U.S. patent application number 11/740686 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for providing mobility support.
Invention is credited to Patricia M. Banks.
Application Number | 20070186348 11/740686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39931256 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070186348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Banks; Patricia M. |
August 16, 2007 |
PROVIDING MOBILITY SUPPORT
Abstract
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to
providing mobility support to assist people in maneuvering. In
aspects, a support structure is coupled to a base to secure the
support structure in an upstanding position. A grab bar is coupled
to the support structure. When the grab bar is lifted substantially
vertically from the support structure, the grab bar may be
decoupled from the support structure. When the grab bar is lifted
such that a horizontal component of force is applied against the
support structure, the grab bar resists decoupling from the support
structure. Other aspects are described in the Detailed
Description.
Inventors: |
Banks; Patricia M.;
(Bellevue, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JARDINE LAW OFFICES
116 129TH AVENUE NE
BELLEVUE
WA
98005
US
|
Family ID: |
39931256 |
Appl. No.: |
11/740686 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11462820 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
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11740686 |
Apr 26, 2007 |
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60713389 |
Sep 1, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/662 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/0533
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/662 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. A device for assisting a person to maneuver in a bathroom, the
device comprising: a support structure having a first and a second
end, the first end adapted to couple to a base member to secure the
support structure in a substantially vertical orientation; and a
pivotable grab bar adapted to couple to the second end of the
support structure, the pivotable grab bar having a toolless
decoupling mechanism to decouple the grab bar from the support
structure, the pivotable grab bar being adapted to rotate within a
set range while coupled to the support structure.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is adapted to be
fastened to a floor of the bathroom via screws that extend into the
floor.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a
docking station adapted to extend into the floor, the docking
stating including a hole adapted to receive the support
structure.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is adapted to be
fastened between a toilet and a bathtub and wherein the pivotable
grab bar is adapted to extend to the toilet and the bathtub and to
provide support to the person when getting on or off the toilet and
in or out of the bathtub.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a plate
with holes therein, the holes sized to receive fasteners to secure
the base member to a floor of the bathroom.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the toolless decoupling mechanism
comprises a weight of and a friction associated with the pivotable
grab bar that must be overcome to decouple the grab bar from the
support structure, the toolless decoupling mechanism adapted to
increase the friction when a force upon the pivotable grab bar
causes an increase in horizontal force on the support
structure.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a
height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of the grab
bar.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the set range comprises
substantially zero degrees.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the set range comprises
substantially one hundred and eighty degrees.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the set range comprises
substantially three hundred and sixty degrees.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is adapted to be
fastened to a wall of the bathroom via screws that extend into the
wall.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the pivotable grab bar includes
an hand hold end adapted to extends vertically when the pivotable
grab bar is coupled to the second end of the support structure, the
hand hold structured to provide a vertical gripping surface for a
person sitting on a toilet next to the device.
13. The device of claim 1, further comprising an arm rest connected
to the pivotable grab bar, the arm rest providing a surface for an
arm of a person, the surface capable of supporting a substantial
portion or all of a weight of the person.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the arm rest includes a
rubberized surface.
15. A method for installing one or more devices to assist a person
in maneuvering in a bathroom, the method comprising: securing a
base member to a floor of the bathroom; attaching a support
structure to the base member to place the support structure in a
substantially vertical orientation; and providing a pivotable grab
adapted to couple to the support structure, the pivotable grab bar
having a toolless decoupling mechanism to decouple the grab bar
from the support structure.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pivotable grab bar is
adapted to rotate within a set range while coupled to the support
structure.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising inserting a sleeve
into the support structure, the sleeve structured to receive a
portion of the pivotable grab bar to couple the grab bar to the
support structure.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting the
portion of the grab bar into the sleeve.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising securing another
support structure to a wall of the bathroom, the other support
structure in a substantially vertical orientation, the other
support structure adapted to couple to the pivotable grab or
another pivotable grab bar having a structure of the pivotable grab
bar.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the base member to the
floor of the bathroom comprises securing the base member to an area
of the floor between a toilet and a shower such that the pivotable
grab bar when coupled to the support structure is capable of
reaching near or to the toilet and the shower.
21. A device for assisting a person to maneuver near a bed, the
device comprising: a base member structured to abut next to a floor
next to a foot of the bed, a support structure having a first and a
second end, the first end adapted to couple to a base member to
secure the support structure in a substantially vertical
orientation; and a pivotable grab bar adapted to couple to the
second end of the support structure, the pivotable grab bar having
a toolless decoupling mechanism to decouple the grab bar from the
support structure, the pivotable grab bar being adapted to rotate
within a set range while coupled to the support structure
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the base member includes a
support surface upon which weight from the bed may be placed to
provide additional stability to the device.
