U.S. patent application number 13/887132 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for support rail system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Helping Handrails, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is HELPING HANDRAILS, INC.. Invention is credited to Roger L. Waite.
Application Number | 20130292622 13/887132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511839 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waite; Roger L. |
November 7, 2013 |
SUPPORT RAIL SYSTEM
Abstract
Support rails, support rail systems, and related methods. In one
example, a support rail system includes a support rail and a
coupling device. The coupling device can releasably secure the
support rail to a fixed structure and can include a first portion
secured relative to the support rail, a second portion secured
relative to the fixed structure, and engaging structure configured
to secure the first portion to the second portion. In another
example, a method of installing a support rail includes providing a
support rail system including a support rail and a coupling device.
The coupling device includes a first portion fixed relative to the
support rail and a second portion. The method can also include
securing the second portion relative to a fixed structure and
securing the first portion relative to the second portion via
engaging structure.
Inventors: |
Waite; Roger L.; (Fountain
Valley, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HELPING HANDRAILS, INC. |
Fountain Valley |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Helping Handrails, Inc.
Fountain Valley
CA
|
Family ID: |
49511839 |
Appl. No.: |
13/887132 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61643038 |
May 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2003/001 20130101;
A61H 2201/0126 20130101; E04F 11/1804 20130101; A61H 2201/5084
20130101; A61H 2201/0107 20130101; E04H 17/14 20130101; A61H
2201/501 20130101; A61H 2201/5092 20130101; A61H 2201/0184
20130101; A61H 2201/0188 20130101; A47K 17/024 20130101; A61H
2201/5058 20130101; A61H 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/14 20060101
E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A support rail system comprising: a support rail; and a coupling
device for securing the support rail to a fixed structure, the
coupling device comprising a first portion secured relative to the
support rail, a second portion configured to be secured relative to
the fixed structure, and engaging structure configured to secure
the first portion to the second portion at least when the second
portion is secured to the fixed structure, wherein the coupling
device is configured to quickly release the first portion from the
second portion when the first portion is secured to the second
portion.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a
stem and a collar extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis of
the first portion.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the collar is secured relative to
the support rail.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the second portion comprises a
channel configured to receive at least a portion of the stem.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the stem is configured to rotate
about the longitudinal axis relative to the channel at least when
the stem is at least partially received within the channel.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein a range of rotation of the stem
relative to the channel is defined at least in part by the engaging
structure.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the first portion comprises at
least one o-ring disposed about the stem.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one o-ring is
configured to offset the stem from the second portion in the radial
direction when the stem is at least partially received within the
channel.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first portion is cantilevered
relative to the second portion via the at least one o-ring.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first portion is configured
to deflect in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of
the second portion.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first portion is configured
to deflect between one and three inches relative to the second
portion.
12. The system of claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a
radially extending slot configured to receive at least a portion of
a tool.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the slot is sized and shaped to
complement a cross-section of the portion of the tool configured to
be received within the slot.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising the tool.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the tool comprises a handle and
an elongate projection.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the engaging structure
comprises: a pin; and a track configured to receive at least a
portion of the pin, the track including an abutment surface
configured to engage the pin when the pin is received within the
track.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the engaging structure includes
a biasing member configured to apply a force between the pin and
the abutment surface.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the biasing member comprises a
compression spring.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the support rail comprises at
least one of a hand rail, a grasp rail, a grab bar, and a grab
rail.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the support rail includes one or
more light elements.
21. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more
accelerometers or gyroscopes secured relative to the support
rail.
22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a communication
system configured to receive information from the one or more
accelerometers and transfer the received information.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one motion
sensing device configured to sense the movement of a person
relative to the support rail.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the at least one motion sensing
device is configured to sense the motion of a person relative to
the support rail when the person is not in contact with the support
rail or the at least one motion sensing device is configured to
monitor the gate of a person disposed near the support rail and
determine whether a movement of the person is outside of the normal
patterns of the person's gait.
25. A space having at least a first and a second configuration, the
space comprising: a first base portion of a coupling device secured
relative to a fixed surface of the space, wherein the first base
portion is secured relative to a first top portion when the space
is in the first configuration, wherein the first top portion is
configured to quickly release from the second base portion when the
space is in the first configuration, and wherein the first base
portion is not secured relative to the first top portion when the
space is in the second configuration; and a second base portion of
a coupling device secured relative to the fixed surface of the
space, wherein the second base portion is secured relative to a
second top portion when the space is in the first configuration,
wherein the second top portion is configured to quickly release
from the second base portion when the space is in the first
configuration, and wherein the second base portion is not secured
relative to the second top portion when the space is in the second
configuration, wherein the first and second base portions define at
least a portion of a path therebetween.
26. The space of claim 25, wherein the space comprises a rail
structure when the space is in the first configuration, the rail
structure being secured to, and extending between, the first and
second top portions.
27. The space of claim 25, wherein the fixed surface comprises a
wall, ceiling, or floor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/643,038, filed on May 4, 2012,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to support
rails, support rail systems, and related methods. More
specifically, certain embodiments concern support rail systems that
include one or more support rails, for example, one or more hand
rails, grab rails, grab bars, and/or grasp rails, that can be
releasably coupled to a fixed structure, for example, a surface of
a building, by one or more coupling devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Support rails, for example, hand rails, grab rails, grab
bars, and/or grasp rails, can be used by a person to provide
stability and/or support. Support rails are commonly used by a
person to help prevent falls while ascending or descending
stairways or inclines, standing, rising, lowering, and/or walking.
Other applications include barres, which can serve as training aids
for dancers, e.g., ballet dancers. Support rails are typically
supported from a ground or floor surface by posts or they may be
mounted directly on walls above a ground or floor surface.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to support rails, support rail
systems, and related methods.
SUMMARY
[0006] The devices and methods disclosed herein each have several
aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for their
desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims,
some prominent features will now be discussed briefly. Numerous
other embodiments are also contemplated, including embodiments that
have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps,
features, objects, benefits, and advantages. The components,
aspects, and steps may also be arranged and ordered differently.
After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading
the section entitled "Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments,"
one will understand how the features of the devices and methods
disclosed herein provide advantages over other known devices and
methods.
[0007] In one embodiment, a support rail system includes a support
rail and a coupling device for securing the support rail to a fixed
structure. The coupling device includes a first portion secured
relative to the support rail, a second portion configured to be
secured relative to the fixed structure, and engaging structure
configured to secure the first portion to the second portion at
least when the second portion is secured to the fixed structure.
The coupling device is configured to quickly release the first
portion from the second portion when the first portion is secured
to the second portion.
