AU2016101413A4 - Anti Ligature Fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

An anti-ligature fitting comprising a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a support, the mounting portion including a connection portion, and a release member associated with the connection portion, wherein when a force in excess of a predetermined force is applied to the fitting, the release member is released from the connection portion. 10 --- - -- - 22

Description

ANTI LIGATURE FITTING TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety fitting. In particular, the present invention relates to a safety fitting that prevents, or at least inhibits, a person using the fitting to inflict self harm.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In any facility in which a vulnerable person is in care, such as a hospital, aged care facility or mental health and psychiatric facility, there is a risk that the person may attempt self harm.

[0003] Often, this attempted self harm is in the form of attaching a ligature to a fitting, such as a towel rail, coat hook, or the like. In addition, the use of flexible shower hoses as ligatures has also been documented.

[0004] Some attempts have been made to provide anti-ligature fittings. For instance, GB2504710 describes an anti-ligature curtain rail. However, these fittings are unsuitable for use in fittings through which water flows (such as showers, taps or the like).

[0005] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an anti-ligature fitting that could be used in fittings through which there is a flow of water.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to an anti-ligature fitting, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a an anti-ligature fitting comprising a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a support, the mounting portion including a connection portion, and a release member associated with the connection portion, wherein when a force in excess of a predetermined force is applied to the fitting, the release member is released from the connection portion.

[0009] As previously stated, the mounting portion is adapted for mounting to a support. The support may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support may be a wall. The wall may be a wall in any room, although it is envisaged that, in some embodiments of the invention, the wall may be located in a bathroom. In particular, the wall may be the wall of a shower cubicle.

[0010] The mounting portion may be mounted to the support using any suitable technique. For instance, the mounting portion may be mounted to the support using one or more mechanical fasteners (such as screws, bolts, nails, rivets or the like, or any suitable combination thereof). Alternatively, the mounting portion may be mounted to the support using an adhesive, or it may be connected to the support using a heat treatment (such as welding). In other embodiments of the invention, the mounting portion may be retained on the support by being affixed in place using a settable composition, such as cement, grout, sealants (such as a silicone sealant) or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0011] The mounting portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. Preferably, however, the mounting portion extends generally outwardly from the support. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion extends only a relatively short distance outwardly from the support. In this way, it is envisaged that it may be difficult, or even impossible, for a person to attach a ligature to the mounting portion.

[0012] The mounting portion may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, the mounting portion may be square, rectangular, triangular or the like in cross-section. More preferably, however, the mounting portion may be circular, elliptoid or oval in cross-section. By providing the mounting portion with a circular, elliptoid or oval cross-section, the mounting portion is provided with a curved or rounded circumference. Shaping the circumference of the mounting portion in this manner makes it difficult, or even impossible, for a person to attach a ligature to the mounting portion.

[0013] Further, when the mounting portion is mounted to a support, the mounting portion may be provided with an upper surface that slopes between the downwardly from the rear of the mounting portion (i.e. the point at which the mounting portion meets the support) to the front of the mounting portion. The upper surface may slope continuously between the rear of the mounting portion to the front of the mounting portion, or may be provided with one or more stepped portions. In embodiments of the invention in which the upper surface slopes continuously, the slope on the upper surface may be constant across the entire upper surface, or the slope of the upper surface may vary across its length. In a particular embodiment, the upper surface may slope continuously between the rear and the front thereof, but the slope may vary across the length of the upper surface, giving the upper surface a rounded or curved appearance.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion is provided with a passageway therethrough. The passageway may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, although it is envisaged that the passageway may be provided so that a flow of fluid may pass through the mounting portion.

[0015] Fluid may flow either directly through the mounting portion, or a conduit (such as a pipe, hose or the like) may be at least partially housed within the mounting portion, and fluid may flow through the conduit. In this embodiment of the invention, it is particularly envisaged that the mounting portion may comprises a shower hose connector. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion is in the form of an elbow, such that fluid enters the passageway in a first direction and exits the passageway in a second direction. Preferably, the second direction may be at an angle of between about 45° and about 135° to the first direction. More preferably, the second direction may be at an angle of between about 60° and about 120° to the first direction. Yet more preferably, the second direction may be at an angle of between about 80° and about 100° to the first direction. Most preferably, the second direction may be at an angle of about 90°.

[0016] In a particular embodiment of the invention, fluid may enter the passageway through an inlet in a substantially horizontal direction and may exit the passageway through an outlet in a substantially vertical direction. Preferably, fluid flows downwardly through the outlet in the passageway.

[0017] The mounting portion may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as a polymer, metal or the like. Preferably, however, the mounting portion may be fabricated from a relatively corrosion resistant material, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel. Alternatively, the mounting portion may be fabricated from steel, bronze, brass or the like and provided with a corrosion resistant coating, such as a galvanised coating or chrome plating.

[0018] The connection portion may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments of the invention, the connection portion may be formed integrally with the mounting portion, while in other embodiments the connection portion may be formed separately from the mounting portion and adapted for fixed or temporary connection thereto.

[0019] The connection portion may be fixedly connected to the mounting portion using any suitable technique. For instance, the connection portion may be connected to the mounting portion using one or more fasteners, adhesives or heat treatment techniques (such as welding, brazing or the like).

[0020] In embodiments of the invention in which the connection portion is adapted for temporary connection to the mounting portion, the connection portion may be connected using any suitable technique. For instance, the connection portion may be connected to the mounting portion using a frictional engagement, screw-threaded engagement or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Preferably, the connection portion may be adapted for connection to the mounting portion at a first end thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the connection portion may be adapted for connection to the mounting portion at or adjacent the outlet of the passageway in the mounting portion. In embodiments of the invention in which the connection portion is adapted for screw-threaded connection to the mounting portion, the first end of the connection portion may be provided with a screw-threaded portion adapted for connection to a screw-threaded portion of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw-threaded portion of the connection portion may be in the form of an external screw-threaded portion located at or adjacent the first end of the connection portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the screw-threaded portion of the connection portion may be adapted for screw-threaded connection to an internal screw-threaded portion of the mounting portion. Preferably, the internal screw-threaded portion of the mounting portion may be located at or adjacent the outlet of the passageway.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection portion may comprise a substantially elongate member. Preferably, the connection portion may include a bore therein. It is envisaged that the bore may pass through the entire connection portion so that opposed ends of the connection portion comprise openings. In this way, the connection portion may be substantially tubular so that fluid flowing out of the outlet of the mounting portion enters the bore in the connection portion and passes therethrough.

[0023] Fluid may flow directly through the connection portion, or a conduit (such as a pipe or hose) may be located at least partially within the connection portion and fluid may flow through the conduit.

[0024] Preferably, the bore in the connection portion is substantially linear such that fluid exiting the mounting portion in a substantially vertically downward direction also exits the connection portion in a substantially vertically downward direction.

[0025] The connection portion may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, the connection portion may be square, rectangular, triangular or the like in cross-section. More preferably, however, the connection portion may be circular, elliptoid or oval in cross-section. By providing the connection portion with a circular, elliptoid or oval cross-section, the connection portion is provided with a curved or rounded circumference. Shaping the circumference of the connection portion in this manner makes it difficult, or even impossible, for a person to attach a ligature to the connection portion.

[0026] The connection portion may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as a polymer, metal or the like. Preferably, however, the connection portion may be fabricated from a relatively corrosion resistant material, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel. Alternatively, the connection portion may be fabricated from steel, bronze, brass or the like and provided with a corrosion resistant coating, such as a galvanised coating or chrome plating.

