SHOWER SAFETY SYSTEM

Abstract

A shower safety system, which prevents or reduces the chance of injury in case of a sudden loss of ability to stand upright, comprises a harness to be worn by a user when he/she showers. The harness is anchored to the wall of the shower or other fixture, via a tether component and mounting element. The system preferably includes an alarm, which alerts for help in a situation of possible distress.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/851,427, filed Mar. 8, 2013, which application is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a shower safety system for preventing shower related injuries that can result from slips and other such occurrences affecting one's ability to stand upright.

BACKGROUND

The dangers of shower related injuries are a well-known problem to which everyone is at risk. The elderly and individuals with certain medical conditions are particularly at high risk, not only to slips, but falls resulting from sudden loss of the ability to stand upright, which can be due to medical conditions such as sudden loss of consciousness, a heart attack, seizure, broken bones, and muscle cramping.

Attempts to prevent slip and fall injuries include providing slip resistant surfaces or rails to which a user can hold on. Though these approaches improve safety, falls may still occur, particularly in situations where a medical condition causes a sudden loss of consciousness and/or the ability to stand upright. Additionally, certain individuals, particularly the elderly may have a compromised ability to balance, and are especially susceptible to falls.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to shower safety system which prevents or reduces the chance of injury in case of a sudden loss of ability to stand upright. The system comprises a harness to be worn by a user when he/she showers. The harness is anchored to the wall of the shower or other fixture, via a tether component and mounting element. The system preferably includes an alarm, which alerts for help in a situation of possible distress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a shower safety system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a harness, tether, and mounting components.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shower safety system further including an alarm in accordance with a second embodiment. The figure also illustrates tether and mounting components in accordance with alternate embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an individual falling while wearing the harness of the shower safety system of FIGS. 1 and 2. The truncated illustration shows only the tether and harness components of the system. (For purpose of illustration, the individual is shown falling sideways, though this may not be representative of the most typical type of fall, which would likely be with the head forward).

FIGS. 4a and 4b provide examples of different types of harnesses, which can be used for the shower safety system, in accordance with further alternate embodiments.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a belt and shoulder harness.

FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a life-vest type harness.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tether component, comprising multiple cords, in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are top plan views of mounting elements comprising tracks, which can be used for the shower safety system, in accordance with further alternate embodiments.

FIG. 6a is a top plan view of a mounting element comprising tracks and allowing for free lateral movement of the inventive system while in use.

FIG. 6b is a top plan view of a mounting element comprising tracks and placement grooves, allowing for lateral placement of the inventive system prior to use.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alarm suitable for the system of the present invention, in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and preferred designs of the exemplary embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and designs may be accomplished by different exemplary embodiments are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention, and within the scope and judgment of the skilled person.

As illustrated in the figures, the shower safety system of the present invention comprises a harness 100 to be worn by a user when he/she showers. The harness 100 is anchored to a fixture (e.g., wall 100) in or around the shower or shower stall (i.e., a semi or substantially enclosed area containing a shower head 99). The fixture is a substantially non-movable structure or object around the shower, such as a shower door, ceiling, wall, etc. The harness 100 is anchored via a tether component 102 and mounting element 104. The harness provides restraint and support such that if the user loses his/her ability to stand, the harness impedes the user's fall, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The system most preferably includes an alarm 200 (see FIG. 2), which alerts for help in a situation of possible distress. The alarm is preferably coupled or integral with the tether component 102, as shown in FIG. 2.

The harness 100 may be any type of restraining device which can be worn around the user's body, and together with the tether component, is capable of restraining and supporting the user to prevent the user from tumbling or falling uncontrollably. The harness may be made from a wide range of materials including, but not limited to nylon, plastic, rubber, fabric, leather, foam, metal, or a combination of two or more different materials or composites. The harness is most preferably adjustable to fit individuals of different sizes, though a harness, which is custom fit for one individual is also contemplated. Preferably, the harness 100 includes a releasable buckle 110, typically found on most commercially available harness, or any other type of releasable closure element i.e., VELCRO, button(s), etc. There are a wide variety of suitable harnesses that may be used for the inventive system, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, examples of which are provided below.

According to a first example, harness 100 is a strap-on belt 106 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), which is preferably made of a soft and flexible material. Such a harness may be desirable as it is easy to put on and take off, and minimally covers the user's skin. Belt 106 is preferably length adjustable (i.e., via E track fitting, belt notches, Velcro, etc.), and may be a thin strap or have a cushioning thickness. It's approximate width is preferably anywhere between about ½ to 5 inches, and is more preferably around 2 inches. The belt may be any synthetic fiber or natural fiber preferably polypropylene, and includes fasteners, e.g., plastic, stainless steel, etc., and a length adjustment component, i.e., buckles of plastic, stainless steel, etc. The belt 106 may be secured at any convenient location around the body, but is preferably to be worn around the user's rib cage area, and below the chest (see FIG. 3) as it is believed that this location provides optimal security.

