Plumbing Fixtures

There were some very interesting plumbing fixtures that were exhibited.  The first one I saw was a very cool faucet with built in hand dryer by Dyson.  It was very universally designed.  If built correctly (into an accessible counter with proper knee clearances) it meets ADA compliance.  Click on the image and it will take you to a video of how it works

Even though bariatrics patients are not included in the ADA and measurements for these individuals were not taken into consideration in the Standards, manufacturers are becoming more aware of this condition and are designing products for them. One company Zurn, was displaying a water closet that can withstand 1,000 lbs of force.  I only wish I would have sat on it so I could show you the size in context.  If you notice the tile below is 12"x12" so the width of the water closet is close to 24" in width.  It was very impressive.

Accessible showers are always also displayed at Expos.  What I like to see when I go is the innovative products for curbless showers.  There were three companies that I saw that had excellent drainage products for their accessible showers: Zurn, Quick Drain USA and Schlutter

 In addition to drains, products such as shower seats and grab bars were also showcased by different companies.  A nice permanent wooden bench that also closes easily was displayed by Best Bath Systems. The same company had nice grab bars (by Great Grabz)  that met the requirements without looking institutional.

Door and Window Hardware

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 There were some interesting sliding door hardware and locks from Hafele.  One of the locks allows a person without grasping and pulling or twisting of the wrist to operate it (although it might require more than 5 lbs to operate, so you should inquire more).  At a closed position it is flush with the door so that it does not decrease the clear width when fully recessed into the pocket cavity.  To operate it, a person would use a knucle to push the button and release the handle which can then be pulled to close the door.

Locker hardware was another type of hardware that was displayed.  The accessible options for lockers are push button type locking mechanism.  Remember that 5% of locker must be accessible and that they will also have to have proper operating mechanism.

Window hardware, which is now required to be accessible by the 2010 ADA Standards, were also displayed.  Marvin windows had a great example of a push out casement window hardware that was easy to open with a closed fist

Interesting products

 There was an interesting elevator that is powered by air.  It was called "Pnuematic Vaccuum Elevator".  This elevator is for residential applications and does not meet the ADA (yet).  It is very interesting and maybe they will come up with one for commercial applications.