Hand Grip Patents (Class 4/576.1)
  • Patent number: 11832768
    Abstract: A retractable support handle includes a mounting bracket having a rear plate configured to secure to a mounting surface via one or more fasteners. A support bar includes a first end connected to a spring-loaded hinge within the mounting bracket and a second end extending outwardly from a slot disposed on a front plate of the mounting bracket. The support bar is rotatable between a raised vertical position and a lowered horizontal position. The spring-loaded hinge is configured to automatically return the support bar to the raised vertical position when the retractable support handle is not in use. A user may grasp and rotate the support bar to the lowered horizontal position to provide a support handle when needed. When the user releases the support bar, the spring-loaded hinge automatically retracts the support bar to the raised vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michelle Cates-Fox, Aaron Bivens, Benjamin Girardin
  • Patent number: 11700982
    Abstract: A grab bar is disclosed. The grab bar includes an undulating grab portion. The undulating grab portion includes an outwardly angled section and an inwardly angled section that are connected by one or more parallel sections (i.e., one or more “plateau sections”). At one end, the grab portion includes a first mounting portion that can be connected (e.g., mounted) to a fixed surface. At its other end, the grab portion includes a second mounting portion that can be connected (e.g., mounted) to the fixed surface or any other fixed surface. The plateau section may include one or more inwardly extending subportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: M-POWER BAR, LLC
    Inventor: William Douglas Beims
  • Patent number: 11445862
    Abstract: This present invention discloses an easy to install and repositionable grab bar assembly that provides support for users while using a shower, bathtub, spa or the like. The grab bar assembly is comprised of a grab bar, a back plate with slots and anchoring elements to secure the assembly to a wall surface. The grab bar assembly is attached to the wall surface by placing the backplate against the wall surface so as to align the slots to pre-drilled holes in the wall surface. The anchoring elements and other securing components are then tightened to secure the grab bar assembly to the wall. The slot-based design enables an individual to slide the grab bar as required by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Wayne Schlabach
  • Patent number: 11083655
    Abstract: A step stool comprising a first support to be disposed closer to a first end of a bed or bathtub; a second support to be disposed closer to a second end of the bed or bathtub; a step assembly supported between the first support and second support, the step assembly to enable the user to step thereon for assisting the user into and out of the bed or bathtub from a side, wherein the first support and second support define an unobstructed pathway for entry and exit with respect to the side and the step stool that is perpendicular with respect to the side whereby the user goes between the first support and second support to step onto and off of the step assembly without any obstruction; and folding mechanisms operably coupling the first support and second support to the step assembly to enable the step stool to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Vincent J. Baiera
  • Patent number: 10869579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drowning prevention device for use in the shower employing an autonomous, gravity-based mechanism. In one example, the drowning prevention device comprises a harness comprising a belt and a lanyard. In a fall situation, the body weight of a user wearing the belt of the drowning prevention device directs the force to the lanyard which pulls an attached cable connected to the shower's valve arm, closing the valve arm and stopping water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Richard John Smith
  • Patent number: 10835432
    Abstract: A method of using a bathtub step stool to get into a bathtub comprises gripping at least one support of a bathtub step stool; stepping onto a step assembly of the bathtub step stool, towards an entry side of the bathtub; turning towards one of supports; while gripping one of the supports, stepping over the entry side of the bathtub and into the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Vincent J. Baiera
  • Patent number: 10213056
    Abstract: The bathroom support system is a stability assistance device. The bathroom support system is removably installed in the bathing structure. An individual uses the bathroom support system as a supporting structure by holding onto the bathroom support system during bathing activities. The bathroom support system comprises a telescopic structure, a plurality of supports, and an alarm system. The plurality of supports and the alarm system attach to the telescopic structure. The telescopic structure adjusts the size of the bathroom support system to match the space provided in the bathing structure. The plurality of supports: 1) stabilize the bathroom support system; and, 2) provide anchor points, which are grasped by the individual for stabilization. The alarm system is a safety device that allows the individual to call for assistance from an appropriate authority if it is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Gerald F. Gallo
  • Patent number: 10143343
    Abstract: A standing assistive device is provided having a wall bracket and an arm portion with handle. The wall bracket may be affixed to a wall either in front of or behind either side of a toilet. The arm is mounted to the wall bracket with two pivots; one pivot that allows the unit to swing up and down which facilitates storage of the unit against the wall vertically when not in use; and a second pivot that allows the unit to swing left to right which facilitates storage of the unit against the wall horizontally when not in use. Additionally, the second pivot makes it possible for the handle on the arm portion to be positioned directly in front of the user when the user pulls himself or herself up. An optional wall-mounted ladder bracket allows the user to adjust the vertical mounting position of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9968226
