Grab Bar Attachment System

Abstract

A method and apparatus related to a system for attaching a grab bar into existing framing using, for example, a transition board is described. The transition board is attached to a grab bar wall via securing mechanisms that ensure the transition board is properly secured to the grab bar brackets. The securing mechanisms are located in an under channel of the transition board. The transition board with the grab bar attached is then securely installed by securing the transition board to wall studs through the transition board and the wall, resulting in a secure installation.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a board having a back side and a front side wherein two bracket members are attached to the back side and form an underchannel behind the back side of the board;   a grab bar, the grab bar comprising:
 at least two mounting brackets; 
 a bar member secured to each of the at least two mounting brackets; and 
   at least two securing mechanisms for securing at least two mounting brackets to the board within the underchannel.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the grab bar further comprises at least two mounting bracket covers, wherein each of the at least two mounting bracket covers overlays each of the at least two mounting brackets. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as in  claim 2  further comprising at least two securing mechanism covers for covering the at least two securing mechanisms. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as in  claim 2  wherein the board is attached to the front of the board by an adhesive mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as in  claim 2  wherein the board cover is attached to the front of the board by a physical mating. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as in  claim 2  wherein the board cover provides a watertight seal over the front of the board. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as in  claim 2  wherein the board comprises a design with holes. 
     
     
         8 . A system comprising:
 a wall having a front side and a back side;   a plurality of vertical wall studs attached to the back side of the wall a board having a back side and a front side wherein two bracket members are attached to the back side and form an underchannel behind the back side of the board, wherein the two bracket members are flush with the front side of the wall and the board is secured to the front side of the wall via the plurality of the vertical wall studs using a plurality of securing mechanisms;   a grab bar, the grab bar comprising:
 at least two mounting brackets; 
 a bar member secured to each of the at least two mounting brackets; and 
   at least one securing mechanism for securing at least one mounting bracket to the board via the underchannel of the board.   
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 8 , wherein the grab bar further comprises at least two mounting bracket covers, wherein each of the at least two mounting bracket covers overlays each of the at least two mounting brackets. 
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 9  further comprising a board cover attached to the front of the board by a securing mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 10  wherein the board cover comprises tile attached to the front of the board by an adhesive mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 10  wherein the board cover is attached to the front of the board by physical mating. 
     
     
         13 . The system as in  claim 10  wherein the board cover provides a watertight seal over the front of the board. 
     
     
         14 . The system as in  claim 10  wherein the board cover comprises a color that contrasts with the color of the wall. 
     
     
         15 . The system as in  claim 9  wherein the board comprises a design with holes. 
     
     
         16 . The system as in  claim 9  further comprising:
 a second board having a second back side and a second front side, wherein two second bracket members are attached to the second back side of the second board and forms a second underchannel behind the second back side of the board, wherein the second back side of the second board is secured to the front side of the wall via the plurality of the vertical wall studs using a plurality of second securing mechanisms within the second underchannel; 
 at least one second securing mechanism for securing at least one second mounting bracket to the second board through the second board cover. 
 
     
     
         17 . The system as in  claim 16  further comprising a second board cover attached to the front of the second board by a securing mechanism 
     
     
         18 . The system as in  claim 16  wherein the grab bar is vertical. 
     
     
         19 . The system as in  claim 16  wherein the grab bar is diagonal. 
     
     
         20 . The system as in  claim 16  wherein the grab bar comprises at least three attachment points with the wall.