap dish. The third bathroom accessory extension 208 includes a toilet paper holder. The fourth bathroom accessory extension 210 includes a towel-holding device (a towel ring).
In accordance with a third major embodiment (as depicted in any one of
It will be appreciated that fabrication details are known to those skilled in the art. The various components of the third apparatus 104 may include or be formed from a rigid (strong) material, such as metal. Preferably, some components of the third apparatus 104 may be formed by a molding process such as injection molding using a moldable material (plastic or metal). More preferably, the materials used in the third apparatus 104 is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and/or warm to the touch (such as a plastic material). The materials (plastic materials) are selected that provides good rigidity and does not suffer ill effects from water exposure. An anti-bacterial component may be added to the parts (components) of the third apparatus 104 in such a way that the parts are configured to reduce (at least in part, bacterial growth that may form on the parts of the third apparatus 104.
In accordance with a first general embodiment, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) and the grab-bar assembly 300 configured to be coordinated, in combination, in such a way that the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) and the grab-bar assembly 300, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
In accordance with a second general embodiment, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus is for the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210). The apparatus includes the grab-bar assembly 300 configured to be coordinated, in combination, with the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) in such a way that the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) and the grab-bar assembly 300, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
In accordance with a third general embodiment, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus is for the grab-bar assembly 300. The apparatus includes the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) each configured to be coordinated, in combination, with the grab-bar assembly 300 in such a way that the bathroom accessories (204, 206, 208, 210) and the grab-bar assembly 300, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the selected bathroom-accessory extension 200 is configured to be fixedly positioned to or is configured to be fixedly located at a bottom portion of the grab-bar assembly 300. It will be appreciated that other options are possible.
In view of
In accordance with the embodiment depicted in
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In accordance with a preferred option, a top surface of the mount assembly 304 is oriented along a downward angle (once the grab-bar assembly 300 is operatively mounted to a vertical wall). This is done in such a way that the top surface (in use) facilitates the drainage of water for the case where the grab-bar assembly 300 is deployed or installed in a shower environment and exposed to water spray.
Preferably, the first instance and the second instance of the mount assembly 304 are positioned opposite from each other on the grab-bar assembly 300. Each instance of the mount assembly 304 is configured to interface with a respective instance of the grab-bar cover 308.
It will be appreciated that the mount assembly 304 positioned at the top section of the grab-bar assembly 300 may have a different shape or configuration than the mount assembly 304 that is positioned at the bottom section of the grab-bar assembly 300. In accordance with an option, the mount assembly 304 positioned at the top section of the grab-bar assembly 300 does not connect with any of the bathroom-accessory extension (204, 206, 208, 210) of the set 202 of bathroom-accessory extensions.
Each instance of the mount assembly 304 includes a mounting device 314 configured to facilitate operative connection of the mount assembly 304 to the working surface 900 (as depicted in
By way of an option, the grab-bar cover 308 may be secured within the connector passage of the mounting device 314 by a bead within a groove securement, etc. By way of an option, the grab-bar cover 308 may be aligned to the mounting device 314 with a boss feature that fits within the mount assembly 304. Preferably, each respective instance of the grab-bar cover 308 is configured to conceal an area where wall mount fasteners are installed in such a way that the fasteners connect the mount assembly 304 to the working surface 900 (as depicted in
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This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.