[0008] In some aspects, the first portion can include a stem and a
collar extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the first
portion. The second portion can include a channel configured to
receive at least a portion of the stem. The first portion can
optionally include at least one o-ring disposed about the stem and
the at least one o-ring can be configured to offset the stem from
the second portion in the radial direction when the stem is at
least partially received within the channel. In some aspects, the
first portion can be cantilevered relative to the second portion
via the at least one o-ring. For example, the first portion can be
configured to deflect in a radial direction relative to a
longitudinal axis of the second portion. In some aspects, the
system can include one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion
detection devices, and/or motion sensing devices.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of installing a support rail
includes providing a support rail system, securing a second portion
of the system relative to a fixed structure, and securing a first
portion relative to the second portion via an engaging
structure.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method of temporarily securing one
or more support rails in a space includes providing a first portion
of a coupling device. The first portion is configured to be
releasably secured relative to a second portion of the coupling
device via engaging structure of the coupling device. The coupling
device is configured to quickly release the first portion from the
second portion when the first portion is secured to the second
portion. The method also includes securing the first portion
relative to a fixed surface in the space.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a space having at least a first
and a second configuration includes a first base portion of a
coupling device and a second base portion of a coupling device. The
first base portion is secured relative to a fixed surface of the
space and is secured relative to a first top portion when the space
is in the first configuration. The first top portion is configured
to quickly release from the first base portion when the space is in
the first configuration and the first base portion is not secured
relative to the first top portion when the space is in the second
configuration. The second base portion is secured relative to the
fixed surface of the space and is secured relative to a second top
portion when the space is in the first configuration. The second
top portion is configured to quickly release from the second base
portion when the space is in the first configuration and the second
base portion is not secured relative to the second top portion when
the space is in the second configuration. The first and second base
portions define at least a portion of a path therebetween. In some
aspects, the space comprises a rail structure when the space is in
the first configuration and the rail structured is secured to, and
extends between, the first and second top portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a partially exploded front perspective view of
one example of an embodiment of a coupling device which can
optionally be used to releasably couple or temporarily secure a
support rail with another structure, for example, a fixed surface
of a building.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a side view of the base portion of the coupling
device of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 1C is a side view of the top portion of the coupling
device of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 1D is a partially exploded side view of the coupling
device of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 1E is a side view of the coupling device of FIG. 1A
with the top portion releasably coupled to the base portion.
[0018] FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of
FIG. 1E taken along line 1F-1F.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of an embodiment
of a tool for use with the coupling device of FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example of a support
rail system including a support rail attached to the coupling
device of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of an example of a
light bar of the support rail of FIG. 3A.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the inside of an example
building.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the example building of
FIG. 4A including a plurality of support rails releasably coupled
to the building via the coupling devices of FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0024] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a portion of one support rail
and coupling device of FIG. 4B.
[0025] FIGS. 4D-4F are perspective views of a person utilizing
support rails in the example building of FIG. 4B.
[0026] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example of a support
rail system rotatably attached to the top portion of the coupling
device of FIG. 1A.
[0027] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the inside of an example
building including the example support rail system of FIG. 5A
coupled to the building via the coupling device of FIGS. 1A-1F.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make
part of this disclosure.
[0029] Recent studies indicate that fall related injuries are a
serious public health concern among people over the age of 65. For
example, more than one out of three older adults fall each year and
between 10% and 20% of these incidents cause serious injuries
including, for example, bone fractures or head traumas. Further,
initially non-fatal fall injuries are associated with considerable
morbidity including decreased functioning and loss of independence.
As a result, non-fatal fall injuries contribute significantly to
the use of healthcare services and resources. In 2002, over 12,900
older adults in the United States died as a result of falls and
1,670,000 older adults were treated in emergency departments for
fall related injuries. In the year 2000, it is estimated that
direct medical costs for these injuries totaled 200 million dollars
for fatal falls and 19 billion dollars for non-fatal flaws.
Accordingly, there is an un-met need in this area and new and
innovative systems capable of helping to prevent falls, especially
in the elderly and disabled, are needed.
[0030] The human gait may be described as a cycle of "controlled
falls," which can be distinguished from involuntary or uncontrolled
falls or stumbles. Human gait can vary from person to person, and
also over time for an example person. For example, a person's gait
can be dependent on variables including contact surface properties
(e.g., properties of a surface contacted by the person's foot or
properties of the person's foot or shoe), environmental properties,
personal fears, confidence, mood, quantity and quality of sensory
information (e.g., light levels, balance, and neuronal input),
mental alertness, and muscle fatigue, among other things.
[0031] Although human gait can vary from person to person, and over
time for an example person, some stages or events are common for
all normal human gaits. These events can include a stance phase and
a swing phase for each leg of an individual. The stance phase can
include the time when a foot is supported on a ground surface and
thereby provides support to the associated body. The stance phases
of both legs can overlap, which produces intervals in the gait
cycle known as "double support" where both feet are supporting the
body via the legs. The swing phase of a leg can include the time
when the foot is off the ground and swinging forward from the
center of the person's body while the opposite foot remains in
contact with the ground surface so as to support the person's body
(e.g., a single support interval). The beginning of each swing
phase can be marked by the disengagement of the foot and the ground
surface (e.g., "toe-off") and the end of each swing phase can be
marked by the subsequent re-engagement of the foot and the ground
surface (e.g., "foot-strike"). Similarly, the beginning of each
stance phase can be marked by the engagement of the foot and the
ground surface and the end of each stance phase can be marked by
the subsequent disengagement of the foot and the ground
surface.
[0032] With some understanding of common phases of human gait, a
fall or fall event can be described with reference to these phases.
In most instances, a fall occurs at a point of instability during
the swing phase of one of the person's legs. More specifically,
falls often occur when the person's center of gravity ("COG") is
disposed outside of the person's base of support ("BOS"), which is
typically when support for the person is shifted from a swinging
leg to the opposite stance phase leg. The BOS can be defined as the
minimum area defined within a person's point(s) of contact with a
ground surface. That is to say, when standing without a cane or
other balance implement the BOS can be defined as the area enclosed
by the soles of the person's feet (or shoes). In this way, a
smaller BOS provides for less stable variability of the person's
COG relative to the BOS. When a person's COG begins to move outside
of the BOS, the person detects a reduction in balance and may
attempt to compensate for this reduction in balance through a
recovery phase. However, if the COG has moved too far outside of
the BOS, the reaction time to recover may be too long such that the
person is unable to recover, resulting in a fall. In maintaining
balance in opposition to falling it is important that the body
upright position is aligned the COG over its BOS. Such a relative
position can significantly decrease the likelihood that a person
falls.
[0033] A fall may be caused by one or more factors. For example,
factors related to the operation or malfunction of bodily systems
responsible for detecting and maintaining balance (e.g.
neurological, sensory, and/or motor systems) can contribute to a
fall. Other factors unrelated to the operation or malfunction of
bodily systems, for example, environmental factors, may also
contribute to a fall. In any case, a normally functioning person
generally tries to avoid injury during a fall by automatically
applying tactics to avoid or to at least minimize damage. However,
these tactics may not be available or fully functional for the
elderly, permanently disabled, and/or temporarily disabled.
