ASSIST STRUCTURE FOR SHOWER OR BATH

Abstract

This document discusses, among other things an assist structure that includes a mount structure configured to mount above a shower or bath wall, and a support structure configured to couple to the mount structure, extend downward over the shower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bath wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/578,791, filed Oct. 30, 2017, entitled “ASSIST STRUCTURE FOR SHOWER OR BATH”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to bathroom assist structures, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems, devices, and methods to provide an assist structure for a human occupant of a shower or bath.

BACKGROUND

Showers and bathtubs can be hazardous for an occupant, especially when the occupant is unsteady or prone to falling or imbalance. A fall in a shower or bath can be particularly problematic due to a variety of factors, such as the likelihood that the occupant will be alone or at a distance from a person who can observe a fall or provide assistance, the presence or hard or sharp objects and slippery surfaces, and the awkwardness of asking for help in a shower or bath situation. The risk of a fall in a shower or bath can force a senior citizen or other person with a disability or physical challenge to choose between safety, and freedom or independence.

SUMMARY

This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an assist structure for a shower occupant above a shower or bath wall.

An example (e.g., “Example 1”) of subject matter (e.g., a system, device, kit or method) may include an assist structure that includes a mount structure configured to mount above a shower or bath wall, and a support structure configured to couple to the mount structure, extend downward over the shower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bath wall.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally be configured such that the support structure includes a hand hold structure configured to support to a human shower occupant.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 may optionally be configured to further include a spacer coupled to the support structure, the spacer configured to contact the shower or bath wall.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 may optionally be configured such that the mount structure includes a rail configured to install against a wall above the shower or bath wall, and the support structure is configured couple to the rail.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 may optionally be configured such that the rail provides a secure mounting connection to hold the support structure without penetration of the shower or bath wall.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 may optionally be configured such that the mount structure includes a mounting plate configured to couple to the mount structure, the support structure being coupled to the mounting plate.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 may optionally be configured such that the mounting plate is slidably coupled to the mount structure.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 may optionally be configured such that the mounting plate is selectively securable to the mount structure to prevent sliding of the mounting plate with respect to the mount structure.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 may optionally be configured such that the support structure includes a first member coupled to the mount structure and extending downward over the shower or bath wall, a second member coupled to the mount structure and extending downward over the shower or bath wall, and a first crossbar extending between the first member and the second member.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 may optionally be configured to further include a second crossbar extending between the first member and the second member.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 may optionally be configured to further include a first spacer coupled to the first member at an intersection of the first crossbar with the first member, and a second spacer coupled to the second member at an intersection of the first crossbar with the second member.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 may optionally be configured such that the first spacer includes a suction cup.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12 may optionally be configured to further include a suction cup coupled to the support structure.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 may optionally be configured such that the suction cup includes a threaded member and the support structure includes a threaded hole, the threaded member being configured to screw into the threaded hole to secure the suction cup to the support structure.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 may optionally be configured such that the support structure includes a shelf or basket.

An example: (e.g., “Example 16”) of subject matter (e.g., a system, device, kit or method) may include an assist kit for providing a hand support to a shower or bath occupant without puncturing a waterproof surface. The kit may include a mount structure configured to mount to a wall above a waterproof shower or bath surface, and a support structure that may include a first portion configured to couple to the mount structure, a second portion extending downward from the first portion, a wall-facing portion coupled to the second portion, the wall-facing portion configured to contact a waterproof shower or bath surface, a hand hold structure coupled to the second portion of the support structure, the hand hold structure configured to support a shower or bath occupant. When the kit is installed in a shower or bath the hand hold structure is supported by the wall above the shower or bath surface without puncturing the waterproof shower or bath surface. The wall-facing portion may, for example, be a suction cup or a bumper.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 may optionally be configured such that the mount structure and the support structure are a unitary structure. In various examples, components of the support structure may be produced as an integral molded part or combination of assembled parts, or may be, welded, bolted or otherwise coupled or connected together to provide a unitary structure that can be mounted to the wall.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-16 may optionally be configured such that the mount structure includes a rail having a top lip and a bottom lip that together define a side profile, and a mounting plate sized and shaped to securely fit within the side profile, the mounting plate being slidably coupled to the rail under the top lip and the bottom lip.

