US20220010558A1

US20220010558A1 - Secure handrail

Info

Publication number: US20220010558A1
Application number: US17/370,838
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Douglas Johnson
Original assignee: Home Freedom LLC
Current assignee: Home Freedom LLC
Priority date: 2020-07-08
Filing date: 2021-07-08
Publication date: 2022-01-13

Abstract

A secure handrail may include an angled mounting bracket that is sized and shaped to fit onto a door. The angled mounting bracket may have a first plate that is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb. The angle mounting bracket further have a second plate that is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb, and a handrail connected to the mounting bracket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/049,620, filed Jul. 8, 2020, entitled “SECURE HANDRAIL”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to handrails, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems, devices, and methods to handrails for mounting by a door.

BACKGROUND

The risk of falling can be a serious issue for many individuals. Falls can lead to significant injury, such as a sprained or broken wrist, broken hip, or head injury. Falling risk can also lead to isolation for a person who avoids hazard areas such as stairs on the inside or outside of a door. A handrail can be used by an individual to promote safety and mobility of the individual. Buildings typically have a handrail next to a flight of stairs, but often no handrail is provided at a door that includes a step at the threshold between inside a dwelling and a front step and a garage or front step. An individual who is prone to fall risk may use a cane or walker, such aids are more useful on a flat surface and may not be feasible for use by some individuals when moving through a door with a step.

SUMMARY

This document discusses, among other things, systems, methods, and an apparatus to provide a secure handrail. In an example, the handrail includes a mounting plate (e.g., support bracket, attachment member, or the like). In another example, the mounting plate helps attach the handrail to a structure (e.g., a doorframe, post, wall, or the like). A handrail extends from mounting plate. For instance, the handrail may extend between an upper handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate and a lower handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate. For example, the handrail may extend from a surface of the mounting plate. In yet another example, an interior surface of the mounting plate is engaged with the structure, and one or more fasteners attach the mounting plate to the structure. The handrail may extend from an exterior surface of the mounting plate. For example, the handrail may extend from the mounting plate to provide support to an individual proximate the structure. In still yet another example, the handrail extends downward from the handrail, for instance to position the handrail proximate a set of stairs. Accordingly, the handrail may provide support to a user traversing (e.g., walking, climbing, moving, ascending, descending, or the like) near the structure (e.g., the set of stairs, a wall, or the like).
As described herein, the handrail includes a mounting plate. In an example, the mounting plate includes a first flange and a second flange. For instance, the first flange is configured to engage with a first face of the structure. A first set of through holes optionally extend through the first flange. The second flange may extend from the first flange. The second flange is configured to engage with a second face of the structure. A second set of through holes optionally extend through the second flange. The mounting plate may be attached (e.g., coupled, secured, fixed, or the like) to the structure. In an example, one or more fasteners engage with the mounting plate and the structure to attach the mounting plate to the structure. For instance, a first fastener is received in one of the first set of through holes, and a second fastener is received in one of the second set of through holes.
In another example, the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate. For instance, misalignment between the first and second set of through holes enhances the attachment between the mounting plate and the structure. For instance, the misalignment between the first and second set of through holes inhibits interference (e.g., contact, engagement, binding, or the like) between fasteners that secure the mounting plate to the structure. For example, the misalignment between the first and second set of through holes inhibits interference between fasteners extending through the first flange and the second flange. In an approach, a first fastener is received in a first hole of the first set of through holes. The first fastener extends through the mounting plate and engages with the structure to attach the mounting plate to the structure. A second fastener is received in a second hole of the second set of through holes. In this approach, the first set of through holes are not misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along the vertical axis. Accordingly, in this approach, the first fastener interferes with the second fastener while engaged with the structure. For instance, the first fastener is driven into the structure to attach the first flange with the structure. The second fastener is driven into the structure to attach the second flange with the structure. The second fastener extends through the structure and toward the first fastener, and because of the proximity along the vertical axis, the second fastener interferes with the first fastener. Interference between fasteners may reduce the coupling forces provided by the fasteners (and the coupling forces attaching the handrail to the structure). Accordingly, misalignment of the first set of through holes and the second set of through holes enhances the attachment between the mounting plate and the structure, for instance by reducing interference between fasteners that attach the mounting plate to the structure.
In another example, reducing interference between fasteners enhances the coupling forces between the structure and the fastener. For instance, misalignment of the first and second set of through holes helps provide sufficient material (of the structure) for the fastener to engage with and couple the handrail with the structure. For instance, the fasteners occupy space within the structure when engaging with the structure. The misalignment between the first and second set of through holes helps provide sufficient space (e.g., clearance, tolerances, or the like) between the first fastener and the second fastener. In yet another example, interference between fasteners may damage the structure (e.g., by splitting wood of a rough opening that surrounds a doorway, or the like). Accordingly, the misalignment between the first and second set of through holes helps provide the fasteners with sufficient material to engage with the structure and thereby provide a specified coupling force between the handrail and the structure. Thus, misalignment of the first and second set of through holes helps enhance the coupling between the handrail and the structure. Therefore, the enhanced coupling between the handrail and the structure enhances the rigidity and strength to the handrail attached to the structure.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example handrail system mounted by a door and steps.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of a handrail shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a person holding a handrail as she goes up a flight of steps.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example handrail system mounted to a door jamb and casing.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another example handrail system mounted to a door jamb and casing.

FIGS. 5A-5D show top, side, front, and perspective views of an example handrail system.

FIG. 5E shows a perspective view of an example handrail having a shorter handrail portion than the handrail system shown in FIG. 5D, which may be useful at a door near a short set of steps.

FIG. 5F shows a handrail having offset holes to allow for secure mounting while avoiding interference.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the modular handrail portion shown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A-7D shown example angle bracket having a first flange 106 and second flange 108 is shown.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a handrail system 100 attached to a structure 800

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A handrail system for use near a door may be configured to provide secure three-dimensional support by attaching to a structure (e.g., the doorframe) in multiple planes. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example handrail system 100.
Conventional handrails that provide support near a step or group of steps are typically connected to the ground at both a top and bottom portion of the structure. Most handrails are connected to the ground, or to a wall, but handrails are generally not connected to a door frame, e.g., to avoid putting holes in the door frame or creating an obstruction in the door passage.
In certain installations, it may be desirable to construct a handrail that is connected at the top of a set of stairs, but is not connected to the ground at a lower portion at the bottom of the stairs. For example, when a handrail is installed in a garage of a home, it may be difficult or undesirable to connect a handrail to a concrete floor. In other situations, the ground may provide an undesirable or inconvenient mounting surface for structural or cosmetic reasons.
The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that a handrail system that is mounted at a step by a door may reduce the risk of fall. The present inventor has also recognized that a handrail that is attached to a single planar surface (e.g., a wall) may not withstand torsional forces when a significant downward load or side load is placed on the handrail. To provide better support, an improved handrail system may include a mounting system that attaches to a support structure in two planes to provide support for an individual moving through the door and down the step (or up the step and through the door.) The mounting system may include an angled mounting bracket that engages two faces of the structural support for a door. For example, the angled mounting bracket may be secured to both a front face of a door support structure that is approximately parallel with a closed door (e.g., the front face of a door jamb, or a casing over the front face), and an inner face of a door jamb that is approximately orthogonal to the door when the door is closed. The angle bracket may be sized and shaped to provide sufficient structural support to support a handrail, while avoiding interference with the door when the door is closed. In contrast, convention handrails are typically mounted to the floor (which creates practical difficulties, e.g., with a concrete garage floor), or to the front face (e.g., to a wall) next to a door. The present handrail system offers the advantage of providing a secure handrail with structural support in three dimensions while avoiding interference with door operation.
With reference to FIG. 1A, a handrail system 100 may include a handrail 102 that may be sized and shaped to be securely mounted to a door jamb 190 that is next to a door 192 that allows passage through a wall 194 and over a set of steps 188. The handrail 102 may be mounted at a height just below a doorknob 193 to provide a convenient grab height for a person moving through the door and down the steps, or up the steps toward the door, as shown in FIG. 2. In some examples, the system 100 may include a first handrail 102 mounted on a first (e.g., left) side door jamb and a second (e.g., right) handrail 104 mounted on a right side door jamb.
