U.S. patent application number 11/677526 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for grab bar.
Invention is credited to David L. Farrow.
Application Number | 20070130682 11/677526 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327345 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070130682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farrow; David L. |
June 14, 2007 |
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 or wheelchair. The grab bar is
attached to the baseboard of the wall or an existing handrail, and
has an 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.; (Castle
Hayne, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG & LIEBERMAN, LLC
2141 WISCONSIN AVE, N.W.
SUITE C-2
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Family ID: |
46327345 |
Appl. No.: |
11/677526 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10940188 |
Sep 14, 2004 |
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11677526 |
Feb 21, 2007 |
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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 first bar; a third bar in communication
with said first bar, said third bar capable of rotating 180
degrees; and a second bar in communication with and under said
third bar.
2. The grab bar of claim 1, wherein said first bar is configured to
attach to a conventional handle bar.
3. The grab bar of claim 1, wherein said second bar is configured
to communicate to a conventional floor.
4. The grab bar of claim 1, wherein said second bar is configured
to communicate to a conventional wall.
5. The grab bar of claim 1, wherein said second bar has a height
adjustment component and a foot mount.
6. The grab bar of claim 1, further comprising a cylinder mounted
on said third bar.
7. The grab bar of claim 1, further comprising an engagement piece
that slides up said third bar.
8. The grab bar of claim 6, further comprising an engagement piece
that slides up said third bar.
9. The grab bar of claim 8, wherein said engagement piece is
configured to push said cylinder up along said third bar.
10. The grab bar of claim 9, further comprising a collar mounted
atop said engagement piece, said collar configured to allow said
cylinder to cover said collar, and said collar configured with a
curved sidewall to allow said cylinder to slide down and forward of
said collar.
11. A grab bar comprising: a first bar; a third bar in
communication with said first bar, said third bar capable of
rotating 180 degrees; a second bar in communication with and under
said third bar; wherein said first bar is configured to attach to a
conventional handle bar; wherein said second bar is configured to
communicate to a conventional floor; wherein said second bar is
configured to communicate to a conventional wall; wherein said
second bar has a height adjustment component and a foot mount;
further comprising a cylinder mounted on said third bar; further
comprising an engagement piece that slides up said third bar;
wherein said engagement piece is configured to push said cylinder
up along said third bar; and further comprising a collar mounted
atop said engagement piece, said collar configured to allow said
cylinder to cover said collar, and said collar configured with a
curved sidewall to allow said cylinder to slide down and forward of
said collar.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/940,188 filed on Sep. 14, 2004 and priority is claimed
thereto
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a grab bar apparatus that
may be used to enable an individual to improve their balance,
positioning, and weight bearing status when transferring from a
toilet seat or a wheelchair to a standing position. More
particularly it is 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
[0003] Severe accidents often occur in the bathroom of residential
homes or public restrooms. The reason for this is 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.
[0004] 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 has been formed to address the need for
aid, especially in the bathroom.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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.
[0013] The present invention has two main bars. A first bar mounts
to an existing conventional hand bar. The first bar is configured
to rotate roughly 90 degrees about the conventional hand bar. In
use, the first bar rotates from a position where it is nearly
parallel to a vertical wall to a position relatively perpendicular
to a vertical wall. A second bar mounts to the first bar at a first
end the second bar. The second bar mounts to a conventional floor,
wall, or other fixed surface at a second end of the second bar. In
use, the second bar is relatively parallel to a vertical wall when
the present invention is not deployed. When the present invention
is deployed, the second bar shifts to an angle (preferably about 10
degrees) from the vertical wall. Thus, when the present invention
is deployed, the first bar rotates from a position where it is
nearly parallel to a vertical wall to a position relatively
perpendicular to a vertical wall; and the second bar shifts to an
angle from the vertical wall that is preferably about 10
degrees.
[0014] The present invention employs a third bar that is connected
at a first end to the first bar, and at a second end to the second
bar. When the present invention is deployed, the third bar moves
roughly 120 degrees so as to allow the first bar to move from a
vertical to a horizontal position. Also, when the third bar moves
roughly 120 degrees, the second bar moves roughly 10 degrees from
the vertical wall.
[0015] The end of the first bar preferably has an end cap to seal
the end of the first bar, which the user may grip. In an
alternative embodiment, the first bar may be designed in an angled
or curved configuration, as opposed to being a straight bar, to
provide a better grip for the user.
[0016] The first bar extends perpendicular from the wall, when
pulled upward to a horizontal position for use. This configuration
provides enough surrounding area to securely grip the bar in order
for the user to lower or rise from a seated position
comfortably.