An example (e.g., “Example 19”) of subject matter (e.g., a system, device, kit or method) may include installing an assist structure in a bath or shower stall by installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or shower stall, coupling a support structure to the mounting member, and positioning a lower part of the support structure in the bath or shower stall without making a hole in the shower stall.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 19 may optionally be configured such that installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or shower stall includes mounting a rail to the wall, and the method includes slidably coupling the support structure to the rail and fixing the support structure with respect to the rail to prevent sliding; and wherein positioning the lower part of the support structure to the shower stall includes coupling the support structure to the shower or bath stall with a suction cup.

An example (e.g., “Example 21”) of subject matter (e.g., a system or apparatus) may optionally combine any portion or combination of any portion of any one or more of Examples 1-20 to include “means for” performing any portion of any one or more of the functions or methods of Examples 1-20.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assist structure mounted on a bath wall.

FIG. 2A is a perspective end view of a rail.

FIG. 2B is an end view of a mounting plate that is insertable from a front surface and rotatable into an engaged position with the rail.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a mounting plate being inserted into an end of a rail.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a top portion of the support structure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of example suction cups on a support structure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a top portion of an example support structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an example rail.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example suction cup mounted to a support structure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the structure of FIG. 6 assembled into the rail of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10-20 are illustration of example assist structures with example support structure configurations.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of first and second support structures installed in a bath or shower stall.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustration of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A fall in a bath or shower can cause serious injuries. To reduce the likelihood of a fall, a support structure can be installed in a shower or bath. Installing a support structure by penetrating a waterproof wall in the shower or bath can be undesirable for a variety of reasons, such as the potential for leaks around mounting holes and the relative permanence of the installation in the shower or bath. The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that an assist structure can be configured for mounting to a wall above a shower or bath to provide a structurally sound support structure for the shower or bath occupant. Such a configuration can be advantageous for structural reasons to assure a safe handhold for the shower occupant, and for water control reasons—because it does not require piercing a waterproof shower or bath wall. In addition, if the structure is no longer needed, the assist structure can be removed. In an example installation, the structure may be installed through drywall (into wall studs), which can allow relatively easy repair or patching after removal of the apparatus. This may be particularly desirable, for example, in an apartment complex where residents change on a somewhat frequent basis.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assist structure 102 mounted on a bath wall 104 above a water proof surface 106 of a shower or bath 108. The assist structure 102 may be used in a shower or a bath, e.g., in a dedicated shower stall, or in a bathtub with an adjacent waterproof surface, such as shown in the combined shower/tub arrangement of FIG. 1. The assist structure 102 may include a mount structure 109 and a support structure 118 that extends down from the mount structure 109 and into the shower or bath area to provide support for a shower occupant (not shown). The mount structure 109 may include a rail 110, and a mounting plate 112 configured to couple with the rail. The rail 110 may be coupled to the wall 104 using screws, bolts, wall anchors, an optional mount bracket or adapter, adhesives, or other techniques that create a sound structural connection between the rail and the wall. A mounting plate 112 may be configured to interface with structural features of the rail. For example, the mounting plate may slide into an end of the rail, or may be inserted into the rail at an angle to engage a top lip of the rail, rotated down, and lowered to engage a lower lip of the rail. Additional detail on rail features are provided in FIGS. 2-3 and 6-9. Referring again to FIG. 1, the mount structure may include one or more locking members 114, which may for example be set screws, to releasably fix the plate in a location relative to the rail. The one or more locking members can allow for adjustability to position the support structure 118 at a desired location in the shower or bath, while also locking the support structure into a position to provide firm support when needed (i.e. so the support structure does not move when grabbed by a shower occupant.)