[0034] Embodiments disclosed herein include support rails and
related systems and methods configured to help maintain a person's
COG within the associated BOS to prevent falls and/or to reduce the
reaction time required for the recovery phase. Further, embodiments
disclosed herein may be utilized to augment and/or replace tactics
normally utilized by a person during a fall event to avoid or to at
least minimize injury or damage.
[0035] Some embodiments disclosed herein include features
configured to provide visual inputs to a person's visual system.
The visual system relies on light to operate. In some environments
or instances, sufficient light may be unavailable and a ground
surface, or another object, cannot be seen properly by the person.
In other environments or instances, too much light can result in
glare or otherwise obfuscate a ground surface or another reference
object. Moreover, shadows and particular combinations of colors or
textures can reduce depth perception and confuse a person's visual
system. Accordingly, some embodiments disclosed herein can
optionally provide a light field, for example, a three-dimensional
light field, which helps clarify contours and depth of a reference
object, e.g., a ground surface, impinged by the light field.
[0036] Some embodiments disclosed herein include features
configured to aid the vestibular and/or proprioception systems of a
person to help prevent a fall and/or to help avoid or to at least
minimize an injury during a fall. The vestibular system includes
the utricle and the semicircular canals and is responsible for
detecting the orientation and movement of the head to provide a
person with a sense of balance. Embodiments disclosed herein can
provide support rails which help the vestibular system maintain
person's COG within the associated BOS. The proprioception system
includes receptors in the muscles, tendons, and joints and is
responsible for communicating to a person's brain where the body is
located in space even when the visual system is not operable or not
functioning due to lack of light. For example, the proprioception
system can inform the brain whether the associated body is standing
up or lying down without any visual input. Embodiments disclosed
herein can provide one or more proprioceptive points of reference
to help maintain an individual's COG within the associated BOS. For
example, embodiments disclosed herein can include support rails
having one or more points of contact that may be used as reference
points by a person's proprioception system
[0037] As discussed above, support rails, support rail systems, and
related methods can allow a person to move within a given space
safely without requiring a walker, wheelchair, cane, or other
assistive implement. However, support rails, for example, hand
rails, grasp rails, grab bars, and/or grab rails, are not
universally available. For example, not all buildings, facilities,
or spaces have support rails because not all individuals require
support rails as a matter of course to prevent falls and/or fall
related injuries on a day-to-day basis. Also, support rails that
are available in a given space may be configured to only satisfy
minimum standard requirements, e.g., minimum ADA compliance
requirements. Accordingly, implementing support rails and/or
support rail systems in all spaces or buildings may be a waste of
resources, may limit the available space available for other
things, and/or may not be aesthetically pleasing. Additionally,
even if implemented to meet minimum standard requirements, some
individuals may require or prefer support rail structures that
exceed the minimum standard requirements, or may require or prefer
support rail structures that do not meet the minimum standard
requirements. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide support
rail systems that may be releasably coupled or temporarily secured
to a fixed structure in a given space to provide support rail
structures on an as-needed basis and/or to tailor the support rail
structures available to suit the needs or requirements of one or
more specific individuals or groups of individuals.
[0038] In the United States, short-term paid lodging
establishments, including hotels and motels, must provide ADA
compliant rooms for disabled guests. However, the number of
disabled guests staying at an establishment who require or prefer
such a room may vary from time to time. As such, it may be
desirable to provide systems and methods that allow the rooms of an
establishment to be quickly and/or easilyconverted between an ADA
compliant room and a non-compliant room on an as-needed basis. For
example, a high end suite may be converted or retrofit between a
space void of support rails and a space replete with support rails.
Conversely, a room primarily intended for use by those who require
or prefer support rails may be converted to a room without support
rails when a guest using the room does not require or prefer
support rails. It should be understood that in some aspects, such
embodiments related to convertible rooms or facilities should not
be limited to hotel or motel rooms, but can be utilized in any
facility, location or structure where convertible or temporary
structures may be desired. Non-limiting examples include any
structure, site or facility in the hospitality, hosting, travel,
and/or entertainment industries, hospitals, healthcare facilities,
assisted living and rehabilitation facilities, as well as office
and meeting spaces.
[0039] Embodiments disclosed herein provide support rails, support
rail systems, and related methods that allow any space that may be
occupied by one or more individuals, for example, a building or
room, to be efficiently converted between a space with no support
rail structures and a space with one or more rail structures. That
is to say, the support rail systems disclosed herein can be
configured to be releasably coupled or temporarily secured to a
fixed surface in a space, for example, a wall or floor, such that
they may be installed and removed in a relatively short period of
time, for example, in less than thirty minutes per support rail. In
some embodiments, the installation or removal of the support rail
systems can be facilitated by a novel quick release coupling device
which can be used to temporarily secure a support rail to a fixed
structure, for example, a floor or wall, and can allow for a quick
installation and/or quick removal of the support rail. In this way,
the space may be modified to provide an appropriate configuration
of support rail structures in a short period of time on an
as-needed basis. Similarly, the space may be temporarily modified
to remove a support rail structure as-needed. In some embodiments,
a support rail system may be releasably coupled or temporarily
secured to a building or space with one of the coupling devices
disclosed herein and may not utilize existing bolts, screws, or
other fasteners to couple a support rail with a fixed
structure.
[0040] Several non-limiting examples of embodiments will now be
described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like
numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in
the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted
in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being
utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain
specific embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments can include several
novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for
its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the
technology herein described.
[0041] FIG. 1A is a partially exploded front perspective view of
one of an embodiment of a coupling device 100 which can be used,
for example, to releasably couple a support rail (or other support
device) with another structure (e.g., a surface of a building). As
discussed below, the coupling device 100 can be configured as a
quick assembly and/or quick release device to quickly and easily
couple a support rail with another structure and/or remove the
support rail from the other structure. In some embodiments, a rail
system may be installed relative to one or more fixed structures
using one or more of the coupling devices 100 without requiring the
use of bolts, screws, and/or other existing fasteners.
[0042] As illustrated, the coupling device 100 can include a base
portion 130 having a channel 132 which receives at least part of a
top portion 110. To assist in the description of the coupling
device 100 and the components thereof, the following coordinate
terms are used, consistent with the coordinate axes illustrated in
FIG. 1A. A "longitudinal axis" is generally parallel to the channel
132 of the base portion 130. A "radial axis" is any axis that is
normal to the longitudinal axis. In addition, as used herein, "the
longitudinal direction" refers to a direction substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis and "the radial direction" refers
to a direction substantially parallel to a radial axis.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the channel 132 of the
base portion 130 is defined by an inner surface 134 and the base
portion 136 includes an outer surface 136. The outer surface may
optionally include one or more grooves or cuts 138 extending toward
the longitudinal axis of the base portion 130. The grooves 138 may
optionally be utilized to facilitate the coupling or securement of
the base portion 130 to another structure, for example, the grooves
138 may provide bonding or adhesive contact points between the base
portion 130 and a recess or bore that the base portion 130 may be
secured within. For example, the grooves 138 may strengthen an
adhesive bond between the base portion 130 and a fixed structure.
Other securement mechanisms can be included on the base portion 130
to secure it to a desired surface or structure, including for
example, barbs that permit it to move into the surface, but to
catch and prevent easy removal; toggles; "butterfly" arms/wings
such as found on a butterfly bolt; anchors; toggles; etc.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 1B, the example base portion 130 as
depicted also includes a pin or rod 140 extending radially through
the channel 132 between opposing sides of the inner surface 134. A
spring 142 may be coupled or secured to a base surface 137 of the
channel 132 below the pin 140. In this way, an unsecured end of the
spring 142 may be movable along the longitudinal axis of the base
portion 130 relative to the base surface 137. In some embodiments,
the spring 142 may be a compression spring such that when the
spring 142 is compressed toward the base surface 137 the unsecured
end of the spring 142 is biased away from the base surface 137. As
discussed in further detail below, compression of the spring 142
can provide for a temporary locking engagement or releasable
coupling between the base portion 130 and the top portion 110.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1C, the top portion 110 of the
coupling device 100 can include a collar 112 and a stem 120
extending longitudinally from the collar 112. In some embodiments,
the collar 112 can extend radially or outwardly beyond the stem 120
and can include a top inner surface 114 for engaging another
structure (e.g., the bottom of a support rail) and a slot 116
extending radially through a portion of the collar 112 toward the
longitudinal axis. As shown in FIG. 1C, the stem 120 can include a
hole 128 extending radially through a portion of the stem 120
toward the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the slot 116 of
the collar 112 can be aligned with the hole 128 of the stem 120 to
provide a path through the collar 112 and stem 120 toward the
longitudinal axis of the top portion 110. As discussed in further
detail below, such a path may be utilized to provide a leverage or
contact point to engage and/or disengage the top portion 110 from
the base portion 130, in some embodiments. Further, in some
embodiments, the slot 116 and/or hole 128 can be sized and/or
shaped to complement the shape of a tool, including for example, a
specialized tool, for use in disengaging the top portion 110 from
the base portion 130.
[0046] In some embodiments, a track 124 can extend through a
portion of the bottom side 111 of the stem 120 toward the
longitudinal axis. As shown in FIG. 1C, the track 124 can
optionally include a first portion 123 that is sized and shaped to
allow a portion of the pin 140 of the base portion 130 to pass
vertically therethrough from the bottom side 111 of the stem 120.
The track 124 also optionally can include a second portion 125 that
is angularly offset from the first portion 123 about the
longitudinal axis and that is also sized and shaped to receive a
portion of the pin 140 that may pass through the first portion 123.
In this way, in use, the track 124 may be aligned with a portion of
the pin 140 such that a portion of the pin 140 passes through the
first portion 123 when the top portion 110 of the coupling device
100 is moved longitudinally relative to the base portion 130.
Further, the portion of the pin 140 received by the first portion
123 of the track 124 may be guided horizontally to the second
portion 125 of the track 124 by rotating the top portion 110 about
the longitudinal axis relative to the base portion 130.
[0047] As discussed below, in some embodiments, the spring 142 of
the base portion 130 may hold the pin 140 within the second portion
125 of the track 124. For example, the spring 142 may apply an
upward force on the top portion 110 when the spring is compressed
by the bottom side 111 of the stem 120 because the unsecured end of
the compressed spring 142 may be biased away from the bottom
surface 137 of the base portion 130. In this way, the top portion
110 may be releasably coupled or at least temporarily secured to
the base portion 130 via engagement between the track 124 and the
pin 140, and the bias of the spring 142.
[0048] Although FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate the coupling device 100 as
including certain engaging structure, for example, a top portion
110, base portion 130, a pin 140, track 124, and spring 142, those
having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other
engaging structures may be utilized to releasably couple or at
least temporarily secure a first portion of a coupling device to a
second portion of the coupling device. For example, a coupling
device can include threadably engaging structures to releasably
couple or at least temporarily secure portions of the device
relative to one another. Additionally, in some embodiments, a top
portion of a coupling device may include a pin and a base portion
may include a track and/or a biasing member.
[0049] In some embodiments, the top portion 110 of the coupling
device can include one or more flexible o-rings, seals, or gaskets
122 disposed about the stem 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C,
the top portion 110 can include one or more o-rings 122 (e.g.,
three as depicted in the Figure). The one or more o-rings, when two
or more are present, can be spaced apart from one another along the
longitudinal axis of the stem 120 between the track 124 and the
collar 112. In this way, the o-rings 122 can act to offset the stem
120 from the inner surface 134 of the base portion 130 in the
radial direction when the stem 120 is disposed within the channel
132. In some embodiments, the o-rings 122 can be sized and shaped
so as to simultaneously engage or contact the stem 120 and the
inner surface 134 of the base portion 130 when the stem 120 is
disposed within the channel 132. As a result, the top portion 110
may frictionally engage the inner surface 134 of the base portion
130 via the o-rings 122 so as to slightly inhibit longitudinal
movement of the top portion 110 relative to the base portion
130.
[0050] Further, because the o-rings 122 may comprise one or more
flexible materials, for example, one or more rubbers or polymers,
the o-rings 122 may allow for at least some radial movement of the
collar 112 relative to the longitudinal axis of the base portion
130 even when the stem 120 is disposed within the channel. For
example, the o-rings 122, stem 120, and channel 132 can be sized
and shaped to allow the collar 112 to move up to a desired distance
(e.g., five inches, or more or less) in a radial direction relative
to the longitudinal axis of the base portion 130. In other words,
the stem 120 may be cantilevered relative to the base portion 130
via the o-rings 122 thereby allowing the collar 112 to deflect back
and forth radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the base
portion 130. In some embodiments, the o-rings 122, stem 120, and
channel 132 can be sized and shaped to allow the collar 112 to move
between one inch and three inches, for example, one, two, and/or
three inches, in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal
axis of the base portion 130. As a result, when the base portion
130 is fixed relative to the top portion 110, another structure,
for example, a support rail, that is rigidly coupled to the top
surface 114 of the collar 112 can be configured to move radially
relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device 100 even
when the stem 120 is disposed within the channel 132.
[0051] As discussed above, the top portion 110 of the coupling
device 100 can be releasably coupled or temporarily secured to the
base portion 130 via engaging structure which can include, for
example, the track 124, the pin 140, and the spring 142. An
exemplary process for releasably coupling the top portion 110 to
the base portion 130 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.
1D-1F.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 1D, the exemplary process for releasably
coupling the top portion 110 to the base portion 130 can begin by
providing the coupling device 100 with the top portion 110 separate
from the base portion 130. In some embodiments, the coupling device
100 can be provided with the base portion 130 fixedly secured or
coupled to another structure. For example, the coupling device 100
can be provided with the base portion 130 fixed relative to a wall,
floor, ceiling, or other fixed surface of a building. In some
embodiments, the base portion 130 can be provided with a cap or
cover (not shown) which may be placed over the channel 132 to
prevent the channel 132 from collecting unwanted debris and/or to
improve the aesthetics of the base portion 130 when it is not
releasably coupled to the top portion 110.
[0053] With the coupling device 100 provided, the exemplary process
may continue by aligning the top portion 110 relative to the base
portion 130. For example, the first portion 123 of the track 124
may be aligned in the longitudinal direction relative to the pin
140 such that a radial cross-section of the pin 140 may pass into
the track 124 through the first portion 123 when the top portion
110 is moved longitudinally toward the base portion 130. In this
way, the bottom side 111 of the top portion 110 may pass beyond the
pin 140 and may contact the unsecured end of the spring 142 when
the stem 120 is positioned within the channel 132 of the base
portion 130. Once in contact with the spring 142, the bottom side
111 of the stem 120 may be advanced downward toward the bottom
surface 137 of the base portion 130 so as to compress the spring
142 and to move the pin 142 within the first portion 123 of the
track 124 away from the bottom side 111 of the top portion 110.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, after the spring 142 has been
at least partially compressed by the stem 120 and the pin 140 has
been received by the first portion 123 of the track 124, the top
portion 110 of the coupling device 100 can be rotated about the
longitudinal axis to position the pin 140 within the second portion
125 of the track 124. Because the unsecured end of the spring 142
may be biased away from the bottom surface 137 of the channel 132,
the lower surface of the second portion 125 may abut or otherwise
contact the pin 140 as shown because of the upward force applied on
the stem 120 by the spring 142. In this way, the engagement between
the pin 140 and the track 124 may be maintained by the force
applied by the spring 142 on the top portion 110 to releasably
couple or temporarily secure the top portion 110 relative to the
base portion 130 at least when the pin 140 is positioned within the
second portion 125 of the track 124.
[0055] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the coupling
device 100 may be provided with the top portion 110 separate from
the base portion 130 as shown in FIG. 1D or with the top portion
110 releasably coupled to the base portion 130 as shown in FIG. 1E.
To disengage the top portion 110 from the base portion 130, a
downward force may be applied to the top portion 110 to re-compress
the spring 142 toward the bottom surface 137 of the base portion
130. With the spring 142 compressed by the bottom side 111 of the
top portion, the top portion 110 may be rotated about the
longitudinal axis relative to the base portion 130 to move the
track 124 relative to the retained portion of the pin 140 such that
the pin 140 moves from the second portion 125 of the track 124 to
the first portion 123. From this position, the top portion 110 can
be withdrawn longitudinally relative to the base portion 130 to
de-couple or remove the stem 120 from the channel 132.
[0056] In some embodiments, the downward force on the top portion
110 required to compress the spring 142 when disengaging or
de-coupling the top portion 110 from the base portion 130, and/or
when engaging or coupling the top portion 110 with the base portion
130, can be applied to the top portion 110 via a specialized tool.
For example, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of an embodiment
of a tool 200 for use with the coupling device of FIGS. 1A-1F. The
tool 200 can include an elongate projection 210 extending from a
handle 220. The handle 220 can include a grip portion 230 which may
be grasped or held by a user. In use, the elongate projection 210
may be guided or otherwise placed through the slot 116 of the
collar 112 and the hole 128 of the stem 120 such that a downward
force (e.g., a force on the top portion 110 toward the spring 142)
can be applied to the top portion 110 via the elongate projection
210 by manipulating the handle 220 of the tool 200.
[0057] Although illustrated as having a circular cross-section, the
elongate projection 210 can have a differently shaped
cross-sectional area that is sized and shaped to complement the
cross-section of the hole 128. For example, the elongate projection
210 and the hole 128 can each be sized and shaped to have
irregularly shaped cross-sections that are complementary to one
another. That is to say, the elongate projection 210 can be keyed
relative to the hole 128. In this way, the tool 200 can be adapted
to specially match the hole 128 of the top portion 110 such that
only a specific tool 200 may be used to disengage or de-couple the
top portion 110 from the base portion 130 and/or to engage or
couple the top portion 110 with the base portion 130. As a result,
the coupling device 100 can be provided with a specialized tool 200
to provide for a quick release of the top portion 110 from the base
portion while preventing the de-coupling or disengagement of the
coupling device 100 by those without the specialized tool 200.
Therefore, the size and shape of the elongate projection 210 of the
tool 200 and the hole 128 of the top portion 110 can provide tamper
protection for the coupling device 100.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 3A, a perspective view of an of a
support rail system 300 including a support rail 310 and two
coupling devices 100a, 100b is illustrated. The support rail 310
can include a top rail 312 to be gripped, grasped, grabbed, held,
or otherwise contacted by a user. In this way, the support rail 310
can provide a tactile and visual reference to a person to help
prevent a fall and/or to aid in minimizing fall related injuries as
discussed above. The top rail 312 can be supported on opposing ends
by vertical segments 314a, 314b which may extend from the coupling
devices 100a, 100b to support the top rail 312 above the coupling
devices 100a, 100b. In this way, the vertical segments 314a, 314b
can support the top rail 312 above an underlying surface (e.g., a
ground surface) to which the base portions 130a can be fixedly
secured to. The support rail 310 can also optionally include a
cross-bar 320 extending between the vertical segments 314a, 314b to
augment the structural integrity of the support rail 310.
[0059] In some embodiments a light bar 330 can be disposed below
the top rail 312, for example, below the cross-bar 320. Although as
illustrated in FIG. 3A as a separate structure, in some embodiments
the support rail 310 can include a single bar and the light bar 330
can be incorporated as part of the top rail 312. The light bar 330
may be electrically coupled to a source of energy, for example, a
power grid, via an electrical connection 332. It should be
understood that the particular location of the light bar 330 and
the below described configuration of lights represent just one
non-limiting of a location and/or configuration of the bar/lights.
The bar and/or lights can be incorporated or attached to other
locations on the support rails and/or connectors 100.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the light bar 330
can include a plurality of light elements 332 disposed on an
underside of the light bar 330 and configured to emit a
three-dimensional light field so as to illuminate a surface, e.g.,
a floor or ground surface, disposed below the support rail 310. In
some embodiments, each light element 332 can include one or more
light sources 334, for example, one or more light emitting diodes.
Each light source 334 of each light element 332 can have a light
emitting surface which faces a surface below the light bar 330,
e.g., a ground surface, at an angle relative to a vertical line
between the light bar and the lower surface.
[0061] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the light bar 330
optionally can include alternating sets of light elements 332a,
332b with the light sources 334a of light elements 332a facing a
ground surface at a different angle than the light sources 334b of
light elements 332b. In this way, the light sources 334 can provide
a three-dimension light field to illuminate a swath of an
underlying surface on both sides of the rail structure 310. Thus,
the light bar 330 may illuminate the underlying surface to provide
a visual reference for a user of the support rail 310. For example,
the light bar 330 may illuminate changes in elevation, changes in
surface characteristics, surface features, and/or contour changes
of the underlying surface. One of skill will appreciate that the
configuration of lights can be modified as desired to provide the
desired lighting characteristic and/or to illuminate surfaces,
contours, changes in surface, depth and height changes, etc.
Accordingly, the light bar 330 may help prevent falls even without
requiring tactile or physical contact between a person and the
support rail 310. In other embodiments, the light bar 330 can
include one or more light elements facing a ground surface at a
common angle to provide a differently shaped light field than the
illustrated light elements 332a, 332b.
[0062] Referring again to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the support
rail 310 can optionally include one or more accelerometers and/or
gyroscopes secured relative to the top rail 312. Such
accelerometers and/or gyroscopes can be configured to measure a
tilt or orientation of the support rail 310 and/or motion of the
support rail 310 relative to a fixed structure, e.g., a floor that
the support rail 310 is coupled to. In this way, the one or more
accelerometers and/or gyroscopes can track the position and/or
movement of the support rail 310 to provide an indication of a
possible fall, a fall related impact against the support rail 310,
and/or tampering of the support rail 310 (e.g., an unauthorized
removal of the support rail 310 from an installed location). For
example, a slight but rapid movement may indicate that a person has
impacted the support rail 310 and/or suddenly lost contact with the
support rail 310, which may be indicators of a fall or fall related
injury. Further, a significant range of movement may indicate that
the support rail 310 has been removed or uninstalled from a
space.
[0063] In some embodiments, a motion detection device and/or motion
sensing device can optionally be disposed in an area near the
support rail 310. For example, one or more motion detection devices
and/or motion sensing devices can be coupled to the support rail
310 and/or offset or spaced from the support rail 310. In such
embodiments, a motion detection device can be configured to detect
the movement of a person relative to the support rail 310 even when
the person is not in contact with the support rail 310 and/or a
motion sensing device can be configured to sense the movement of a
person relative to the support rail 310 even when the person is not
in contact with the support rail. In this way, the motion detection
device and/or motion sensing device can detect or sense a fall or
stumble of a person even if the support rail 310 has not been
affected by the fall or stumble. Further, the motion detection
device and/or motion sensing device can determine whether a person
who has stumbled or fallen has gotten up after the fall or stumble.
For example, a motion detection device and/or motion sensing device
can be configured to monitor the gait of a person near the support
rail 310 and determine whether a movement of the person is outside
of the normal patterns of the person's gait. A deviation sensed by
the motion detection device and/or motion sensing device can be
processed to determine the nature of the deviation. For example, a
deviation may be processed to indicate a stumble, fall, or other
potentially dangerous movement. Motion of the person subsequent to
the deviation can be monitored by the motion detection device
and/or motion sensing device to determine whether the person has
recovered from the deviation and/or whether the person requires
assistance.
[0064] In some embodiments, a suitable motion detection device
and/or motion sensing device can detect or sense motion by sound,
opacity, geomagnetism, reflection of transmitted energy,
electromagnetic induction, and/or vibrations. For example, in one
embodiment, a motion detection device and/or motion sensing device
includes an infrared projector configured to emit infrared energy,
a monochrome sensor configured to receive infrared energy emitted
from the projector and reflected back to the sensor, and a
microchip or processor configured to track any motion of an object
relative to the sensor relative to a plurality of axes (e.g., 3
axes or 9 axes) based at least in part on the received infrared
energy and emitted infrared energy. In some embodiments, the
microchip or processor can store one or more adaptive algorithms
configured to store motion data over time.
[0065] In some embodiments, the one or more accelerometers,
gyroscopes, motion detection devices, and/or motion sensing devices
may be coupled with a communication system, for example, a wired,
wireless, and/or cellular communication network. In such
embodiments, changes in the position and/or movement of the support
rail 310 can be monitored via the communication system. For
example, once an accelerometer and/or gyroscope indicates a
significant change in position and/or sudden movement of the
support rail, such information may be relayed from the support rail
310 via the communication system, for example, to a computing
device, an oral communication device, or any other mechanism for
communication. Similarly, once a motion detection device and/or
motion sensing device indicates a significant change in position
and/or sudden movement of a person, such information may be relayed
from the motion detection device and/or motion sensing device via
the communication system, for example, to a computing device, an
oral communication device, or any other mechanism for
communication. The computing device may store this information
and/or may provide this information to one or more individual's
responsible for monitoring the status of the support rail 310. For
example, the support rail 310 and/or motion detection device may be
linked with a call center such that an individual responsible for
monitoring the support rail 310 may be apprised of a change in
position and/or movement of the support rail 310 or of a person
relative to the support rail 310 and this responsible individual
may take appropriate action if necessary. In some embodiments, when
the individual receives a notification that a support rail 310 has
changed position and/or moved in a way indicating a fall or fall
related impact and/or a notification that a motion detection device
and/or motion sensing device has indicated that a person has fallen
or stumbled, the individual may attempt to reach the person using
the support rail and/or may call for emergency help. In some
embodiments, the support rail 310 can include one or more speakers
and microphones such that an individual remotely monitoring the
support rail 310 and/or motion detection device may communicate
directly with a person near the support rail. Also, in some
embodiments the support rail 310 can include a device to permit the
user of the device to contact a desired system or person. For
example, it can include a button to permit the user to initiate a
call or to send a message, for example, if the user has fallen or
needs assistance. Such embodiments as described above and elsewhere
herein may be especially advantageous in assisted living
facilities, nursing homes, and/or hospitals where falls and/or fall
related impacts are common but may be difficult to continuously
monitor by providing a means to monitor the use of the support
rails and to provide a fast response when falls and/or fall related
injuries occur.
[0066] Referring again to FIG. 3A, each vertical segment 314 may be
fixedly coupled to the top portion 110 of one of the coupling
devices 100. In this way, the support rail 310 can be fixedly
coupled, secured, or attached to the top portions 110 of the
coupling devices 100. In some embodiments, the vertical segments
314 may be coupled to the top portions 110 by bonding, adhering,
welding, fastening, or any other suitable means of fixedly coupling
two structures to one another. Further, in some embodiments, the
vertical segments 314 may be integrally formed with the top
portions 110. That is to say, the support rail 310 can include or
comprise the top portions 110 of the coupling devices 100. In some
embodiments, the vertical segments 314 and/or the rail 310 and the
coupling devices 100 can be configured such that one or more of
such components can be replaced if necessary. For example, if there
is damage to the rail 310 and/or the vertical segment 314, then
that portion can be replaced by a new part which can be attached to
the coupling device 100. Likewise, if the coupling device 100 or
some part of the device 100 is damaged, worn out, etc., then a new
coupling device 100 (or component thereof) can be attached and
utilized.
