GB2290961A

GB2290961A - Combined bath tap cover and backrest

Info

Publication number: GB2290961A
Application number: GB9413674A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Kenneth Rose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-07-07
Filing date: 1994-07-07
Publication date: 1996-01-17
Also published as: GB9413674D0

Abstract

A bath accessory (1) constitutes a combined bath tap cover and back rest. The accessory (1) has a downwardly open upper portion (2) which fits, in use, over the tap unit of a bath. A back rest portion (3), also open at its lower end, depends downwardly from the front edge of the upper portion (2). <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Bath Accessorv This invention relates to a bath accessory, in particular to a bath accessory which provides improved safety and comfort for persons using the bath.

Bath taps, particularly the hot water tap, represent a danger to bathing children. For example, a child may burn itself by touching the hot water tap which may be excessively hot, or by turning on the hot water tap and scalding itself. The taps may also represent a physical danger on which a child may hurt itself, eg by banging its head or back.

In addition to the above, bath taps represent a disincentive to the sharing of baths by two persons, as is regarded as beneficial for energy saving reasons. Generally, it is only possible to sit comfortably when facing the taps.

There has now been devised a bath accessory which overcomes or substantially mitigates the above mentioned disadvantages.

According to the invention, there is provided a bath accessory comprising an upper portion adapted, in use, to fit over and be retained by bath taps, and a downwardly depending portion adapted to serve as a back rest for a person sitting in the bath.

The bath accessory according to the invention is advantageous primarily in that the upper portion covers, and prevents potentially injurious contact with, the bath taps. Also, the back rest enables a person to sit comfortably with his or her back to the taps. This in turn facilitates and encourages the sharing of baths by two persons.

The bath accessory of the invention is conveniently manufactured, eg by moulding, from plastics materials. Any suitable plastics material may be used; one example is polypropylene.

The upper surface of the bath accessory is conveniently formed such that, in use, it constitutes a substantially horizontal shelf on which bottles of shampoo or the like may be stood. A portion of the upper surface may be recessed to form a soap tray.

The lower end of the bath accessory, or at least a portion of the lower end, is preferably spaced from the wall of the bath against which it rests such that a chain on which the bath plug is held captive is able to pass between the bath accessory and the wall of the bath.

Similarly, for use with tap units including a vertically extending pipe leading to a hand held or wall mounted shower head, the upper surface of the bath accessory is preferably provided with an opening through which such a pipe may pass. The bath accessory may be manufactured without such an opening, a region of thinner material or a line of weakness defining a portion which may be readily removed to form such an opening, if required.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a bath accessory according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the bath accessory of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a front elevation of the bath accessory of Figures 1 and 2.

Referring first to Figure 1, a bath accessory (generally designated 1) constitutes a combined bath tap cover and back rest. The accessory 1 has a downwardly open upper portion 2 which fits, in use, over the tap unit on a bath. A back rest portion 3, also open at its lower end, depends downwardly from the front edge of the upper portion 2.

As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, the top surface of the upper portion 2 is formed with a recess 4 which serves as a soap dish. The top surface of the upper portion 2 is also formed with a removable area 5 of thinner material which can be removed to form an opening in the event that the tap unit over which the accessory 1 is fitted includes an upwardly extending pipe leading to, for example, a shower head.

The front surface of the accessory 1 is formed with a series of transverse recesses 6 (see Figure 3), for improved aesthetic appearance.

The angle between the upper portion 2 and the back support portion 3 is chosen to correspond to the angle of slope of the bath on which the accessory 1 is fitted. In the embodiment shown, the edges of the back support portion 3 which abut the wall of the bath are arranged at an angle e (see Figure 1) of 60.

Such an angle is found to be suitable for the overwhelming majority of baths.

Claims

1. A bath accessory comprising an upper portion adapted, in use, to fit over and be retained by bath taps, and a downwardly depending portion adapted to serve as a back rest for a person sitting in the bath.

2. A bath accessory as claimed in claim 1, which is manufactured from plastics materials.

3. A bath accessory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plastics material is polypropylene.

4. A bath accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the bath accessory is formed such that, in use, it constitutes a substantially horizontal shelf.

5. A bath accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the upper surface of the bath accessory is recessed.

6. A bath accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the lower end of the bath accessory is spaced from the wall of the bath against which it rests.

7. A bath accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the bath accessory is provided with an opening for a shower pipe.

8. A bath accessory substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.