    Abstract: A bathroom fixture assembly comprising a plurality of rigid vertical members each comprising a first end configured to couple to a ceiling and a second end configured to extend downward beyond an upper edge of an outer wall of a basin of a bathtub or shower. The assembly may comprise a shower curtain channel configured to house a fully-functioning shower curtain. The assembly may further comprise one or more gates that may be used as grab bars and that may lock into position about a 180 degree range of motion around any of the rigid vertical members. The assembly may further comprise a seat, which may pivot from an upward position to a horizontal position when use is desired. The assembly may optionally comprise an exterior seat, cabinet, light, multi-use davit/hook, and/or physical therapy sky hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Alvin Joseph Anderson
  • Patent number: 9433547
    Abstract: A cantilevered support system is provided. The cantilevered support system comprises a vertical support pole and longitudinally extending upper and lower support arm assemblies that are securable to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK
    Inventors: Andrew John Hart, Geoffrey Roy Fernie, T. Daniel Smyth, Victoria P. Komisar, Emily Catherine King, Adam Matthew Sobchak
  • Patent number: 8990973
    Abstract: A grab bar body is configured to have an overall shape that is defined by an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The grab bar body defines an open center space that is entirely bounded by the inner peripheral surface. In one example, the grab bar body has an overall shape that corresponds to an oval shape, with the open center space having a corresponding oval shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew James Graff, Earl David Forrest, Jeffrey Allen DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20140359933
    Abstract: A bath safety rail for being engaged to and disengaged from a bath surface. The bath safety rail includes a base, a handle on the base, first and second suction cups opposing the handle, cam followers on the suction cups that extend into the base, and cams in the base to engage and draw up the cam followers and suction cups to thereby create suction. The handle is two-piece where the pieces are separated by a handle plane, where each axis of each suction cup is in the handle plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Brian G. Linehan, Mark A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 8556224
    Abstract: A bar that is to be attached to a wall includes two stanchions, each stanchion supporting a portion of an elongated piece that extends from one stanchion to the other. A supporting connector having a lower portion attaches to and extends upwardly from each of the stanchions and a portion above the lower portion. A horizontal support extends horizontally from the portion above the lower portion of the connector between the stanchions and is disposed a distance D1 above each the stanchion. And, an adhesive is disposed beneath and attaches to the horizontal support and extends along a length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Semen Kharchenko, William H. Spencer, Jr., Helli Marie McDaniel, Michael Glenn Geels, Jigui Li, Hyun Moon
  • Patent number: 8533912
    Abstract: A grab handle mounting assembly securable to a mounting surface includes a first mounting arm assembly securable to a mounting surface. The first mounting arm assembly defines a first male pin. A second mounting arm assembly is securable to a mounting surface and defines a second male pin. The assembly further includes a first tube having first and second open ends, wherein the first male pin is mateable within the first open end of the first tube and the second male pin is mateable within the second open end of the first tube. When the first and second mounting arm assemblies are secured to a mounting surface with the first and second male pins mated with the first and second open ends of the first tube, the first and second mounting arm assemblies impose a torsional force on the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Richard Tran
  • Patent number: 8430369
    Abstract: A wall mounting bath accessory assembly contains a fixing member to be locked to a wall including a groove defined therein so that between the groove and the wall is defined a movable space and an upper locking portion disposed on a top end thereof; a sliding member limited to move between an upper dead center and a lower dead center of the movable space and including an upper abutting portion disposed on a top end thereof and a lower locking portion extending from a bottom end thereof; a retaining member located on an outer side of the fixing member and including an upper fastening portion extending from a top end of thereof, and a lower fastening portion extending from a bottom end thereof; a base including a receiving chamber to receive the retaining member, the fixing member, and the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Weimien Hsu, Dulun Chang, Chunhung Li
  • Patent number: 8393020
    Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure have adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Willie T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8393587
    Abstract: A method for installing an accessory for a bath includes attaching a first mounting bracket to a structure; placing the accessory on a first side of a system wall that is visible after installation; placing a second mounting bracket on a second side of the system wall that is not visible after installation; attaching the accessory to the second mounting bracket through the system wall; and attaching the second mounting bracket to the first mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Bath Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8387931
    Abstract: A grab bar is attached to a wall of a shower enclosure with at least one anchor assembly. When installed, a grab bar mount flange covers the anchor assembly from view. The anchor assembly includes a flange collar with a collar bore and a jackscrew that is received within the collar bore. The flange collar is installed within an opening formed within the wall of the shower enclosure. A position of the jackscrew can be adjusted without having to remove the flange collar from the wall. Once properly adjusted, a fastener is inserted through the grab bar mount flange, flange collar, and jackscrew for securement to a wall structure behind the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 8353068
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable hand rail including a wall-mounted base member that includes a circular plate with an inward facing side and an outward facing side. The circular plate includes a circular track. The circular track has a bottom, an inside rail member extending from the bottom and an outside rail member extending from the bottom. The two rail members define a C-shaped channel. The bottom of the track member also includes a plurality of lock apertures. A rotatable insert is rotatably disposed within the circular track. The insert has a first insert opening and a diametrically opposed second insert opening. First and second shoulder members are disposed within the insert openings. The first shoulder member has a first locking pin biased to extend into one of the lock apertures. A bar having a first end and a second end is provided attached to the shoulder members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: John W Bailey, Steven H Bailey
  • Patent number: 8245988
    Abstract: A method for installing an accessory for a bath includes attaching a first mounting bracket to a structure; placing the accessory on a first side of a system wall that is visible after installation; placing a second mounting bracket on a second side of the system wall that is not visible after installation; attaching the accessory to the second mounting bracket through the system wall; and attaching the second mounting bracket to the first mounting bracket wherein the system wall has a first portion that is both parallel to the structure and extends above the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, and a second portion that is both parallel to the structure and extends below the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Masco Bath Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8122530
    Abstract: An adjustable hand rail has a wall-mountable base member and a bar member which mounts to the wall-mountable base member, an axis is defined by the bar member. The bar member is manually rotatable with respect to the wall-mountable base member. The bar member has means for being selectively locked into any one of a plurality of different axial positions with respect to the wall-mountable base member, including a vertical axial position, a horizontal axial position, and various intermediate axial positions between the vertical axial position and the horizontal axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: John W. Bailey, Steven H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8108956
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly includes tabs which engage respective pockets to position a cap within a grab bar recessed area. The tabs and pockets position the cap while a locking tab secures the cap within the recessed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 8104726
    Abstract: A bathing system assembly has; an accessory such as a grab bar, a seat or the like; a first mounting bracket affixed to a structural wall; and a second mounting bracket attaching the accessory to a bath wall. The second mounting bracket cooperates with the first mounting bracket for easy installation of the bath wall and accessory to the structural wall, e.g., stud wall. The bathing system wall including the accessory and the second mounting bracket is manipulated by an installer so that the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket cooperate to support the wall and the grab bar. Because the accessory is attached directly to the second mounting bracket, flanges and attachment means for hardware are eliminated. The accessory may be attached to the second mounting bracket through the bath wall at a first location and attached to the first mounting bracket at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Masco Bath Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 8095999
    Abstract: Shoulder supports extend from a shower enclosure wall and support a shower accessory. The shoulders have an attachment on the side for the shower accessories. The selected shower accessory would have a mating attachment on each of its ends to correspond to two shoulders extending from the enclosure walls. The attachment is preferably a male/female indentation on one of the shoulders and shower accessory and a corresponding attachment on the other. The indentations provide a non-permanent attachment of the shower accessory to the supports so that the chosen accessory may later be removed and replaced if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aqua Glass Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Wilson, Evan Carpenter Crawford, Jeffrey A. DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20110239365
    Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure consisting of adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: WILLIE T. GRANT
  • Patent number: 7934274
    Abstract: A grab bar for attachment to a bathroom wall structure includes a body member that extends between first and second ends. The body member is defined by a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff
  • Patent number: 7877824
    Abstract: A telescoping support bar installed in a shower enclosure and similar facilities requires no mechanical wall fasteners. The support bar includes telescoping tubes with end retainers gripping walls of the enclosures. Length of the support bar is governed by fixed length spacer means and internal extensible means. Extensible means, having bearings movable along a rod, provides the lengthening and shortening of the support bar as the distance between the bearings is increased or decreased. This change in distance likewise changes the overall length of the support bar. With the retainers snug against the walls, one of the tubes, being rotatable, is turned in circular motion. This rotation is converted into an axial force along the bar causing the retainers to forcefully grip the walls, providing a rigid and strong bar installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Willie T. Grant, Carolyn R. Grant
  • Patent number: 7874025
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a grab bar having a first aperture and a second aperture defined along an axis; a post which receives the grab bar; an insert which pass through the first aperture and abut the second aperture; and a fastener mounted through the post and the second aperture along the axis, the fastener receivable into the insert to retain the grab bar within the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Rohn Bowden, Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 7823229