Non-limiting examples of other types of harnesses are shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. These include a waist and shoulder harness 400 (FIG. 4a) comprising a belt 401, and shoulder straps 402, which cross at the front and back; and a life-vest type harness (FIG. 4b) comprising a front waist strap 405, crossing back straps 406, and cushioned frame 407. Though more cumbersome, such harness may be desirable for frailer individuals.

The tether component 102 anchors the harness to a wall or other essentially fixed structure inside or near the shower stall. Tether component 102 comprises a top portion 112, including at least one end, and a bottom portion 114, comprising at least one bottom end, which connect to mounting element 104 and harness 100, respectively. Each of said connections may be permanently fixed or releasable (i.e. via a hook, ring, loop, VELCRO, or other releasable connection component). Tether component 102 may be formed as one integral unit, or comprise a plurality of segments. Component 102 preferably has a shock absorbing quality, and is length adjustable. Various embodiments for a suitable tether component will be apparent to one skilled in the art, examples of which are provided below.

FIG. 1 shows a tether component 102 according to one embodiment, comprising a first metal connector ring 120, which forms a linked connection between mounting element 104 and shock absorbing bungee 122. A second ring 124 connects bungee 112 to a length adjustable strap or belt 126, which forms a releasable looped connection with harness 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a tether component according to a second embodiment, comprising a first metal ring 202, which is a stainless steel Quick Link type, having a threaded barrel and screw closing/opening element 204. Ring 202 is coupled between the mounting element 104, and a second linking ring 206, preferably a Pear Link type connector. A shock absorber 208, comprising coiled bungee cords, is linked between ring 206, and a length adjustable, nylon mesh strap 210, which is doubled to form a loop for linking to harness 100, as illustrated in the figure. The coiled bungee cords pass through a collector 209, which is a plastic or metal tube. According to a preferred embodiment, the bungee cords comprise about 10 coils of cords having a thickness of approximately ¼ inch; though the number of coils and thickness can be adjusted. Strap 210 is folded over collector 209, which is approximately 2 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. This embodiment preferably incorporates alarm 200, which will be described below, but is independently functional.

Straps similar to straps 210 or 122 may independently serve as suitable tether components, depending on the desired length and shock absorbing quality.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment for a tether component, comprising multiple parallel cords 500, which may be attached to the harness and anchored at different sites. Such embodiment may include two or more parallel cords, or multiple attached segments instead of single cords, and may provide added stability to the user.

Mounting element 104 preferably comprises a component that can be affixed or anchored to the wall 101 or other fixture of the shower or shower stall, preferably around the shower head, and provides an attachment element (i.e., Loop, hook, ring, etc.) for anchoring tether element 102. Various embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art, examples of which are provided below.

With reference to FIG. 1, mounting element 104 comprises a metal plate 116, which is stainless steel, and includes a protruding linking ring 118 for attachment of the tether component 102, in accordance with one embodiment. The plate 116 is simply bolted to the wall 101 of a shower stall.

According to another embodiment, mounting element 104 comprises a bracket 211 of polypropylene webbing (see FIG. 2) which can be bolted to the wall 101, via screws and bolting elements 213. A loop formed at the bottom 215 of the bracket 211 serves as an attachment element or connection site for tether 102.

Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, includes a mounting element that is fixed to wall 101, and which allows for adjustment of at least the lateral position of the tether component. This may be achieved by providing a bracket 600 with track 602, which may be either recessed or elevated, for example, and further providing an engagement component 604 which attaches to the tether component 102, and is slidable on the track 602. The engagement component 604 may be freely slidable, for example on a straight track as shown in FIG. 6a, such that a user can move more freely when showering. Alternatively, component 604 may be made lockable at different positions, for example, on a track containing notches or grooves 606, as shown in FIG. 6b, such that a user can set adjust the position of the tether prior to use.

The system of the present invention most preferably includes an alarm 200 (see FIGS. 2 and 7), which alerts for outside help in case help is needed, and can be actuated in the shower room via an actuator element or trigger 212. The alarm 200 may produce a noticeable alert (such as a sound) directly from a transmitting device 220 located in the shower room, and/or send a signal to at least one remote receiver such as a monitor, phone, computer, or other communication device, preferably located outside the shower room, which in turn produces a noticeable alert. The signal may be sent via a wired or wireless path, direct or indirect path, or combination thereof (including, but not limited to, use of the Internet, WiFi/WLAN, or other radio signal). Any type of alert signal may be used. Such a signal may be a sound, vibration, visual alert, or combination thereof.

The alarm is most preferably waterproof. The transmitting device 220 may be actuated by various triggers. Such triggers may include, but are not limited to the following: 1) excessive tension in the tether component (e.g., produced if the user falls or slips), 2) the pressing of a button by the user, 3) an audio trigger (i.e., the user calling for help or clapping), 4) the user remaining in the shower for a prolonged period of time, etc. The system may include one or more possible triggers. Additionally, the system may optionally include an “off” switch, or other communication means, such as a monitor, which allow the user to cancel an alarm if assistance is not needed, or otherwise communicate with an outside entity.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alarm 200 including tension-activated trigger 212, coupled between a momentary pull switch of the alarm (which is a sound producing alarm) and collector 209. The trigger 212 comprises a chain 216 and wires 217 connecting the chain 216 to the collector 209. When a user wearing the harness 100 falls, there is a pulling or excessive tension on the strap 210, which in turn pulls the trigger 212, which triggers the alarm by pulling on the pull switch. In this embodiment, the alarm transmitting device 220 is coupled to the wall mount 211 via links 204 and 206, and the cords of the absorber 208 rest on top of the alarm, and coupled through link 206. The alarm further comprises an “off” switch 214, which can be used to deactivate the alarm.

Various alarm systems may be suitable for the system of the invention, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Illustrated in FIG. 7 is an alarm having a transmitting device 700 contained in a rectangular rather than cylindrical housing 701, according to an alternate embodiment. Housing 701 comprises a stainless steel hanging ring 702, horn 704, LED battery indicator 706, and trigger comprising a ball chain 708.

It should be apparent that the various embodiments described for each of the system components are interchangeable for forming a variety of different embodiments.

In closing, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the description is illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.

Claims

1. A shower safety system, to be used by an individual around a shower area and while showering in a standing position, comprising:

a harness structured and arranged to be worn by the individual while standing in the shower area;

a tether component structured and arranged to couple to said harness, wherein said tether component has an adjustable length; and

a mounting element structured and arranged to couple to said tether component, said mounting element further structured and arranged to affix to a substantially non-movable fixture and to anchor said harness to said non-movable fixture, via said tether component, wherein the shower safety system is structured and arranged to inhibit the individual wearing said harness from falling from the standing position while wearing said harness when the shower safety system is provided in an in-use arrangement, said in-use arrangement comprising said harness being coupled to said tether component, said tether component being coupled to said mounting element, and said mounting element being affixed to said fixture.

2-10. (canceled)

11. A shower safety system, to be used by an individual around a shower area and while showering in a standing position, comprising:

a harness structured and arranged to be worn by the individual standing in the shower area;

a tether component structured and arranged to couple to said harness;

a mounting element structured and arranged to be coupled to said tether component, said mounting element structured and arranged to affix to a substantially non-movable fixture and to anchor said harness to said non-movable fixture via said tether component, wherein the shower safety system is structured and arranged to inhibit the individual wearing said harness from falling from the standing position while wearing said harness when the shower safety system is provided in an in-use arrangement, said in-use arrangement comprising said harness being coupled to said tether component, said tether component being coupled to said mounting element, and said mounting element being affixed to said fixture; and

an alarm capable of producing an alert, said alarm structured and arranged to couple between said mounting element and said harness.

12. The system of claim 11, said alarm compromising a trigger for producing said alert, wherein said trigger can be actuated a) automatically, b) manually by said individual, or by a combination of a) and b).

13. The system of claim 11, said alarm comprising at least one trigger capable of being actuated in response to an indication to produce said alert when said alarm is structurally coupled between said mounting element and said harness, said indication comprising: 1) excessive tension in the tether component, said excessive tension being produced upon loss of the individual's ability to stand upright while the individual is wearing said harness, 2) the pressing of a button by the user, 3) an audio signal by said user, 4) sensing that the user has remained in the shower for a prolonged period, or combination thereof.

14. The system of claim 13, said tether component including a shock absorbing bungee comprising coils, said alarm further comprising an actuator element structured and arranged to couple to said tether component when said alarm is situated within said coils of said shock absorbing bungee, said actuator element capable of sensing excessive tension in said bungee of said tether component, and triggering said alert in response to said excessive tension, said excessive tension being produced upon loss of said individual's ability to stand upright while the individual is wearing said harness.

15. The system of claim 11, said alert comprising a sound, vibration, visual signal, or combination thereof.

16. The system of claim 11, said alarm comprising a transmitting device located in the shower room, said transmitting device being capable of sending a signal to a remote receiver for producing said alert.

17. The system of claim 16, said signal being transmitted to said remote receiver via a path which is wired, wireless, or both.

18. A shower safety method structured and arranged to help a user avoid an injury while showering in a shower, said method comprising:

a. wearing a harness which is anchored to a fixture via a tether component while standing in said shower, said tether component comprising a shock absorbing bungee comprising a plurality of coils; and

b. showering while wearing said harness, said harness providing restraint to impede the user from falling from a standing position while showering.

19. The system of claim 1, said tether component comprising a top end structured and arranged to couple to said mounting element, and a strap coupled to said top end of said tether component, said strap comprising a bottom end structured and arranged to releasably couple to said harness.

20. The system of claim 19, said harness essentially consisting of a belt, said strap of said tether component being looped to provide a releasable link attachment to said harness, said releasable link attachment selected from the group consisting of 1) a releasable closure element on said harness, 2) a releasable closure element on said strap of said tether component, and 3) a combination thereof.

21. The system of claim 19, said tether component comprising a shock absorbing bungee comprising a plurality of coils, said shock absorbing bungee structured and arranged to couple between said top end of said tether component and said strap of said tether component.

22. The system of claim 21 further comprising an alarm comprising an alarm actuator, said alarm structured and arranged to situate within said coils of said shock absorbing bungee with said actuator in an actuating engagement with said coils.