U.S. patent application number 10/940188 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for grab bar.
This patent application is currently assigned to David L. Farrow, Jr.. Invention is credited to David L. Farrow, Catherine J. Gabriel-Farrow.
Application Number | 20060053547 10/940188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032238 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farrow; David L. ; et
al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Grab bar
Abstract
A load bearing grab bar to be used in public and household
restrooms to aid elderly or handicapped people in lowering or
raising themselves from a toilet of wheelchair. The grab bar is
attached to either the wall or an existing handrail, and has a
adjustable support leg to provide better stability when weight is
applied. The grab bar rotates from a vertical stored position to a
horizontal in-use position to allow for better and safer mobility
around home bathroom or public toilet stall.
Inventors: |
Farrow; David L.; (Rocky
Point, NC) ; Gabriel-Farrow; Catherine J.;
(Wilmington, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES EARL LEBERT
537 EAST CASTLEBURY CIRCLE
SALINE
MI
48176
US
|
Assignee: |
David L. Farrow, Jr.
Rocky Point
NC
28457
|
Family ID: |
36032238 |
Appl. No.: |
10/940188 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/576.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 17/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/576.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/024 20060101
A47K003/024 |
Claims
1. A grab bar comprising: a handle; and a deploying apparatus, in
communication with said handle.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle has a grip.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said deploying apparatus
rotates.
4. The device in claim 1, wherein said deploying apparatus is a
bracket.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising an adaptation allowing
said deploying apparatus to communicate with a wall.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a hand rail, in
communication with said deploying apparatus.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said handrail is in communication
with a wall.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a bar in communication
with said deploying apparatus.
9. The device in claim 6, wherein said bar is curved.
10. The device of claim 6, wherein said bar is in communication
with said handle.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a hinge in
communication with said handle.
12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a support leg in
communication with said hinge.
13. The device in claim 12, wherein the height of said support leg
is adjustable.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a grab bar apparatus that
may be used to enable an individual the ability to improve their
balance, positioning, and weight bearing status when transferring
from a toilet seat or a wheelchair to a standing position. More
particularly a grab bar that is foldable, improves safety when
transferring in the bathroom, secure, and helps users to
regain/maintain their independence.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Severe accidents often occur in the bathroom of residential
homes or public restrooms. The reason for this being that many
bathroom items, such as bathtubs, toilets, and floors, are made out
of smooth solid material, such as porcelain, tile, marble, and
metal. Complicating matters worse, these materials have a tendency
of becoming slippery when wet. This factor proposes a dangerous
threat to bathroom users, as slipping on such surfaces can result
in serious physical injury. For the disabled, elderly, and young
children the risk of serious injury increases, despite whether or
not surfaces in the bathroom are wet. A main problem for such
persons, especially the elderly and disabled, becomes using the
bathroom. This problem is particularly cumbersome for those frail
persons residing in their own residential homes that are not
getting in-depth care or assistance, such as the care provided in a
hospital or by a full-time nurse. Such persons are by and large
capable of caring for themselves but are still fairly weak, thus
simple tasks like using the bathroom become greatly burdensome.
[0003] In an attempt to lower the risk of injury in the bathroom
and aid users with disabilities, an assortment of grab rails have
become widespread in bathroom facilities. Handrails are mounted on
the walls adjacent to toilets to provide a source of support, which
a person can utilize to get into standing or sitting position. An
assortment of handrails have been formed to address the need for
aid, especially in the bathroom.
[0004] A popular form of handrail is the conventional straight grab
bar, which is a stationary fixed rail bolted or otherwise attached
to a wall that allows a user to grab with their hands in order to
aid in the transition between a seated and standing position. Yet
such devices are often made of rigid material that employ a tubular
rail with a large diameter along the length. This configuration
provides complications for people with small or frail hands who
cannot grab the handrail securely, and thus the handrail becomes
useless for such users and the danger of serious injury remains
present.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,237 issued to Richard E. Marzee on Nov.
25, 1997 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,344 issued to Torbett B. Guenther
on Sep. 5, 2000 both show forms of conventional straight grab bars
that are mounted on the wall, yet unlike the present invention
these devices are mounted a small distance off the wall thus making
them difficult for the user to reach, as well as limit mobility for
the user to obtain a strong two-handed grasp. Also given that that
these devices require the user to push themselves up, which
requires more upper body strength as compared with pulling with
both hands, these devices may cause strain or stress in the wrists
of the user as the swing or sway onto or off a toilet seat as well
as in or out of a wheelchair. These forms of handrails do not
provide adequate assistance in maneuvering in a bathroom stall.