The handrail 102 may include a mounting plate 105. In an example, the mounting plate 105 includes a first flange 106 and a second flange 108. In an example, the flanges 106, 108 are in in different planes to provide secure attachment to the door jamb 190 (or a jamb casing over the door jamb) in a manner that provides structural security to robustly resist torsional forces and load forces in three dimensions to provide stable three-dimensional support for the handrail. For example, most door jambs are designed to have a front jamb face 196 (which may be part of the door jamb, or a jamb casing that is mounted over the jamb) that is approximately perpendicular (“square” in carpentry terms) to a side jamb face 198 (e.g., in a plane parallel to the door when the door is closed). To fit such a door jamb and provide strong support for a handrail, first flange 106 may be constructed to be square, e.g., approximately perpendicular, to second flange 106. Together, flanges 106 and 108 form an angle piece 109. While the flanges 106, 108 do not have to be exactly perpendicular (e.g., 90 degrees), as a handrail with flanges that are a few degrees off of square (e.g., <5 degrees) may still be used to achieve a secure mount, ideally the first flange 106 is as close as possible to perpendicular to second flange 106. In other less typical examples, front jamb face 196 may be in a different configuration relative to side face 198 (e.g., approximately 135 degrees), in which case first flange 106 may be configured to match (e.g., second flange 106 may be formed at 135 degrees relative to first flange 106.) In various examples, the flanges 106 and 108 may be formed from a single sheet that is formed to configure mounting 108 at a desired angle relative to first flange 106, or flanges 106 and 108 may be formed from an extruded piece of material, or second flange 106 may be welded or otherwise connected to first flange 106 at a joint 107, or first flange 106 and 108 may be shaped to snap or otherwise fit together. Flanges 106, 108 are preferably formed from a metal such as steel or aluminum. In an example, flanges 106, 108 are made from 3.175 mm (0.125 inch) think carbon steel, or stainless steel, or aluminum.
FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of the handrail 102 shown in FIG. 1A. First flange 106 may have holes 122 a, 122 b, (and a third hole, not shown) that are sized and shaped to receive a connector 123 a, 123 b, which may for example be a wood screw that is sized and shaped to screw into the door jamb. Second flange 106 may also have holes 124 a, 124 b, 124 c that are sized and shaped to receive respective connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c (e.g., wood screws.) In some examples, the through holes extending through the flanges 106, 108 are countersunk on their exterior faces to receive a head of a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, or the like). Accordingly, interference between the fasteners and adjacent structures (e.g., a door adjacent the flange 108, or the like) may be minimized.
The secure handrail 102 may a handrail portion 110 that is sized and shaped to be gripped by a human hand. The handrail portion 100 may be about 25-38 mm, preferably 31.75 mm (1-1.5 inches, preferably 1.25 inch) across. In an example, the handrail portion 110 may be a tube that has an average cross-sectional dimension (e.g., circumference) C of 31.75 mm (1.25 inches.) The handrail portion 110 may attach (e.g., welded or assembled with connectors such as bolts, or fit into a formed structure such as a slot) to first flange 106. The handrail portion 110 may extend downward from the first flange 106 at an angle to form an angle A with the door jamb. The angle A may be selected to approximately match the angle of descent of steps (e.g., 23 to 40 degrees, and preferably 32 degrees.)
The handrail portion 110 may include an upper handrail portion 112, which may advantageously be aligned (e.g. approximately coplanar) with the second flange 108. The handrail portion 110 may also include a lower handrail portion 114, which may be aligned (e.g., approximately coplanar and approximately parallel) with the upper handrail portion, and may be displaced from the upper handrail portion as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2. The upper handrail portion 112 and lower handrail portion 114 may be coupled (e.g., welded) to the first flange 106 at respective upper connecting location 113 and lower mounting location 115. The lower connecting location 115 may be displaced a distance Q (e.g., 15-25 cm (6-10 inches)) from the upper connecting location 113 to provide structural rigidity in the handrail 102. In an example, the lower connecting location 115 may be 10 cm to 18 cm (4 to 7 inches) from the upper connecting location 113, with a preferable spacing of about 11.4 cm (4.5 inches.) In some examples, both the upper handrail portion 112 and lower handrail portion 114 may be sized and shaped to be gripped by person's hand, to accommodate persons of varying height (e.g., a shorter person may prefer to grab the lower handrail 114.) The lower handrail portion 114 may be coupled (e.g., connected) to the upper handrail portion 112 to provide structural stability. In an example, the lower handrail portion 114 may be connected to the upper handrail portion 1120 by an end portion 120 of the handrail 110. The lower handrail portion 114 may be approximately parallel to the upper handrail portion 112 as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 3, but other configurations are possible, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4. the upper handrail portion and lower handrail portion may form an angle B of about 20 degrees to 50 degrees, but a configuration where the lower handrail is aligned with (e.g., parallel, or an angle of less than 5 degrees) the upper handrail is preferred.