[0027] As previously stated, a release member is associated with the connection portion. The release member may be associated with the connection portion in any suitable manner. For instance, the release member may be associated with the connection portion using a screw-threaded connection. Alternatively, the release member and the connection portion may be associated with one another via one or more frangible portions, such that, on application of a predetermined force, the frangible portions may break or fracture, thereby releasing the release member from the connection portion. More preferably, the release member may be associated with the connection portion via a frictional engagement.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the release member may comprise a substantially elongate member. Preferably, the release member may include a bore therein. It is envisaged that the bore may pass through the entire release member so that opposed ends of the release member comprise openings. In this way, the release member may be substantially tubular so that fluid flowing out of the outlet of the mounting portion enters the bore in the release member and passes therethrough. In use, fluid flowing through the release member may enter the release member directly from the mounting portion or may flow through at least a portion of the connection portion prior to entering the release member.

[0029] Preferably, the bore in the release member is substantially linear such that fluid exiting the mounting portion in a substantially vertically downward direction also exits the release member in a substantially vertically downward direction.

[0030] Fluid may flow directly through the release member, or a conduit (such as a pipe or hose) may be located at least partially within the release member and fluid may flow through the conduit.

[0031] The release member may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as a polymer, metal or the like. Preferably, however, the release member may be fabricated from a relatively corrosion resistant material, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel. Alternatively, the release member may be fabricated from steel, bronze, brass or the like and provided with a corrosion resistant coating, such as a galvanised coating or chrome plating.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the release member may be at least partially received and retained within the bore in the connection portion. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the release member may have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the bore in the connection portion such that the release member may be retained in close frictional engagement with the connection portion. Thus, while the release member may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, it is envisaged that the release member may have a complimentary shape to the connection portion.

[0033] In these embodiments of the invention, the outer surface of the release member may be retained in direct frictional engagement with the inner surface of the connection portion (or, more precisely the inner surface of the bore in the connection portion). Alternatively, the release member may be provided with one or more retention members.

[0034] It will be understood that the purpose of the retention members may be to reduce or eliminate the possibility of the unwanted release of the release member from the connection portion. As stated previously, the release member is released from the connection portion when a predetermined force is applied to the release member. Thus, the retention members may ensure that the release member is not released from the connection portion until the predetermined force is applied.

[0035] Any suitable retention members may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more teeth, projections, wings or the like or any suitable combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, the retention members may further provide a seal between the inner surface of the connection portion and the outer surface of the release member. In this way, fluid may be prevented from flowing between the inner surface of the connection portion and the outer surface of the release member. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the retention members may comprise one or more gaskets or o-rings.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the retention members may comprise at least one o-ring and at least one circlip.

[0038] In embodiments of the invention in which the retention members comprise gaskets, o-rings and/or circlips, the outer surface of the release member may be provided with one or more recess, channels or the like therein in which the retention members may be located during use.

[0039] The one or more recesses or channels may be of any suitable shape or size. Preferably, however, the one or more recesses or channels extend about the outer surface of the release member so as to form an annular channel in which the retention member is located.

[0040] Similarly, the inner surface of the connection portion may be provided with one or more recesses or channels adapted to receive at least a portion of at least one of the retention members in use. Preferably, the one or more recesses or channels in the connection portion may at least partially receive a circlip.

[0041] The one or more recesses or channels may be of any suitable shape or size. Preferably, however, the one or more recesses or channels extend about the inner surface of the connection portion so as to form an annular channel in which the retention member is at least partially received during use.

[0042] The annular channel in the connection portion may be provided with any suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the annular channel is rounded or curved, so as to have a substantially C or U shape. The channel and the inner surface of the connection portion may meet at any suitable angle. For instance, the angle at which the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion meet may be between about 20° and about 70°. More preferably, the angle at which the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion meet may be between about 30° and about 60°. Yet more preferably, the angle at which the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion meet may be between about 40° and about 50°. Most preferably, the angle at which the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion meet may be about 45°. By providing this angle between the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion, the ability of the release member to be released from the engagement with the connection portion under a force less than the predetermined force may be reduced or eliminated. In addition, it is also envisaged that higher an angle of greater than about 60° between the channel and the inner surface of the connection portion may result in the force required to release the release member from the fitting in being excessively large. Thus, the release member may not be released from the fitting even though a person is attempting self-harm.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first end of the release member may be received within the bore in the connection portion. It is envisaged that an opposed second end of the release member may be adapted for connection to a plumbing item, such as, but not limited to, a shower hose. The release member may be adapted for connection to the plumbing item in any suitable manner. For instance, the release member may be connected to the plumbing item using one or more fasteners, adhesives or heat treatment techniques (such as welding, brazing or the like). Alternatively, the release member may be connected to the plumbing item in a frictional or screw-threaded engagement.