23. The device of claim 21, wherein the base member is
substantially under the bed and has a sufficient portion not under
the bed to couple to the support structure.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the grab bar is structured to
rotate in a range of motion around the foot of the bed to assist a
person in rehabilitation exercises.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/462,820, filed Aug. 7, 2006, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/713,389, filed
Sep. 1, 2005, entitled SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS RELATED TO
BED MOBILITY DEVICES which applications are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As people get older, they are more susceptible to serious
injuries that result from falling. In the United States and many
other modern countries with aging populations, falls are a leading
cause of death in older people. Most fatal falls occur while
traversing uneven ground such as steps, curbs, and other uneven
surfaces. Falls associated with bed use (e.g., getting in and out
of bed) are the second most common cause of fall deaths.
Maneuvering in bathrooms is also difficult for many disabled or
older people.
SUMMARY
[0003] Briefly, aspects of the subject matter described herein
relate to providing mobility support to assist people in
maneuvering. In aspects, a support structure is coupled to a base
to secure the support structure in an upstanding position. A grab
bar is coupled to the support structure. When the grab bar is
lifted substantially vertically from the support structure, the
grab bar may be decoupled from the support structure. When the grab
bar is lifted such that a horizontal component of force is applied
against the support structure, the grab bar resists decoupling from
the support structure.
[0004] This Summary is provided to briefly identify some aspects of
the subject matter that is further described below in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0005] The phrase "subject matter described herein" refers to
subject matter described in the Detailed Description unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "aspects" should be
read as "at least one aspect." Identifying aspects of the subject
matter described in the Detailed Description is not intended to
identify key or essential features of the claimed subject
matter.
[0006] The aspects described above and other aspects of the subject
matter described herein are illustrated by way of example and not
limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference
numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a view generally illustrating an exemplary device
for providing support for mobility in accordance with aspects of
the subject matter described herein;
[0008] FIG. 2A-2C are views illustrating some exemplary components
that allow a grab bar of a support device to rotate in accordance
with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device
according to aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4D are views illustrating some exemplary components
that may be used to restrict the range of rotation of a grab bar in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0011] FIG. 5A is a view illustrating another embodiment of a
mobility support device in accordance with aspects of the subject
matter described herein;
[0012] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B-5B
of FIG. 5A;
[0013] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that illustrate a mobility device
having a bi-stable hinge in accordance with aspects of the subject
matter described herein;
[0014] FIGS. 6C and 6D are views that illustrate a mobility device
having a hinge with a single stable resting point in accordance
with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0015] FIGS. 7A-7C are views that illustrate some embodiments in
which additional stability may be provided to the support device in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0016] FIGS. 8A-8F are views that illustrate exemplary embodiments
for adjusting the height of the grab bar in accordance with aspects
of the subject matter described herein;
[0017] FIG. 9A illustrates a support device that includes a table
and a grab bar in accordance with aspects of the subject matter
described herein;
[0018] FIG. 9B illustrates a two bar embodiment of a support device
in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described
herein;
[0019] FIG. 9C illustrates another two bar embodiment of a support
device in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described
herein;
[0020] FIG. 10A illustrates a grab bar variation in accordance with
aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0021] FIG. 10B illustrates another grab bar variation in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0022] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary docking base
according to aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view generally illustrating support devices
that may be used in a bathroom in accordance with aspects of the
subject matter described herein;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a view generally illustrating a support device
that may be placed in another location in a bathroom to provide
mobility support in accordance with aspects of the subject matter
described herein;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view generally illustrating two support devices
that may be placed near a bed in accordance with aspects of the
subject matter described herein; and
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view generally illustrating another
configuration of support devices that may be used in a bathroom in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1 is a view generally representing an exemplary device
for providing support for mobility in accordance with aspects of
the subject matter described herein. As illustrated, the support
device 100 is shown next to a bed 125. The bed 125 may be an
electric or non-electric bed, a water bed, an air bed, or any other
type of bed designed for people to sleep or rest on. In an
embodiment, the support device 100 is designed specifically for use
in home bed applications. In other embodiments, the support device
100 is designed specifically for use in hospital bed applications.
In yet other embodiments, the support device 100 is designed for
use in home and hospital bed applications.
[0028] In other embodiments, the support device 100 may be
installed next to a couch, chair, table, shower or bathtub,
counter, or other location at which support may be needed. In an
embodiment, the support device 100 may include a grab bar 105, a
sleeve 110, a stand 115, and a base 120.