The support structure 118 may include a handhold structure 120. Various handhold configurations are possible, as shown for example in FIGS. 10-20. The example support structure configuration shown in FIG. 1 includes first and second downwardly-extending elongated members 120, 122 and a crossbar 124 extending between the elongated members 120, 122. The assist structure 102 may include one or more wall-facing portions or spacers 116, which may be sized, shaped, and configured (and optionally combined with other structures such as mounting members (e.g., bolts)) to provide a space between the support structure 118 and the waterproof surface 106 so that an occupant can extend fingers through the space to grip the support structure 117. The one or more spacers 116 may, for example, be configured to provide a space that is 3.8 cm (1½ inches), or more than 3.8 cm. In some examples, lower portions 126, 128 of the elongated members 120, 122 may extend downward past the cross-bar 124, and may be optionally coupled together by a second crossbar 128. In some examples, one or more of the crossbar 124, lower portions 126, 128, or second crossbar 128 may be usable by a bath or shower occupant as a hand-hold to steady the occupant or assist with moving from a lying or sitting to a standing position. In some examples, upper portions 130, 132 of the elongated members may additionally or alternatively be usable as a hand-hold.

While the assist structure 102 is shown mounted on the side portion of a bath, an assist structure 102 could alternatively or additionally be mounted to a wall (or other supporting structure) above an end surface 107 of a shower or bath. As shown in FIG. 21, two assist structures 2102, 2104 may be used in combination to provide additional support options for an occupant.

FIG. 2A is a perspective end view of a rail 200. The rail 200 may, for example, be formed of aluminum, which may be extruded to create a desired profile. In other examples, the rail may be formed of another soft metal, steel, wood, high-strength plastic, or other materials that are strong enough to provide structural support. The rail may be mounted to a wall above a shower, and may be configured to interface with a mount plate of a support structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the example rail 200 (which may be rail 110 in FIG. 1) may include a top engagement structure 202 that may include a top lip 204, a bottom engagement structure 206 that may include a bottom lip, and a surface 210 extending between the top engagement structure 202 and the bottom engagement structure 202. The top engagement structure 202, bottom engagement structure 206 and surface 210 may define an engagement profile that is sized and shaped to couple to a mounting plate, as shown in FIG. 3, or alternatively as shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2B is an end view of a mounting plate 212 that is insertable from a front surface and rotatable into an engaged position with the rail 200. In an example, the lower lip 208 is shorter than the upper lip 204 so that the mounting plate 212 is retained by the upper lip 204 when the mounting plate slides downward into the space 214 between the lower lip and the surface 210. In some examples, an assist structure may be configured so that a rail may be pre-mounted, or left in place after a support structure is removed, which can be advantageous, for example, in an apartment complex or assisted living residence where some residents may need a temporarily or permanently need an assist structure in a bath or shower, and other residents may prefer not to have an assist structure. By leaving a mounting structure or rail in place, a support structure may be selectively installed and uninstalled as needed.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an end 302 of a mounting plate 112 being inserted into an end 306 of a rail 304 (which may be rail 110 in FIG. 1). The mounting plate 302 may slide against a front surface 310 of the rail. A front surface 312 of the mounting plate may engage an upper engagement feature 314 and lower engagement feature 316 on the rail. The mounting plate 112 may be slid along the rail 304 to a desired position, for example as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example top portion 402 of a support structure 118. A mounting plate 112 may be coupled to first and second elongated members 120, 122. Top portions 404, 406 of the elongated members 120, 122 may be curved or angled to transition to end portions 410, 412 that may be coupled to the mounting plate 112 via welds or bolts, for example. The mounting plate 112 may include one or more threaded portions (not shown) that are sized and shaped to receive one or more set screws 414, 416 for releasably locking the mounting plate in plate relative to the rail 110 (not shown in FIG. 4.)

FIG. 5 is an illustration of example spacers 502, 504 coupled to a portion 506 of a support structure. The spacers 502, 504 may optionally be configured as suction cups to facilitate securing the support structure to a bath or shower surface. The spacers 502, 504 may position the support structure relative to a bath or shower wall surface so that an occupant can grab the support structure. In other examples, the spacers can be other shapes (not necessarily configured for suction), such as a cube, rectangular prism, ball, or any other shape that creates the desired space between the support structure and an adjacent surface. In an example, the spacers 502, 504 may be sized and shaped to create a gap of 3.8 cm to 7.6 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) between the support structure and an adjacent surface. In a preferred example, the spacers are configured to create a gap of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches.) While two spacers are shown, in other examples an assist structure may include a single spacer, or two, three, or more spacers. In the example configuration shown in FIG. 5, spacer 502 may be coupled to elongated member 120 shown in FIG. 1, and spacer 504 may be coupled to elongated member 122 shown in FIG. 1. In an example, the portion 506 of the support structure may include one or more threaded holes that may receive a bolt or other threaded member that is coupled to a spacer. The threaded coupling arrangement may be advantageous in that, when the structure is assembled in a show or bath, the threaded engagement may allow a user to turn the spacer to advance the spacer toward the elongated member 120 to create a gap between the spacer and wall, which may facilitate easier lateral movement. The threaded coupling may also enable the user to rotate the spacer away from the elongated member 122 (i.e., toward the wall) to achieve a desired spacing (e.g., 1½ inches.)

FIG. 6 is a side view of a top portion of an example support structure 600 that includes a mounting plate 602, and an arm 604 (e.g., portion of the elongated member 122 in FIG. 1) coupled to the mounting plate 602. The arm may include a first portion 606 extending outward from the mounting plate 602 and a second portion 608 extending downward from the first portion 606. A gusset 610 may extend between the first portion 606 and the second portion 608 to provide structural support. In an example, the mountain plate may be formed of metal plate such as steel or aluminum. The arm may be formed of a compatible metal. For example, the arm may be formed from metal tubes that are cut and welded together. The metal may be selected to be waterproof, or may be painted or otherwise coated to be compatible with a high-humidity (or wet) bath or shower environment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an example rail 700 that has a side profile defined at least in part by a first engagement structure 702, second engagement structure 704. The side profile may be sized and shaped to receive the mounting plate 602 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is an illustration of the structure of FIG. 6 assembled into the rail of FIG. 7. In some examples, two mounting plates 602, 902 may be assembled into the rail.

The rail 700 may include portions that form holes 706 that are sized and shaped to receive or accommodate mounting components such as screws or bolts for mounting the rail to a wall. In some examples the holes may be formed at regular intervals to enable mounting to walls studs at regular distances (e.g. 40.6 cm (16 inches or 61 cm (2.4 inches). In some examples, the rail 700 may be provided without holes, and holes may be drilled during installation to enable custom-fitting to a particular installation situation. In some examples, may be desirable to form the rail of extruded aluminum or another soft metal, steel, high strength plastic, or treated wood to facilitate drilling holes during installation.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example spacer 802 (e.g., suction cup) mounted to a support structure. The spacer 802 may be a suction cup. The support structure 804 may include a connection structure 806 that is configured to receive a mounting member 808 such as a bolt. The spacer 802, connection structure 806 and mounting member may be sized and shaped to form a gap between the mounting structure and an adjacent wall surface (not shown) to enable a bath or shower occupant to reach between the support structure and wall to firmly grab the support structure 804.

FIGS. 10-20 show various alternative examples of assist structures. An assist structure may include one, or more than elongated structure (e.g., arm), that extends downward into the shower or bath. An assist structure may include varied shapes and numbers of hand-hold structures (e.g., a crossbar), which may be round or straight, and formed at right angles or other angular configurations. Various curved structures are also possible. Any of the support structures shown may be coupled to a mount structure that may be configured to be mounted above a shower or bath wall. For example, the structures may be coupled to one or more mounting plates 1004 which may be coupled to a mounting structure 1006, but other mounting configurations are also possible. For example, an assist structure may be made (e.g., molded or welded) as an integral or unitary (one-piece) unit, or pieces may bolt, screw, adhere, snap, or otherwise couple together. Any of the example support structures may include or be coupled to spacers (which may be suction cups or other configurations) as previously described.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example support structure 1000 that has a single elongated member 1002. The support structure 1000 may optionally be coupled to a mounting plate 1004 that may couple to a mounting structure 1006 such as a rail as previously described.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example support structure configuration with an elongated member 1102 and a cross-bar 1104. In an example, the cross-bar 1104 or elongated member 1102 may be used as a hand-hold to assist a bath or shower occupant.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example support structure 1200 that has two elongated members 1202, 1204 with a cross-bar 1206 extending between them. The structure 1200 may include a second cross-bar 1208 to provide additional structural support or an addition hand-hold location for a bath or shower occupant.