[0044] In embodiments of the invention in which the release is release member may be provided with a screw-threaded portion adapted for connection to a screw-threaded portion of the plumbing item. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw-threaded portion of the release member may be in the form of an external screw-threaded portion located at or adjacent the second end of the release member. In this embodiment of the invention, the screw-threaded portion of the release member may be adapted for screw-threaded connection to an internal screw-threaded portion of the plumbing item. .

[0045] In some embodiments of the invention, the positions of the connection portion and the release member described above may be reversed, such that at least a portion of the connection portion is received within the release member in use. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the release member may be received within the mounting portion.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that the function of each of the connection portion and the release member remains the same, but it is the connection portion provided with the one or more retention members on the outer surface thereof, while the inner surface of the release member may be provided with a channel in which at least a portion of at least one of the retention members may be at least partially received. It will be understood that, in this embodiment of the invention, the connection portion is still adapted for connection to the mounting portion, while the release member is still adapted for connection to a plumbing item. Thus, this embodiment is essentially the same as the previously described embodiment, but with the features of the connection portion and the release member reversed.

[0047] It is envisaged that when a flexible shower hose is attached to the anti-ligature fitting, a person may attempt self-harm by wrapping the shower hose around their neck and then sitting down in the shower. Doing so applies a force, and particularly a downward force to the antiligature fitting. When the force applied to the anti-ligature fitting is greater than a predetermined force, the engagement of the release member and the connection portion will be overcome, thereby releasing the release member. In this way, when a person attempts self-harm using the anti-ligature fitting of the present invention, the anti-ligature fitting will come apart, thereby preventing the self-harm.

[0048] Any suitable predetermined force may be required. However, in the present invention it is envisaged that there may be fluid (particularly water) flowing through the antiligature fitting in use. Thus, the predetermined force must be sufficient to prevent actuation of the anti-ligature fitting due to the back pressure of water flowing through the fitting, or by a user only applying a relatively small force (i.e. a force applied during regular use of the shower hose) to the fitting.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined force may be a downward force (or a force having a downward component) of between 10kg of applied force and 40kg of applied force. More preferably, the predetermined force may be a downward force (or a force having a downward component) of between 15kg of applied force and 30kg of applied force. Most preferably, the predetermined force may be a downward force (or a force having a downward component) of about 20kg of applied force.

[0050] It will be understood that, although the present invention has been described with particular reference to a shower fitting, the anti-ligature fitting could equally be applied to curtain rails, towel rails or rings, hand rails, wardrobe rails, soap dish holders, toilet roll holders, coat hooks, shelves, shower tracks, hospital cubicle tracks and the like.

[0051] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0054] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a mounting portion of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates a connection portion of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates a release member of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a detail of a release member of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] In Figure 1 there is illustrated an isometric view of an anti-ligature fitting 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fitting 10 comprises a mounting portion 11 adapted for mounting to a support (not shown), a connection portion (obscured) and a release member 12.

[0061] The rear 13 of the mounting portion 11 is adapted for connection to the support, while the upper surface 14 of the mounting portion 12 slopes from the rear 13 of the mounting portion 11 towards the front 15 of the mounting portion 11. In this way, even once the release member 12 is released from the fitting 10 under the application of a predetermined force, the residual component (i.e. the mounting portion 11) is shaped so that a person will find it difficult, if not impossible, to attach a ligature thereto.