[0029] In operation, someone lying on the bed 125 may grab the grab
bar 105 to provide support for sitting up or otherwise maneuvering
on the bed 125. The person may also use the grab bar 105 for
support in getting into or out of the bed 125. In some embodiments,
through mechanisms described in more detail in conjunction with
FIGS. 2B, 4A-4D, 5A and 5B, and other FIGURES, the grab bar 105 may
be secured rotationally so as to remain parallel to the bed 125
while it is being used for support. In one embodiment, the
mechanisms that restrict rotation of the grab bar 105 may comprise
one or more keys. A person using the support device 100 may allow
rotation of the grab bar 105 by removing or unlocking one or more
of the keys and may restrict rotation by installing or locking one
or more of the keys. The person may use these keys to allow the
grab bar 105 to rotate within the sleeve 110 to provide support
while the person moves away from the bed 125. In at least some
embodiments, the grab bar 105 may rotate (e.g., pivot) freely
without needing to be lifted.
[0030] As described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2E,
the support device 100 may be structured to allow for easy removal
of the grab bar 105. This may help in avoiding entrapment issues
that other support devices may have. In entrapment, a person using
a support device becomes trapped by the support device and may be
unable to free him or herself. Entrapment can lead to death or
injury.
[0031] In one embodiment, the base 120 of the support device 100
may be structured to be assembled using reconfigurable parts such
that the support device 100 may be placed on the left, right, or
near or at the center of the head of the bed 125. The grab bar 105
may be removed or rotated to be parallel or perpendicular to the
head of the bed 125 when not in use. In an embodiment, a plurality
of the support devices 100 may be placed on the left, right, and/or
near the center of the head of the bed 125 in conjunction with
providing bed mobility support.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the bottom of the
grab bar 105 may rest on a surface 205 within the sleeve 110. The
grab bar 105 and the sleeve 110 may be structured such that the
grab bar 105 remains in (e.g., is coupled to) the sleeve 110 until
the grab bar 105 is lifted substantially straight out of the sleeve
110. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the receiving hole 210 of the
sleeve 110 may be formed to be slightly larger in diameter than the
outer diameter of the sleeve 110. The weight of the grab bar 105's
handle may cause the inserted portion 215 of the grab bar 105 to
form a slight angle from vertical within the sleeve 110. It has
been found that this arrangement causes the grab bar 105 to resist
removal (e.g., decoupling) from the sleeve 110 as long as the
inserted portion 215 continues to exert a horizontal force against
the sides of the sleeve 110. When, however, the grab bar 105 is
lifted substantially vertically near the curve 220 of the grab bar
105, it is relatively easy to remove the grab bar 105 from the
sleeve 110.
[0033] In one embodiment, this arrangement of the grab bar 105 and
sleeve 110 forms a toolless decoupling mechanism in that a person
may remove the grab bar 105 from the sleeve 110 without using a
tool.
[0034] In one embodiment, it is believed that the resistance to
removal results from frictional and gravity forces. For example,
when an upward force that tends to pull the grab bar 105
substantially vertical is greater than frictional and gravity
forces associated with the grab bar 105, the grab bar 105 may be
removed from the sleeve 110.
[0035] Additional weight or upward pull along the length of the
grab bar 105 that generates a component of force not parallel to
the sleeve 110 may cause the grab bar portion 215 within the sleeve
110 to increase its resistance to vertical movement, thus providing
an effective mechanism that stops the accidental removal of the
grab bar 105 from the sleeve 110. For example, if a person using
the grab bar 105 to get out of bed is unstable and yanks downward
or upward on the grab bar 105, the yanking will not in most cases
be such to remove the grab bar 105 from the sleeve 110. Rather, the
yanking will, in most cases, cause a component of force not
parallel to the sleeve 110 to increase the sleeve 110's resistance
to vertical movement and avoid removal of the grab bar 105 from the
sleeve 110.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 2B, the sleeve 110 may include a washer 225
and a screw 230 that may also be used to provide resistance to both
upward and rotational movement of the grab bar 105. The washer 225
may be sized to be substantially in contact with a portion of the
grab bar 105 inserted into the sleeve. In one embodiment,
tightening or loosening the screw 230 causes the washer 225 to
press more or less firmly against the grab bar 105 thus causing
more or less resistance to upward and rotational movement of the
grab bar 105. In another embodiment, the screw 230 may be used to
contract or expand the inner diameter of the washer 225 to cause
the washer 225 to provide more or less resistance to upward and
rotational movement of the grab bar 105.