[0067] As discussed above, the top portions 110 of the coupling
devices can be releasably coupled to the base portions 130 via
engaging structure of the top portions 110 and the base portions
130. In some embodiments, the top portions 110 can be releasably
coupled to the base portions 130 such that the top portions 110 are
temporarily locked or secured relative to the base portions 130. As
a result, the rail structure 310 can be releasably locked, secured,
or coupled to the base portions 130 via the top portions 110.
[0068] In some embodiments, the base portions 130 may be fixed
relative to another structure. For example, the base portions 130
can be fixedly coupled to a wall, floor, ceiling, or other
structure within a building. In such implementations, the support
rail system 300 may be installed in the building by releasably
coupling the top portions 110 to the fixed base portions 130 as
discussed above. Further, the support rail system 300 can be
removed or uninstalled from the building by disengaging or
de-coupling the top portions 110 from the base portions 130 with
the rail structure 310 coupled to the top portions 110. In this
way, the support rail system 300 can be used to convert a building
or space between a configuration including one or more support
rails 310 and a configuration that does not include any support
rails 310.
[0069] In some embodiments, the support rail system 300 can be used
to customize or tailor a support rail configuration required for a
given space. For example, an assisted living space may be provided
with a default support rail configuration. However, an inhabitant
of the space may require additional support rails 310 over time,
and these rails can be added using the support rail system 300 and
the coupling devices 100. Additionally, when the inhabitant of the
space moves away or permanently departs, the support rails 310 can
be easily removed to provide a space with fewer, or no, support
rails 310 to the next inhabitant. In some embodiments, the lower
portions 130 of the coupling devices 100 may remain fixed within
the space over time to facilitate the re-configuration of the space
with support rails 310. Also, one more of the rails 310 can be
removed to permit greater space or improved access, for example,
for additional furniture, medical devices, cleaning and/or
maintenance machines or devices, healthcare personnel, support
personnel, cleaning personnel, emergency personnel, etc.
[0070] Turning now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of the inside of
an example building 400 is schematically illustrated. The building
400 includes walls 452 and 454, a floor 456, and a counter 462. Of
course, the building 400 may include other structures or surfaces,
for example, other walls and/or a ceiling, which have been omitted
for clarity of illustration. As illustrated, the base portions 130
of the coupling devices 100 disclosed herein can be fixedly coupled
to one or more of the walls 452, 454, floor 456, and a counter 462.
For example, the base portions 130 can be disposed in holes in the
walls 452, 454, floor 456, and counter 462, and the base portions
130 can be bonded, fastened, or otherwise attached to the building
400 in these holes. Although illustrated in FIG. 4A as coupled to
the walls 452, 454, floor 456, and counter 462, a person having
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the base portions
130 can be fixedly coupled to other structure(s) within the
building 400. For example, one or more base portions 130 may be
fixedly coupled with a ceiling of the building 400 and/or to any
other fixed structure or surface.
[0071] In some embodiments, the locations of the base portions 130
can be determined based on a specific layout or set-up of the
building 400. For example, base portions 130 can be positioned in
the floor 456 near the position of a bed 460 such that support
rails may be installed in the building 400 near the bed 460 via the
base portions 130. Similarly, the base portions 130 can be
positioned along the walls 452, 454 to allow for the installation
of a support rail path along the walls. In other embodiments, the
base portions 130 may be spaced apart from one another and disposed
regularly throughout the building 400 at continuous intervals. That
is to say, the positioning or placement of base portions 130 in the
building 400 need not depend on an intended layout or configuration
of a building 400 and base portions 130 can allow support rail
structures to be installed throughout the building 400 in different
configurations.
[0072] Turning now to FIG. 4B, the example building 400 of FIG. 4A
is schematically illustrated with a plurality of support rails
410a-410d installed throughout the illustrated space. In some
embodiments, each support rail 410 can be releasably coupled or
temporarily secured to a fixed structure of the building 400, for
example, the walls 452, 454, floor 456, and/or counter 462 via one
or more coupling devices 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, a
support rail 410 can be releasably coupled or temporarily secured
to the floor 456 of the building 400 via the engagement between the
top portion 110 and the base portion 130 of a coupling device 100.
In some embodiments, the collar 112 of the top portion 110 of the
coupling device can be fixedly attached or secured relative to the
rail structure 410a. Thus, because the base portion 130 is fixed
relative to the floor 456, when the top portion 110 is releasably
coupled to the base portion 130, the rail structure 410a is
releasably coupled to the floor 456 of the building 400. As
mentioned above, in some embodiments the coupling devices 100 can
provide for a quick securement and/or quick release of the support
rails 410 relative to the building 400.
[0073] As discussed above, in some embodiments engaging structure
of the coupling device 100 may optionally include a pin 140, track
124, and spring 142. In this way, the top portion 110 may be
releasably coupled to the base portion 130 by compressing the
spring 142 and rotating the track 124 relative to the pin 140.
Similarly, the top portion 110 may be de-coupled from the base
portion 130 by compressing the spring 142, rotating the track 124
relative to the pin 140, and withdrawing the top portion 110 from
the base portion 130. Thus, the building 400 may be efficiently
converted between a configuration without any support rails (FIG.
4A) and a configuration with one or more support rails (FIG. 4B) in
a relatively short period of time. Moreover, as discussed above,
the coupling devices 100 may be provided with a specially shaped
and/or sized tool such that the coupling and/or de-coupling of the
coupling devices 100 may be difficult, if not impossible, to
perform without the specialized tool. Therefore, although the
support rails 410 may be efficiently installed within the building
400 with the coupling devices 100, the installation and/or removal
of the support rails 410 can be controlled via a specialized tool
required for these operations. Accordingly, it may be difficult to
tamper or alter the support rail configuration illustrated in FIG.
4B without a specialized tool adapted to couple and de-couple the
portions of the coupling devices 100.
[0074] Although FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary building 400
including support rail systems including support rails 410 and
coupling devices 100, those of skill in the art will appreciate
that other methods of releasably coupling one or more support rails
to one or more fixed structures are contemplated by the present
disclosure. For example, support rails systems can include
differently configured coupling devices than those shown in FIG.
4A-4C. Such coupling devices can allow one or more support rails to
be releasably coupled or temporarily secured relative to another
structure so as to provide or remove the one more support rails in
a given space. It should also be noted that lights and/or light
bars 330 are not depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C, but lights and/or bars
can be included on the depicted structures, if desired. For
example, on one or more of the hand rails, vertical members,
coupling devices, etc. It should also be understood that detectors,
accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or other sensing devices can be
utilized as described herein.