The construction of the handrail with flanges 106, 108 in two different planes and upper and lower handrail portions that mount at connecting locations 113, 115 that are displaced from one enough creates a stable structure. When a force F1 is exerted on the handrail 110, a downward torsional force T1 (including and a force F2 pulling away from the front face 196 of the door jamb) is generated and resisted by angled flanges 106, 108. The presence of second flange 106 and connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c (e.g., screws, or the like) through the mounting plate provides additional support, because the connectors and adjacent portions of the door jamb experience a side-loaded shear force, whereas the front first flange 106 and associated connectors 123 a, 123 b primarily experience a linear “pulling” force that must be resisted by axial structure on the connectors (e.g., screw threads), which can provide less resistance than the side-loaded connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c. In other words, the flanges can work together to provide resist force F2 generated by a person pressing down to create force F1 on the handrail 110. Similarly, a side load S1 or S2 may generate forces that may put axial loads S2 on one or more of connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c but are resisted by connectors 123 a, 123 b (and hidden connector 123 c) which experience shear force and are thus less likely to lose their connection with the door jamb. The self-supporting construction of the handrail 102 means that it may provide a secure connection without attaching a support to the floor. In other words, size shape and configuration of the mechanical elements of the secure handrail allow for the handrail portion to not be structurally supported, except through connection to the mounting plate 105.
In some examples, the handrail portion 110 may be a unitary structure (e.g., formed tube) that forms the upper handrail portion 112, end portion 120, and lower handrail portion. In an example, the handrail portion 110 may be formed from a tube having a diameter between 25.4 mm and 38 mm (1 to 1.5 inches), preferably about 32 mm (1.25 inches).
An example handrail system 500 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The handrail system 500 may be the handrail system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The handrail system 500 may have a mounting bracket 502 that may, for example, be between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about 21.6 cm (8.5 inches.) The handrail system may have a handrail portion 504 that may have a length L of 30-102 cm (12-40 inches) and preferably about 81 cm (32 inches). The handrail portion 504 may be at an angle of 23 to 40 degrees, and preferably 32 degrees with respect to a top edge of the mounting bracket (and with respect to horizontal.) FIG. 5E shows a perspective view of an example handrail system 500 having a shorter handrail portion than the handrail system shown in FIG. 5D, which may be useful at a door near a short set of steps.
An example angle bracket 700 having a first flange 106 and second flange 108 is shown in FIGS. 7A-7D. The bracket may be formed from steel that has a thickness B of about 3 mm (0.125 inch) think, and may be formed to have an angle R of about 90 degrees between the first flange 106 and second flange 108, although other angles possible (but less typical.)
The first flange 106 may be large enough to provide structural support, while not extending past the door jamb. For example, the first flange may have a width C between 5.8 and 7 cm (2.25 to 2.75 inches), preferably about 6.4 cm (2.5 inches) and a height D (top to bottom) between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about 21.6 cm (8.5 inches.) The second flange 108 may be sized and shaped to be large enough to provide structural support, while not interfering with operation or closing of a door in the door jamb. For example, the second flange may have a width K between 7 and 8.3 cm (2.75 to 3.25 inches), preferably about 7.6 cm (3 inches) and a height D (top to bottom) between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about 21.6 cm (8.5 inches), and typically the same height as the first flange.