[0037] A key 235 may be inserted through an opening 237 in the side
of the sleeve 110 to restrict the range of rotational movement of
the grab bar 105. The grab bar portion 215 inserted into the sleeve
110 may have a slot 240 cut out therein. The sides of the slot 240
may engage with the key 235 to restrict rotational movement of the
grab bar 105 to a selected range. By varying the width of the slot
240 of the grab bar 105, the range of rotation allowed by the key
235 may be changed. For example, a relatively thin slot may allow
relatively little rotation of the grab bar 105 while a relatively
wide slot may allow proportionally larger rotation of the grab bar
105.
[0038] In an embodiment, the rotation of the grab bar 105 may be
entirely or substantially restricted. For example, if another key
is inserted on another side of the sleeve (as illustrated in FIG.
4A) or the slot 240 in the grab bar portion 215 inserted into the
sleeve 110 is made sufficiently small in width, the range of
rotational movement of the grab bar 105 may be substantially zero
degrees.
[0039] In other embodiments, other keys may be used to restrict the
rotation of the grab bar 105. Some exemplary keys include those
available from McMaster-Carr.RTM. and having part numbers 1226BA51,
12265A53, 80625A32, 80625A34, 12265A55, 12265A57, 80625A36,
80625138, and other similar keys may be affixed to the sleeve 110
to engage with the grab bar 105 to restrict its rotation. These
part numbers were shown in a catalog available from
McMaster-Carr.RTM. at the time of the filing of the parent of this
application.
[0040] FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment of a support device
according to aspects of the subject matter described herein. In
this embodiment, the grab bar 245 may attach to the sleeve 250
(which may no longer have a hole therein to receive the grab bar
245) through the use of a hinge 255 that allows the grab bar 245 to
rotate. The hinge 255 may utilize a pin (similar to that shown in
FIG. 2D) to allow the grab bar 105 to be decoupled from the sleeve
110
[0041] FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary hinge for coupling a grab
bar to a sleeve according to aspects of the subject matter
described herein. In one embodiment, the hinge 265 may not allow
for easy removal of the grab bar from the sleeve. In this
embodiment, the pin 260 securing the hinge 265 may need a special
tool, sufficient strength, or expertise to be removed. In another
embodiment, the hinge may include a hidden pin 260 that is not
readily discernable to a person with dementia or the like. This may
be used to make it more difficult for such a person to decouple the
grab bar from the sleeve.
[0042] FIG. 2E illustrates another exemplary hinge for coupling a
grab bar to a stand. By lifting up the leaf 275 of the hinge 270,
the leaves of the hinge 275 may be separated. By attaching a grab
bar to the leaf 275, a stable support device with an easily removed
grab bar may be constructed.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device
according to aspects of the subject matter described herein. In
this embodiment, the stand 305 may be welded into a set
configuration. The stand 305 may include multiple sets of bottom
leaves (e.g., bottom leaves 310 and 311 and bottom leaves 315 and
316) to allow for more than one grab bar 320 to be attached to the
stand simultaneously or to allow a height adjustment of the grab
bar 320. The grab bar 320 may have a rotation stop 325 that
restricts the rotational movement of the grab bar 105. In addition,
the stand 305 may have a grab bar storage attachment 330 for
storing the grab bar 320 when not in use. The grab bar 320 may have
a hole in the end 335 allowing the grab bar 320 to be placed on the
grab bar storage attachment 330.
[0044] The supporting device 300 may include a surface 340 upon
which a foot of a bed may be placed. This may be done, for example,
to increase the stability and decrease the lateral and tipping
movement of the supporting device 300. The support legs 345 and 346
may also provide additional stability.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 4A, as described previously, the keys 235
and 405 may be used to restrict the rotational movement of the grab
bar 105 to substantially zero degrees or some other range of
rotation.
[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a mechanism that may
be used to restrict rotational movement of the grab bar in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. A
structural member 410 having cutouts 415 and 420 may be formed to
slide within the sleeve 110 at either of two orientations. The
range of rotation for the grab bar 105 may be changed depending on
the width of the cutouts 415 and 420 and the width of the slot 240
on the grab bar 105. To quickly change between two different ranges
of rotation, the structural member 410 may be removed from the
sleeve 110 and turned over such that the other cutout engages the
edges of the slot 240 of the grab bar 105.
[0047] FIG. 4C illustrates another example of a mechanism that may
be used to restrict rotational movement of the grab bar in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. The
grab bar 440 may have a rotation stop 425 attached thereto that
engages with a collar 430 attached to the sleeve 435. When the
rotation stop 425 engages with a side of the collar 430, it stops
the rotation of the grab bar 440 in that direction. In an
embodiment, the gap of the collar 430 may be fixed at construction
time to determine the rotational range of the grab bar 440. In
another embodiment, the gap of the collar 430 may be varied
dynamically after construction (e.g., through pins, cutouts, or the
like) to change the rotational range of the grab bar 440. In
various embodiments, the grab bar 440 may have a slot similar to
the slot 240 of FIG. 2B.
[0048] FIG. 4D illustrates another example of a mechanism that may
be used to restrict rotational movement of the grab bar in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. A
hinge 445 that couples the grab bar 450 to the sleeve 455 may have
a rotation stop 460 that restricts rotation of the grab bar 450 to
a certain range of rotation. The grab bar 450 may rotated on the
hinge 445 until it engages with the rotation stop 460 at which
point it may rotate no further in that direction. The rotational
range of the grab bar 105 may be varied by changing the dimensions
of the rotation stop 460 as appropriate.
[0049] FIG. 5A is a view illustrating another embodiment of a
mobility support device in accordance with aspects of the subject
matter described herein. In an embodiment, the sleeve (e.g., sleeve
110 of FIG. 1) is replaced with a heavy gauge tubing 505
(hereinafter sleeve 525) that is part of the stand used to receive
and support the grab bar 510.
[0050] In an embodiment, a pin 515 may be inserted through both
sides of the sleeve 525 and through a groove in the grab bar 510.
The radial dimensions of the groove determine the rotational range
of the grab bar 510. In addition, the pin 515 provides additional
support for keeping the grab bar 510 in the sleeve 110.
[0051] In another embodiment, the pin 515 may not extend all the
way through both sides of the grab bar 510. Rather the pin 515 may
extend into one side of the grab bar 510. In this embodiment, the
rotational range of the grab bar 510 may also be increased or
decreased by changing the radial size of the groove.
[0052] The bottom of the grab bar 510 may rest on a surface created
by the pin 520. The sleeve 525 may have multiple holes in the side
thereof sized to fit the pin 520. By moving the pin 520 to various
of the holes, the height of the grab bar 510 may be changed.
[0053] The grab bar 510 may have multiple grooves 530-535 to allow
for changing the height of the grab bar 510 so that the pin 515 may
be reinserted into the grab bar 510 after the height has been
changed.
[0054] The sleeve 525 may have a rubberized liner 540 or some other
resistive surface to provide additional resistance to rotational
and vertical movement of the grab bar 510.
[0055] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B-5B
of FIG. 5A. As shown, the two grooves 545 and 550 may extend around
the grab bar to provide rotational range for the grab bar 510 when
the pin 515 is inserted through the grab bar 510.
[0056] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that illustrate a mobility device
having a bi-stable hinge in accordance with aspects of the subject
matter described herein. With springs or other suitable mechanisms,
the hinge 605 is structured to have two stable resting points. When
the grab bar 610 is rotated away from one of the resting points,
the mechanism provides a restoration force that tends to rotate the
grab bar 610 back to the resting point to which it is closest. For
example, it may be desired to have one resting point correspond to
having the grab bar 610 parallel to the bed and another resting
point correspond to having the grab bar 610 perpendicular to the
bed. In this embodiment, after a person releases the grab bar after
use, the grab bar 610 tends to come to rest either next to the bed
or next to the wall.
[0057] By appropriately sizing the restoration mechanism, the
restoration force may be adjusted to be stronger or weaker as
desired. In other embodiments, if available, a hinge with one,
three, or more stable resting points may be substituted for the
hinge 605.
[0058] FIGS. 6C and 6D are views that illustrate a gravity hinge
that tends to restore the grab bar to a single resting point after
being released in accordance with aspects of the subject matter
described herein. The hinge 615 may be formed using an inclined
ramp around the pin 620 such that by rotating the grab bar 625,
potential energy is transferred to the grab bar 625 in the form of
the grab bar 625 having a greater height. When the grab bar 625 is
released, gravity may then pull the upper portion of the hinge 615
down the inclined ramp to return the grab bar 625 to a resting
point where the upper portion of the hinge 6615 is at the bottom of
the inclined ramp.
[0059] To this end, FIG. 6C shows the grab bar 625 in a position
where the grab bar 625 has been rotated away from its resting
point. This is indicated by the increased height of the grab bar
625 as well as the gap 630 between the lower and upper leaves of
the hinge 615. FIG. 6D shows the grab bar 625 at its resting point.
This is indicated by the lowered height (with respect to FIG. 6C)
of the grab bar 625 as well as the absence of a gap between the
leaves of the hinge 615.
[0060] In an embodiment, the hinge 615 may be fitted with a
mechanism that restricts rotation past the top of the incline. This
may be done to avoid an abrupt drop of the grab bar 625 as the bar
is rotated up the inclined ramp until it falls back to the no-gap
position.
[0061] FIGS. 7A-7C are views that illustrate various embodiments in
which additional stability may be provided to the support device in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein.
Turning to FIG. 7A, the base of a support device may have a surface
705 constructed to rest under a foot 710 the bed. If the foot 710
the bed is at another location on the bed such that it does not
rest on the surface 705, a "false" foot may be attached to the bed
frame and placed upon the surface 705. In this manner, the weight
of the bed may assist in providing stability to the support
device.
[0062] In addition, other structural members 715 and 720 may be
formed to wrap around the bed frame. These other structural members
715 and 720 may be attached to the support device through bolts and
nuts, for example.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 7B, a support leg 725 may slide within a
support sleeve 730. The support leg 725 may be positioned depending
on which side of the bed the support device 100 is positioned. To
hide the support leg 725 from view, for example, the support leg
725 may be slid under the bed. Once the support leg 725 is
positioned at a desired location, the support leg 725 may be fixed
in place by bolts, pins, or the like passing through the support
sleeve 730 into the support leg 725. Screws may pass through the
holes 735-742 and into a structural framing member of a wall (e.g.,
a plate) or floor to firmly affix the support leg to a particular
location and provide added stability to the support device 100.
[0064] In addition to, or in lieu of, attaching the support leg to
the wall or floor, the base plate 745 may be screwed into the floor
at various locations to provide additional stability to the support
device.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 7C, to attach directly to odd-sized beds or
movable beds including hospital beds, an attachment member 750 may
be used. The attachment member 750 may be attached to the stand
755. In an embodiment, the support device 760 may not have a base
member to attach the support device to the floor or wall. Rather,
the support device 760 may be secured to the bed through the
attachment member 750 only. In this manner, the support device 760
may move with the bed which may be particularly helpful for
hospital beds and other mobile beds, for example.
[0066] FIGS. 8A-8F are views that illustrate exemplary embodiments
for adjusting the height of the grab bar in accordance with aspects
of the subject matter described herein. Turning to FIGS. 8A and 8B,
the sleeve 110 and stand 115 may have holes that allow a pin 805 to
be inserted therein. By removing the pin 805, the height of the
sleeve 110 may be adjusted by aligning holes within the stand 115
with holes within the sleeve 110. After the desired height is
found, the pin 805 may be reinserted into the stand 115 and sleeve
110 to fix the height of the grab bar 105.
[0067] Turning to FIGS. 8C and 8D, a screw mechanism 807 may be
inserted into the sleeve 815 to provide a surface 820 upon which to
rest the bottom edge of the grab bar 105. To adjust the height of
the grab bar 105, the screw mechanism 807 may be removed from the
sleeve 815 and lengthened or shortened by rotating the screw 825
while holding the screw sleeve 810 fixed. The screw mechanism 807
may then be reinserted into the sleeve 815 and the grab bar 105
placed thereon to change the height.
[0068] In FIGS. 8E and 8F, a hydraulic mechanism 830 may raise or
lowers a surface upon which the bottom edge of the grab bar 105
rests to change the height of the grab bar 105. The hydraulic
mechanism 830 may include a lever 835, switch, or the like to cause
lowering or raising.
[0069] In an embodiment, the hydraulic mechanism 830 may form a
stand or be placed at the bottom of the stand into which a sleeve
such as the sleeve 110 of FIG. 1 may be placed. In this embodiment,
the hydraulic mechanism 830 may raise or lower the receiving
surface of the stand to raise or lower the height of the sleeve and
consequently the grab bar 105.
[0070] In other embodiments, a pneumatic or electric mechanism may
be substituted in place of the hydraulic mechanism 830 to raise or
lower the grab bar 105.
[0071] FIG. 9A illustrates a support device that includes a table
and a grab bar in accordance with aspects of the subject matter
described herein. The table 905 may include a collar 910 that slips
over a sleeve collar 915 that receives the grab bar 105. The table
905 and the grab bar 105 may rotate independently of each other and
may have the same or different ranges of rotation. The grab bar 105
may operate as described previously with respect to single grab bar
embodiments in allowing for height adjustment, easy removing of the
grab bar, restriction of rotation of the grab bar, and so
forth.
[0072] FIG. 9B illustrates a two bar embodiment of a support device
in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein.
The grab bars 105 and 920 operate as described above in conjunction
with FIG. 9A with one of the bars taking the place of the table
905. As described previously in conjunction with FIG. 3, in another
embodiment, the hinge structure of FIG. 3 may also be used to
provide support for two bars at different heights.
