Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-09
2002-07-16
Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
C024S302000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06418594
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field
This invention relates generally to the field of medical and ambulatory assist devices and equipment, and more specifically, to a novel device to assist individuals getting into and out of automobiles and other modes of transportation, as well as being capable of lifting and carrying objects of various dimensions and weights.
2. Prior Art
Devices and methods for assisting individuals from getting into and out of automobiles and other modes of transportation are relatively well known in the art. These devices include both those that are fixated to the automobile or other mode of transportation in some manner and those that the individual in need of assistance carries with him or her.
In most instances, those devices that are fixated to an automobile or other mode of transportation, include handles or some other form of apparatus that is attached somewhere near the door opening. Some of these devices have handles that are retractable or fold out of the way when not in use. In use, the user grabs a hold of the handle and either lowers or pulls himself or herself into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation.
The type of devices that the user carries with him or her include walkers, canes, crutches and other types of portable assist devices. The user approaches an automobile or other mode of transportation using this type of device. When the user reaches the automobile or other mode of transportation, he or she uses this portable device to sit down in the automobile or other mode of transportation. Once in the automobile or other mode of transportation, the user places the portable device somewhere in the automobile or other mode of transportation until it is needed to assist the user out of the automobile or other mode of transportation. When the user needs to get out of the automobile or other mode of transportation, the user places the device outside the vehicle and attempts to pull himself or herself out of the vehicle.
While adequate for a number of applications, the type of devices just described also include a number of disadvantages. For example, the devices that are fixated to the automobile or other mode of transportation cannot easily be removed therefrom and may constitute an obstruction in some instances. This can become a problem if the device is not positioned properly or if the device prevents people or objects from moving into or out of the automobile or other mode of transportation.
Another disadvantage with this type of device is that it is not easily adjustable, if it is adjustable at all, with respect to its positioning within the automobile or other mode of transportation. Thus, the user does not have the ability to position the device within the automobile or other mode of transportation to fit his or her body type, unique infirmity or need. This problem may require a user to hire the services of a mechanic in order to position the device in the automobile or other mode of transportation. However, even if positioned by such a mechanic, it would require a similar effort to make any further adjustments to the location of the device.
Still another disadvantage of this type of device is that it is not easily adjustable, it at all, once it is fixated within the automobile or other mode of transportation. Once the device is anchored in the automobile or other mode of transportation, it cannot easily be adjusted, if at all, in terms of the length of or positioning of the handle. Thus, the user cannot lengthen or shorten the handle in relation to its anchoring to the automobile or other mode of transportation in order to accommodate the individual user's body type, unique infirmity or need.
A still further disadvantage is that the handle of most comparable devices is that they are awkward in shape and difficult for individuals using the device to grab a hold of and to adjust their hand positions once they have grabbed the handle. That is, the handles of most devices do not resemble any type of device that the users are familiar with or used to using. Further, the handle of most of these devices requires that the user rely solely upon the strength in his or her hand and does not allow the user to lock his or her arm into the device in order to acquire the strength to move into and out of the automobile or other mode of transportation.
Still a further disadvantage of this type of device is that they are cost prohibitive both to purchase and to adjust. In most instances, these devices are not available to most individuals who stand in need of these devices.
While adequate for a number of applications, the portable devices, described above, also include a number of disadvantages. For example, these devices are not fixated to the automobile or other mode of transportation and the user must carry them with him or her and store the device in the automobile or other mode of transportation when not in use.
Another disadvantage of the portable type devices is that they are not attached to any part of the automobile or other mode of transportation and as a result they are not stable. The user must attempt to balance the device while they are trying to get into or out of the automobile or other mode of transportation. If the user loses his or her balance there is little or no chance of recovery and the user might sustain serious injury.
Still another disadvantage of the portable devices is that while in use, assuming that the user is able to maintain proper balance, the user must awkwardly try and push himself or herself up out of the automobile or other mode of transportation using the device. Conversely, in order to lower himself or herself into the automobile or other mode of transportation the user must applying lessening pressure to the top of the device and hope that he or she neither loses balance or otherwise sustains an injury while trying to get into the automobile or other mode of transportation. The result of using this type of a device to get into an automobile or other mode of transportation is that the user is not able to maintain enough pressure on the device to keep their rate of decent thereinto constant and he or she will generally have to essentially fall the last few inches into the automobile or other mode of transportation.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
In light of the problems described in the prior art, the present invention seeks to accomplish and realize, among other things, the following objects and advantages.
A principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel device to assist individuals getting into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation that can easily be removed from or attached thereto and that does not constitute and obstruction to said individuals.
Another major object of the present invention is to provide a novel device to assist individuals getting into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation that is easily adjustable with respect to its positioning within the automobile or other mode of transportation to take into consideration the particular needs or infirmities of an individual user.
Still another major object of the present invention is to provide a novel device to assist individuals getting into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation that is easily adjustable by lengthening or shortening the length of the handle to accommodate the particular needs or infirmities of an individual user.
A further major object of the present invention is to provide a novel device to assist individuals getting into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation that is ergonomically designed in order for the user to easily grasp the handle and to adjust their hand position thereon during use.
Yet another major object of the present invention is to provide a novel device to assist individuals getting into or out of an automobile or other mode of transportation that is inexpensive to purchase and is therefore available to most individuals who stand in need of these devices.
An additional important object of this invention is to pro
Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough
Sandy Robert J.
Starkweather Michael W.
Winder Brent T.
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