As shown in FIG. 12, any of the examples that include more than one elongated member may include more than one mounting plate, e.g. each elongated member may be mounted to a separate mounting plate (as shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 16, and FIG. 20), or a plurality of mounting members may be mounted to a single mounting plate (as shown for example in FIG. 1, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15).

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example support structure 1300 that includes a round hand-hold member 1302 coupled to an elongated member 1302 that may be coupled to a mounting structure. The round hand-hold member 1302 may, for example, be circular (as shown), elliptical, semi-circular, ovular, or egg-shaped.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example support structure 1400 that includes an angled hand-hold 1402. In an example, the angled hand-hold 1402 may extend between a first elongated member 1404 and a second elongated member 1406, which may be shorter than the first elongated member. The angled hand-hold may be configured, sized, and shaped to be at an angle that is particularly useful for a shower occupant 1408. For example, when an occupant reaches upward a hand-hold that extends downward and away from the occupant may be easier to grab based upon configuration of the elbow and arm, and the height, angle, and location of the hand-hold. In some examples, a handhold may be presented as an upward triangle (see FIG. 19) or downward triangle (not shown) to provide handhold options at convenient orientations for the occupant.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example support structure 1500 that includes a polygon-shaped support structure 1502. The polygon-shaped support structure 1502 may be rectangular (as shown), or shaped as a triangle (FIG. 19), pentagon (inverted, upright, or rotated from vertical), hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or more than 8 sides. The polygon-shaped support structure may be symmetrical around one or more axes, or may be irregular or asymmetric.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example support structure 1600 that includes first and second elongated members 1602, 1604, a cross-bar handhold 1606 extending between the elongated members 1602, 1604, and spacers 1608, 1610 coupled to the elongated members 1602, 1604. The spacers may be coupled near middle portions 1612, 1614 of the elongated members 1602, 1604 as shown, or may alternatively be position near the cross-bar 1606.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example support structure 1700 that includes a single elongated member 1704 and a round hand-hold structure 1702. A spacer 1706 may be positioned near a middle portion 1708 of the elongated member 1704 (as shown), or may be positioned near the hand-hold structure 1702.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example support structure 1800 that includes a single elongated member 1802, a cross-bar hand-hold structure 1804, and a spacer 1806. The example support structure 1800 may include, or be coupled to a shelf 1810 or basked 1812. A shelf or basket 1814 may additionally or alternatively be coupled to a mounting plate 1818.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example support structure 1900 that has a triangular hand-hold structure 1902. The triangular hand-hold structure 1902 may he upright (as shown) or inverter (i.e. upside-down, not shown) or rotated at any angle. One or more and preferably at least two of the sides of the triangular structure may be sized shaped and positioned to be convenient for an occupant to grab. In an example, one side of the triangular structure (or other polygon or curved or irregular structure) may be convenient for an occupant to grab when the occupant is on one side (e.g., to the left in FIG. 19) of the structure and another side may be configured to be convenient to grab when the occupant is on the other side (i.e., to the right in FIG. 19) of the hand-hold structure. Additionally or alternatively, one side of the triangular structure (or other polygon or curved or irregular structure) may be convenient for an occupant to grab from a sitting position and another side may be convenient to grab from a standing position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of an example support structure that includes an adjustable hand-hold structure 2002. For example, the hand-hold structure 2002 may be configured to couple to holes in first and second elongated members 2004, 2006 so that an appropriate angle may be selected based upon the height or preference of the occupant or the size or configuration of the shower or bath. While three mounting locations 2010, 2012, 2014, 2020, 2022, 2024 are shown on each elongated member 2004, 2006, more (e.g., five, six or up to 10 or more) or fewer (at least two on at least one of the members) mounting locations may be provided. In other examples, a sliding or ratchet-like coupling arrangement (e.g. lockable sleeve that may lock by engaging features on the members or using pins) may be used to provide adjustability in height or angular position or both.

Any of the examples described or shown herein may be provided as a kit that may be assembled or installed or both in a bathroom or shower stall. In some examples, two kits may be used together, or a kit may include two assist structures. For example, FIG. 21 is an illustration of first and second support structures installed in a bath or shower stall.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustration of an example method. At 2202 a mounting structure is installed above a bath or shower. Installing a mounting structure above a bath or shower, as opposed to in a bath or shower, may offer advantages in the convenience or structural integrity of mounting, the ability to find and fasten to a wall stud, the avoidance of potential leaks due to penetration of a waterproof surface, and the potential for removal of the device with minimal necessary repair (e.g. drywall patching and painting vs. re-installing or re-tiling a bath or shower.) At 2204, a support structure is coupled to the mounting structure. For example, a mounting plate may be coupled to a mounted rail. At 2206, a lower portion of the support structure is positioned in the bath or shower. For example, the support structure may be positioned laterally (e.g. by sliding a mounting plate in a rail) and may be spaced from the shower or bath wall using spacers. The support structure may be held in place by securing the structure with respect to the mounting structure (e.g. coupling a mounting plate to a rail using a set screw or bracket or other locking feature)

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or “square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round”, a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by description.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A assist structure comprising:

a mount structure configured to mount above a shower or bath wall; and

a support structure configured to couple to the mount structure, extend downward over the shower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bath wall.

2. The assist structure of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a hand hold structure configured to support to a human shower occupant.

3. The assist structure of claim 1, further comprising a spacer coupled to the support structure, the spacer configured to contact the shower or bath wall.

4. The assist structure of claim 1, wherein the mount structure includes a rail configured to install against a wall above the shower or bath wall, and the support structure is configured couple to the rail.

5. The assist structure of claim 4, wherein the rail provides a secure mounting connection to hold the support structure without penetration of the shower or bath wall.

6. The assist structure of claim 5, wherein the mount structure includes a mounting plate configured to couple to the mount structure, the support structure being coupled to the mounting plate.

7. The assist structure of claim 6, wherein the mounting plate is slidably coupled to the mount structure.

8. The assist structure of claim 7, wherein the mounting plate is selectively securable to the mount structure to prevent sliding of the mounting plate with respect to the mount structure.

9. The assist structure of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a first member coupled to the mount structure and extending downward over the shower or bath wall, a second member coupled to the mount structure and extending downward over the shower or bath wall, and a first crossbar extending between the first member and the second member.

10. The assist structure of claim 9, further comprising a second crossbar extending between the first member and the second member.

11. The assist structure of claim 9, further comprising a first spacer coupled to the first member at an intersection of the first crossbar with the first member, and a second spacer coupled to the second member at an intersection of the first crossbar with the second member.

12. The assist structure of claim 11, wherein the first spacer includes a suction cup.

13. The assist structure of claim I, further comprising a suction cup coupled to the support structure.

14. The assist structure of claim 13, wherein the suction cup includes a threaded member and the support structure includes a threaded hole, the threaded member being configured to screw into the threaded hole to secure the suction cup to the support structure.

15. The assist structure of claim 14, wherein the support structure includes a shelf or basket.

16. A assist kit for providing a hand support to a shower or bath occupant without puncturing a waterproof surface, the kit comprising:

a mount structure configured to mount to a wall above a waterproof shower or bath surface; and

a support structure including:

a first portion configured to couple to the mount structure;

a second portion extending downward from the first portion;

a wall-facing portion coupled to the second portion, the wall-facing portion configured to contact a waterproof shower or bath surface;

a hand hold structure coupled to the second portion of the support structure, the hand hold structure configured to support a shower or bath occupant;

wherein when the kit is installed in a shower or bath the hand hold structure is supported by the wall above the shower or bath surface without puncturing the waterproof shower or bath surface.

17. The assist kit of claim 16, wherein the mount structure and the support are a unitary structure.

18. The assist kit of claim 17, wherein the mount structure includes a rail having a top lip and a bottom lip that together define a side profile, and a mounting plate sized and shaped to securely fit within the side profile, the mounting plate being slidably coupled to the rail under the top lip and the bottom lip.

19. A method of installing an assist structure in a bath or shower stall comprising:

installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or shower stall;

coupling a support structure to the mounting member; and

positioning a lower part of the support structure in the bath or shower stall without making a hole in the bath or shower stall.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or shower stall includes mounting a rail to the wall, and the method includes slidably coupling the support structure to the rail and fixing the support structure with respect to the rail to prevent sliding; and wherein positioning the lower part of the support structure to the shower stall includes coupling the support structure to the bath or shower stall with a suction cup.