[0075] Still referring to FIG. 4C, as mentioned above, some
embodiments of the coupling devices 100 disclosed herein can
include one or more o-rings 122 or other flexible structures
disposed between the stems 120 of the coupling devices 100 and the
base portions 130. In some embodiments, without being limited
thereto, the inclusion of such structures can permit the support
rails 410 to move radially relative to the fixed base portions 130,
even when the top portions 110 are releasably coupled to the base
portions 130. That is to say, the support rails 410 can deflect or
sway slightly when contacted by a person. As a result, the
deflection of swaying of the support rails 410 may absorb at least
some of the force of contact when a person inadvertently falls
against, or otherwise contacts, the support rail 410. Thus, the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 4C may prevent or minimize fall
related injuries (e.g., contusions or fractures caused by contact
with a rigid and/or unmoving support rail).
[0076] FIGS. 4D-4F are perspective views of a person 480 utilizing
support rails 410 in the building 400 of FIG. 4B. As shown in FIGS.
4D-4F, in some embodiments, the building 400 can be configured with
support rails 410 so as to provide a continuous "line of sight"
path formed by the support rails 410 between two or more points
within the building 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the
example person 480 may utilize a first support rail 410a to get
into, or get out of, the bed 460. Once standing, the person 480 may
contact other support rails 410b, 410c, and 410e, for example, with
one or more hands 482, to advance from a first position near the
bed 460 (FIG. 4D) to a second position near the counter 462 (FIG.
4F). Thus, a path for the person 480 within the building 400 may
include at least one support rail 410 to physically and/or visually
reference between the first position and the second position. In
this way, the support rails 410 can be utilized to prevent falls or
minimize fall related injuries for the person 480. Accordingly, the
person 480 may feel more confident and independent within the
building 400 with the support rails 410 installed (FIG. 4B) than
without the support rails (FIG. 4A).
[0077] The rail systems in some embodiments can be located in
locations where such rails are not usually located. For example, in
many cases, stairway railings and wall railings are within just a
few inches of a wall. While the devices described herein can be
secured in the same or similar locations, in some embodiments of
the instant technology, the rails can be located or placed
(temporarily or permanently) with much greater flexibility and
diversity, for example, to project anywhere from 2 inches to 5 feet
from a wall to which they are attached. Similarly, rails that are
least partially floor mounted can be located anywhere from an inch
or several inches to 10, 20 or 30 feet into a structure or room.
Such flexibility in location, not to mention the fact that the
systems can be removable, can be advantageous, for example, due to
not requiring the user to have to follow the path of a wall
exclusively, due to not requiring the user to travel some distance
to a wall without the assistance of a rail before contacting a
rail, due to not having any or as many gaps between rails, and/or
due to provide more direct paths within a structure (e.g., to a
bathroom, a doorway, a counter, etc.).
[0078] Although FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate an support rail path between
a first position and a second position, those of skill in the art
will appreciate that other paths may be formed within a building
using the support rails, support rail systems, and related methods
disclosed herein. For example, a building or space may include a
network of support rails that are releasably coupled or temporarily
secured to the building or space via coupling devices. Such a
network can include a plurality of nodes or intersections of rail
structure paths. In this way, the network of support rails can
include a three or more discrete locations and each of the discrete
locations can be reached via a rail structure path from each of the
other discrete locations.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of another
example of a support rail system 500 is schematically depicted. The
support rail system 500 includes a top portion 110 of a coupling
device and a support rail 515 coupled thereto. The support rail 515
can include a first portion 520 extending longitudinally relative
to the top portion 110 and a second portion 510 disposed at a
distal end of the first portion 520. In some embodiments, the
second portion 510 extends radially from the first portion 520 such
that the first portion 520 and the second portion 510 form a
T-shaped structure. In this way, the support rail 515 can include a
longitudinally extending structure and a radially extending
structure that a person may grab, grasp, hold, or otherwise
contact. While a "T" shaped structure is depicted, it should be
understood that other structures similarly can be utilized, for
example, "L," "J," "U," or other (letter like or non-lettered)
shapes.
[0080] In some embodiments, the support rail 515 may be coupled to
the collar 112 of the top portion 110 by a bracket 529. Further,
the bracket 529 optionally can be rotatably coupled to the first
portion 520 at a pivot point 527. In this way, the support rail 515
may be secured relative to the top portion 110 via the bracket 529
but may rotate about the pivot point 527 along a plane including
the longitudinal axis of the top portion 110 and a radial axis of
the top portion 110.
[0081] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the inside of an example
building 570 including the example support rail system 500 of FIG.
5A. As shown, the support rail system 500 may be releasably coupled
or temporarily secured to a wall 552 of the building 570 via a
coupling device 100. That is to say, the top portion 110 of the
coupling device illustrated in FIG. 5A may be releasably coupled or
temporarily secured to a base portion of the coupling device fixed
relative to the wall 552 to releasably couple the support rail 515
relative to the wall 515. Therefore, the support rail 515 can be
efficiently installed and/or removed via the coupling device 100 as
discussed above.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5B, the longitudinal axis of the coupling
device 100 may extend perpendicularly through the wall 552. As a
result, the support rail 515 can rotate, pivot, swivel, or
otherwise move about the pivot point 527 relative to the building
570 and the wall 552. In some embodiments, the coupling device 100
may be installed within the building 570 to allow the support rail
515 to swivel horizontally between at least a first position and a
second position. For example, the support rail 515 can be
configured to swivel between a first position located near a shower
572 and a second position located near a toilet 574. In this way,
the first portion 520 and/or the second portion 510 can be utilized
by a person for support and/or stability when the person is near
the first position, second position, and/or in between the first
position and the second position. For example, a person may utilize
the support rail 515 when lowering themselves to the toilet 574,
when rising from the toilet 574, and/or when standing near the
toilet 574. Further, the person may utilize the support rail 515
when stepping into the shower 572, when showering, and/or when
exiting the shower. Thus, a single support rail system 500 can be
utilized by a person at different positions within a given
space.
[0083] It should also be understood that the rails and rails
systems depicted in FIGS. 1-4 also can include mechanisms to permit
the rails to fold, to rotate (e.g., about one of the vertical
members or legs), etc. For example, one or more vertical members
and/or coupling device can include a pivot point or joint (that can
be locked and/or unlocked) to permit movement of the rail or rail
system (e.g., to allow a wall mounted rail to fold relatively flush
or parallel with the wall, to allow a floor mounted rail to fold
parallel to the floor or to rotate about one of its legs/vertical
members. The rotation or other movement can be configured to only
occur at a desired time or under desired circumstances such as when
a locking mechanism has been unlocked.
[0084] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
devices and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated,
however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text,
the devices and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also
stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular
terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the
invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is
being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific
characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with
which that terminology is associated. The scope of the disclosure
should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended
claims and any equivalents thereof.
[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and
changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments,
as defined by the appended claims. It will also be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are
interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a
depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments
in any combination. For example, any of the various components
described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined,
interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.
[0086] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0087] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one
or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where
a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0088] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *