GB2310586A

GB2310586A - Safety harness

Info

Publication number: GB2310586A
Application number: GB9704072A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zuaza Jose Javier Marijuan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-02-28
Filing date: 1997-02-27
Publication date: 1997-09-03
Also published as: DE29703353U1; ES1034119Y; ES1034119U; GB9704072D0

Abstract

A safety harness for use in showers and baths comprises a belt that passes around the user's body and a support mechanism that extends from the two ends of the belt to be secured at a fixing point (3) by a hook, ring or safety lock (2). A regulator (6) allows the user to adjust the belt which may be widened and padded in areas (7) that are in contact with the chest and back. As well as being waterproof, the belt may comprise elastic areas (8) that offer cushioning when a fall occurs. The fixing point (3) is preferably situated in a high position and may comprise a bar (4) or a rail along which the safety ring (2) may move.

Description

SAFETY BELT FOR SHOWERS & BATHS The present invention relates to a safety belt for showers and baths. Various prevention systems are already know which have reduced the number of dangerous falls in showers and baths. However, these systems have not solved the problem completely. Various systems to protect users from slips exist including: non-slip rubber mats with different raised patterns which are adapted to the anatomy of the feet; non-slip liquids which are only partially effective; anatomically prepared chairs; bars and fastening accessories. The present invention has been specifically designed to produce safety advantages when compared to the safety systems existing at the moment.

Thus, the object of the invention is to offer some definite safety advantages compared with the existing systems, preventing household accidents in showers and baths, thereby eliminating risks. This new system also avoids the need to place different prevention appliances on the floor. These floor appliances do not offer the required safety level as, on many occasions, accidents have occurred and on some occasions these accidents have been fatal.

According to the present invention there is provided a safety belt for showers and baths, comprising: a belt or rope which, in use, extends around the user's body; a support mechanism extending from the two ends of the belt to a fixing point; and a hook or safety lock arranged to attach the support mechanism to the fixing point. The arrangement is capable of supporting heavy weights. This highly resistant belt (which may be manufactured of a similar material to that used in seat belts or mountaineering safety harnesses) is worn around the upper part of the human torso, i.e. at chest height. The belt is worn under the arms, so these remain free, and it is situated at armpit height but it is left quite loose so it can offer a certain independence of movement.In this way, if the user slips, he or she will be immediately suspended by the belt and his or her arms will act as a support or holder. In a preferred arrangement the back will be directly in contact with the belt which will be pulled upwards at the chest and will be tied by a regulator according to the physical characteristics of the user. Preferably a regulator is present at approximately neck height and can be used to adjust the safety belt to suit the physical characteristics of the user.

The safety belt will preferably be a suitable length to be correctly attached to the fixing point and the support mechanism will end in a safety lock at the fixing point.

This belt can be worn both on the chest or on the back.

The first option is more advisable as it is consequently easier to adjust.

The fixing point is preferably situated in a high position such as the ceiling (not suitable when there is a false ceiling), the high part of a wall or on a dedicated bar or rail. If the fixing point is situated on a rail, this could extend from one side of the wall to the other where the shower or bath is, or from one side of the wall to a securely fixed glass screen. When the fixing point is situated on the wall, it is recommended that this point is spaced away from the wall (e.g. on a small bracket or arm away from the wall) so that, in case of an accident, the user, when suspended, is at a certain distance from the wall and does not hurt him or herself.

The belt will preferably be wide enough in the areas around the chest and the back so that it does not chafe the user's skin in case of a slip. The belt is preferably covered with padded, waterproof material to avoid roughness especially on the area around the back.

The rest of the belt could become narrower up to the safety lock; it could be cylindrical e.g. a rope, optionally made of synthetic or metallic materials, covered to be protected from dampness and preferably it can have limited elasticity in some parts in order to cushion the fall.

A second embodiment of the safety belt consists of a locked circular belt which is loosely worn around the chest and the back and joined by only one tape ending in a safety lock. The belt may or may not include a regulating buckle, similar to a traditional belt.

Optionally the joint to the fixing point could be a hook which allows rotation or a ring which could move along the bar if the fixing point is a bar.

The invention may be put into practice in various ways and two specific embodiments will be described by way of example to illustrate the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a belt in accordance with the invention placed on a person in order to help understand the invention in use, and Figure 2 shows a safety belt according to a second embodiment of the invention suspended from a bar fixed to a point, the belt being joined to the bar by a rope.

In this first embodiment (Figure 1), the belt is shown worn at the front, i.e. on the chest. This example shows a preferred model where the ends of the belt join into a single length which ends at the safety lock which is attached to the fixing point.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a safety belt comprising a highly resistant belt and safety mechanism 1 which ends in a safety lock or hook 2. This safety lock or hook 2 is attached to a fixed fixing point 3 which on this occasion comprises a fastened bar 4. The safety belt 1 has an area 5 where both tapes run in parallel. These tapes join at the point where the regulator 6 is situated. This regulator 6 allows the user to adjust the belt and wear it according to his or her physical characteristics. The part of the belt in contact with the chest and the back is wider and padded in the area 7. This model, as well as being waterproof, has elastic areas 8, to offer certain cushioning when a fall occurs.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 comprises a traditional belt 9 with a regulating buckle 10. This is connected by a rope 11 to a fixed fixing point 12. The fixing point 12 is displaced from the wall by a bar 13.

Claims

1. A safety belt for showers and baths, comprising; a belt or rope which, in use, extends around the user's body; a support mechanism extending from the two ends of the belt to a fixing point; and a hook or safety lock arranged to attach the support mechanism to the fixing point.

2. A safety belt as claimed in Claim 1, in which the belt is adjustable to suit the user by means of a regulator.

3. A safety belt as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the belt and the support mechanism are constituted by independent tapes.

4. A safety belt as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the area of the belt in contact with the user is wider and more padded than the remainder of the belt.

5. A safety belt as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the belt and the support mechanism are waterproof.

6. A safety belt as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the belt and/or safety mechanism include elastic areas to help cushion any fall.

7. A safety belt constructed and arranged substantially as herein specifically described with respect to and as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

8. A shower arrangement comprising a safety belt as claimed in any preceding Claim, in combination with a fixing point located above head height.

9. A shower arrangement as claimed in Claim 8, in which the fixing point is on the ceiling, or is a solid bar extending from the ceiling or from the walls.