PORTABLE, FREE-STANDING, GRAB BAR/HANDRAIL ASSIST ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUB AND SHOWER ENCLOSURES

Abstract

A portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly for placement within the confines of a bathtub or shower enclosure comprising a plurality of rigid non-corrodible pipes inserted into a plurality of non-corrodible molded corner fittings. The entire assembly is designed to be non-corrodible in a wet environment and quickly, tool-free, assembled and easily placed within the confines of a bathtub or shower enclosure without the need for fasteners to secure it.

Claims

1. A portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly for placement within the confines of a bathtub or shower enclosure comprising a plurality of rigid non-corrodible pipes inserted into a plurality of rigid non-corrodible fittings, each fitting with at least two openings at 90 degree angles from each opening, to form a stable base, and likewise with at least three upright rigid non-corrodible pipes inserted into at least three rigid non-corrodible fittings at the top and at the base, each fitting with at least two openings at 90 degree angles from each opening, and within which, at the top, two rigid non-corrodible pipes are inserted, one running front to back, and one running laterally across from the top left rearward fitting to the top right rearward fitting, and thus forming an “L” shaped grab bar/handrail at the top of the assembly, and with two capped short non-corrodible rigid pipes inserted into the rearward left and right top corner fittings for added support against an enclosure wall, and likewise, with two capped short non-corrodible rigid pipes inserted into the two base left-side corner fittings for added support upon an enclosure floor surface.

2. The portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly as recited in claim 1 in which all of the non-corrodible components can be easily and quickly assembled for immediate use, or easily and quickly disassembled when no longer needed, without requiring tools; hardware; or fasteners of any kind, or special skills for assembly.

3. The portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly recited in claim 1 in which the length of rigid pipes assembled parallel to each other can be of variable length to allow for differences in length and width of bathtub and shower enclosures, and the variable height of individuals utilizing the assembly.

4. The portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly recited in claim 2 wherein all of the materials incorporated in the assembly are made from compatible rigid PVC plastic to include the option of gluing/cementing the components together for permanent bonding, if so desired.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly 10 in accordance with the present novel invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 discloses a perspective view of the portable, free-standing, grab bar/handrail assist assembly as it would appear when set upon the floor 16 of a shower enclosure with the grab bar/handrail bars 12 at the top of the assembly set against the shower enclosure wall 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] The detailed embodiment of the novel invention is disclosed herein relative to a bathtub/shower enclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be used outside of a bathtub or shower enclosure to assist an individual near a toilet, or wherever grab bar/handrail assistance might be needed. Thus, the details disclosed herein should not be considered limiting, ie. to a bathtub or shower enclosure.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 1, we have there shown an overall perspective view of the grab bar/handrail assist assembly 10.

[0017] The grab bar/handrail assist assembly 10 includes a plurality of rigid non-corrodible pipes: la; 1b; 1c; 2a; 2b; 2c; 3a; 3b; 3c; 7a; 7b; 7c; 7d. We prefer to use 1.25″ PVC, furniture grade, pipes. Also included are a plurality of non-corrodible rigid molded corner fittings. We prefer to use 1.25″ PVC furniture grade fittings. Fittings 4a; 4b; 4c, are identical 4-way fittings with openings at 90 degree angles from each opening. Fittings 5a; 5b are identical 90 degree elbow fittings. Fittings 6a; 6b are identical 3-way fittings with openings at 90 degree angles from each opening. Also included are a plurality of molded end caps, 8a; 8b; 8c; 8d. Again, we prefer to use 1.25″ PVC furniture grade end caps.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, the various rigid pipes and fittings shown in grab bar/handrail assist assembly 10 are easily connected together to form a finished free-standing, portable, grab bar/handrail assist assembly. The base is formed by inserting rigid pipe 1a into fittings 4a and 5a. Rigid pipe 1b, which is of equal length to 1a, is inserted into fittings 4b and 6a. Rigid pipe 2a is inserted into fittings 4a and 4b. Rigid pipe 2b, which is of equal length to pipe 2a, is inserted into fittings 5a and 6a. Finally, rigid pipe 7a is inserted into fitting 4a, and rigid pipe 7b, which is of equal length to pipe 7a, is inserted into fitting 4b. To finish the base, end cap 8a is pushed onto rigid pipe 7a, and end cap 8b is pushed onto rigid pipe 7b.

[0019] With reference again to FIG. 1, the height of the present invention is determined by the length of upright rigid pipes 3a; 3b; and 3c, which are of equal lengths. Rigid pipe 3a is inserted into fittings 4a and 5b. Rigid pipe 3b is inserted into fittings 4b and 4c. Rigid pipe 3c is inserted into fittings 6a and 6b.

[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, the top portion of the present invention is formed by inserting rigid pipe 1c, which is of equal length to pipes 1a and 1b, into fittings 4c and 6b. Accordingly, rigid pipe 2c, which is of equal length to pipes 2a and 2b, is inserted into fittings 4c and 5b. Finally, rigid pipe 7c is inserted into fitting 4c, and then rigid pipe 7d, which is of equal length to rigid pipe 7c, is inserted into fitting 6b. To finish the present invention, end cap 8c is pushed onto rigid pipe 7c and end cap 8d is pushed onto rigid pipe 7d.