[0006] Swing away grab bars are of a triangular configuration and
mount to the wall and floor. These devices pivot away from the
wall, and snap, lock, or drop into place. Yet unlike the present
invention, such devices can become obstructive and hinder movement
of the user, as they do not allow for enough legroom if the user
wears a leg brace or cast.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,213 issued to Lawrence L. Sarff on Oct.
17, 2000 shows a U-shaped wall mounted hand rail, which flips down
and locks in place, yet unlike the present invention this device
does not allow for excessive weight bearing down. The amount of
weight bearing capacity is wholly dependent upon the construction
of the wall it is being installed on. If mounted on a sidewall, the
apparatus does not extend far enough in front of a user to offer
enough leverage. If installed on a facing wall, this device will
only be functional if the facing all is in close enough proximity
to the toilet to be of assistance.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,440 issued to Thomas E. Pelt on Jan. 7,
1997 shows a grab bar assembly consisting of an elongated D-shaped
bar, wall mounted, which folds up against the wall when not in use.
Yet unlike the present invention, this device has a small mounting
base, which does not allow for a great deal of force to be used in
pulling the user from the toilet or a wheelchair, or in weight
bearing down upon the device. This device could also be pulled from
the wall quite easily. Another limitation of the device not present
in the present invention is that when flipped into a storage mode,
the device extends into the walkway and hinders movement of the
user. Furthermore, the bottom support arm of the device poses an
injury risk should a user lose their balance and fall on the sharp
bottom edge.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,904 issued to Mike A. Provi on Dec. 10,
1968, U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,361 issued to Alfred A. Smith on Nov. 29,
1983, U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,252 issued to Rik Cuttriss on Sep. 24,
1991, U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,483 issued to Robin Levien on Apr. 21,
1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,904 issued to Paul J. Doczy on Aug. 26,
1997, show safety handrails. Yet unlike the present invention,
these devices are configured for bathtubs and Jacuzzis and
therefore would not provide any assistance for a user on a toilet
seat.
[0010] Thus there is a need for a handrail that provides a solid,
secure lever that can withstand the forces of both pulling against
and pushing to aid in the mechanism of assisted standing for a
user, while also being convenient and efficient to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention improves upon the various previous
methods of assisting a user in moving between a toilet seat and
standing stance, as well as cited patents by being efficient to
use, convenient, space saving, all while not hindering the movement
of the user.
[0012] The present invention mounts on to an existing convention
grab bar and is comprised of a grip bar linked with a support leg.
The grip bar is formed of a first bar and a second bar. The first
bar slopes down and intersects with the extending straight second
bar and a center point. The end of the grip bar has a rubber cap to
seal the end of the bar, which the user may grip. In an alternative
embodiment, the grip bar may be designed in an angled configuration
to provide a better grip for the user.
[0013] The grip bar extends perpendicular from the wall, when
pulled in a downward horizontal position for use. This
configuration provides enough surrounding area to securely grip the
bar in order to lower or rise from a seated position
comfortably.
[0014] When the present invention is lowered into a horizontal
position for use, a support leg, which is connected to the grip bar
through a hinge connector, extends to the floor. Such a
configuration allows the user to bear weight on the support leg
safely and securely. The support leg features a height adjustment
component that allows the user to adjust the support leg to a
desired height, thus making the present invention user
friendly.
[0015] After a user is finished using the present invention, the
apparatus folds neatly out of the way by rotating the present
invention upward against the wall. A bracket assembly consisting of
two spring loaded ball assemblies with a steel ball projecting into
an opening in a companion mating piece, is employed to secure a
mating relationship when pieces are placed in suitable position to
maintain the present invention in an up or down position. Also the
invention employs a stopper assembly consisting of a hinge, clamp,
and stop pin, which allow the present invention to pivot. The
stopper assembly fully facilitates the invention in either and
upward vertical storage or downward horizontal for use position, as
well as permits a cease of movement when the invention reaches
either one of the two desired positions.
[0016] When the present invention is not is use, the device is
folded up against a wall, and held in place with a locking pin
device. In order to use the present invention, the user pulls the
grip bar arm down from its upward stored position, until the grip
bar arm locks in its downward horizontal position. The grip bar arm
acts as a secure lever that can withstand the forces of pulling and
pushing against, in order to aid the user in standing up or sitting
down.
[0017] The support leg may be pulled down and adjusted to a desired
height in order to provide optimum support and comfort for the
user. In an alternative embodiment, the support leg is
non-adjustable in order to provide for less expensive manufacturing
costs.
[0018] A rubber cap is located on the end of the support leg in
order to seal the leg and provide non-skid support, providing
security and stability for the user.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the present invention is use
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention in use
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the present invention in
folded storage position.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the stopper
assembly
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIGS. 1-3, display a grab bar (10). As shown in FIG. 1, the
present invention is a grab bar (10) that is configured for a
vertical pivoting movement between an upward stored position and a
horizontal in-use position. In the horizontal position the present
invention can be used to assist a person moving from a seated
position on a toilet seat or wheelchair to a standing position.
[0024] The present invention has a grip bar arm (20), a bracket
assembly (30), structure attachment (40), and an extending support
leg (190). The structure attachment (40) is configured to mount to
an existing conventional grab bar (60). The grip bar arm (20) with
an extending support leg (190) combined with the bracket assembly
(30) is attached to the structure attachment (40) via a stopper
assembly (70).
[0025] The present invention is configured to permit the stopper
assembly (70) to shift the grip bar arm (20) in an upward position
or a downward in use position. The stopper assembly (70), as shown
in FIG. 4, has cylinder housing (80), a clamp (90), and stop pin
(100). The components operate together to ensure that the pivotal
transition from an upward stored position to a downward in use
position is a steady shift not characterized as a dangerous fast
drop. Such a configuration ensures safety for the user, and allows
the grip bar arm (20) to stop in movement once it is in a
horizontal position.
[0026] The structural attachment (40) has a pair of hollow
cylindrical housing units (80) which may be used to attach the
structural attachment (40) to an existing conventional grab bar
(60). Adjacent to the structural attachment (40) is the bracket
assembly (30) which has two conventional spring loaded ball
assemblies (110) with a steel ball (120) projecting into opening in
a companion mating piece (130), used to secure a mating
relationship when pieces are placed in suitable position to
maintain the present invention is an up or down position (spring
loaded ball assemblies (110), steel ball (120) and mating piece
(130) are contained within bracket assembly (30) and are not shown
in any of the figures). The user determines the final location of
the apparatus.
[0027] Located adjacent to the bracket assembly (30) is the stopper
assembly (70). The stopper assembly (70) has a hollow cylinder
housing (80), clamp (90), and stop pin (100). Stop pin (100) is
connected nearby to the cylinder housing (80). Stop pin (100) is
utilized to prevent pivotal movement of the present invention after
a certain point, thus holding the apparatus securely in a
horizontal in-use position or a vertical stored position.
[0028] The grip bar arm (20) is joined to the bracket assembly in
order to rotate around the stopper assembly (70). As shown in FIG.
1, the grip bar arm (20) has a first bar (140) and a second bar
(150). The first bar (140) slopes and links at the center point
(160) of the straight second bar (150). A rubber cap (170) is
employed to seal the end of the grip bar arm (20). In an
alternative embodiment, a polished aluminum cap with spring tooth
grips may be used.
[0029] When the present invention is lowered to an in-use
horizontal position, the apparatus extends a sufficient length
perpendicular from the wall, providing a sufficient area to
securely grip the grip bar arm (20) and lower or rise from a
wheelchair or toilet seat.
[0030] A support leg (190) extends to the floor allowing a user to
bear weight on the present invention, which makes maneuvering to
and from a toilet or wheelchair safe. The support leg (190)
connects to the grip bar arm (20) through a hinge connection (200)
with a bolt (210) and washers (220). The hinge connection (200)
allows the support leg (190) to easily fall down when the grip bar
arm (20) is lowered to the horizontal in-use position, as well as
easily fold up when the present invention is elevated to a vertical
stored position. The extending support leg (190) has a height
adjustment connection (230), which allows the user to adjust the
height of the extending support leg (190) in accordance to the
users preference of comfort. In an alternative embodiment the
support leg (190) is non-adjustable, in order to provide a less
expensive manufacturing cost.
[0031] Due to the location of the extending support leg (190),
ample room is available for maneuvering around the present
invention. A rubber cap (240) is employed to seal the end of the
support leg (190) and provide non-skid support. Thus the support
leg (190) will safely and securely hold the weight of user.
[0032] To achieve simplicity, an alternative embodiment of the
present invention does not have a support leg (190). Also, in a
further alternative embodiment the present invention has a support
leg (190) that attaches to the wall.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, when not in use, the present invention
is easily folded up against the wall and held in place with stop
pin device (100). Such a configuration provides enough room for a
user, who does not need the assistance of the present invention, to
move around a toilet stall or bathroom with ease.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 the present invention has benefits not
present in other known grab bar devices in that the present
invention is foldable, secure, provides ample room for maneuvering
and convenient for users who need assistance in maneuvering around
a bathroom, as well as those who do not need assistance. This is
made possible because of the
[0035] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be
understood that various adjustments and versions might be
implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present
invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above, and should be interpreted as any and all
embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *