EP0643938B1 - Grab-rail - Google Patents

Grab-rail Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0643938B1
EP0643938B1 EP19940301011 EP94301011A EP0643938B1 EP 0643938 B1 EP0643938 B1 EP 0643938B1 EP 19940301011 EP19940301011 EP 19940301011 EP 94301011 A EP94301011 A EP 94301011A EP 0643938 B1 EP0643938 B1 EP 0643938B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rail
grab
rail member
zone
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19940301011
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0643938A1 (en
Inventor
David Perrett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicholls & Clarke Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicholls & Clarke Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicholls & Clarke Ltd filed Critical Nicholls & Clarke Ltd
Publication of EP0643938A1 publication Critical patent/EP0643938A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0643938B1 publication Critical patent/EP0643938B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K17/00—Other sanitary equipment not covered by the other groups of this subclass ; Holders for toilet brushes
    • A47K17/02—Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
    • A47K17/022—Wall mounted grab bars or handles, with or without support on the floor
    • A47K17/024—Wall mounted grab bars or handles, with or without support on the floor pivotally mounted on the wall
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00—Baths; Showers; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
    • A47K3/003—Grips for baths

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a grab-rail which is, for example, positionable by a bath to assist a user of the bath to get into and out of the bath.
  • US-A-4,895,332 discloses a grab-rail having a rail member whose generally circular outer surface includes roughened longitudinal elastomeric inserts for improving grip.
  • DE-A-3,150,765 discloses a grab-rail of the folding type and AT-A-351,199 discloses a grab-rail of the fixed type.
  • a grab-rail comprising an elongate rail member having an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs positioned to provide a rough, first zone which is adjacent to a smoother, second zone; characterized in that the cross-section of the rail member is oval; and the first and second zones are disposed on respective sides of the major axis of the oval cross-section of the rail member.
  • the grab-rail may be a folding grab-rail, wherein a base portion is securable to a support surface and the rail member is pivotably connected to the base portion so as to be movable between a first, generally horizontal position and a second, generally vertical position. It is preferable that the rail member is arranged so that, when in its first position, the rough, first zone faces downwards and the smoother, second zone faces upwards. With this arrangement, when the user grabs hold of the rail member, e.g. in order to get out of a bath, the user's fingers achieve a good grip on the underside of the rail member whilst ensuring that the top side of the rail member does not cause any discomfort to the palms of the user's hands.
  • the grab-rail may be a fixed grab-rail wherein a bracket is fixed to each end of the rail member and is securable to a support surface.
  • the rail member is arranged so that the rough, first zone faces towards the support surface and the smoother, second zone faces away from the support surface.
  • the fixed grab-rail comprises a rail member 1 to the ends of which are fixed brackets 2 having screw holes 3 by means of which the fixed grab-rail may be fixed to a wall or the like.
  • the rail member 1 has an elliptical cross-section, on one side of the major axis of which are disposed a plurality of parallel ribs 4 and on the other side of the major axis of which the outer surface of the rail member is smooth.
  • the ribs 4 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail member 1 and form a rough, first zone of the outer surface of the rail member 1. The rest of the outer surface forms a smooth, second zone.
  • the rail member 1 is arranged so that the ribs 4 face towards the wall on which the grab-rail is mounted. Thus, the ribs 4 are only just visible in Figure 1.
  • the right-hand side of the outer surface of the rail member 1 is rib-free, a user pressing his or her palms against the rail member 1 will feel no discomfort. However, the fingers wrapped around the rail member 1 will come into contact with the ribs 4 and thereby enable the user to obtain a good grip on the rail member. Having the ribs 4 cover only half of the outer surface of the rail member 1 has been found to be the most effective arrangement.
  • the rail member 1 is hollow.
  • Each bracket 2 has a boss which is not visible in Figure 1 and which projects into the hollow interior of the rail member 1.
  • the boss has an elliptical cross-section which conforms to the inner surface of the rail member 1. In this way, the rail member 1 is prevented from rotating.
  • the rail member 1 and brackets 2 are made from polycarbonate material and are joined together by means of adhesive or, less preferably, ultrasonic welding.
  • the rail member 1 is produced by extrusion, and the brackets 2 are produced by moulding.
  • the folding grab-rail shown in Figure 3 has a base portion 5 of conventional design which is securable to a wall.
  • a generally U-shaped rail assembly 6 is pivotably mounted in the base portion 5 so as to be pivotable between the horizontal position shown in Figure 3 and a vertical position used for storage.
  • the rail assembly 6 comprises a rail member 1 of identical design to that shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the rail member 1 is supported by other rails 7 of circular cross-section.
  • the rail member 1 is arranged so that its ribs 4, which are not visible in Figure 3, face downwards when the rail assembly 6 is in the horizontal position shown in Figure 3.
  • the user's palms may be used to support the user's weight on the smooth zone of the rail member 1, whilst the user's fingers grip the ribs 4 on the underside of the rail member 1.
  • the rail assembly may be straight and comprise the rail member 1.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Passenger Equipment (AREA)
  • Steps, Ramps, And Handrails (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a grab-rail which is, for example, positionable by a bath to assist a user of the bath to get into and out of the bath.
  • US-A-4,895,332 discloses a grab-rail having a rail member whose generally circular outer surface includes roughened longitudinal elastomeric inserts for improving grip. DE-A-3,150,765 discloses a grab-rail of the folding type and AT-A-351,199 discloses a grab-rail of the fixed type.
  • According to the present invention, there is provided a grab-rail comprising an elongate rail member having an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs positioned to provide a rough, first zone which is adjacent to a smoother, second zone; characterized in that the cross-section of the rail member is oval; and the first and second zones are disposed on respective sides of the major axis of the oval cross-section of the rail member. By means of the first and second zones, it is possible to provide enhanced grip where it is needed, by means of the first zone, and a cleaner visual appearance where grip is not needed, by means of the second zone.
  • The grab-rail may be a folding grab-rail, wherein a base portion is securable to a support surface and the rail member is pivotably connected to the base portion so as to be movable between a first, generally horizontal position and a second, generally vertical position. It is preferable that the rail member is arranged so that, when in its first position, the rough, first zone faces downwards and the smoother, second zone faces upwards. With this arrangement, when the user grabs hold of the rail member, e.g. in order to get out of a bath, the user's fingers achieve a good grip on the underside of the rail member whilst ensuring that the top side of the rail member does not cause any discomfort to the palms of the user's hands.
  • The grab-rail may be a fixed grab-rail wherein a bracket is fixed to each end of the rail member and is securable to a support surface. Preferably, the rail member is arranged so that the rough, first zone faces towards the support surface and the smoother, second zone faces away from the support surface.
  • Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixed grab-rail;
    • Figure 2 is a cross-section of the rail member of the fixed grab-rail of Figure 1; and
    • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a folding grab-rail.
  • Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the fixed grab-rail comprises a rail member 1 to the ends of which are fixed brackets 2 having screw holes 3 by means of which the fixed grab-rail may be fixed to a wall or the like.
  • The rail member 1 has an elliptical cross-section, on one side of the major axis of which are disposed a plurality of parallel ribs 4 and on the other side of the major axis of which the outer surface of the rail member is smooth. The ribs 4 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail member 1 and form a rough, first zone of the outer surface of the rail member 1. The rest of the outer surface forms a smooth, second zone. The rail member 1 is arranged so that the ribs 4 face towards the wall on which the grab-rail is mounted. Thus, the ribs 4 are only just visible in Figure 1.
  • Because, as viewed in Figure 2, the right-hand side of the outer surface of the rail member 1 is rib-free, a user pressing his or her palms against the rail member 1 will feel no discomfort. However, the fingers wrapped around the rail member 1 will come into contact with the ribs 4 and thereby enable the user to obtain a good grip on the rail member. Having the ribs 4 cover only half of the outer surface of the rail member 1 has been found to be the most effective arrangement.
  • As may be seen from Figure 2, the rail member 1 is hollow. Each bracket 2 has a boss which is not visible in Figure 1 and which projects into the hollow interior of the rail member 1. The boss has an elliptical cross-section which conforms to the inner surface of the rail member 1. In this way, the rail member 1 is prevented from rotating. The rail member 1 and brackets 2 are made from polycarbonate material and are joined together by means of adhesive or, less preferably, ultrasonic welding. The rail member 1 is produced by extrusion, and the brackets 2 are produced by moulding.
  • The folding grab-rail shown in Figure 3 has a base portion 5 of conventional design which is securable to a wall. A generally U-shaped rail assembly 6 is pivotably mounted in the base portion 5 so as to be pivotable between the horizontal position shown in Figure 3 and a vertical position used for storage. The rail assembly 6 comprises a rail member 1 of identical design to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. The rail member 1 is supported by other rails 7 of circular cross-section. The rail member 1 is arranged so that its ribs 4, which are not visible in Figure 3, face downwards when the rail assembly 6 is in the horizontal position shown in Figure 3. Thus, the user's palms may be used to support the user's weight on the smooth zone of the rail member 1, whilst the user's fingers grip the ribs 4 on the underside of the rail member 1.
  • Instead of being U-shaped, the rail assembly may be straight and comprise the rail member 1.

Claims (10)

  1. A grab-rail comprising an elongate rail member (1) having an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs (4) positioned to provide a rough, first zone which is adjacent to a smoother, second zone;
       characterized in that:
    the cross-section of the rail member (1) is oval; and
    the first and second zones are disposed on respective sides of the major axis of the oval cross-section of the rail member (1).
  2. A grab-rail according to claim 1, wherein the ribs (4) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail member (1).
  3. A grab-rail according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second zone is rib-free.
  4. A grab-rail according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross-section of the rail member (1) is elliptical.
  5. A grab-rail according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each zone covers substantially half of the outer surface of the rail member (1).
  6. A grab-rail according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a base portion (5) securable to a support surface, the rail member (1) being pivotably connected to the base portion so as to be movable between a first, generally horizontal position and a second, generally vertical position.
  7. A grab-rail according to claim 6, wherein the rail member (1) is arranged so that, when in its first position, the rough, first zone faces downwards and the smoother, second zone faces upwards.
  8. A grab-rail according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a bracket (2) fixed to each end of the rail member (1) and securable to a support surface.
  9. A grab-rail according to claim 8, wherein the rail member is arranged so that the rough, first zone faces towards the support surface and the smoother, second zone faces away from the support surface.
  10. A grab-rail according to claim 4, wherein the rail member (1) is hollow and the grab-rail includes bosses which are of elliptical cross-section and project into the hollow ends of the rail member to prevent rotation of the rail member.
EP19940301011 1993-09-21 1994-02-11 Grab-rail Expired - Lifetime EP0643938B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9319473 1993-09-21
GB9319473A GB2281858A (en) 1993-09-21 1993-09-21 Grab-rail

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0643938A1 EP0643938A1 (en) 1995-03-22
EP0643938B1 true EP0643938B1 (en) 1997-05-14

Family

ID=10742293

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19940301011 Expired - Lifetime EP0643938B1 (en) 1993-09-21 1994-02-11 Grab-rail

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0643938B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69403169T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2102147T3 (en)
GB (1) GB2281858A (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29905057U1 (en) 1999-03-19 1999-06-10 Huber, Ferdinand, Dipl.-Ing., 85435 Erding Stand up aid
DE19912516A1 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-09-21 Ferdinand Huber Device for assisting persons in processes of getting up or changing the position when seated comprises at least three holding or supporting points which are located along a continuous or discontinuous spatial curve
AUPQ024099A0 (en) 1999-05-07 1999-06-03 Promat Fyreguard Pty Ltd Service shut off device
GB9920528D0 (en) * 1999-09-01 1999-11-03 Smyth Gerad A support member
GB2447657A (en) * 2007-03-17 2008-09-24 William Francis Dallow Child support rail
US7934274B2 (en) * 2008-02-18 2011-05-03 Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. Non-circular section grab bar
EP3003108A4 (en) * 2013-05-28 2017-01-18 Hinkle, Nicholas Folding transfer handle

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1469368A (en) * 1975-03-13 1977-04-06 Kdi Sylvan Pools Recirculating water supply system for swimming pools
AT351199B (en) * 1977-12-02 1979-07-10 Zk Edelstahlverarbeitung Gmbh HANDLE FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED
DE3150765A1 (en) * 1981-12-22 1983-06-30 HEWI Heinrich Wilke GmbH, 3548 Arolsen Attachment device for the pivotable attachment of an object, in particular a holding grip, to a wall or the like
US4895332A (en) * 1988-09-06 1990-01-23 A. L. Hansen Manufacturing Company Anti-slip grab rail
NL9002307A (en) * 1990-10-23 1992-05-18 Linido Bv SUPPORT DEVICE.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2102147T3 (en) 1997-07-16
GB2281858A (en) 1995-03-22
DE69403169D1 (en) 1997-06-19
GB9319473D0 (en) 1993-11-03
DE69403169T2 (en) 1997-08-21
EP0643938A1 (en) 1995-03-22

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