[0073] FIG. 9C illustrates another two bar embodiment of a support
device in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described
herein. The support device 925 may have a first sleeve 110 and
stand 115 that provides support for a first grab bar 105 at a first
height. The support device 925 may also have a second sleeve 930
inserted into a stand 935 that is secured to a wall 945 via screws,
bolts, or other fasteners at a height different than the first
stand 115. Together, the sleeves 930 and 110 and stands 935 and 115
allow two grab bars 105 and 940 to assist a person in getting into
or out of bed or maneuvering thereon. Each of the sleeves 110 and
930 cooperating with the stands 115 and 935, respectively, may
function as described previously with respect to single grab bar
embodiments in allowing for height adjustment, easy removing of the
grab bar, restriction of rotation of the grab bar, and so
forth.
[0074] In another embodiment, a plurality of hinge leaves similar
to the bottom leaves 310, 311, 315, and 316 of FIG. 3 may be
mounted on the wall. A grab bar suitable for use with these hinges
may be used for mobility support.
[0075] FIG. 10A illustrates a grab bar embodiment in accordance
with aspects of the subject matter described herein. Turning to
FIG. 10A, an adjustable extension 1005 may be inserted into the end
1010 of the grab bar 1015. The adjustable extension 1005 may rotate
at fixed increments about a point 1020 of rotation such that the
adjustable extension 1005 tends to remain at an angle of rotation
until sufficient force is applied to move the adjustable extension
1005 to another angle. One exemplary embodiment of a hinge allowing
fixed increments is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,596 to David
Ernest Young, entitled "TRUE BI-PIVOTAL ORTHOPEDIC AND ORTHOTIC
HINGE WITH INCREMENTAL MOTION CONTROL," which patent is hereby
incorporated by reference with regards to its teachings regarding
this hinge.
[0076] Alternatively, a button, pin, or the like, may lock the
adjustable extension 1005 at a particular angle. Until the button
is depressed, the pin removed, or some other action is taken to
unlock the adjustable extension 1005, the angle may remain fixed.
After this action occurs, the angle of the adjustable extension
1005 may be changed until the button, pin, or the like is again
used to lock the angle of the adjustable extension 1005.
[0077] The adjustable extension 1005 may comprise a tube that is
inserted into the grab bar 1015. The adjustable extension 1005 may
be secured to the grab bar 1015 through a pin, bolt, or the like.
The adjustable extension 1005 may have holes in the tube through
which the pin may be inserted to vary the extension length of the
adjustable extension 1005.
[0078] FIG. 10B illustrates another grab bar embodiment in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. The
grab bar 105 may include a handle 1025 that extends perpendicular
to the length of the grab bar 1030. This handle 1025 may provide
additional support for people using the support device 100 for
mobility support.
[0079] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary docking base
according to aspects of the subject matter described herein. The
docking base 1105 may be secured to a floor 1110 and have a sleeve
1115 to receive a stand 1120. The stand 1120 may include a
spring-loaded ball 1125 that engages with a hole in the sleeve 1115
to secure the stand 1120 to the sleeve 1115. To remove the stand
1120 from the sleeve 1115, a button 1130 may be pressed which
pushes the ball 1125 into the interior of the stand 1120 and
disengages the ball 1125 from the hole.
[0080] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many
other quick-release mechanism may be used as a docking base to
obtain the function described above. In one embodiment, for
example, a docking base may be installed such as to be
substantially flush with the floor surface. For example, a plate
having an appropriate sized sleeve may be fastened to the floor. A
lever or button on the stand may be used to disengage the stand
from the sleeve. A cap may be placed on the sleeve of the docking
base when it is not supporting a stand for aesthetics or safety,
for example.
[0081] In another embodiment, a docking base may be installed next
to a wall surface. For example, referring to FIG. 9C, the stand 935
fastened to the wall 945 may serve as a docking base in which to
place a grab bar. In yet another embodiment, a docking base that is
fastened to, embedded in, or otherwise attached or secured to the
wall may include a mechanism for attaching to the stand 935. In
this configuration, the docking base may provide solid support to
the stand 935 without having a component of the docking station on
the floor. The mechanism for attaching the stand 935 to the docking
base may comprise a quick-release mechanism that allows the stand
935 to be readily attached and removed.
[0082] As another embodiment, struts may be fastened to the floor
and the stand may have components to slide into the struts and to
fix the location of the stand. Some exemplary struts and associated
hardware that may be used in this way are available as part numbers
3533T*, 3545T*, 3190T*, 32525T*, and 1819T* from McMaster-Carr.RTM.
where "*" stands for one or more other alphanumeric characters.
These parts are shown on page 1400 of a catalog available from
McMaster-Carr.RTM. at the time of the filing of the parent of this
application. In an embodiment, fixing the location of the
components that slide into the strut may be performed by rotating
one of the components and/or the entire stand after sliding the
component into the strut. This rotation may lock the component at a
fixed location within the strut.
[0083] FIG. 12 is a view generally illustrating support devices
that may be used in a bathroom in accordance with aspects of the
subject matter described herein. As mentioned previously, a support
device (such as the support device 1200) may be placed in a
location at which support may be needed. One such location is next
to a toilet 1205. The support device 1200 may include a base 1210
that is shaped to be placed next to the toilet 1205. The base may
include holes (not shown) through which fasteners may be placed to
secure the base to the floor or wall.
[0084] In an embodiment, a sleeve 1215 may be made of tubular metal
or another composite or substance and may allow for height
adjustment as previously described. As shown the grab bar 1225
includes a rotational stop 1220 like the rotational stop 425 of
FIG. 4C, although in other embodiments, the grab bar 1225 may
include other mechanisms for restricting the rotational movement of
the grab bar as described previously.
[0085] The support device 1200 may be equipped with a mechanism
with a stable resting point such that the grab bar 1225 tends to
remain perpendicular to the wall 1230. This may be done, for
example, to keep the bar within easy reach of a person who may use
the bar to get on and off the toilet 1205. Such mechanisms have
been described previously with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D.
[0086] In some embodiments, the support device 1200 operates
similarly to support devices described previously with a difference
being the location of the support device 1200 (i.e., in a
bathroom).
[0087] In one embodiment, the support device 1200 may be by itself
(i.e., without other similar support devices) in the bathroom. In
another embodiment, however, another support device 1235 may be
mounted on the wall 1240 to provide additional support for getting
on and off the toilet 1205. The grab bar 1245 may be shortened and
include a modified end 1250 to provide a vertical end to grab for a
person maneuvering on or off the toilet 1205.
[0088] Also note, that in one embodiment, the grab bar 1245 may be
shorter than the grab bar 1225 and may have two or more stable
resting points (e.g., against the wall and extended towards the
toilet). In other aspects, the support device 1235 may operate as
the support devices described previously.
[0089] FIG. 13 is a view generally illustrating a support device
that may be placed in another location in a bathroom to provide
mobility support in accordance with aspects of the subject matter
described herein. As can be seen, the support device 1200 may be
placed between a toilet 1205 and a bathtub 1310 to provide support
for maneuvering to, from, on, and around the toilet 1205 and the
bathtub 1310. The grab bar 1225 may be adapted to extend to the
toilet 1205 and the bathtub 1310 and to provide support to the
person when getting on or off the toilet 1205 and in or out of or
otherwise maneuvering with respect to the bathtub 1310.
[0090] FIG. 14 is a view generally illustrating two support devices
that may be placed near a bed in accordance with aspects of the
subject matter described herein. The two support devices 1405 and
1410 may be placed at the head and foot of the bed 1415 to provide
support for a person maneuvering onto, off, or on the bed. Note
that the two support devices 1405 and 1410 allow for extra support
while still allowing a person to freely get his or her legs into
and out of bed without a barrier.
[0091] In addition, the support devices 1405 and 1410 (and
especially 1410) may be used for rehabilitation exercises. The
support devices 1405 and 1410 operate and may be configured as to
range of motion, heights, resting points, and so forth as described
previously with respect to the support devices mentioned herein
without departing from aspects of the subject matter described
herein.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a view generally illustrating another
configuration of support devices that may be used in a bathroom in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. The
support device 1500 is similar to the support device 1200 of FIG.
12 but also includes an arm rest 1505 and a different grab bar end
1510.
[0093] The arm rest 1505 may be fastened onto (e.g., with straps),
integrated into, or otherwise attached to the grab bar and provide
support for the arm of a person while getting on and/or off of the
toilet 1205. The arm rest 1505 may be constructed such that it is
capable of bearing a substantial portion or all of the weight of a
person. The arm rest 1505 may include a rubberized, foam, or other
surface for a person to put his or her arm on. The arm rest 1505
may be form-fitted to have a shape comfortable to a person's arm.
The arm rest 1505 may be detachable or fixed in placed as
desired.
[0094] As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description,
aspects have been described related to providing mobility support.
While aspects of the subject matter described herein are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions,
certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings
and have been described above in detail. It should be understood,
however, that there is no intention to limit aspects of the claimed
subject matter to the specific forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative
constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope
of various aspects of the subject matter described herein.
* * * * *