Showerhead Support Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 63/711,260, filed on Oct. 24, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The field of this disclosure involves an adjustable showerhead support device designed for use within bathroom settings, particularly where user accessibility is of concern. This device is designed to enhance user experience by allowing customization of showerhead placement and water flow direction. Such devices can be installed within a shower at assisted living facilities where a caregiver may be assisting with the showering of an individual. The device may also be easily installed in a home shower where a caregiver may or may not be assisting the individual with showering.

Existing showerhead support devices often fail to provide the necessary adaptability required by an individual at home or in specialized care environments. Fixed showerheads limit the ability to customize the point of water delivery, which is crucial for individuals requiring assisted showering. Caregivers and individuals with mobility restrictions face significant obstacles when attempting to reposition standard showerheads, which typically require manual adjustments involving physical strength and dexterity. In many cases, a showerhead will need to be manually held if the point of water delivery needs to be someplace other than the attachment point of the showerhead support. Typically, the showerhead support is located on the wall towards the top. If the water delivery is needed elsewhere, a user will remove the showerhead and physically move it to where they want the water delivered. For a caregiver, this may become strenuous and for an individual with mobility issues, manually holding and moving the showerhead may not be possible. Thus, such devices do not allow for easy use by individuals with limited physical capability.

What is needed is a showerhead support device offering repositioning capabilities across a fixed track, thereby allowing precise adjustment of the showerhead position and water flow as needed The device must provide a reliable attachment mechanism or locking and release mechanism to ensure stability of the showerhead support device along the track or rod. The materials used must withstand moist environments, promoting longevity and safety. Additionally, ergonomic designs tailored for effortless manipulation by caregivers or individuals with limited mobility would significantly enhance accessibility and comfort during showering, Such a device would address the shortcomings of existing showerhead support installations and improve bathing experiences in assisted living and similar settings.

FIELD

The field of the disclosed technology pertains to adjustable showerhead support devices within shower environments, focusing on apparatuses designed for positioning along a stationary bar or track system. This technology is particularly relevant to solutions aimed at enhancing accessibility and usability in assisted living facilities, where there is a need for adaptable shower equipment to accommodate varying user requirements.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosed technology relates to a movable showerhead support device configured for installation on a stationary bar situated at the upper region of a shower space. This device facilitates the adjustment of the showerhead's position to align with user requirements, particularly beneficial in settings such as assisted living facilities or at home where individualized assistance is needed. It is noted that the showerhead support device is useful in connection with a removable or handheld showerhead.

One objective of the disclosed showerhead support device is to improve the accessibility and comfort of showering by allowing adjustable placement of the showerhead. This enhancement is achieved without necessitating the disassembly or removal of the showerhead support device, thereby increasing efficiency and ease of use for both users and caregivers.

In an embodiment, a stationary bar functions as a track for the showerhead support device. Optionally, the stationary bar may include a track. The showerhead support device comprises a coupling mechanism that securely attaches a standard showerhead, allowing for adjustable repositioning along the bar.

Yet another objective of the showerhead support device is to provide an optional locking and release mechanism, enabling secure positioning at various locations along the stationary bar. This feature addresses the specific needs and preferences of users by offering customization of the showering experience.

In yet another embodiment, the device may incorporate ergonomic features, such as handles or grips, designed to facilitate ease of use by caregivers or individuals with limited mobility. The use of materials suitable for wet environments ensures durability and safety, enhancing the reliability of the device for prolonged use in shower settings.

These elements collectively aim to offer a personalized showering experience, improving accessibility and convenience in settings where customized care is essential, thus enhancing the quality of life for users with bathing assistance needs.

A showerhead support device is disclosed, comprising: a carriage having a define recess that is capable of accommodating a shower rod; an arm connected to one side of the carriage, wherein the arm extends vertically downwards from the carriage; a showerhead handle support connected to the bottom end of the arm, wherein the showerhead handle support extends from the bottom end of the arm at an obtuse angle and is shaped such that it is capable of supporting a showerhead handle; and, a first showerhead handle support tab and a second showerhead handle support tab extending upward from either side of the bottom end of the showerhead handle support and wherein the showerhead handle support tabs are shaped to accommodate the hose of a showerhead.

