WO2023052787A1 - Hand rail system, lever-operated sleeve mechanism, and modular hand rail and grip system - Google Patents

Hand rail system, lever-operated sleeve mechanism, and modular hand rail and grip system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023052787A1
WO2023052787A1 PCT/GB2022/052487 GB2022052487W WO2023052787A1 WO 2023052787 A1 WO2023052787 A1 WO 2023052787A1 GB 2022052487 W GB2022052487 W GB 2022052487W WO 2023052787 A1 WO2023052787 A1 WO 2023052787A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rail
user
sleeve
uru
hand
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2022/052487
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Peskett
Original Assignee
Anthony Peskett
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
Priority claimed from GBGB2114137.9A external-priority patent/GB202114137D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2114138.7A external-priority patent/GB202114138D0/en
Application filed by Anthony Peskett filed Critical Anthony Peskett
Publication of WO2023052787A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023052787A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/1802—Handrails mounted on walls, e.g. on the wall side of stairs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/181—Balustrades
    • E04F11/1836—Handrails of balustrades; Connections between handrail members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/1863—Built-in aids for ascending or descending stairs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F2011/1868—Miscellaneous features of handrails not otherwise provided for
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
    • E04F2011/1885—Handrails or balusters characterized by the use of specific materials

Definitions

  • Embodiments relate to a hand rail system, a lever-operated sleeve mechanism, and to a modular hand rail and grip system.
  • Hand-held rails are known to be installed and used to provide guidance, assistance and safety for many categories of controlled and uncontrolled movement.
  • a user rail comprising a core and flexible material mounted to the core, the core comprising a domed crown and a recess to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the flexible material spans the recesses and is depressible into the recesses.
  • a system comprising a user rail and a sleeve mechanism mounted to the user rail, the user rail comprising a core having a crown and a recess to each side of the crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the sleeve mechanism is shorter than the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism comprises a handle and is operable as a clutch upon the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism has tracking elements extending into the recesses.
  • a system comprising a user rail and bracketry for supporting the user rail, the user rail comprising a core, the core comprising a domed crown and a recess to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core.
  • the bracketry is configured to support the user rail at a user-adjustable orientation relative to the bracketry, to enable user adjustment of orientation of the crown towards and/or away from a mounting plane of the bracketry.
  • the mounting plane of the bracketry is substantially coplanar with a plane of the surface (e.g., wall) to which the bracketry is to be mounted.
  • the bracketry is configured to support the user rail at a fixed orientation, wherein in the fixed orientation the crown faces towards or away from the mounting plane of the bracketry.
  • the variable and/or tilted orientation can provide benefits for users depending on their hand size and grip capability.
  • a system comprising a user rail, bracketry for supporting the user rail, an elongate article, and a connection block, wherein the elongate article is curved and/or flexible relative to the user rail, and wherein the connection block is configured to connect the user rail to the elongate article.
  • FIG. 1A shows the standard Circular type of Rail (Mop-head design);
  • FIG. 1 B shows the standard Side-indented type of Rail (Mushroom design);
  • FIG. 1C shows the Sleeve’s Tube body (front elevation) in proportion to the cross-sectional profiles of the two standard rail types and the average “circular” regulated size specification of the standard hand rail;
  • FIG. 1 D shows the plan-view of the Tube body of the Sleeve
  • FIG. 2 shows the Sleeve mechanism and elements (front elevation);
  • FIG. 3 shows the Sleeve mechanism and elements (side elevation, perspective);
  • FIG. 4 shows the Sleeve lever module (Bar handle lever);
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the tilt angle ((B) of the Core zone of the Sleeve
  • FIG. 6 shows the Sleeve lever module (Post handle lever);
  • FIG.7 shows a Sleeve lever, mounted upon the standard hand rail, side perspective
  • FIG. 8 shows the non-engaged Sleeve lever positioned upon a Rail (front elevation);
  • FIG. 9 shows the Sleeve lever tilted upon the rail, to engage with the rail
  • FIG. 10 shows the Sleeve lever tilted onto the rail (front oblique perspective);
  • FIG. 11 shows the Sleeve lever tilted onto the rail (rear underside, perspective);
  • FIG. 12 shows the Sleeve lever (overview) engaged on the rail, with the Lever positioned in the lower girdle aperture, to be at 90° degrees to FIGS. 9-11;
  • FIG. 13 shows the inclined Rail, used for transfer purposes (e.g. to move from standing to seated position in a toilet environment);
  • FIG. 14 shows a stairway with user that is facing forward, employing a single Sleeve lever (not shown) for assistance upon one Rail (side perspective view);
  • FIG. 15 shows a stairway with user that is facing the wall, employing two Sleeve levers (not shown) upon one hand rail, with one hand leading and one following;
  • FIG. 16 shows a stairway with user facing the wall with two Sleeve levers employed (not shown) to ascend/descend the stairway (with the user pulling up or lowering down on the upper lever and bracing on the lower lever);
  • FIG. 17 shows a stairway with two Rails installed (with a 102 shaped profile Rail);
  • FIG. 18 shows a stairway with user leaning forward, preparing to pull on the locked Sleeve lever (The Sleeve levers are not shown, neither is the second wall, or Rail);
  • FIG. 19 shows the stairway with user raising their body up towards the locked Sleeve levers (Sleeve’s not shown, neither is the second wall, or Rail);
  • FIG. 20 shows the Sleeve lever with internal Shoe cams
  • FIG. 21 shows the profile of the indented form of Rail (type 102).