[0017] When the present invention is raised into a horizontal
position for use, second bar, which is connected to the first bar
via the third bar at roughly a 10 degree angle from the vertical
wall. The second bar could be fastened to the baseboard on the
wall, the wall itself, a bathroom stall wall, or alternatively to
the floor. In this way, the present invention does not pose a
tripping hazard for the user because the second bar is attached to
or as close to a vertical surface as possible at its second end.
Such a configuration allows the user to bear weight on the first
bar, the first bar then transferring the weight to the second bar,
safely and securely. The second bar features a height adjustment
component that allows the user to adjust the second bar to a
desired height, thus making the present invention fit the proper
distance between a conventional hand bar and a conventional
floor.
[0018] After a user is finished using the present invention, the
present invention folds neatly out of the way as the first bar
rotates about the conventional hand bar to move from a horizontal
position to a nearly vertical position. Moreover, after a user is
finished using the present invention, the present invention folds
nearly out of the way as the second bar shifts from its deployed
roughly 10 degree from the vertical position to a vertical or close
to vertical position beside the vertical wall. The cylinder slides
up the third bar as the present invention is deployed and the
second bar moves to a 10-degree position from vertical as the third
bar moves to horizontal.
[0019] When the third bar is vertical, then the cylinder slips down
upon a collar, which is a partial cylinder that is mounted at the
first end of the third bar. The collar's partial cylinder has a
height that slopes down as the cylinder moves around the third bar
from the side of the bar that faces toward a conventional vertical
wall. When the cylinder slips down upon the collar, the cylinder is
rising along the slope of the partial cylinder of the collar
[0020] The engagement piece is positioned along the second bar,
below the second pivot bar. The engagement piece is slid up along
the second bar so that it pushes the cylinder up so that the
cylinder clears the top of the collar. Once that is done, the
cylinder no longer is frictionally engaged with the high point of
the collar, and thus, under the power of gravity, the third bar
moves down back to its original position. As it moves in such a
way, the third bar pivots about the first pin and the second
pin.
[0021] The cylinder slides (under the power of gravity), slides
down the third bar coming to rest atop the first pin.
[0022] When the present invention is not is use, the device is
folded up against a wall, with the leg folded up under the bar. The
device will stay in place until it is used again. 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.
[0023] 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 adjustable
in order to provide for less expensive manufacturing costs.
[0024] An end cap is located on the end of the first bar in order
to seal the leg and provide non-skid support, providing security
and stability for the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a front view of the present invention from the
perspective of a user sitting on a conventional toilet or
wheelchair.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention from the
perspective of a user looking toward the wall while the present
invention is attached with a standard bar.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows another view of the front of the present
invention and solely focuses on the first bar (150), cylinder (85),
collar (80), engagement piece (70) and second pin (100).
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 display views of the present invention
from both the perspective of a user as in FIG. 1 and of a more
disassociated observer as in FIG. 2. Both display in general how
the foot mounting (50) provides an adaptable base to support the
second bar (60). Many of the smaller elements that make up the
present invention, such as the engagement piece (70) and collar
(80) also are seen from the views depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
Above the moveable parts associated with the collar (80) area of
the present invention, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the placement of the
first bar (150). The present invention essentially is supported by
the adaptable foot mounting (50) and can be attached to the wall by
other means, including but limited to, a conventional hand bar
(180) as seen in FIG. 2. The various views also show that the
present invention is configured for a vertical pivoting movement
between an upward stored position and a horizontal in-use
position.
[0030] In FIG. 1 there is shown a foot mounting (50), second bar
(60), engagement piece (70), collar (80), second pin (100), first
pin (90), cylinder (85), first bar (150) and end cap (120). The
first bar (150) is configured to rotate about 90 degrees in
relation to the conventional hand bar (180), making the first bar
(150) capable of being both parallel and perpendicular to a wall
when in usage.
[0031] The second bar (60), meanwhile, is mounted to the first bar
(150). This second bar can then be mounted to a variety of areas
ranging from a conventional wall or floor based on the adaptability
of the foot mounting (50). In this way, the present invention can
easily be placed in the most unobtrusive and safest position
possible. When the present invention is deployed, the position of
the second bar shifts from an angle parallel to a standard wall to
an angle of about but not limited to 10 degrees as shown in FIG. 1.
In effect, when the present invention is deployed, the second bar
(60) shifts to the angle while the first bar (150) rotates from a
position parallel to the wall to perpendicular.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows us that a third bar (160) is connected to an
end of the first bar (150) and also an end of the second bar (60).
When the present invention is deployed, this third bar (160) moves
about 120 degrees. The significance of the movement of the third
bar (160) is that it allows the first bar (150) to move from a
vertical position to a horizontal position to maximize the desired
usage of the present invention. In addition, when the third bar
(160) moves to its deployment position, the second bar (60) will
move about 10 degrees from the wall. Both of these movements are
designed to assist the user in maximizing the full potential of the
present invention.
[0033] Moreover, FIG. 1 shows us that an end cap (120) is connected
to the end of the first bar (150). The end cap (120) can be made of
rubber or other material that permits the user to get a good grip
on the first bar (150) as the user attempts to lift him or herself
up. Also related to the grip and handle of the present invention is
the movement of the first bar (150). As mentioned above, the first
bar (150) extends perpendicular from the wall when pulled upward to
a horizontal position for deployment by the user. This is meant to
provide the user with enough area to securely grip the first bar
(150) of the present invention in order to rise from the seated
position in a comfortable manner.
[0034] At the time when the first bar (150) is raised to a
horizontal deployment position, the second bar (60) is a
stabilizing element of the present invention through its various
ways to be attached to a fixed structure via the second bar (60)
itself and the foot mounting (50). Again, as FIG. 1 and FIG. 2
demonstrate, the foot mounting (50) can be easily angled based on
its rotating design to fit flat on a floor or wall. The positioning
of the second bar (60), which is connected to the first bar (150)
through the third bar (160), is important. Because the second bar
(60) is the stabilizing force, the first bar (150) is capable of
accepting the force and weight of the user as he or she attempts to
rise from the seated position. The weight from the first bar (150)
is then transferred to the second bar (60) to provide the safest
and most efficient use of the present invention. In addition, the
second bar (60) features a height-adjustment component (51) that
permits the user to fit the present invention with the proper
distance between a conventional hand bar and the floor.
[0035] Many of the elements that actually make up the movement of
the present invention can be seen in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, we see the
collar (80), cylinder (85), second pin (100) and engagement piece
(70). When the present invention is deployed, a number of events
occur. Upon deployment, the cylinder (85) slides up the third bar
(160) while the second bar (60) moves to the aforementioned angle
of about 10 degree as shown in FIG. 1. Meanwhile, the third bar
(160) moves into a more horizontal position. The engagement piece
(70) is positioned along the second bar (60). When the user wishes
to return the first bar (150) to a position relatively parallel to
the wall, then the user slides the engagement piece (70) up along
the second bar (60) and the third bar (160). This process actually
pushes the cylinder (85) up to the point where the third bar (160)
is able to collapse down because it is no longer restrained by the
cylinder (85). The collar (80) is generally cylindrically shaped,
except for a curved sidewall (200) so that the collar (80) does not
prevent movement of the third bar (160). Also, the curved sidewall
(200) permits the cylinder (85) to slide down in front of the
collar (80) when the engagement piece (70) forces the cylinder (85)
up, and engagement piece (70) and collar (80) are pulled quickly
down and third bar (160) begins to fall from a vertical position.
When the third bar (160) moves, the cylinder (85) is no longer
engaged by friction to the collar (80). Therefore, gravity pushes
the third bar (160) back to its original position. As it moves, the
third bar (160) pivots about both the first pin (90) and the second
pin (100). Also due to gravity as the present invention is in
motion, the cylinder (85) slides down the third bar (160) before
coming to a rest after being stopped by the position of the first
pin (90). It is important to note that the collar (80) sits atop
the rear side of the engagement piece (70) and thus, the collar
(80) is higher than the front of the engagement piece (70). When
the engagement piece (70) pushes the cylinder (85) upward it
propels the cylinder (85) to clear the top of the collar (80). Some
of the movement of the present invention can be described as
similar to the legs of a card table that slide and lock into place.
In that analogy as is the case with the present invention's
moveable parts as seen in FIG. 3, 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 first bar (150) to stop
in movement once it is in a horizontal position. The second bar
(60) extends to the base of the wall, allowing a user to bear
weight on the present invention, which makes maneuvering to and
from a toilet or wheelchair safe.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows us the view of the present invention in a view
from above. From this angle, one can see the conventional hand bar
(180). The first bar (150) is actually bowed as it connects to the
conventional hand bar (180) in two different places. The bowed
element (190) of the first bar (150) passes around the central area
of the present invention that contains such items as the collar
(80), cylinder (85) and third bar (160). This bowed element (190)
permits greater leverage and helps make the present invention much
simpler and more durable and stable to use, especially for
individuals who may not have strength to lift themselves up
otherwise. The bowed element of the first bar (150) effectively
pulls from one end and pushes from the other end for maximized
stability.
[0037] The present invention also is designed to minimize its area
when not in use. This is done by folding the present invention. To
achieve this goal the user can rotate the first bar (150) so it
moves from the horizontal position to nearly vertical. At the same
time, the second bar (60) shifts from the aforementioned 10-degree
angle to an almost completely vertical position along the wall.
* * * * *