    Abstract: A wall mounted pivoting and locking support rail assembly providing improved support to assist elderly and physically challenged persons with safely using a bathtub or shower area. The present invention mounts to the wall in a similar way to a conventional grab bar, however, it adds an additional rail handle with the ability to pivot outward from the wall, and lock in one of several angular positions to extend support outward from the wall, and more to the centre of a shower or tub. This outward support is invaluable to assist with elderly and disabled persons to safely enter, use, and exit from the bathtub without dangerous reaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: John L. O'Brien, Edward Martin Thomas, Donald Andrew Ed
  • Patent number: 7774902
    Abstract: A grab bar for projecting from a structure to a projecting side of the grab bar includes a user support member operable to support a user, the user support member being disposed at the projecting side of the grab bar; and an extending member attached to the user support member and dimensioned to extend between the projecting side and an attachment side of the grab bar opposite the projecting side, whereby an upper edge of the grab bar extends from the extending member upwardly and away from the attachment side at a first end of the grab bar and extends upwardly and away from the projecting side at a second end of the grab bar opposite the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Robert H. J. Whyzel
  • Patent number: 7694357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety bar for a bathtub to help prevent children from falling into a tub. The bar can be moved from a lower position to an upper position to form a barrier to keep children out of a tub. Alternatively, the device when it is in its extended position can be used to provide an additional support for a user when sitting in a tub, so that the user does not slide in the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Joanne Alvite
  • Patent number: 7665706
    Abstract: A suction-adhered device includes a main body, suction cup units, and suction power detection units. The main body is provided with chambers. Each of the suction cup units includes a suction cup received in the chamber, and a safety lever projected from the upper side of the main body and movably connected to the suction cup with an elastic element mounted between them. Each of the suction power detection units includes a probe received in a long hole near the chamber to partially project from the long hole, and an indicating member visible via a window formed on a top of the main body above the long hole. When the suction cup is loosened from a mounting surface, the indicating member is turned by an elastic element to show a warning indicating zone thereof, so that a user may be timely warned to re-mount the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Li-Sheng Chien, Ho Chien-Chang
  • Patent number: 7603728
    Abstract: A holding device for sanitary and more particularly bathroom sector possesses a hand grip arrangement with an associated attachment means having at least two pairs of suction heads of which the hand grip arrangement may be secured to an even surface and may be detached from same, the hand grip arrangement being coupled or able to be coupled by means of coupling means with each pair of suckers at coupling points lying between the respective suction heads of a pair of suckers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Eckart Roth
  • Patent number: 7597652
    Abstract: Systems and techniques to mount equipment in a watertight fashion to a wall. A watertight mount includes a mounting base including a flange and a socket having an interior surface including mating threads. The mount may include a base plate coupled with the mounting base, the base plate defining an opening through which the socket passes. The mount may also include a gasket coupled between the base plate and the mounting base, the gasket defining an opening through which the socket passes, and the base plate may be releasably coupled with the mounting base through a spa wall. The base plate may be coupled with the mounting base using a connector, such as a nut defining a threaded hole that matches securing threads on an exterior surface of a barrel shaped socket in the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas
    Inventors: Victor Lee Walker, Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr., James Donald McClure, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090217452
    Abstract: Grab rail assemblies are disclosed for mounting on walls, such as the tiled walls of a showering area or a mud room. The assemblies are designed to aesthetically meld with the surrounding environment by having a front tile mounting panel. They may also be provided with a drainage system to avoid water collecting long term within the rail when the rail is used in a shower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Leila M. Rubin, Michael R. Bates, Nicholas T. Pairolero, Katherine A. Stanchak
  • Publication number: 20090211017
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a grab bar having a first aperture and a second aperture defined along an axis; a post which receives the grab bar; an insert which pass through the first aperture and abut the second aperture; and a fastener mounted through the post and the second aperture along the axis, the fastener receivable into the insert to retain the grab bar within the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Rohn Bowden, Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090211015
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly includes tabs which engage respective pockets to position a cap within a grab bar recessed area. The tabs and pockets position the cap while a locking tab secures the cap within the recessed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090211016
    Abstract: A bath accessory assembly includes a bar and a seal. The bar includes at least one mounting surface having a groove and a plurality of tabs disposed about a sidewall of the groove. The seal is received within the groove of the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090211014
    Abstract: A grab bar includes a front facing side and a wall facing side that is opposite from the front facing side. The grab bar is attached to a wall structure with at least one mounting assembly at the wall facing side. A removable decorative insert is supported by the front facing side. The removable decorative insert is easily removed and replaced by other decorative inserts as needed without having to remove the grab bar from the wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff, Jeffrey Allen DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20090214318
