Beds – Attachment or accessory – Self-help support – grip or handhold
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-16
2001-09-18
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Attachment or accessory
Self-help support, grip or handhold
C005S08110R, C005S659000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289539
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved handrail attachment for beds that provides a support structure for the bed occupant to utilize in climbing in and out of the bed and in shifting positions while in the bed. The attachment also functions as a guard rail that pivots in and out of position to permit ready access for making the bed and ministering to the needs of the bed occupant. When the attachment is pivoted outwardly, a leg support member is provided to add stability and enable the handrail, in its extended position, to serve as a support structure for the occupant when getting in and out of the bed. The attachment device also provides a convenient removable support for a telephone, television remote control, notepad, etc.
The present invention is an improvement over the structure shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,784, issued to Erwin A. Alpern on Nov. 7, 1995. The device shown in the prior patent has met an existing need for devices of this nature, but has lacked a number of salient features contained in the present invention.
In accordance with the present invention, a handrail attachment for beds comprises an inverted U-shaped tubular handrail member disposed in a vertical plane along the side of a bed. A pair of cross-members extend between and are attached to the vertically depending arms of the inverted U-shaped tubular member. A base member having two U-shaped tubular portions is provided to slide under the bed mattress and be held in position by the mattress, the weight of the bed occupant, and removable fastening means such as a pair of flexible strap members. The strap members wrap around the U-shaped portions of the base member and the bed rail on the side of the bed opposite to the handrail attachment to anchor the assembly in position. Upstanding end portions of the base member having cross-sectional shapes similar to the ends of the inverted U-shaped tubular member are adapted to abut the ends of the inverted U-shaped tubular member and be locked in position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A pivot pin member is fixedly mounted in the end of one of the depending arms of the inverted U-shaped tubular member. This pin member fits into one of the upstanding end portions of the base member to form a pivotal connection enabling the inverted U-shaped tubular member to be moved into an open position away from the bed. The other depending arm of the inverted U-shaped tubular member has a first slidable rod member depending from its lower end to slide into the other upstanding end portion of the base member to lock the inverted U-shaped tubular member in position alongside the bed. The first slidable rod member has a protruding knob member located near the upper end to protrude through a modified L-shaped slot in the said other depending arm of the inverted U-shaped tubular member, thereby serving to hold the first slidable rod member in an upper position where it will allow the inverted U-shaped tubular member to swing freely away from the bed. A straight tubular member is mounted on the depending arm of the inverted U-shaped tubular member containing the first slidable rod. A second slidable rod is positioned within the straight tubular member to serve as a support leg when the handrail is swung into an open position away from the bed. The second slidable rod has a series of holes spaced along its length to permit adjustment of the rod to accommodate different bed heights. The adjustment is accomplished by means of a bolt extending through the straight tubular member and a selected hole in the second slidable rod to lock them together in the selected position.
The plurality of cross-members extending between the depending arms of the inverted U-shaped tubular member provide structural stability and additional support means to be grasped by the bed occupant in shifting position in the bed. The cross-members may be made vertically adjustable to suit the needs of the bed occupant. A removable plate member having a curved top portion is designed to fit over the top of the inverted U-shaped tubular member. The removable plate member has a depending curved tab fastened to the rear side in position to fit in a snug relationship over the higher cross-member and be held in position by a thumbscrew extending through a threaded hole on the tab to engage the cross-member. The removable plate member may be made of a ferrous metal so that magnets can be utilized to hold memos against the plate, thereby allowing the removable plate to function as a message board. It is also contemplated that removable fastening means such as flexible hook and eye fabric fasteners be utilized to attach such items as a telephone, television remote control, etc., within easy reach of the bed occupant.
The novel features that are considered to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, both as to construction and method of operation, will be understood best from the following description of the preferred mode for carrying out the invention, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 433856 (2000-11-01), Blum
patent: 2904799 (1959-09-01), Berlin
patent: 3176322 (1965-04-01), Mulcahy
patent: 3474473 (1969-10-01), Hannaberg
patent: 6138301 (2000-10-01), Battiston
Browne Lynne H.
Conley Fredrick
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