GB2489849A

GB2489849A - A safety impact cushion for fitment over bath taps

Info

Publication number: GB2489849A
Application number: GB201211663A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anne Pauline Bater; Clive Bernard Waring Samuelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-02
Filing date: 2012-07-02
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-02
Also published as: GB2489849B; GB201211663D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for fitment over bath taps to prevent a personâ s head, especially a childâ s head from hitting the taps. The device comprises a plurality of hingedly connected blocks 1 to 5 of waterproof resilient material such as an impact resilient foam, which may be polyurethane foam wrapped in a thin polyvinylchloride sheet. The polyvinylchloride sheet is welded between each block to form a seam which acts as a hinge. Elastic pieces 6 may be provided at the ends of the array of blocks allowing the device to be placed over and secured to the taps. A cap (not shown) made from PVC coated polyester with elastic around an inner edge may be provided as a cover for the device when it is placed over the taps.

Description

DEVICES FOR FITMENT OVER BATH TAPS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to devices for fitment over bath taps.

As explained in Patent Specification No. 2 390 129 (to which reference should be made), various devices have been proposed for use in baths with the object of improving the comfort of the user of the bath. Such devices are typically made of a resilient material with the object of providing a cushioning effect between the user's body and various parts of the bath.

Despite these proposals, the problem remains with the taps as there can be reasons why users wish to use the bath facing away from the taps, for example, when bathing two children at the same time, the taps being a particular hazard with young children.

The device described in Patent Specification No. 2 390 129 comprises a cushioned portion which, in use, is positioned over the taps of a bath and a spacer portion which, in use, spaces the cushioned portion from the bath by at least the height of the bath taps when the device is placed over the taps, the device being in flat pack form. This device is effective in operation, but relatively expensive to produce.

I

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of device for fitment over bath taps, the device being economical to produce, simple to fit and reliable in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a device for fitment over bath taps, the device comprising a plurality of blocks of waterproof resilient material, means interconnecting the blocks permitting hinged movement thereof relative to one another, and means for releasably securing the blocks in position on top of bath taps.

The blocks of waterproof resilient material are preferably arranged parallel to one another and may be formed of a foamed polyurethane or polyester.

The blocks of resilient material may be encased in sheets of thermoplastic material, such as thin sheets of polyvinylchloride, which are welded together between the blocks to provide the hinge connections between the blocks.

The means for releasably securing the blocks in position over the bath taps may comprise elasticated strips attached to ends of the blocks. The releasable securing means may alternatively comprise pads of interengaging fasteners, such as those sold under the Registered Trade Mark "VELCRO".

A cap made from p.v.c. -coated polyester with elastic around its inner edge may be provided for fitment over the device for aesthetic purposes and may carry a decorative motif or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a number of components of the device, and Figure 2 shows the device fitted over the taps of a bath.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The device shown in the drawings includes five parallel elongated strips 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of high impact resilient foam, for example, polyurethane foam. The strips of resilient foam 1 to 5 are wrapped in thin polyvinylchloride sheet which is then welded creating seams between adjacent foam strips 1 to 5 and covering the ends of the strips I to 5. The foam strips 1 to 5 are thus joined together whilst remaining hingedly movable relative to one another to permit variation in the configuration of the artifact produced by the plurality of foam strips 1 to 5.

Elastic pieces 6 are provided at the ends of the array of parallel strips 1 to 5, with one end of each elastic piece 6 welded to an end of an elongated strip 1 and with the other end of each elastic piece 6 welded to the adjacent end of elongated strip 5. The elastic pieces 6 permit relative movement of the parallel strips 1 to 5, enabling them to be fitted over a pair of bath taps, one 7 of which is shown in Figure 2. When the device comprising the array of strips I to 5 has been placed in position, it will be held in position by virtue of the elasticity of the elastic pieces 6. The device thus serves to cover the bath taps and provides a cushioning effect so that a person using the bath may comfortably rest his or her head on the taps if so desired. The device also has a protective or safety function reducing the likelihood of a child or other person hurting his or herself should he or she slip over or lose their balance while in the bath.

As an alternative to the use of the elastic pieces, bands carrying strips of the material sold under the Registered Trade Mark "VELCRO" at their ends may be used for releasably securing the array of parallel blocks 1 to 5 in position.

The device can thus be placed over a pair of bath taps 7 in the manner shown in Figure 1, being held resiliently in position by the two elastic pieces 6. The device thus acts as a safety device such that, if a child should move into a position into which his or her head would otherwise strike the taps, the child's head will come into contact with the polyvinylchloride sheet covering the resilient foam strips 1 to 5 and damage to the child's head will be prevented. In addition, if a user of the bath wishes to lie in a position in which his or her head is at the tap end of the bath, the device provides a cushioned support for the head of the user of the bath. The use of the device also ensures that infants cannot meddle with the taps or burn themselves by coming into contact with hot taps. Use of the device thus has a number of benefits.

If desired, a cap made from p.v.c.-coated polyester with elastic around its inner edge may be provided for fitment over the device for aesthetic purposes. The cap may carry a decorative motif or the like.

Claims

Claims:- 1. A device for fitment over bath taps, the device comprising a plurality of blocks of waterproof resilient material, means interconnecting the biocks permitting hinged movement thereof relative to one another, and means for releasably securing the blocks in position on top of bath taps.
2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the blocks of waterproof resilient material are arranged parallel to one another.
3. A device as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which the blocks of resilient material are formed of a foamed polyurethane or polyester.
4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the blocks of resilient material are encased in sheets of thermoplastic material.
5. A device as claimed in Claim 4, in which the thermoplastic material is polyvinylchloride.
6. A device as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, in which the sheets of thermoplastic material are welded together between the blocks to provide hinge connections between the blocks.
7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the means for releasably securing the blocks in position over the bath taps comprises elasticated strips attached to ends of the blocks.
8. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the releasable securing means comprises pads of interengaging fasteners.
9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a cap with elastic around its inner edge for fitment over the blocks.
10. A device for fitment over bath taps substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.