GRAB BAR

Abstract

A grab bar assembly including a body, first and second end caps, and first and second couplings. The body includes a first end and a second end and is formed of one of a single body section or multiple body sections. The first end cap is attached to the first end of the body by the first coupling and the second end cap is attached to the second end of the body by the second coupling. The body sections may be of differing lengths so as to provide the grab bar assembly with a modular construction readily and easily allowing for a wide range of different length grab bar assemblies.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to grab bars. More particularly the invention related to a ligature resistant grab bar.

2. Description of Related Art

Items having a ligature resistant design are a generally a requirement for institutions where the occupants of the institution may be at risk for self-harm. Such institutions include, without limitation, correctional facilities, detention centers, hospitals and mental health residential facilities. Ligature resistant items are designed so as to lack places where a ligature (such as a cord, rope, bedsheet or other fabric/material) can be tied or looped over to create a sustainable attachment point that may result in self-harm or loss of life to the occupant.

Such institutions need a variety of different ligature resistant items and one such item is a grab bar, as might be provided in a shower or rest room. Grab bars are sometime required to be installed in a horizontal orientation and other times in a vertical orientation. Grab bars also sometimes need to be of specific lengths, which is dictated by the particular installation requirements.

Some existing grab bars can be alternatively mounted in a horizontal orientation or a vertical position. However, these grab bars must be ordered in specific lengths, such as 18, 24 or 36 inches. If a different length is required, the grab bar needs to be special ordered and individually fabricated per the request, thereby taking weeks or months to produce at a substantially increase in cost.

SUMMARY

In satisfying the above need, as well as overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, a grab bar assembly is provided having a modular construction allowing the grab bar to be readily provided in a multitude of different lengths, as well as being mountable in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.

In one aspect of the invention, a grab bar assembly is provided having a body, the body including a first end and a second end and being formed of one of a single body section or multiple body sections. The assembly further includes a first end cap attached to the first end of the body; a second end cap attached to the second end of the body, and at least first and second couplings, the first coupling securing the first end cap to the first end of the body and the second coupling securing the second end cap to the second end of the body.

In yet another aspect, the multiple body sections are of one of the same length or different lengths.

In a further aspect, at least one additional coupling, the at least one additional coupling securing the multiple body sections to one another.

In an additional aspect, the body includes a first bar portion and a second bar portion, the first and second bar portions being joined by a web extending therebetween.

In yet another aspect, includes a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second bar portions to a mounting flange.

In a further aspect, the first and second bar portions are off set from the stanchion.

In an additional aspect, the first and second bar portions are spaced apart from the mounting flange.

In yet another aspect, the first and second end caps include first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first and second rail portions being joined by a web extending therebetween.

In a further aspect, the first and second end caps each include a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second rail portions to a mounting flange.

In an additional aspect, the first and second rail portions are off set from the stanchion.

In still another aspect, the first and second rail portions are spaced apart from the mounting flange.

In yet a further aspect, the first end cap includes a profile wall at a terminal end of the first end cap, the profile wall having a shape corresponding to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web.

In an additional aspect, the profile wall defines an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange.

In another aspect, the second end cap includes an end wall at a terminal end of the second end cap, the end wall having a shape dissimilar to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web.

In still a further aspect, the end wall defines an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange.

In an additional aspect, the second end cap includes an end wall at a terminal end of the second end cap, the end wall having a trapezoidal shape.

In yet another aspect, the first end cap is different from the second end cap.

In a further aspect, the body section is an extrusion.

In an additional aspect, at least a portion of each of the first and second end caps is an extrusion.

In another aspect of the invention, a ligature resistant grab bar assembly is provided that includes a body having a first end and a second end, and being formed of one of a single body section or multiple body sections. The body section further includes a first bar portion and a second bar portion, with the first and second bar portions being joined by a web extending therebetween. The body section also including a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second bar portions toward a mounting flange. First and second end caps are respectively attached to the first and second ends of the body. The first and second end caps each include first and second rail portions that are joined by a web. The first and second end caps each further include a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second rail portions to a mounting flange. The first end cap includes a profile wall at a terminal end thereof, and which has a shape corresponding to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web. The second end cap includes an end wall at a terminal end thereof, and which has a shape dissimilar to the profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web. The end wall defines an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange. First and second couplings are utilized to secure the first end cap to the first end of the body and the second end cap to the second end of the body.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after review of the following description, including the claims, and with reference to the drawings that are appended to and form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a ligature resistant grab bar incorporating the principles of the present invention and shown in a vertical orientation/installation position.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the grab bar, generally taken from the opposing side of the view presented in FIG. 1, in a vertical orientation or installation position.

FIG. 3 perspective view of the grab bar in a left hand horizontal orientation or installation position.

FIG. 4 perspective view of the grab bar in a right hand horizontal orientation or installation position.

FIG. 5 is a view presented from the top of the grab bar seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the grab bar seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the grab bar, generally taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the grab bar, generally taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the grab bar seen FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a grab bar in accordance with the principles of the present invention and illustrating modularity and variable length aspects of the grab bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the description that follows, directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” are used with reference to the orientation of the elements as presented in the figures. Accordingly, “upper” indicates a direction toward the top of the figure and “lower” indicates a direction toward the bottom of the figure. The terms “left” and “right” are similarly interpreted. The terms “inward” or “inner” and “outward” or “outer” indicate a direction that is generally toward or away from a central axis of the referred to part, whether or not such an axis is designated in the figures. An axial surface is therefore one that faces in the axial direction. In other words, an axial surface faces in a direction along the central axis. A radial surface therefore faces radially, generally away from or toward the central axis. It will be understood, however, that in actual implementation, the directional references used herein may not necessarily correspond with the installation and orientation of the corresponding components or grab bar in that the grab bar may be installed angled orientations, other that vertical or horizontal.

Referring now to the drawings, a grab bar embodying the principles of the present invention is illustrated in the figures and generally designated at 20. The grab bar 20 has a modular construction of interchangeable components allowing for the grab bar 20 to be readily assembled in configurations of different lengths, depending on the design needs of the particular installation. In its simplest form, the grab bar 20 includes a pair of end caps 22, 24, a body 25 of one or more body sections 26, and two or more couplings 28, depending on the number of body sections 26.

The end caps 22, 24 are each preferably formed with a rail section 30 to add to the graspable length of the grab bar 20 when assembled with a body section 26. As such, the rail sections 30 have a shape corresponding to the immediately adjacent portion of the body section 26 (discussed further below) to which it is attached. Preferably, the rail sections 30 have a length of approximately one (1) inch. However, the rail sections 30 may be of a different length or may be omitted from the end caps 22, 24. When provided with rail sections 30, the rail sections 30 of the end caps 22, 24 are located adjacent to and flush with the ends of the body section 26 and form a smooth extension thereof.

The couplings 28 are used to join the end caps 22, 24 with a body section 26, or one body section 26 with another body section 26. In this regard, the couplings 28 are received within the ends of and extend between the two components being joined.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the couplings 28 are provided with a shape corresponding to the shape of an interior receiving space 32, 34 defined in the body sections 26 and the end caps 22, 24. With regard to the end caps 22, 24, the interior receiving spaces 34 are specifically provided in the rail sections 30 of the end caps 22, 24. The dimensions of the exterior shape of the couplings 28 is slightly smaller than the dimensions of the shape of the interior receiving spaces 32, 34 of the body sections 26 and end caps 22, 24. As such, the engagement between the couplings 30, body sections 26 and end caps 22, 24 is a keyed or mated engagement and may also be a friction or press fit engagement.

To fix the engagement between the couplings 30, body sections 26 and end caps 22, 24, adhesive, spot welding or seam welding may be used. In the case of seam welding, the resultant welds are preferably ground smooth.

The body sections 26 may be provided in two or more differing lengths. For example, one body sections 26 may be provided with a sixteen inch length and another body section may be provided with a six inch length. Provided in this manner, if an eighteen inch grab bar 20 is desired for a particular installation, a sixteen inch body section 26 is joined by a coupling 28 to each of the end caps 22, 24. The end caps 22, 24 each provide an additional one inch of rail section 30 for a total length of eighteen inches of a graspable rail. If an eight inch grab bar 20 is needed, then instead of the eighteen inch body section 26, the six inch body section 26 is used with the two end caps 22, 24.

Similarly, other lengths can be achieved by joining two or more body sections 26 together with a coupling 28 between each of the body sections 26. While not intending to be limited, different length grab bars 20 can be formed from the following example combinations of components: 34 inch grab bar—two sixteen inch body sections 26, two end caps 22, 24 and three couplings 28; 24 inch grab bar—one sixteen inch body section 26, one six inch body section 26, two end caps 22, 24 and three couplings 28; and 14 inch grab bar—two six inch body sections 26, two end caps 22, 24 and three couplings 28.

