CA2621795C - Sealing arrangement for bath bar - Google Patents
Sealing arrangement for bath bar Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2621795C CA2621795C CA 2621795 CA2621795A CA2621795C CA 2621795 C CA2621795 C CA 2621795C CA 2621795 CA2621795 CA 2621795 CA 2621795 A CA2621795 A CA 2621795A CA 2621795 C CA2621795 C CA 2621795C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- insert
- leg
- grab bar
- hole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 ; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
- A47K3/003—Grips for baths
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
- A47K17/02—Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
- A47K17/022—Wall mounted grab bars or handles, with or without support on the floor
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Bolts, Nuts, And Washers (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
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.
Description
SEALING ARRANGEMENT FOR BATH BAR
BACKGROUND
This disclosure relates to an arrangement for sealing a plastic bath bar or grab bar relative to a wall in a bathing area, such as a shower enclosure or near a bath tub.
Grab bars are used in bathing areas, such as showers, to provide a stable structure for a person to grasp. Typically, the grab bar is secured to a wall that is exposed to moisture or running water. The grab bar includes one or more legs that are secured to the wall using multiple fasteners. The walls typically are not impervious to moisture such that they become damaged when exposed to water.
The fasteners that secure the grab bar to the wall create areas that are susceptible to water penetration. For example, water often flows into the wall past the heads of the fasteners or behind the legs where they meet the wall.
What is needed is a sealing arrangement the prevents water from flowing into the wall.
SUMMARY
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.
These and other features of the disclosure can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example grab bar assembly.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a leg of the grab bar.
Figure 3 is a cross-section view of the grab bar secured to a wall.
I
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A grab bar assembly 10 is shown in Figure 1. The assembly 10 includes opposing front and rear sides 11, 13. The assembly 10 includes a bar 14 having opposing legs 15 that extend from the front side 11 to the rear side 13. The bar 14 extends along a longitudinal direction L. The bar 14 and legs 15 are molded as a single, unitary member that is formed by a molding process, such as gas-assisted injection molding. In one example, the bar 14 is constructed from a plastic material, such as polypropylene, having an approximately 30% glass filler. Polypropylene has good chemical resistance to bathroom spray cleaners, for example. The legs are secured to a wall 12 by fastening elements 30, such as '/4 inch lag screws, best shown in Figure 3.
In the example, each leg 15 includes a cavity 16 that has a hole 18 for receiving the fastening element 30. In one example, an insert 20 is disposed within the cavity 16 and aligned with the hole 18 to reinforce the legs 15 so that the area does not crack the plastic grab bar during installation or use, thus, weakening the bar 14. Referring to Figure 2, the insert 20 includes a body 22 having a diameter D1. A
flange 24 extends radially outwardly from the body 22 and acts as a washer against which a head of the fastening element 30 abuts during installation. In one example, the hole 18 includes a diameter D2 that is smaller than the diameter D1. The insert 20 can be separately installed into the hole 18 in an interference fit in one example, or the bar 14 can be molded about the insert 20 when it is formed. This provides a water-tight sea] between the insert 20 and leg 15 in area B (Figure 3). In one example, the insert 20 is constructed from a brass material. The insert 20 includes chamfered edges 26 to prevent stress risers and cracking of the leg 15 during installation as the fastening element 30 is screwed into the wall 12.
A resilient washer 28 is provided between the fastening element 30 and the insert 20 to provide a seal in area C. In one example, the resilient washer 28 can be constructed from a nylon material.
The cavity 16 includes an edge 34. An aesthetic cover 32 is installed over the cavity 16 to enclose the fastening element 30 and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The cover 32 includes a perimeter 36 that locates the cover 32 relative to the bar 14 with the perimeter 36 in abutting relationship the edge 34. In the example shown, the bar 14 includes first and second slots 29, 31. The cover 32 includes first and second tabs 33, 35 that are respectively received by the first and second slots 29, 31. In the disclosed example, the cover 32 is generally flush with the exterior surface of the front side 11 of the bar 14.
Each of the legs 15 includes a generally planar base 46 or surface having an annular recess 38. A seal 40, such as an o-ring, is received by the recess 38.
The seal 40 can have a circular, quadrangular or other cross-sectional shape. An adhesive 48 can be used to securely retain the seal 40 within the recess 38.
The seal 40 surrounds the hole 18 to prevent water from migrating past the seal 40 at surface 42 (Figures 2 and 3) into the wall 12 in area A.
The bar 14 can be assembled with the seal 40 and insert 20 retained relative to the bar 14. A single fastening element 30 is used to secure each leg 15 of the bar 14 to the wall 12 in the example. A flexible washer 28 is used between the head of the fastening element 30 and the insert 20. The cover 32 is arranged over the cavity 16 to complete assembly of the bar 14.
Although example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.
BACKGROUND
This disclosure relates to an arrangement for sealing a plastic bath bar or grab bar relative to a wall in a bathing area, such as a shower enclosure or near a bath tub.
Grab bars are used in bathing areas, such as showers, to provide a stable structure for a person to grasp. Typically, the grab bar is secured to a wall that is exposed to moisture or running water. The grab bar includes one or more legs that are secured to the wall using multiple fasteners. The walls typically are not impervious to moisture such that they become damaged when exposed to water.
The fasteners that secure the grab bar to the wall create areas that are susceptible to water penetration. For example, water often flows into the wall past the heads of the fasteners or behind the legs where they meet the wall.
What is needed is a sealing arrangement the prevents water from flowing into the wall.
SUMMARY
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.
These and other features of the disclosure can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example grab bar assembly.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a leg of the grab bar.
Figure 3 is a cross-section view of the grab bar secured to a wall.
I
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A grab bar assembly 10 is shown in Figure 1. The assembly 10 includes opposing front and rear sides 11, 13. The assembly 10 includes a bar 14 having opposing legs 15 that extend from the front side 11 to the rear side 13. The bar 14 extends along a longitudinal direction L. The bar 14 and legs 15 are molded as a single, unitary member that is formed by a molding process, such as gas-assisted injection molding. In one example, the bar 14 is constructed from a plastic material, such as polypropylene, having an approximately 30% glass filler. Polypropylene has good chemical resistance to bathroom spray cleaners, for example. The legs are secured to a wall 12 by fastening elements 30, such as '/4 inch lag screws, best shown in Figure 3.
In the example, each leg 15 includes a cavity 16 that has a hole 18 for receiving the fastening element 30. In one example, an insert 20 is disposed within the cavity 16 and aligned with the hole 18 to reinforce the legs 15 so that the area does not crack the plastic grab bar during installation or use, thus, weakening the bar 14. Referring to Figure 2, the insert 20 includes a body 22 having a diameter D1. A
flange 24 extends radially outwardly from the body 22 and acts as a washer against which a head of the fastening element 30 abuts during installation. In one example, the hole 18 includes a diameter D2 that is smaller than the diameter D1. The insert 20 can be separately installed into the hole 18 in an interference fit in one example, or the bar 14 can be molded about the insert 20 when it is formed. This provides a water-tight sea] between the insert 20 and leg 15 in area B (Figure 3). In one example, the insert 20 is constructed from a brass material. The insert 20 includes chamfered edges 26 to prevent stress risers and cracking of the leg 15 during installation as the fastening element 30 is screwed into the wall 12.
A resilient washer 28 is provided between the fastening element 30 and the insert 20 to provide a seal in area C. In one example, the resilient washer 28 can be constructed from a nylon material.
The cavity 16 includes an edge 34. An aesthetic cover 32 is installed over the cavity 16 to enclose the fastening element 30 and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The cover 32 includes a perimeter 36 that locates the cover 32 relative to the bar 14 with the perimeter 36 in abutting relationship the edge 34. In the example shown, the bar 14 includes first and second slots 29, 31. The cover 32 includes first and second tabs 33, 35 that are respectively received by the first and second slots 29, 31. In the disclosed example, the cover 32 is generally flush with the exterior surface of the front side 11 of the bar 14.
Each of the legs 15 includes a generally planar base 46 or surface having an annular recess 38. A seal 40, such as an o-ring, is received by the recess 38.
The seal 40 can have a circular, quadrangular or other cross-sectional shape. An adhesive 48 can be used to securely retain the seal 40 within the recess 38.
The seal 40 surrounds the hole 18 to prevent water from migrating past the seal 40 at surface 42 (Figures 2 and 3) into the wall 12 in area A.
The bar 14 can be assembled with the seal 40 and insert 20 retained relative to the bar 14. A single fastening element 30 is used to secure each leg 15 of the bar 14 to the wall 12 in the example. A flexible washer 28 is used between the head of the fastening element 30 and the insert 20. The cover 32 is arranged over the cavity 16 to complete assembly of the bar 14.
Although example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.
Claims (9)
1. A grab bar for use in a bathing area comprising:
a longitudinal bar extending to a leg that includes a base configured to be secured to a wall, the leg having a hole;
a fastener received in the hole and extending through the base; and a seal supported by the base and surrounding the hole; and an insert received in the hole in an interference relationship providing a seal between the leg and the insert, the fastener extending through the insert.
a longitudinal bar extending to a leg that includes a base configured to be secured to a wall, the leg having a hole;
a fastener received in the hole and extending through the base; and a seal supported by the base and surrounding the hole; and an insert received in the hole in an interference relationship providing a seal between the leg and the insert, the fastener extending through the insert.
2. The grab bar according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a recess around the hole, and the seal disposed in the recess.
3. The grab bar according to claim 2, wherein the seal is an elastomeric o-ring.
4. The grab bar according to claim 2, comprising an adhesive securing the seal within the recess.
5. The grab bar according to claim 1, comprising a flexible washer arranged between a head of the fastener and the insert, the fastener extending through the washer, the washer in abutment with the fastener and the insert to provide a seal there between.
6. The grab bar according to claim 1, wherein the leg is plastic and the insert is metallic.
7. The grab bar according to claim 1, wherein the insert is metallic and includes a body disposed in the hole and flange extending from the body, the flange arranged beneath a head of the fastener.
8. The grab bar according to claim 7, comprising a flexible washer arranged between the head and the flange, the fastener extending through the washer, the washer in abutment with the fastener and the insert to provide a seal there between.
9. The grab bar according to claim 8, wherein the leg includes a cavity exposing the head, and comprising a cover secured to the leg and enclosing the cavity and the head.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2621795 CA2621795C (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2008-02-20 | Sealing arrangement for bath bar |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2621795 CA2621795C (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2008-02-20 | Sealing arrangement for bath bar |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2621795A1 CA2621795A1 (en) | 2009-08-20 |
| CA2621795C true CA2621795C (en) | 2012-03-20 |
Family
ID=40983669
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2621795 Expired - Fee Related CA2621795C (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2008-02-20 | Sealing arrangement for bath bar |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2621795C (en) |
-
2008
- 2008-02-20 CA CA 2621795 patent/CA2621795C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2621795A1 (en) | 2009-08-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180220 |