BACTERIA-RESISTANT GRAB BAR

1 . A grab bar assembly comprising:

an elongated metal grab bar;

opposed end portions that extend from the grab bar;

a mounting bracket associated with each end portion such that the grab bar may be attached to but spaced from a target surface; and

a molded elastic handle extending along at least a portion of the grab bar and comprising an antimicrobial agent and silicone rubber.

2 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the grab bar is stainless steel.

3 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the opposed end portions extend substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the grab bar.

4 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the opposed ends are integral within the grab bar.

5 . The grab bar assembly of claim 4 , wherein the grab bar and the end portions are substantially tubular.

6 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mounting brackets are substantially round.

7 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent contains silver.

8 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastic handle contains about 0.5 to about 3.0 wt % of antimicrobial agent and about 97-99.5 wt % of silicone rubber, based on the weight of the elastic handle.

9 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastic handle contains about 2 wt % of silver ion based on the weight of the elastic handle.

10 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the silicone rubber comprises dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminaled organopolysiloxane gum and silanol-terminated organopolysiloxane oil.

11 . The grab bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the handle has an exterior shape that is substantially helical.

12 . A method of producing a grab bar assembly comprising:

forming a substantially tubular member into a grab bar having opposed end portions that extend from the grab bar such that the grab bar may be positioned adjacent to but spaced from a target surface;

fixing a mounting plate to each end portion;

applying a mold to at least a portion of the grab bar;

introducing a mixture of silicone rubber and an antimicrobial agent into the mold;

causing the mixture to cure and form an elastic handle; and

removing the mold from around the elastic handle.

13 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the grab bar is stainless steel.

14 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the opposed end portions extend substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the grab bar.

15 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the mounting brackets are substantially round.

16 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the antimicrobial agent contains silver.

17 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the elastic handle contains about 0.5 to about 3.0 wt % of antimicrobial agent and about 97-99.5 wt % of silicone rubber, based on the weight of the elastic handle.

18 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the elastic handle contains about 2 wt % of silver ion based on the weight of the elastic handle.

19 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein the silicone rubber comprises dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminated organopolysiloxane gum and silanol-terminated organopolysiloxane oil.

20 . The method of producing a grab bar assembly in claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of the elastic handle has an exterior shape that is substantially helical.