While the body sections 26 are described as being either sixteen or six inches in length, it will be appreciated that the length of the body sections 26 may be provided in different standard lengths. Preferably the body sections 26 are formed as aluminum or stainless steel extrusions. Formed as extrusions, the number of different length body sections 26 that may cut, finished and available is limitless, as is the length of resultant grab bars 20 formed therewith.

The body section(s) 26 of the grab bar 20 is provided with what is referred to herein as a double bar design. In a double bar design pursuant hereto, in the region where the grab bar 20 is intended to be grasped by a person, two integral, rounded bars 36 are generally defined by extend the length of the body section 26. When mounted in a vertical orientation, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bars 36 are provided on the left and right sides of the body section 26 of the grab bar 20. When mounted in a horizontal orientation, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bars 36 are provided on the top and bottom sides of the body section 26 of the grab bar 20. Thus, the grab bar 20 may be grasped from either the left or right side, when mounted vertically, and may be mounted in a left hand or right hand horizontal position.

On their outboard sides (which is the side located away from the wall when grab bar 20 is mounted to a wall), the two bars 36 are joined by a web 38 defining a recess between the bars 36 and providing depression for comfortably receiving the thumb of a person grasping the grab bar 20. On the inboard side, which is the side of the bars 36 toward the wall or surface supporting the grab bar 20, the bars 36 join with a stanchion 40 that extends perpendicularly from a mounting flange 42. The stanchion 40 positions the bars 36 and body section(s) 26 of the grab bar 20 a distance away from the mounting flange 42 that allows for the fingers of a person grasping the grab bar 20 to comfortably extend over and around a bar 36 of the grab bar 20. Thus, the bars are seen as being offset from the stanchion 40 and spaced apart from the mounting flange 42. That spaced apart distance may be in the range of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches, but could be of a greater or lesser distance.

As noted above, the end caps 22, 24 include corresponding features, the rail sections 30, so as to form extensions of the body section(s) 26. The rail sections 30 accordingly correspond in shape to the bars 36 and a web 38′ interconnects the rail sections 30. Similarly, a stanchion 40′ extends from a mounting flange 42′ outward to the rail sections 30.

While the rail sections 30 of each end cap 22, 24 are identical and configured to mate with the couplings 28 and body sections 26 in the same way, the end caps 22, 24 are not completely identical. The differences between the end caps 22, 24 lies in the terminal portions of the end caps 22, 24, which are located opposite of the rail sections 30.

With regard to end cap 22, the opposing side of the end cap 22 is formed with a flat, profiled wall 44. The profiled wall 44 exhibits the profile of the bars 36, rail portions 30, stanchions 40, 40′ and mountings flange 42, 42′, as seen in FIGS. 1-7, and particularly in FIG. 7. The profiled wall 44 serves multiple purposes, including forming an intentional open bottom end of the grab bar 20 when mounted vertically, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, end cap 22 may be referred to as the bottom end cap 22. Being open, the profiled wall 44 does not close off the end of the grab bar 20 and inhibits the wedging of an article (such as a pencil, toothbrush or other article) between the mounting flange 42 and a bar 36 in order to form an anchor point for a ligature. Additionally, being open, the profiled wall 44 allows for the drainage of water out of or off of the grab bar 20 in all of its intended mounting orientations. When mounted horizontally, drainage can be provided to either the right side (FIG. 3) or left side (FIG. 4) of the grab bar 20. In all mounting orientations, it is intended for the profiled wall 44 to be mounted no higher than the opposing end of the grab bar 20 having end cap 24.

With end cap 22 defining the intended bottom end of the grab bar 20, it follows that the end cap 24 on the other end of the grab bar 20 defines an intended top end cap 24 of the grab bar 20. As such, end cap 24 is intended to be mounted to a wall in a position no lower than the opposing or bottom end cap 22.

Unlike end cap 22, the terminal side of end cap 24 does not exhibit a profile corresponding to the cross-section of the adjacent body section 26 and defining an open end. Rather, end cap 24 terminates in an angled, flat end wall 46 that is dissimilar to profile rail sections 30, web 38′, stanchion 40′ and mounting flange 42′. The end wall 46 is generally trapezoidal in shape, closing the end of the grab bar 20. The end wall 46 extends from the mounting flange 42′ to the outboard sides of the rail sections 30 and has a width corresponding to the widest part of the mounting flange 42′ and tapering to the widest extent of the rail sections 30.

The end wall 46 of end cap 24 is also angled relative to a rear mounting surface 48 of the mounting flange 42′. Measured from the face of the end wall 46 to the rear mounting surface 48 of the end cap 24, the end wall 46 defines an acute angle in the range of about 45 to 75 degrees, and more preferably about 60 degrees.

Provided in this manner, end wall 46 inhibits a ligature from being looped over end cap 24 and forming an anchor point for the ligature. Any ligature looped over end cap 24, when installed as noted above, will be pulled off of the end cap 24 upon the application of a pulling force in the downward direction.

The profiled wall 44 of end cap 22 is also angled relative to the rear mounting surface 48 of the mounting flange 42′. Like end wall 46, the profile wall 44 is angled at an acute angle in the range of about 45 to 75 degrees, and more preferably about 60 degrees. The profile wall 44, however, may alternative be angled in the range of 75 to 90 degrees.

Preferably, a portion of each the end caps 22, 24 is formed as aluminum or stainless steel extrusion, which may be of the same extrusion forming the body sections 26. When forming an end cap 22, 24, one end of the extrusion is cut at an angle and joined with either the profiled wall 44 or end wall 46, depending on which end cap 22, 24 is being formed.

The above description is meant to be illustrative of at least one preferred implementation incorporating the principles of the invention. One skilled in the art will really appreciate that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention, as defined in the claims that follow. The terminology used herein is therefore intended to be understood in the nature of words of description and not words of limitation.

Claims

1. A grab bar assembly, the grab bar assembly comprising:

a body, the body having a first end and a second end, the body being formed of one of a single body section or multiple body sections;

a first end cap, the first end cap being attached to the first end of the body;

a second end cap, the second end cap being attached to the second end of the body; and

at least first and second couplings, the first coupling securing the first end cap to the first end of the body, and the second coupling securing the second end cap to the second end of the body.

2. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the multiple body sections are of one of the same length or different lengths.

3. The grab bar assembly according to claim 2, further comprising at least one additional coupling, the at least one additional coupling securing the multiple body sections to one another.

4. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a first bar portion and a second bar portion, the first and second bar portions being joined by a web extending therebetween.

5. The grab bar assembly according to claim 4, wherein the body includes a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second bar portions to a mounting flange.

6. The grab bar assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first and second bar portions are off set from the stanchion.

7. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second bar portions are spaced apart from the mounting flange.

8. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second end caps include first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first and second rail portions being joined by a web extending therebetween.

9. The grab bar assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and second end caps each include a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second rail portions to a mounting flange.

10. The grab bar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first and second rail portions are off set from the stanchion.

11. The grab bar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first and second rail portions are spaced apart from the mounting flange.

12. The grab bar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first end cap includes a profile wall at a terminal end of the first end cap, the profile wall having a shape corresponding to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web.

13. The grab bar assembly according to claim 12, wherein the profile wall defines an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange.

14. The grab bar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second end cap includes an end wall at a terminal end of the second end cap, the end wall having a shape dissimilar to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web.

15. The grab bar assembly according to claim 14, wherein the end wall defines an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange.

16. The grab bar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second end cap includes an end wall at a terminal end of the second end cap, the end wall having a trapezoidal shape.

17. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end cap is different from the second end cap.

18. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body section is an extrusion.

19. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second end caps is an extrusion.

20. A ligature resistant grab bar assembly, the ligature resistant grab bar assembly comprising:

a body, the body having a first end and a second end, the body being formed of one of a single body section or multiple body sections, the body section including a first bar portion and a second bar portion, the first and second bar portions being joined by a web extending therebetween, the body section further including a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second bar portions to a mounting flange;

first and second end caps, the first end cap being attached to the first end of the body, the second end cap being attached to the second end of the body;

the first and second end caps include first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first and second rail portions being joined by a web extending therebetween, the first and second end caps each further including a stanchion on an opposing side from the web and extending away from the first and second rail portions to a mounting flange;

the first end cap including a profile wall at a terminal end thereof, the profile wall having a shape corresponding to a profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web extending therebetween;

the second end cap including an end wall at a terminal end thereof, the end wall having a shape dissimilar to the profile defined by the first and second rail portions and the web extending therebetween, the end wall defining an acute angle with respect to a plane defined by the mounting flange; and

at least first and second couplings, the first coupling securing the first end cap to the first end of the body, and the second coupling securing the second end cap to the second end of the body.