The mounting holes in the first flange may be a distance F of about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) from a side edge of the first flange and a distance G of about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) from a top (or bottom) edge of the first flange. The dimensions provided herein with respect to the mounting plate, handrail, or the like are provided by way of example. Accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the mounting plate, handrail, or the like may vary from those provided herein.
The mounting holes in the second flange are preferably near the door side of the mounting plate (as shown in FIG. 1B) and are preferably positioned to be displaced a distance M of about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) from the inner edge of first flange to increase the likelihood of mounting into a strong structural location of the door jamb, as opposed to a less-secure object such as the door jamb casing. The mounting holes in the second flange may be offset from the holes in the first flange 106, for instance to avoid interference with a screw inserted through the second flange with a screw inserted through the first flange.
In an example, the holes are misaligned a vertical axis 506 (shown in FIG. 5F) of the handrail. For instance, a first through hole 808 of the first flange 106 is spaced apart from a second through hole 810 of the second flange 108 by a distance 812 along the vertical axis 506 (shown in FIG. 5F). In another example, each of the through holes extending though the first flange 106 are offset along the vertical axis 506 from each of the through holes extending through the second flange. In an example, 3 through holes extend through the first flange 106. The second flange 108 may include 3 through holes extending therethrough. Thus, the number of through holes in the first flange 106 may equal the number of through holes in the second flange 108 (however, the number of through holes in the flanges 106, 108 may differ from the number described herein). The 3 through holes of the first flange 108 may be offset along the vertical axis 506 from the 3 through holes of the second flange 108. Accordingly, interference between fasteners may be minimized by the offset of the through holes along the vertical axis 506.
In another example, the distance L may be about 25 mm (1 inch). Alternatively, the holes in the first flange may be closer to the edges of the plate to provide more space for mounting of a handle portion, and the holes in the second flange may be offset to avoid interference, as shown in FIG. 5F. An additional mounting hole may optionally be provided (e.g., distance J from an edge of the flange, which may be near the center of the length D) on the second flange 108, and another mounting hole may optionally be provided in a position that is offset (e.g., distance O from a corresponding edge) to avoid interference when screws are mounted through the holes and into a door jamb or other structure. In yet another example, the flange 108 extends
As shown in FIGS. 5D-5F and FIG. 6, in some examples, the handrail portion 110 may be or include a tube. The handrail portion may for example, be selected to provide desirable material qualities, such as grip, feel, or cosmetic appearance. In some examples, a portion 130 of the tube in the upper handrail portion 112 may be a modular handrail portion 600 formed from a wood portion 602 that is connected to a metal frame 604, as shown in FIG. 5E and FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a handrail system 100 attached to a structure 800 (e.g., a door jamb, rough opening, post, wall, or the like). One or more fasteners, such as a first fastener 802 and a second fastener 804 engage with the mounting plate 105 and the structure 800 to attach the mounting plate 105 to the structure 800. The fasteners may include (but are not limited to) screws, bolts, nails, drywall anchors, or the like). In an example, the fasteners 802, 804 have a fastener dimension 814 (e.g., a length of a shank of a bolt, or the like). The dimension C of the flange 108 may be greater than the fastener dimension 814, for instance to minimize interference between the first fastener 802 and the second fastener 804 while the fasteners 802, 804 are located in the structure 800 (and engaged with the mounting plate 105). In some examples, the dimension C of the flange 108 is greater than the dimension K of the second flange 106. Thus, in an example, the flanges 106, 108 may be sized and shaped to fit in a doorway while minimizing interference between the flanges 106, 108 and the door in the doorway (e.g., engagement between the door and the flange 106 with the door in the closed position, or the like).

VARIOUS NOTES & ASPECTS

Example 1 is a secure handrail comprising: a mounting plate that is sized and shape for attachment to a structure, wherein the mounting plate includes: a first flange configured to engage with a first face of the structure, wherein a first set of through holes extend through the first flange; a second flange extending from the first flange, the second flange configured to engage with a second face of the structure, wherein: a second set of through holes extend through the second flange; and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate; and a handrail portion sized and shaped to extend from the mounting plate, the handrail extending between an upper handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate and a lower handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the first flange has a first flange dimension and the second flange has a second flange dimension, and the second flange dimension is different than the first flange dimension.
In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include a first fastener configured for reception in one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener has a first fastener dimension: wherein one or more of the first flange dimension or the second flange dimension are greater than the first fastener dimension.
In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include wherein the first flange is less than or equal to the first fastener dimension.
In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is different than the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.
In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include a first fastener configured for reception in one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener is configured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with the structure; a second fastener configured for reception in one of the second set of through holes, wherein the second fastener is configured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with the structure; and the misalignment along the vertical axis between the first set of through holes and the second set of through holes is configured to inhibit interference between the first fastener and the second fastener when coupling the fasteners with the structure.
In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein; the first set of through holes includes a first through hole having a first dimension; the second set of through holes includes a second through hole; and the second through hole is misaligned along the vertical axis by an offset.
In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includes wherein: the first flange is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of a door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb; and the second flange is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb.
Example 10 is a secure handrail comprising: a first flange that is sized and shaped to fit a front jamb face of a door jamb or a casing over the door jamb, wherein the first flange includes a first set of through holes to accommodate a first mounting connector; a second flange extending from the first flange, wherein: the second flange is sized and shaped to fit a side jamb face of a door jamb; the second flange has a second set of through holes to accommodate a second mounting connector; the second flange is sized and shaped to provide structural support without interfering with a door that is adjacent the door jamb; and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate; and a handrail securely coupled to the first flange, the handrail having an upper handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at an upper connecting location, and a lower handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at a lower connecting location.
In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includes wherein the lower handrail portion is parallel to the upper handrail portion.
In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-11 optionally include an end handrail portion extending between the upper handrail portion and the lower handrail portion.
In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes wherein the handrail portion includes a unitary structure that forms at least a portion of the upper handrail portion, the lower handrail portion, and the end portion.
In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-13 optionally include the first fastener and the second fastener.
In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 optionally includes wherein the first fastener and the second fastener have an equal length.
Example 16 is a secure handrail comprising: an angled mounting bracket that is sized and shaped to fit onto a door, the angled mounting bracket having a first flange that is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb, the angle mounting bracket further having a second flange that is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb; a handrail connected to the mounting bracket; and wherein: a first set of through holes extend through the first flange; a second set of through holes extend through the second flange; and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate.
In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes wherein the handrail does not mount to a floor beneath the handrail.
In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17 optionally include wherein the first face of the mounting bracket includes a first set of holes and the second face of the mounting bracket has a second set of holes, the holes being sized, shaped, and positioned to receive screws to secure into the door jamb such that the mounting bracket is securely mounted without interfering with operation of the door.
In Example 19, the subject matter of Example undefined optionally includes, wherein the first set of through holes is offset from the second set of through holes so that fasteners inserted through the second set of through holes do not interfere with fasteners inserted through the first set of through holes.
In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-19 optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.
In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-20 optionally include wherein. a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is different than the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.
Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects.
The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or “square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A secure handrail comprising:

a mounting plate that is sized and shape for attachment to a structure, wherein the mounting plate includes:

a first flange configured to engage with a first face of the structure, wherein a first set of through holes extend through the first flange;

a second flange extending from the first flange, the second flange configured to engage with a second face of the structure, wherein:

a second set of through holes extend through the second flange; and

the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate; and

a handrail portion sized and shaped to extend from the mounting plate, the handrail extending between an upper handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate and a lower handrail portion that is connected to the mounting plate.

2. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein the first flange has a first flange dimension and the second flange has a second flange dimension, and the second flange dimension is different than the first flange dimension.

3. The secure handrail of claim 1, further comprising:

a first fastener configured for reception in one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener has a first fastener dimension;

wherein one or more of the first flange dimension or the second flange dimension are greater than the first fastener dimension.

4. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein the first flange is less than or equal to the first fastener dimension.

5. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein:

a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and

each of first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.

6. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein:

a quantity of through holes in the first set of through holes is different than the quantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and

7. The secure handrail of claim 1, further comprising:

a first fastener configured for reception in one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener is configured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with the structure;

a second fastener configured for reception in one of the second set of through holes, wherein the second fastener is configured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with the structure; and

the misalignment along the vertical axis between the first set of through holes and the second set of through holes is configured to inhibit interference between the first fastener and the second fastener when coupling the fasteners with the structure.

8. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein:

the first set of through holes includes a first through hole having a first dimension;

the second set of through holes includes a second through hole; and

the second through hole is misaligned along the vertical axis by an offset.

9. The secure handrail of claim 8, wherein:

the first flange is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of a door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb; and

the second flange is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb.

10. A secure handrail comprising:

a first flange that is sized and shaped to fit a front jamb face of a door jamb or a casing over the door jamb, wherein the first flange includes a first set of through holes to accommodate a first mounting connector;

a second flange extending from the first flange, wherein:

the second flange is sized and shaped to fit a side jamb face of a door jamb;

the second flange has a second set of through holes to accommodate a second mounting connector;

the second flange is sized and shaped to provide structural support without interfering with a door that is adjacent the door jamb; and

a handrail securely coupled to the first flange, the handrail having an upper handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at an upper connecting location, and a lower handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at a lower connecting location.

11. The secure handrail of claim 10, wherein the lower handrail portion is parallel to the upper handrail portion.

12. The secure handrail of claim 10, further comprising an end handrail portion extending between the upper handrail portion and the lower handrail portion.

13. The secure handrail of claim 12, wherein the handrail portion includes a unitary structure that forms at least a portion of the upper handrail portion, the lower handrail portion, and the end portion.

14. The secure handrail of claim 10, further comprising the first fastener and the second fastener.

15. The secure handrail of claim 14, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener have an equal length.

16. A secure handrail comprising:

an angled mounting bracket that is sized and shaped to fit onto a door, the angled mounting bracket having a first flange that is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb, the angle mounting bracket further having a second flange that is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb;

a handrail connected to the mounting bracket; and

wherein:

a first set of through holes extend through the first flange;

a second set of through holes extend through the second flange; and

the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate.

17. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein the handrail does not mount to a floor beneath the handrail.

18. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein the first face of the mounting bracket includes a first set of holes and the second face of the mounting bracket has a second set of holes, the holes being sized, shaped, and positioned to receive screws to secure into the door jamb such that the mounting bracket is securely mounted without interfering with operation of the door.

19. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein the first set of through holes is offset from the second set of through holes so that fasteners inserted through the second set of through holes do not interfere with fasteners inserted through the first set of through holes.

20. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein:

21. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein: