Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Grapple – Fixed and moveable jaw
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-19
2004-09-21
Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Grapple
Fixed and moveable jaw
C294S015000, C074S551900, C182S133000, C187S200000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06793258
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND ART
The present invention pertains to a device and method for gripping a handrail or other object.
A personal vehicle, such as may be used by a disabled person, may be self-propelled and user-guideable. Examples of such a vehicle include balancing vehicles described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,701,965 and 6,311,794, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 1
shows a balancing vehicle, designated generally by numeral
120
. Balancing vehicle
120
may include one or more clusters
121
of wheels
122
,
123
, as shown in FIG.
1
. The cluster
121
, and the wheels
122
,
123
in each cluster
121
, are controlled by a controller
128
and may be driven independently of each other. Controller
128
may operate in several modes, including a balancing mode in which the controller
128
is allowed to balance and drive the vehicle
120
by providing commands to drive the wheels
122
,
123
.
A rider
124
in such a balancing vehicle
120
can climb or descend stairs (not shown). This may be accomplished by having the rider
124
lean the vehicle
120
in the forward direction to travel down the stairs or in the rearward direction to travel up the stairs. To lean the vehicle
120
, the rider
124
pushes off of or pulls on the stair handrail (not shown), causing the cluster
121
to rotate in such a manner as to place the second wheel
123
(i.e. the wheel not currently in ground contact) of each cluster
121
onto the appropriate stair. Therefore, the rider
124
must maintain a good grip on the handrail to maintain control of the balancing vehicle
120
. However, the user may have poor arm and hand strength or limited dexterity, making this task difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the invention, a device for gripping a wide variety of objects that have a top and a bottom surface is presented. Objects may include, for example and without limitation, a counter, a table, or a desk. Additionally, the device may be advantageously used to grip a handrail. It is to be understood that the description in terms of gripping a handrail is without limitation and by way of example only.
The device includes a handle for gripping by a user. A fixed member is coupled to the handle for engaging one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail, and a movable member is movably coupled to the handle for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. An actuator coupled to the handle controls the movement of the movable member, the actuator allowing for repositioning and locking of the device with respect to the handrail. When the device is locked with respect to the handrail the fixed member and movable member engage the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail such that a force tangential to the handrail can be applied to the handle without the device sliding on the handrail.
In a related embodiment of the invention, the fixed member may include an outer jaw for engaging one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail.
In another related embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes a locking cam for controlling the movement of the movable member. The locking cam and/or the movable member may include an engageable coupling for engaging one another. The engageable coupling may include threads. The actuator may include a bias mechanism for supplying a return force to the locking cam and for providing a force on the movable member that is perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. The bias mechanism may be a spring. The actuator may include a guide, the guide providing a surface for the spring and locking cam to contact.
In yet another related embodiment of the invention, the movable member includes a pressure foot for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. The pressure foot may include a surface that is concave for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail so as to prevent slippage on the handrail. The pressure foot may be extended so that so that the pressure foot can be pushed against the handrail when the pressure foot and fixed member are in close proximity, to create clearance for the device to be slid over the handrail.
In another embodiment of the invention, a device for gripping a handrail having a top surface and a bottom surface is presented. The device includes a handle for gripping by a user; the handle having a fixed outer jaw for engaging one of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. The handle has walls defining a cavity having a first entrance facing the outer jaw. A foot assembly has a first end that travels inside the cavity and a second end that extends out the first entrance. The second end of the foot assembly is coupled to a pressure foot. The pressure foot has an outer surface facing the outer jaw for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. A locking cam is located inside the cavity, for controlling movement of the movable foot assembly in such a manner to allow for repositioning and locking of the device with respect to the handrail, such that a force tangential to the handrail can be applied to the handle without the device sliding on the handrail. The locking cam may include a cam actuator that extends out a second entrance of the cavity, for controlling the locking cam.
In a related embodiment of the invention, the foot assembly may include a rod having threads for engaging the locking cam. The locking cam may also have threads for engaging the threaded rod.
In another related embodiments of the invention, the locking cam may include a bias mechanism, which supplies a return force to the locking cam and may also provide a force on the movable member that is perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail. The bias mechanism may be a spring.
In related embodiments of the invention, the pressure foot includes a surface that is concave for engaging the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail so as to prevent slippage on the handrail. The pressure foot may also be extended beyond the outer jaw so that the pressure foot can be pushed/pulled against the handrail when the pressure foot and the outer jaw are in close proximity, to create clearance for the device to be slid over the handrail.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method for gripping a handrail having a top and bottom surface is presented. The method comprises applying a fixed member to one of the top and bottom surfaces of a handrail, the fixed member coupled to a handle. A movable member is applied to the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail, the movable member movably coupled to the handle. The fixed member and movable member are locked with respect to the handrail, whereupon the handle is then gripped.
In another related embodiment of the invention, locking the fixed member and the movable member onto the handrail may include utilizing an actuator coupled to the handle to prevent movement of the movable member.
In yet another related embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise releasing the fixed member and movable member from the handrail and repositioning the fixed member and movable member on the handrail. Releasing the fixed member and the movable from the handrail may include utilizing an actuator to allow movement of the movable member.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method for gripping a handrail having a top and bottom surface is presented. A fixed member is applied to one of the top and bottom surfaces of a handrail, the fixed member coupled to a handle. An actuator is activated to allow movement of a movable member movably coupled to the handle, the actuator coupled to the handle. A force is applied on the handle, the force being perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail, so as to allow the movable member to clamp down on the other of the top and bottom surfaces of the handrail with a spring force. The actuator is released to prevent movement of the movable member, so as to lock the movable member and fixed member with res
Bromberg & Sunstein LLP
DEKA Products Limited Partnership
Lillis Eileen D.
Lowe Michael
LandOfFree
Device and method for gripping a handrail does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device and method for gripping a handrail, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device and method for gripping a handrail will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3254712