[0062] In addition, the mounting portion 11 is oval in cross-sectional shape. By providing a mounting portion 11 having a rounded circumference (as opposed to square, rectangular, triangular etc.) the ability of a person to attach a ligature to the mounting portion 11 is reduced or eliminated.

[0063] The fitting 10 of Figure 1 is a shower fitting, and fluid in the form of water enters the mounting portion in a substantially horizontal direction from the rear 13 of the mounting portion 11. The mounting portion 11 is in the form of an elbow so that water exiting the mounting portion 11 exits in a substantially vertically downward direction and passes through the release member 12.

[0064] The release member 12 is connected to the fitting 10 via a frictional engagement with the connection portion (obscured). The release member 12 is also partially received at a first end thereof within the mounting portion 11.

[0065] The lower end 16 of the release member 12 is provided with a screw-threaded portion adapted for screw-threaded connection to a shower hose (not shown). It will be understood, however, that the lower end 16 of the release member 12 could equally be connected to a rail (towel rails, shower rail, hospital cubicle rail), soap dish, toilet roll holder, towel ring, coat hook or the like.

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an anti-ligature fitting 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fitting of Figure 2 is an exploded view of the fitting 10 of Figure 1.

[0067] In this Figure the connection portion 17 may be seen. The connection portion 17 is an elongate tubular member adapted for screw-threaded connection (via screw-threaded portion 18) to the outlet of the passageway (obscured) of the mounting portion 11. The connection portion 17 comprises a bore 24 through which water from the mounting portion 11 flows when the shower is in use.

[0068] It may also be seen in this Figure that the release member 12 comprises an elongate tubular member having a bore 23 through which water flows. Water exits the bore 23 through the screw threaded portion 16 of the release member and enters the shower hose (not shown).

[0069] The outer surface of the connection portion 17 is provided with a plurality of annular channels 19A, 19B, 19C that extend about the circumference of the connection portion 17. In use, a first o-ring 20 is located within channel 19A and a second o-ring 21 is located within channel 19B. In this way, a frictional engagement between the outer surface of the connection portion 17 and the inner surface of the release member 12 may be formed. This frictional engagement between the connection portion 17 and the release member 12 also acts as a seal so as to prevent water from flowing between the outer surface of the connection portion 17 and the inner surface of the release member 12.

[0070] In use, a metal circlip 22 is located within channel 19C. The circlip 22 is also received within a channel (obscured) located on the inner surface of the bore 23 of the release member 12. The size of the circlip 22 is selected so that the release of the release member 12 from the connection portion 17 occurs only when a force applied to the fitting reaches the predetermined force. Thus, when a force less than the predetermined force is applied to the fitting 10, the circlip remains biased into the channel (obscured) in the inner surface of the bore 23 of the release member 12. Only when the force reaches or exceeds the predetermined force will the bias of the circlip 22 be overcome and the release member 12 will be capable of movement relative to the connection portion 17 in a downward direction.

[0071] In Figure 3, the mounting portion 11 of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this Figure, the exit 25 of the passageway 26 of the mounting portion 11 may be seen.

[0072] The mounting portion 11 is in the form on an elbow, wherein water enters the mounting portion 11 through the rear 13 of the mounting portion 11 in a substantially horizontal direction and changes direction at an angle of about 90° so as to exit the passageway 26 through the exit in a substantially vertically downward direction.

[0073] It may be seen in Figure 3 that the inner surface of the passageway 26 adjacen the exit 25 includes a screw threaded portion 27 adapted to screw-threadedly engage with an upper end of the connection portion (not shown in this Figure).

[0074] In Figure 4, the connection portion 17 of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this Figure, the annular channels 19A, 19B, 19C in the outer surface of the connection portion 17 may be more clearly seen.

[0075] The connection portion 17 is adapted for screw-threaded engagement with the mounting portion (not shown in this Figure) via screw thread 18. Thus, water flowing through the passageway of the mounting portion enters the bore 24 of the connection portion and exits through an opening (obscured) in the lower end of the connection portion 17.

[0076] When the release member (not shown in this Figure) is released from the connection portion 17 due to the application of a predetermined force to the fitting, it is envisaged that the connection portion 17 will remain connected to the mounting portion. Thus, the mounting portion and the connection portion 17 together from a residual component following the release of the release member.

[0077] By providing the connection portion 17 as a tubular component having a substantially circular cross-section, a person will find it difficult, it not impossible, to attach a ligature to the connection portion 17 once the release member has been released from the fitting.

[0078] In Figure 4, the release member 12 of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0079] The release member 12 is a tubular component of substantially circular cross-section having a bore 23 therethrough. As mentioned previously, the lower end of the release member 12 is provided with a screw-threaded portion 16 adapted for screw-threaded connection to a shower hose (not shown).

[0080] Typically, when a person attempts to use a flexible shower hose as a ligature, the person will wrap the shower hose around their neck and then attempt to sit down within the shower (or at least lower themselves down towards the floor of the shower). As the shower hose is connected to the screw-threaded portion 16 of the release member 12, applying this downward force (above a predetermined force) to the release member 12 will cause the release member 12 to be released from the connection portion (not shown in this Figure), thus preventing the person from self-harming.

[0081] It is envisaged that the force applied to the release member 12 may not be a sharp pull or tug on the shower hose (and therefore the release member 12) but may instead by the person placing their weight on the shower hose (and therefore the release member 12).

[0082] In embodiments of the invention in which the connection portion 17 illustrated in Figure 4 is used as the release member and the release member 12 illustrated in Figure 5 is used as the connection portion, it will be understood that the screw-threaded portion 16 of the release member 12 would instead screw-threadedly engage with the mounting portion. Similarly, the screw-threaded portion 18 of the connection portion 17 would instead screw-threadedly engage with the shower hose. In this embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion and the release member 12 (acting as the connection portion) would remain as the residual component once the connection portion 17 (acting as the release member) was released from the fitting. A user would find it difficult, if not impossible, to attach a lighature to the outer surface of the release member 12.

[0083] Figure 6 illustrates a detail of a release member 12 of an anti-ligature fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention. This Figure illustrates an annular channel 28 located on an inner surface of the bore 23 of the release member 12. In use, a circlip (not shown in this Figure) is at least partially received within the channel 28, and the circlip may only be released from the channel 28 under the application of a predetermined force to the fitting.

[0084] It may be seen in Figure 6 that the channel 28 is C or U shaped, and the angle 29 between the inner surface of the bore 23 and the channel 28 is 45°. It is envisaged that this angle may provide a balance between the release member 12 not being released from the fitting under a force less than the predetermined force, but also ensures that the predetermined force is not so large that a person may attempt self-harm without the release member being released from the fitting.

[0085] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art in that it is quick and easy to assemble, and can be re-assembled even in the event that the release member is released from the fitting. In addition, once the release member is released from the fitting, the fitting provides a residual component that a user would find difficult, if not impossible, to attach a ligature to. Further, the present invention may be used in situation in which water is flowing through the fitting. Thus, the predetermined force that must be applied is sufficiently large that the fitting will not come apart under only the pressure of water flowing through the fitting.

[0086] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0087] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0088] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An anti-ligature fitting comprising a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a support, the mounting portion including a connection portion, and a release member associated with the connection portion, wherein when a force in excess of a predetermined force is applied to the fitting, the release member is released from the connection portion.

2. An anti-ligature fitting according to claim 1 wherein the connection portion and the release member are engaged with one another in a frictional engagement.

3. An anti-ligature fitting according to claim 2 wherein the predetermined force is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement of the connection portion and the release member so as to release the release member from the connection portion.

4. An anti-ligature fitting according to any one or the preceding claims wherein the predetermined force is a downward force of about 20kg of applied force.

5. An anti-ligature fitting according to any one or the preceding claims wherein the release member is adapted for connection to a shower hose.