Slammin’ Shield™ - Built for the Brave!

Well… we’ve only gone and done it.
The Slammin’ Shield™ is now officially PATENT PENDING.
UK Patent Application No: GB2504950.3
Filed: 2nd April 2025

I never set out to invent anything. I just wanted to help my son.

The problem was simple, really

Sam – my lad, Slammin’ Sam – has a Hickman line fitted for his cancer treatment. And with that comes a load of restrictions. No swimming. No baths. Showers are allowed, but they come with constant worry about getting the dressing wet, splashing the entry site, increasing infection risk… you name it.

You can’t just chuck him under the water and carry on. It turns into this awkward routine of gloves, cling film, plastic bags, and help from someone else just to stay dry.

He’d stand there, holding his wigglies, while I washed him down. It was the best we could do – but it wasn’t fair.
It wasn’t comfortable.
And it definitely wasn’t dignified.

That’s what got to me most.

Not the water. Not the line.
But the look on his face – feeling like he’d lost just that little bit more control over his own body.

So I sketched something

Nothing fancy. Just an idea on a notepad in the kitchen.

Then I got on Amazon (there are other online markets available …I think ). Picked up a bit of medical-grade latex. A whittling kit. A few odd bits and pieces. I shaped a mould out of wood in the evenings, made a basic prototype, and slowly, it came together.

The Slammin’ Shield™ was born.

Not to waterproof him. Not to perform miracles.
Just to help keep the water away from where it shouldn’t be – and most importantly, to give him both hands back in the shower.

So he could wash himself.
So he could feel like himself again.

The first time he used it?

He looked at me and said:

“Dad, I’m doing it myself.”

No big drama. No fanfare. Just a proud moment. A small win in a sea of tough days.

Since then, Sam’s taken full control of his shower routine.
He fits the Shield himself, turns the water on, and just cracks on (no pun intended ).
It’s now part of his everyday kit—like his toothbrush or towel. Simple. Easy. Comfortable.

And to be honest…

I don’t know why this hasn’t already been done.

There’s nothing else quite like it out there. Maybe it’s because cling film and gloves are seen as “good enough.”
Maybe this just flew under the radar.

I don’t think I’ve done anything special.
This is just what any parent would try to do if they could.
I’ve just had a bit of luck with how it’s come together. Maybe, with the right help, it’ll go further and help others too.

So now…

• We’ve filed the UK patent
• We’re preparing a global application (PCT filing)
• And we’re hoping to work with the right people – NHS, children’s hospitals, charities, manufacturers, anyone who sees the value in this subtle but meaningful change

Please share if you think this could help someone

Whether it’s a child, an adult, a friend, or a family member – this little shield could give someone their dignity back. And if we can improve it, scale it, and get it to more people, then that’s the real win.

It’s not about patents or products.
It’s about comfort, confidence, and control – especially when so much else feels out of your hands.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for caring. And thank you, Sam, for being the reason behind it all.

Slammin’ Shield™ – Built for the Brave

Chris (aka Barney)

#SlamminShield #PatentPending #SlamminSam #HickmanLine #BuiltForTheBrave #CancerAwareness #MadeWithLove #DignityMatters #TeamSammy

Yes, I know — we’ve been banging on about dignity, and now there’s pictures of Sammy in the shower… but don’t worry — full consent was given by the boss himself (with a smirk and a thumbs up).
“It’s fine, Dad — just make sure I look cool.”
– Slammin’ Sam, 2025