    Abstract: A grab bar is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, a flange arm assembly having a base portion and an arm portion, and a spring. The spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the flange arm assembly in place during installation. The base portion of the flange arm assembly has a flange that fits against a wall surface of the wall structure, and the arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. The flange prevents the flange arm assembly from falling behind the wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Rohn Bowden, Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff
  • Publication number: 20090211013
    Abstract: A grab bar body is configured to have an overall shape that is defined by an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The grab bar body defines an open center space that is entirely bounded by the inner peripheral surface. In one example, the grab bar body has an overall shape that corresponds to an oval shape, with the open center space having a corresponding oval shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew James Graff, Earl David Forrest, Jeffrey Allen DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20090205123
    Abstract: A grab bar is attached to a wall of a shower enclosure with at least one anchor assembly. When installed, a grab bar mount flange covers the anchor assembly from view. The anchor assembly includes a flange collar with a collar bore and a jackscrew that is received within the collar bore. The flange collar is installed within an opening formed within the wall of the shower enclosure. A position of the jackscrew can be adjusted without having to remove the flange collar from the wall. Once properly adjusted, a fastener is inserted through the grab bar mount flange, flange collar, and jackscrew for securement to a wall structure behind the shower enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090205124
    Abstract: A grab bar for attachment to a bathroom wall structure includes a body member that extends between first and second ends. The body member is defined by a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff
  • Publication number: 20090205125
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a grab bar assembly that includes a bar extending along a longitudinal direction. The bar includes opposing legs extending away from a front side to a rear side and terminating in a base. The base provides a surface that seals against a wall. The bar is a non-reinforced structure having no internal metallic reinforcing members. In one example, the bar is constructed from a gas-assisted injection molding process that creates a hollow within the bar. The bar includes a gripping area on the rear side, and is over-molded with a thermo plastic elastomer in one example. A single attachment feature, such as a lag screw, is provided at each of the opposing legs to secure the grab bar to the wall. An aesthetic cover is secured to the bar to enclose the fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090205126
    Abstract: A grab bar is disclosed for use in a bathing area. The grab bar includes a longitudinal bar extending to a leg that includes a base configured to be secured to a wall. The leg includes a hole, and a fastener is receive in the hole and extends through the base to the wall. A seal is supported by the base and surrounds the hole to seal the grab bar relative to the wall. An insert is arranged in the hole for reinforcement and is in an interference relationship to the leg to provide a seal there with. A flexible washer is arranged between the fastener and the insert or leg to seal a head of the washer relative to the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090206220
    Abstract: A grab bar for attachment to a wall mount surface includes a mount assembly having a sleeve, a base flange, and a set screw. The sleeve is attached to a wall facing side of the grab bar. The base flange has a base portion to be associated with the wall mount surface and a wall portion extending outwardly from the base portion. Once the sleeve is attached to the grab bar and the base flange is attached to the wall mount surface, the sleeve is received over the wall portion in an overlapping relationship. The set screw is then used to secure the sleeve to the base flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff, Jian Wen Cui, Yong Chen
  • Publication number: 20080301868
    Abstract: A bathing insert for use with a bathing space, the bathing insert comprising a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat including a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface such that the interior area is accessible by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Sidney M. Libit, Jeffrey M. Libit
  • Patent number: 7461417
    Abstract: An apparatus having a tray, a towel rack and a handrail is provided for use with a spa of a type having a bottom with sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom to form an enclosure for holding water. A base member is disposed on a horizontal floor below and adjacent to the sidewalls of the spa. A vertically disposed post member operatively attached to the base member and a handrail operatively attached to a top portion of the post member, the handrail being transversely disposed with respect to the post member. A horizontally disposed tray is pivotally attached to the post and a towel bar is attached to the post. Structures are provided for securing the preferred embodiment of the invention to a spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Byron Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Godbersen
  • Publication number: 20080244824
    Abstract: A bathtub safety apparatus particularly useful for helping a user to get into and out of a bathtub safely. The apparatus providing a hand hold that reduces the chances of accidental slips and falls. The hand hold made of a braided chain of rope that is suspended from the ceiling. This braided chain of rope being detachable from the ceiling for washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fraser, Judith M. Fraser
  • Patent number: D602138
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Jon Gilbert, Alan M. Bauer