The showerhead support device further includes a fastener fixedly connected to one side of the showerhead handle support and is releasably attached to the other side of the showerhead handle support. The showerhead handle support further includes a fixed fastener rod, an upper fixed fastener rod support, and a fixed lower fastener rod support all located on the side of the showerhead handle support that has the the fastener fixedly attached thereto.

The upper fixed fastener rod support and the lower fixed fastener rod support both have recesses defined such that the fixed fastener rod can be inserted therethrough and wherein the fixed fastener rod provides an anchor point for the fastener to wrap around.

The showerhead handle support further includes a releasable fastener rod, an upper releasable fastener rod bumper, and a lower releasable fastener rod bumper all located on the side of the showerhead handle support that has the fastener releasably attached thereto and wherein the releasable fastener rod provides an anchor point for the fastener to wrap around.

The upper releasable fastener rod bumper and the lower releasable fastener rod bumper are both shaped such that they are capable of allowing the releasable fastener rod to seat underneath the respective releasable fastener rod bumper thereby securing the releasable fastener rod in place. The releasable fastener rod may be encased in a protective casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a showerhead support device, illustrating the arrangement of the carriage, arm, fastener strap, showerhead handle support tabs, and fixed fastener strap rod and supports.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a showerhead support device comprising a carriage, arm, fastener strap, showerhead handle support, and releasable fastener strap rod with associated bumpers.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of a showerhead support device, comprising a carriage, arm, fastener strap, showerhead handle support, and a showerhead.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a showerhead support device comprising various components including a carriage, an arm, a fastener strap, a showerhead handle support, and elements for securing the fastener strap.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a showerhead support device including an arm, a fastener strap, an upper and lower fixed fastener strap rod support, and a showerhead.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a showerhead support device and a shower rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

List of Components

• • Showerhead support device 10
  • Carriage 15
  • Recess 18
  • Arm 20
  • Fastener strap 25
  • Showerhead handle support 30
  • First showerhead handle support tab 30a
  • Second showerhead handle support tab 30b
  • First indentation 32a
  • Second indentation 32b
  • Fixed fastener strap rod 35
  • Upper fixed fastener strap rod support 35a
  • Lower fixed fastener strap rod support 35b
  • Releasable fastener strap rod 40
  • Upper releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40a
  • Lower releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40b
  • Showerhead 50
  • Showerhead handle 55
  • Showerhead hose 58
  • Shower rod 60

As used herein, the term “showerhead” encompasses showerheads that are removable from a mount or are configured for handheld use.

Turning to FIG. 1, a showerhead support device 10 is depicted. The device includes a carriage 15, which includes a recess 18 capable of receiving shower rod 60 (as seen in FIG. 6). The carriage 15 is able to move back and forth on the shower rod 60. Carriage 15 has an arm 20 extending from one side of the carriage providing structural support and facilitating the positioning of the showerhead. The arm 20 is configured to extend downward from carriage 15. At the bottom of arm 20 is showerhead handle support 30, which extends at an obtuse angle relative to arm 20. In preferred embodiments, the angle is between 125 and 145 degrees. In more preferred embodiments, the angle is between 130 and 140 degrees.

Showerhead handle support 30 is configured such that it is capable of receiving a showerhead handle 55 (as seen in FIG. 3). In particular, showerhead handle support 30 has a concave carve out in the center that is suitable for inserting and supporting the showerhead handle. Additionally, at the bottom of the showerhead handle support 30, the figure depicts first showerhead handle support tab 30a and second showerhead handle support tab 30b. The tabs extend from the bottom of showerhead handle support 30 on either side and add an additional level of security for the showerhead handle so that it is less likely to fall out of the device. Overall, the tabs assist in retaining the showerhead handle in position with respect to the overall structure.

An additional level of security is provided by fastener strap 25, which wraps around or encircles the showerhead handle right below where the arm 20 connects to showerhead handle support 30. On one side of the showerhead handle support 30, fastener strap 25 is fixedly attached by way of fixed fastener strap rod 35.

In this embodiment, the showerhead handle support 30 may also include an upper fixed fastener strap rod support 35a and lower fixed fastener strap rod support 35b. Both supports have recesses defined that are capable of receiving fixed fastener strap rod 35, which is threaded therethrough. Fastener strap 25, which may be embodied as a rubber strap or any suitable material that is capable of forming a strap, encircles or is threaded around the fixed fastener strap rod 35 and is optionally seated in the first indentation 32a and the second indentation 32b.

In this embodiment, showerhead handle support 30 may be embodied with two indentations to receive fastener strap 25. First indentation 32a (see FIG. 3) is located on one side and second indentation 32b (see FIG. 2) is located on the other side. It is noted that, in a preferred embodiment, first indentation 32a is located on the side of showerhead handle support 30 where the fastener strap 25 is fixedly attached and second indentation 32b is located on the side of the showerhead handle support 30 where the fastener strap 25 is releasably attached (discussed in further detail below).

As can be understood, fastener strap 25 is fixedly connected on one side so that it does not fall off, but it is releasably connected on the other side so that the fastener strap 25 can be released in order to insert and remove the showerhead handle as needed.

The arrangement of these elements ensures that the showerhead can be securely mounted and properly supported during use. Adjustments or variations may be made to the components in different embodiments to accommodate various showerhead designs and mounting conditions.

FIG. 2 depicts another side of the showerhead support device 10. Fastener strap 25 is shown encircling the showerhead handle support 30. FIG. 3 shows the fastener strap 25 encircling both the showerhead handle support 30 and a showerhead handle.

The salient feature of FIG. 2 is that it depicts the releasable side of the fastener strap 25. In particular, releasable fastener strap rod 40 is depicted having fastener strap 25 encircling the rod. There is also an upper releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40a and a lower releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40b. The bumpers are shaped such that they curve around and allow the releasable fastener strap rod 40 to seat underneath the two bumpers thereby securely fastening the fastener strap 25 into a closed position, thereby preventing the showerhead handle from being able to fall. This is best shown in FIG. 4 and is further described below.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed perspective of a showerhead support device incorporating various components designed to facilitate secure and adjustable positioning of a showerhead. Carriage 15 is depicted as providing the main support structure. Extending from carriage 15 is arm 20, serving as an elongated connector which allows for the positioning and support of the remaining components associated with the showerhead.

Showerhead handle support 30 is depicted as a structural element used to hold the showerhead in place. It features second showerhead handle support tab 30b and second indentation 32b, which are engagement features to assist in securing the showerhead handle. Fastener strap 25 is shown in conjunction with showerhead handle support 30, serving as a mechanism to fix the showerhead handle either temporarily or permanently to the support.

Furthermore, the assembly includes releasable fastener strap rod 40, which is secured at both extremities by upper releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40a and lower releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40b. These components function to anchor fastener strap 25, providing a releasable means of attachment that facilitates ease of disassembly and repositioning while ensuring stability during use. The integration of these features demonstrates a configuration that accommodates various installation and adjustment scenarios, enhancing the utility of the showerhead support device.

FIG. 3 shows a showerhead support device 10 comprising several key elements. The carriage 15 is depicted as a foundational structure, providing support for the arm 20 which extends downwardly. The arm 20 is configured to hold the showerhead 50 in a secured position. The showerhead handle support 30 is shown as an integral component, supporting the showerhead handle 55.

The fastener strap 25 is positioned to encircle the showerhead handle support 30, offering stability and maintaining the connected position of the showerhead 50 and showerhead handle 55. The first indentation 32a is located on the showerhead handle support 30 towards the top. This configuration allows for the adjustable and secure attachment of the showerhead 50 to the arm 20 by way of fastener strap 25, thereby accommodating various showerhead designs or user preferences.

In this embodiment, the fastener strap 25 may be releasably attached or secured as needed and as described above, providing flexibility in the installation and removal of the showerhead 50 and showerhead handle 55. The components are arranged to allow for ease of use and adaptability, supporting different shower configurations while maintaining the functionality of the showerhead support device 10.

FIG. 4 shows a showerhead support device comprising various interconnected components. At the top of the figure, the carriage 15 is depicted as a connector component that interfaces with the arm 20, providing structural support. The arm 20 extends downward and is in direct attachment with the showerhead handle support 30, which functions to stabilize and hold the showerhead in position.

The fastener strap 25 is oriented around the showerhead handle support 30, providing a mechanism to secure the device in a desired position. The fastener strap 25 is connected to the fixed fastener strap rod 35, which is further supported by the upper fixed fastener strap rod support 35a and lower fixed fastener strap rod support 35b. These elements collectively stabilize the fastener strap 25 by providing anchor points.

Additionally, the release functionality is facilitated by the inclusion of the releasable fastener strap rod 40. This rod is equipped with an upper releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40a and a lower releasable fastener strap rod bumper 40b, acting as restrictive engagements to secure the releasable fastener strap rod 40 when in place, ensuring the fastener strap 25 remains firmly attached until such time as intentional release is desired. Optionally, a fixed fastener strap rod housing 45 may be incorporated to house the releasable fastener strap rod 40. While the housing may be eliminated in some embodiments, it is preferable because it enhances the seating of the releasable fastener strap rod 40 into the bumpers.

FIG. 5 shows a showerhead support device featuring several components designed to secure and support a showerhead 50. The arm 20 is depicted as the main structural component, supporting the arrangement and orientation of the overall apparatus. Around the arm 20, a fastener strap 25 is positioned, demonstrating its role in securing the device to an external structure or surface.

The fixed fastener strap rod 35 is shown as an anchor for the fastener strap 25, providing stability and reducing movement. Upper fixed fastener strap rod support 35a and lower fixed fastener strap rod support 35b are illustrated as structural elements that house the fixed fastener strap rod 35, providing further support and alignment for the fastener strap 25.

The configuration of the components provides security and stability of the showerhead 50 and showerhead handle 55, allowing for adjustments while maintaining a firm hold, as facilitated by the interaction of the elements described. Optional variations might include different materials or dimensions for the arm 20 and supports 35a and 35b, allowing the device to suit various installation scenarios.

FIG. 6 shows the showerhead support device 10 in an operational configuration, interacting with a shower rod 60. The showerhead support device 10 is positioned along the shower rod 60, facilitating the attachment and support of various showerhead configurations. The shower rod 60 extends horizontally, providing a structural element to which the showerhead support device 10 can be mounted or adjusted.

The showerhead support device 10 is designed to accommodate different mounting mechanisms, allowing for adjustable positioning along the shower rod 60. The design may include various attachment means such as clamps, fasteners, or other securing mechanisms that enable the support device to maintain stability during use.

In alternative embodiments, the shower rod 60 may vary in length or be configured with additional features such as adjustable heights or rotatable sections, to further enhance the adaptability of the showerhead support device 10. The attachment of the showerhead support device 10 to the shower rod 60 could be achieved through permanent or releasable connections, allowing for ease of removal or repositioning according to user preference.

In one preferable embodiment, the shower rod 60 is fixed in a diagonal position in the shower allowing the showerhead support device 10 to have some left ad right adjustability. This positioning may also add structural support to the shower rod 60.

The integration of the showerhead support device 10 with the shower rod 60 provides a versatile platform for supporting a showerhead while accommodating user-specific requirements and spatial constraints within the showering environment.

In alternative embodiments, the arm 20 may be telescopic or fitted with a height-adjustable mechanism, allowing users to modify the vertical position of the showerhead handle support 30 to accommodate different user heights or preferences. The first showerhead handle support tab 30a and second showerhead handle support tab 30b may be designed to rotate or pivot, enabling flexible attachment and positioning of the showerhead hose 58 for optimal angling. A magnetic attachment system could be integrated into the fastener strap 25 and corresponding components to allow for quick and easy connection and release.

Each of these configurations aims to provide additional features to the showerhead support device, potentially increasing its usability, adaptability, and user satisfaction across diverse settings.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the showerhead support device has been described in detail herein, the invention is not necessarily so limited and other examples, embodiments, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, uses, and modifications may be made without departing from the process and all such embodiments are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.