GB2500020A

GB2500020A - Modular grab rail

Info

Publication number: GB2500020A
Application number: GB1203936.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Andrew Hearn
Original assignee: Croydex Ltd
Current assignee: Croydex Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-06
Filing date: 2012-03-06
Publication date: 2013-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-06
Also published as: GB2500020B; GB201203936D0

Abstract

A modular grab rail is provided which comprises a plurality of rail modules 6 separated by spacing elements 7. The spacing elements 7 preferably project proud of the rail modules and more preferably have a softer periphery to enhance the grip available to a user. The rail modules and spacing element are preferably mounted on a common mounting bar 8.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO GRAB BARS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to wall mounted grab bars such as are used, for example, by persons requiring support as they use bathroom facilities.

Background to the Invention

The provision of grab bars in bathrooms is well known. The forms of grab bar currently provided have a fixed configuration which can make fitting difficult as the supporting wall surface may not provide the required strength where it is desired that the bar fixing points should lie. Further, grab bars currently available are formed from highly finished metals or plastics and can thus become slippery when wetted, particularly so if the wetting water contains soap.

It is an object of the invention to provide a grab bar that will go at least some way in addressing the drawbacks mentioned above; or which will at least provide a novel and useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly the invention provides a grab rail characterised in that it includes a plurality of rail modules mounted on a substantially co-axially, at least some of said rail modules having spacing elements located there-between.

Preferably said rail modules have a substantially circular outer cross-section.

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Preferably said spacing elements project proud of the surfaces of said rail modules.

Preferably each spacing element has a periphery of resilient material.

Preferably said rail modules and said spacing elements are mounted on a common mounting bar.

Preferably the connections between said rail modules and said mounting bar are configured to prevent relative rotation between said rail modules and said mounting bar.

Preferably the connections between said spacing elements and said mounting bar are configured to prevent relative rotation between said spacing elements and said mounting bar.

Many variations in the way the invention may be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art, upon reading the following description. The description should not be regarded as limiting but rather as an illustration, only, of one manner of performing the invention. Where appropriate any element or component should be taken as including any or all equivalents thereof whether or not specifically mentioned.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One working embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: shows an isometric view of a grab rail formed according to the invention;

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Figure 2: shows an exploded view, in a larger scale, of part of the rail shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3: shows an isometric view of a spacing element incorporated in the rail shown in Figures 1 & 2; and

Figure 4: shows an exploded view of an end cap and mounting bracket incorporated in the grab rail shown in Figures 1 & 2.

Detailed Description of Working Embodiment

Referring to the drawings the invention provides a grab rail 5 intended, in particular, as a support for persons using a bathroom. To this end, the grab rail 5 will typically be mounted on the wall of a bathroom adjacent to a bath toilet or shower. The characteristic feature of the grab rail 5 is that it is modular in nature and includes a plurality of rail modules 6 mounted substantially co-axially, with spacing elements 7 being located between the modules 6. In this way, grab rails of different lengths and configurations can be provided from a standard kit of parts. Further, as will become apparent from the description that follows, the nature of the components is such that the grab rail as described herein provides an enhanced grip that, in turn, enhances user safety.

The rail modules 6 and the spacing elements 7 are preferably mounted on a common mounting bar 8 which, in turn, is supported between mounting brackets 9.

In the particular form shown the rail modules 6 are plastics mouldings and have a substantially circular outer cross-section. The modules 8 preferably

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have complimentary mounting surfaces with the mounting bar 8 to prevent relative rotation between the modules 6 and the bar 8. To this end each module has inwardly aligned ribs 10, the inner ends of which define a hexagonal aperture that receives the hexagonal cross-section of the mounting bar 8. Similarly each spacing element 7 includes a central hexagonal aperture 11 through which, in use, mounting bar 8 passes.

A particularly preferred feature of the invention, and one that can be seen in Figure 1, is that the spacing elements 7 project proud of the surfaces of the rail modules 6. This enhances the grip available to users and this grip is further enhanced by the spacer being formed from two different materials. The central hub 12 of the spacer is preferably formed from a substantially rigid plastics such as, for example, polypropylene. A softer, more resilient rim 13 is then moulded onto the hub. The rim may, for example, be formed from thermoplastic elastomer/thermoplastic rubber that is more easily gripped and is thus more effective in use, particularly when the rail is wetted with soapy water.

The end faces 14 of the rail modules, and the end faces 15 of the spacing elements are preferably formed with complimentary surfaces so that, when a longitudinal clamping force is applied, the modules 7 and spacing elements 8 combine to provide a structurally strong assembly.

The end brackets 9 each comprise a post 16, having an integral base 17, which is fitted to a bathroom wall. As can be seen in Figure 4, the post 16 includes a hexagonal aperture 18 to receive the mounting bar 8. An end cover 19 fits over the post 16 and includes an abutment surface 20 against which a cap screw 21 can bear to clamp the modules 6 and spacing elements 7 together. Once the screws 21 at opposite ends of the rail have been tightened, end caps 22 can be clipped into position to conceal the screws 21.

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The rail modules can be provided in different lengths and/or the number selected to provide a rail of any desired length. This is particularly advantageous when the rail is to be fitted into a bathroom having stud walls as the length can then be established to ensure that that mounting posts 16 can both be secured to studs.

Once the mounting posts have been secured by passing fasteners (not shown) through the bases 17, decorative covers 23 can be applied to conceal the bases 17.

It will thus be appreciated that the invention provides a relatively simple yet effective means of providing a grab rail, the length of which can be readily established to meet individual requirements, but also the resulting rail provides enhanced grip for a user.

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Claims

1. A grab rail characterised in that it includes a plurality of rail modules mounted on a substantially co-axially, at least some of said rail modules having spacing elements located there-between.

2. A grab rail as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rail modules have a substantially circular outer cross-section.

3. A grab rail as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said spacing elements project proud of the surfaces of said rail modules.

4. A grab rail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein each spacing element has a periphery of resilient material.

5. A grab rail as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said rail modules and said spacing elements are mounted on a common mounting bar.

6. A grab rail as claimed in claim 5 wherein the connections between said rail modules and said mounting bar are configured to prevent relative rotation between said rail modules and said mounting bar.

7. A grab rail as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the connections between said spacing elements and said mounting bar are configured to prevent relative rotation between said spacing elements and said mounting bar.