Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PROVIDING MOBILITY SUPPORT
BACKGROUND
[0001]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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
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[0004]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.
[0005] 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
[0006] 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;
[0007] 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;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device according
to
aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0009] 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;
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[0010] FIG. 5A is a view illustrating another embodiment of a mobility support
device
in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0011] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B--5B of FIG.
5A;
[0012] 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;
[0013] 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;
[0014] 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;
[0015] 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;
[0016] FIG. 9A illustrates a support device that includes a table and a grab
bar in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0017] FIG. 9B illustrates a two bar embodiment of a support device in
accordance
with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
[0018] FIG. 9C illustrates another two bar embodiment of a support device in
accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
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[0019] FIGS. 10A illustrates a grab bar variation in accordance with aspects
of the
subject matter described herein;
[0020] FIG. 10B illustrates another grab bar variation in accordance with
aspects of
the subject matter described herein;
[0021] FIGS. 11A and 11 B illustrate an exemplary docking base according to
aspects
of the subject matter described herein;
[0022] 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;
[0023] 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;
[0024] 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
[0025] 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
[0026] 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
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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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
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[0029]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.
[0030] 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.
[0031]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
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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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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
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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.
[0036]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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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-CarrO
and having part numbers 1226BA51, 12265A53, 80625A32, 80625A34, 12265A55,
12265A57, 80625A36, 80625138, and other similar keys may be affixed to the
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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 at the time of
the
filing of the parent of this application.
[0039] 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
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a supporting device according
to
aspects of the subject matter described herein. In this embodiment, the stand
305
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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.
[0043]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.
[0044]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.
[0045] 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.
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[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
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[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051]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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
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[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
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[0058]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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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
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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.
[0063] 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.
[0064]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.
[0065] 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
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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.
[0066]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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
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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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
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[0073] 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.
[0074] FIGS. 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.
Patent Number 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076]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
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tube through which the pin may be inserted to vary the extension length of the
adjustable extension 1005.
[0077] 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.
[0078] FIGS. 11A and 11 B 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.
[0079] 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.
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CA 02616329 2008-02-01
[0080] 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.
[0081]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@) where "*" stands for one or more other alphanumeric
characters.
These parts are shown on page 1400 of a catalog available from McMaster-Carr
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.
[0082] 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
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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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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).
[0086] 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 gefting 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.
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[0087]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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
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[0091] 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.
[0092]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.
[0093]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.
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