  • FIG. 22 shows the Sleeve lever mounted upon the indented Rail
  • FIG. 23 shows the Sleeve lever gripping the rail (with tilt in the Transverse plane);
  • FIG. 24 shows the comparative Sleeve levers (the Post handle and the Beam lever);
  • FIG. 25 shows a Sleeve lever module (with Beam lever and Post handle employed) mounted upon the indented Rail (in the free passage, non-engaged mode);
  • FIG. 26 shows the perspective plan-view of the Sleeve levers (Beam lever and Post handle) mounted on the rail, locked mode
  • FIG. 27 shows the Harness (with Straps).
  • FIG. 28 shows the user with the Harness mounted to one Sleeve lever
  • FIG. 29 shows the Harness connected to two Sleeve levers (mounted on one Rail);
  • FIG. 30 shows the Harness connected to two Sleeve levers mounted on two Rails
  • FIG. 31 shows the stairway with user employing the Sleeve-beam with Bar handle module with the Harness attached (perspective view);
  • FIG. 32 shows the overview of the stairway, with the user employing the Sleeve-beam and Bar handle module with Harness in the locked position upon the rail;
  • FIG. 33 shows the user descending the stairway “forwards”
  • FIG. 34 shows the Harness /Straps in the collapsed user position (user not shown);
  • FIG. 35 shows the Sleeve beam and Bar handle being used for carriage
  • FIG. 36 shows the elements of the Wall wheel
  • FIG. 37 shows the Sleeve beam with Post handle that is mounted upon the rail with a Wall wheel (which is in position upon the Wall plate);
  • FIG. 38 shows a Rail end cap with wall return and wall mount
  • FIG. 39 shows a Sleeve lever, mounting onto the rail end (that is wall mounted);
  • FIG. 40 shows the rail mounted on top of a vertical support (which is not wall mounted) which support is mounted onto a vertical Rail.
  • the Sleeve may mount the installed Rail(s);
  • FIG. 41 Illustrates the cross section of the Universal Rail Unit (URU), which has various elements;
  • FIG. 42 Illustrates the longitudinal profile of the URU (and force vector directions);
  • FIG. 43 Illustrates the Cross Section of the URU in comparison to two reference Circles (of legislated dimension);
  • FIG. 44 Illustrates the acute angle of user hand-approach-alignment (climbing the stairs);
  • FIG. 45 Illustrates the acute angle of hand-approach-alignment of a wall mounted URU
  • FIG. 464 Illustrates the URU orientation (with regard to user alignment);
  • FIG. 46B Illustrates the URU, orientated to facilitate hand-approach alignment
  • FIG. 47 Illustrates a cross section of the internal Core-insert
  • FIG. 48 Illustrates the Core-insert mounted to form a compound URU (a C-URU);
  • FIG. 49 Illustrates the Core-insert employed to link to URUs linearly
  • FIG. 50 Illustrates the mounting of a vertical URU upon a substrate
  • FIG. 51 Illustrates the substrate mounted Core-insert with a URU enveloping
  • FIG. 52 Illustrates the mounting of an end cap (blank) to the end of a C-URU;
  • FIG. 53A Illustrates the separated vertical support elements of mounting bracket
  • FIG. 53B Illustrates the joined vertical support elements
  • FIG. 54 Illustrates a wall mounting bracketry for a URU
  • FIG. 55 Illustrates a double bracket to connect an overlying URU with a vertical URU
  • FIG. 56 Illustrates a triple bracket (wall-mounted overlying URU and vertical URUs);
  • FIG. 57 Illustrates an URU end cap with wall mount
  • FIG. 58 Illustrates a bend connection between two URUs
  • FIG. 59A Wall mounted single URU Hand rail within a stairway environment
  • FIG. 59B Two wall mounted URU Hand rails within a stairway environment
  • FIG. 59C URU-banister Hand rail, mounted upon URU Grab rails within a stairway environment;
  • FIG. 59D Combination of FIGS. 59A and 59C within a stairway environment
  • FIG. 59E Wall mounted URU Hand rail with intermittent URU Grab rails within a stairway environment
  • FIG. 59F Combination of FIGS. 59C and 59E within a stairway environment
  • FIG. 60 shows a cross section of the solid Core of the rail, the profile of which is formed to accommodate a number of inserts
  • FIG. 61A shows the flexible attachments that may be affixed to the Core profile
  • FIG. 61 B shows the formed-Rail with Inserts and Inlay affixed to the Core to create the “formed Rail”;
  • FIG. 62 shows the rail with the Inserts removed (and Inlay retained);
  • FIG. 63 shows the Sleeve (partly exploded).
  • FIG. 64A shows the tracking Cam
  • FIG. 64B shows the rail with the Sleeve mounted (no leverage applied) with the adjustable tracking Cam located within the Sleeve Recess (Channel);
  • FIG. 65 shows the rail with the Sleeve mounted (and with leverage applied);
  • FIG. 66 shows a modified Core-profile that is suitable for a membrane encapsulation (rather than for affixing of Inserts and Inlay, as FIG. 1);
  • FIG. 67A shows the encapsulating membrane (in non-extended tube format
  • FIG. 67B shows the encapsulating Membrane that is mounted as a sheath upon the Core, to form the e-Rail;
  • FIG. 68 shows the encapsulating Membrane sheath that is indented within the e-Rail sub-membrane Recesses
  • FIG. 69 shows a modified Sleeve version, that is not mounted upon a Rail
  • FIG. 70A shows the modified version of a tracking-Cam (with internal Wheel).
  • FIG. 70B shows the Sleeve mounted upon the encapsulating membrane with the tracking-Cam indented into the membrane
  • FIG. 71 shows a perspective view (from above) of the Sleeve mounted e-Rail
  • FIG. 72 shows the Sleeve being levered. To lock upon the e-Rail;
  • FIGS. 73A, 73B, 73C, 73D, 73E show the Beam and the various secured positions of the Beam (when mounted upon the Sleeve);
  • FIGS. 74A, 74B show a modified installation bracket
  • FIGS. 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D show versions of the end caps that may be employed with either the formed Rail or the e-Rail;
  • FIG. 76A illustrates a wall plate
  • FIG. 76B illustrates a bracket mounted to a wall plate
  • FIG. 77 illustrates a bracket mounted to a wall plate and to a wall
  • FIG. 78A illustrates a reinforced rail
  • FIG. 78B illustrates a reinforced rail butting to a newel post
  • FIG. 79 illustrates how two rails can be mounted to a newel post
  • FIG. 80A illustrates a frontal perspective view of a bracket
  • FIG. 80B illustrates an underside perspective view of a bracket
  • FIG. 80C illustrates a bracket connected to an end of a rail
  • FIGS. 80D-80E illustrate a user rail with a continuity adapter
  • FIG. 81A illustrates an interior perspective view of an end cap with a wall link
  • FIG. 81 B illustrates an exterior perspective view of an end cap with a wall link
  • FIG. 81 C illustrates a grab rail comprising two of the end caps of FIGS. 81A-81 B;
  • FIG. 82 illustrates a user rail, a membrane sheath, and a clip strip
  • FIG. 83 schematically illustrates different vertical post rail orientations.
  • FIGS. 1-40 relate to a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism that is mounted upon a rail structure to function as a modular mobilityaid that enables various improved defensive (safety), and assistive usages.
  • FIGS. 1-40 relate to a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism, the principle of which can be mounted upon a rail-type of structure (that is of a continuous longitudinal form, with a consistently sustained profile) for the purpose of “gripping the rail” through a mechanical lever action that applies peripheral force to the enveloped rail.
  • a rail-type of structure that is of a continuous longitudinal form, with a consistently sustained profile
  • the immediate application is that of a mobility-aid that provides both defensive and assistive support when mounted upon a standard hand rail of regulated dimensions, which may be installed in multiple locations (with accompanying standard and supports/bracketry).
  • a frequent bespoke installation type is that of a chair-lift that is positioned within the stairway (mounted upon the side-wall), or an alternative apparatus may be installed in lieu of the stairway (e.g. an escalator or elevator).
  • Such installation (normally) includes a complex apparatus (requiring specific tolerances and engineering preparation), which requirements often create a complicated, disruptive and expensive installation.
  • the bespoke installation provides “in-situ” assistance (within the installed location only), limiting the geographic mobility of the user.
  • Measure B The installation of a bespoke hand rail (system).
  • a bespoke hand rail system that replaces the standard hand rail may be installed that also functions as a heavy-duty wall mounted “rail-track” for either a unique electromechanical or mechanical mobility-aid apparatus.
  • hand rails may be readily installed by a competent party at various locations within a building (duly accommodating most corners and curves) and, when fitted, the hand rail provides the user with both assistive and defensive support (also, with muscular exercise).
  • the hand rail provides the user with both assistive and defensive support (also, with muscular exercise).
  • not all hand rails provide a full hand-grip (i.e. with full or majority hand encirclement around the rail).
  • Such hand rail with full encirclement is termed (in this presentation) a “standard hand rail”.
  • the two popular standard hand rails in the “market-place” are the round rail-profile and the mushroom-rail profile which meet the minimum regulated requirements.
  • the individual standard hand rail (installed on one-side of stairway).
  • the standard hand rail (the rail) may be difficult for the user of any capacity (able or less able) to firmly grasp/purchase with a firm hand-hold, to achieve an optimal “power-zone” of approach to the rail and engage with the optimal “power-grip”.
  • the power-grip results from the combined positional ergonomics and applied biomechanics of their coordinated application within the power-zone formed of the user’s arm-wrist-hand upon the rail to effect a “power-alignment’, where: a.
  • the design/diameter (or perimeter profile) of the rail may restrict or limit its biomechanical use, preventing the user from firmly gripping the rail.
  • the rail position/orientation is installed “in-line” with the mid-body of the “average user”, so the rail has a spatial orientation and ergonomic dictate (according to the supporting structure). For example, when the rail is inclined, it is installed with a “pitch” that ranges from between an angle of 0° (horizontal walkway) to 42° (in a stairway).
  • the rail may also have an elevation or depression (from 0-90 degrees) when installed in a bathroom, toilet or bedroom (or other location). Such range of inclination geometries may hinder the alignment of the user’s arm-wrist- hand with the rail, and restrict an effective power-alignment.
  • the ideal angle(s) of grip and alignment is when the users’ hand forms a grip that is within their radial Coronal-plane, with the arm-wrist-hand combination within the power-zone formed within their “Sagittal plane” (at right-angles to the Coronal plane and, preferably, rail alignment) in order to maximise their power-alignment.
  • the two installed hand rails provide balance control and leverage capacity, which provides an improved degree of self-control and self-support.
  • the standard hand rails are also used for user self-mobility (i.e. self-assistance and self-support) when moving or transferring their bodyweight within various locations, such as a bed-chair or toilet-bathroom environments, especially when transferring from one item/location to another (e.g. from a bed to a toilet).
  • user self-mobility i.e. self-assistance and self-support
  • various locations such as a bed-chair or toilet-bathroom environments, especially when transferring from one item/location to another (e.g. from a bed to a toilet).
  • the applied grip (purchase) and power-alignment required to employ the various installed (fixed-position) hand rail(s) may have similar issues to those of “C1 and C2” of above.
  • Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism provides:
  • the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism invention provides such defensive and assistive advantageous applications of safety, security, mobility and load-carriage.
  • the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism can freely traverse the hand rail in order for it to be selectively engaged through a lever-action, to firmly grip (lock) upon the hand rail.
  • the Sleeve mechanism may be employed defensively, when the lever may be responsively applied by the user (if imbalance occurs) in order to urgently lock the lever upon the rail and enable the user to stabilise themselves.
  • a modular Harness may be employed, so that:
  • Harness attached to the Lever of the Sleeve mechanism automatically engages the Sleeve with the hand rail, gripping the rail in a defensive “Lock”, preventing the user from falling.
  • the Harness can also contribute to the mobility assistance provided by the Lock or Clutch-brake capacity of the Sleeve mechanism and Lever.
  • the modular Sleeve mechanism (with an appropriate Lever) may be employed for the safe carriage of items.
  • the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism(s) may be used as a single or twin mounted mobility system, with one or two Sleeves attached upon a single hand rail or two Sleeves mounted upon two hand rails.
  • the “universal attachment capacity” of the Sleeve enables the user of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism to have a wide range of geographic mobility, with greater independence (and consistent exercise).
  • the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism of this invention is a modular mobility-aid that can be tailored to improve the purpose of rail-use when mounted upon a “standard hand rail” (of standard dimensions and installation specifications) that is located within a stairway, walkway or other suitable location.
  • the standard type “hand rail” This is a firm rail of suitable material nature and profile dimension that is installed by a suitably competent party when it is either wall mounted, upon appropriate supports, or firmly positioned in an elevated location by a suitable supporting structure so that, in either case, the rail is securely positioned at the regulated height (and angle/pitch).
  • a hand rail must have an outside diameter of 32-51 mm, or a non-circular perimeter of 102-159 mm.
  • the supports are required to be positioned near both the start and end locations of the rail (and suggested to be at a maximum of 1m intervening distances).
  • the hand rail When installed, the hand rail should not overly dip or flex between the supports (when a reasonable force is applied).
  • the interpretation/advice from guidelines within both England and USA is that the hand rail should not dip (flex) more than 75mm (Vector direction) when a 91 kg force is applied between the suitably spaced supports.
  • a stairway hand rail may purposefully aid a walker by commencing at or near the first riser and then extend beyond the top riser.
  • a hand rail requires to present a haptic surface to the user, preferably with a smooth, uninterrupted upper surface (the “Crown” of the rail).
  • a wide stairway or walkway may provide assistance with two rails installed on opposite sides of the stairway or walkway (where relevant and physically possible), so that the hand rails may be employed singly or concurrently.
  • the rail The preceding summary describes the general parameters of an installed standard-type hand rail (henceforth, “the rail”). It is presented as a “parameter guide” for the design requirements of the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve).
  • the invention provides for various Sleeve lever modules to be employed as different forms of mobility-aids to assist the user in improving their various controlled movement(s) when employing such a standard hand rail (the rail).
  • the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve) includes various separable components and elements that form the various modules, being:
  • a Sleeve component that mounts upon the rail.
  • the Sleeve supports the additional elements to form the various modules of use.
  • a Harness-module (with Straps), that is attached to the Sleeve lever(s), with various “Strap configurations” for assistive and defensive support.
  • a Cargo-module that is mounted upon an extended Lever-bar (for light loads).
  • the Cargo-module may also employ a Wall wheel, to carry a substantial “load” upon the rail (by transferring the load-forces to the wall through an optional/auxiliary Wall plate).
  • the Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve): The Sleeve, when mounted upon the rail, “engages” by applied leverage to distribute a combination of physical forces through the Sleeve, causing it to Grip (or Lock) the encircled Rail through the forces of adhesion and friction, through:
  • the Rail-Crown is usually a smooth haptic surface, so the Sleeve-Rail interface requires the optimal combination of adhesive and frictional grip factors to be applied by the Sleeve to the rail (without damaging the rail).
  • the internal Sleeve-face may be pre-prepared with an appropriate frictional surface covering (such as a lamina-film or veneer with a high coefficient of friction).
  • an appropriate frictional surface covering such as a lamina-film or veneer with a high coefficient of friction
  • Lever forces which are rigidly applied, as point adhesion and surface friction forces, to engage the Sleeve with the rail in a Locked position.
  • Lever forces which are selectively applied to enable the frictional forces of the Sleeve to function as a Clutch-brake, enabling the Sleeve to traverse the rail at a controlled speed (under variable lever-loading)
  • the Sleeve lever modules The Sleeve is physically engaged with the rail through the action of selectively attached Lever(s).
  • All Sleeve lever modules provide improved biomechanical grip application for the user, so that improved (combined) ergonomic and biomechanical leverage is applied (through the Sleeve) upon the rail, by: a.
  • the Sleeve handles being modules that employ small Levers).
  • Sleeve handle module Two forms of Sleeve handle module are primarily employed with the Sleeve The Bar handle module and The Post handle module.
  • the Sleeve handles may be modified for the hand format of a disabled user.
  • the Sleeve beam module (being a module that employs a longer Lever).
  • the Beam lever forms the Sleeve beam module, which is employed with improved ergonomic and biomechanical effect to provide:
  • the Beam lever may be used:
  • Sleeve lever types and optional mounting positions
  • the Sleeve lever(s) may be ergonomically positioned radially, at various coplanar Coronal orientations in front of the user (being rotated within the Coronal Plane) when it is suitably applied (and “gripped” upon the rail) by the user.
  • the Sleeve mechanism may be adjusted (internally) so that it remains in a fixed position upon the rail, when it cannot rotate in the Coronal plane.
  • the Assistive and Safety module (with Harness and Straps): A Harness (worn by the user) can be mounted to one or two Sleeve lever modules, being connected by Harness-Straps which are attached to the Lever(s) of the Sleeve to provide assistive and supportive usage as well as safety and security.
  • the Harness provides:
  • the Cargo-module is formed when the Sleeve beam module supports the carriage of light loads along the rail for which the Sleeve requires to be fixed in the Coronal plane (so that it does not vertically rotate in that plane) when: - Light-weight items are directly mounted upon the Sleeve beam and securely moved along the rail.
  • a Wall plate may also be employed in order to stabilise the cargo/load and distribute the load-weight upon the wall.
  • the Harness may still be employed with the Sleeve beam module that is carrying light or heavy Cargo, as both an assistive- aid and as a safety-device for the user.
  • Such range of usage of the Sleeve forms a modular system that improves rail-usage, which the user can selectively employ, with standard hand rails that are located in a stairway, walkway or other location of mobility-aid requirement to improve personal mobility related functions.
  • the installed Rail that is to be employed with the Sleeve is that which complies with the aforementioned specifications, with the additional consideration(s) that:
  • the optimum Rail (for maximised grip) is either the popular circular rail that has a Mop-head design or the slightly less popular Mushroom type-design.
  • the power-grip is the optimum grip for purchase and leverage of the hand upon the rail.
  • Mop-head hand rail The circular form of Mop-head hand rail is known (proven) to provide the optimum power-grip for a hand that fully encircles the rail).
  • the dimensions of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism of the invention are such that the Sleeve can be applied to both the circular (Mop-head) and indented (Mushroom) rail profiles (as these profiles remain within the dimensions specified by the Building Regulations of Britain).
  • a proprietary standard hand rail may be employed, this being a Mushroom-type Rail with an external form that includes “nodular protrusions”, which are positioned on the underside of the rail, to assist with the adhesion of the Sleeve to the rail.
  • FIGS. 1-40 will now be described by way of example and with reference to the various drawings of FIGS. 1- 40.
  • a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve) is presented as a summary of a modular component which, when mounted upon a “standard hand rail” (the rail), enables assistive, defensive and other uses to be pursued advantageously by the user, who has several basic modules (options) of use, that are illustrated within the following drawings, re:
  • FIG. 1 front elevations
  • FIG. 1A shows the circular Mop-head design of Rail (101)
  • This Rail is usually a solid item (often formed from a timber material).
  • FIG. 1 B shows the side-indented Mushroom design of Rail (102).
  • the Rail is often formed (shaped/moulded) from timber.
  • Both Rails (101, 102) may also be extrusion moulded (or fabricated from metal), being required to remain within the “regulated hand rail dimension” range from 32-51mm (diameter) or 102-159 mm (perimeter) and be of a suitable strength capacity.
  • the average regulated diameter (103) is presented (as a reference proportion guide) within FIG. 1 C, shown positioned within the Tube body element (03) of the Sleeve.
  • FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 1C show the inter-relationship between the hand rail types of Rails 101 and 102, with regard to their proportional dimensions within the larger (encompassing) Tube body (03) of the Sleeve.
  • FIGS. 1C front elevation
  • 1 D plane
  • the Tube body (03) of FIGS. 1C (front elevation) and 1 D (plan) is also shown in proportional comparison with the standard regulated circle (103), which is seen to be accommodated within the Tube body element of the Sleeve component.
  • the design (and dimensions) of the Tube body are fundamental, as the Tube body is the gripping element of the Sleeve component.
  • FIGS. 1C and 1 D show the Tube body (03) as a tapered tube-cone that is symmetrical about its centre. Within FIGS. 1C (endview) and 1 D (side-view) the details of the Tube body are shown to be composed of: 03. the Tube body.
  • 03C the partial Slits on the tapering Conical section of the Tube body.
  • 03D the Wings (facilitated by the Slits within the outer Conical section).
  • the Sleeve component (01) is shown to be composed of two elements, the encompassing Girdle (02) and the Tube body (03)
  • the Girdle (02) is of a suitable material type and dimension so that it is rigid (and does not flex) when lever-force is applied upon it by the user.
  • Girdle dimensions are those of:
  • the Girdle provides a number of mount positions:
  • the Girdle also has a gap (Slit) on the underside (02C)
  • the Girdle-Slit is to enable the Girdle element of the Sleeve to traverse the rail supports.
  • the Conical-tubular body (Tube body 03), is shown (FIGS. 1C, 1 D, 2 and 3) to be symmetrically conical about its tubular centre (the Core zone, 03A).
  • the Tube body Core zone (03A) is rigidly joined to the Girdle (02), with the Core zone (03A) directly interfacing with the inner Girdle
  • the Core zone is cylindrical (tubular) and forms the mounting interface of the Tube body with the Girdle (with the Core zone having the near-same o/d dimension as the i/d of the Girdle).
  • the Core zone (03A) is slightly wider than the Girdle width (02).
  • Tube-Cone junction (termed the T- C junction, 03E), where:
  • the Tube body is symmetrical about the Core zone, with features: i.
  • An underside Slit (03B) (within the entire lowerTube body, which Slit-gap is the same width as the Girdle Slit-gap (02C), so that the two elements may both traverse the rail supports.
  • ii. Smaller Recess-slits (03C) are located in the outer Tube body (commencing at the periphery and extending inwards, towards the T-C junction with the Core zone). The multiple Recess-Slits are typically located upon the periphery, with cardinal locations (N, E, W).
  • the Recess-slits (with the underside Slit) form flared “Wings” (03D) within the outer conical section of the Tube body.
  • the thickness of the Tube body is required to be such that:
  • the Core zone bounded by the two T-C junctions, remains rigid.
  • the Wings have slight flexure (facilitated by the Slits, 03C). Such flexure purposefully maximises the engaged surface (interface) contact of the Wings (03D) with the enveloped Rail.
  • the inner face of the Tube body is coated (or treated) with a material that has a high coefficient of friction which forms a surface to maximise the adhesive and frictional capacity of the interface formed with the enveloped Rail.
  • the internal diameter (i/d) of the Core zone of the Tube body element is wider than the outside diameter (o/d) of the standard Rail to be mounted.
  • the design and proportionality of the Sleeve component (01) is such it may be formed/manufactured to be of any dimension that is compatible with any rail profile so that, in alternative embodiments, there may be variations with: a.
  • the i/d of the Tube body of the Sleeve that is formed is such that it is proportionally greater than the rail to be encircled.
  • the conical Tube body may be formed without Slits (to create the Wings) through a stamping, moulding or alternative profiling process.
  • the Sleeve component (01) is formed from the two elements of the Girdle (02) and the Tube body (03) which are both rigidly joined together (preferably by a permanent welding process) to form the “Sleeve”, with such join being either permanent, or requiring workshop separation.
  • the Girdle element (02) is inflexible and required to host elements that are attached by screw fixture or similar at the prepared locations 02A, 02B.
  • the Girdle is preferred to be a metal element, of a suitable thickness, diameter and width dimension.
  • the Tubular-body element (03) is required to be inflexible (within the Core zone, 03A), but is enabled (through the provision of the various Slits, 03B) to accommodate slight flexure of the Wings (03D).
  • the conical Tube body (03) is required to have the properties described, it is preferred to be a metal element that is of a suitable thickness, diameter and conical-tube length.
  • the Girdle and Tube body elements may be formed from a single machined or moulded material (or composite combination) that is of adequate strength and performance.
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective drawing of the Sleeve lever with a Bar handle type of lever (04A) mounted to the Sleeve (01), which is attached to the Girdle (02) at the two side-positioned mounting points of (02A).
  • the Bar handle lever (04A) is mounted to the Girdle using the prepared apertures (04A2) to join the two side-struts (04A1) rigidly to the Girdle.
  • the Bar handle (04A) has a bar element (04A3) for the hand-grip which is: - Of a diameter and surface format that may be efficiently gripped. (The bar, 04A3, is interchangeable so that it may be modified to accommodate the hand of a person with disability).
  • Bar handle has two attachment eyes, (07C), one per strut (04A1), for the attachment of a modular Harness (discussed later),
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the mid-section (Core zone, 03A) of the Tube body that is positioned enveloping a standard- Rail (101 type).
  • the Core zone (03A) has an internal diameter that is larger than the external diameter of the rail (101).
  • the location P is an “imaginary pivot-point’, centred upon the pivot centre-line (03F) of the Core zone (03A) and the midcentre of the rail (101 A).
  • the Core zone can be pivoted at P (pivoting from P1 to P2), rotating about the centre-line (101 A) of the rail with the angle of pivot (tilt) shown to be “ ”, which created (tilted) angle dimension depends upon:
  • Tube body is pivoted (tilted) in two sequential stages so that:
  • the Wings flex, enabling the tilt action to continue, with progressive interface area (surface contact) being made until the rigid T-C junction is reached.
  • Tube body lever-tilt action creates an interface of the Sleeve with the body of the enveloped Rail with a contact that is both frictional and adhesive.
  • the Sleeve (01), with a selection of attachable Levers (all of which provide various biomechanical advantages) forms the basis of the Sleeve lever modules that are enabled to apply a selected range of forces upon the enveloped Rail, so that the rail may be employed more effectively by the user.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the Sleeve lever module, with Post handle (04B), which is rigidly mounted to the Girdle (02).
  • the Post handle (04B) is mounted to the Girdle (02) using any of the pre-prepared screw apertures (02A).
  • the Post handle may be selectively positioned in any of the 02A apertures, so that it can be more effectively gripped by the user.
  • the Post handle may be positioned in the radial Coronal plane (as per the Bar handle) and then efficiently gripped.
  • the Post handle also has an attachment, Eye (07C) for a Harness/Strap.
  • FIG. 7 shows a Sleeve lever module loosely positioned on the rail (101).
  • the Sleeve levers can also be pre-orientated radially upon the rail (within the Coronal plane of the user) to provide a n optimal ergonomic position of hand-hold.
  • FIG.8 shows the non-handed Sleeve lever with Post handle (04B) freely enveloping the wall mounted Rail (101).
  • the Sleeve (01) can traverse the longitudinal Rail length, with the underside-Slits (03B) enabling passage across the wall mounting-supports (09A)
  • FIG. 9 shows a Sleeve with Post handle in tilted side-perspective that is levered in the user’s Sagittal plane to engage the Sleeve with the rail with the upper Winged-zone A-B and lower Winged-zone C-D. contacting the rail.
  • Post handle (04B) is of a suitable height to achieve beneficial leverage (as is the Bar handle of FIG. 4, also a suitable height).
  • the two zones of principal contact (friction and adhesive) that the pivoting (levered) Tube body (03) makes with the enveloped Rail (101) are: a.
  • the upper zone of the Tube body (A-B) forms mechanical contact when: i. Inter-surface friction is enhanced through the expanded surface contact (formed by the curvi-planar interface contact) being made by the upper Wings interfacing with the external body of the rail (101) ii. Surface indentation is formed by the rigid T-C junction (A) creating an adhesion by the mechanical interlocking of the Core-tube and the rail.
  • A-B The upper zone of the Tube body (A-B) forms mechanical contact when: i. Inter-surface friction is enhanced through the expanded surface contact (formed by the curvi-planar interface contact) being made by the upper Wings interfacing with the external body of the rail (101) ii. Surface indentation is formed by the rigid T-C junction (A) creating an adhesion by the mechanical interlocking of the Core-tube and the rail.
  • the lower zone of the Tube body (C-D) forms a mechanical contact with the rail, which has a similar contact dynamic to the above except that there is the presence of the under-side Slit (03B), causing i. A reduced area of applied “Wing friction” (C-D) ii. A reduced adhesion “circle” of T-C contact (D).
  • the combination (option) of the various Lever forms provides several modes of Lever operation, so that the user may grip (and Lock or Clutch) the enveloped Rail in various preferential orientations and manners.
  • FIG. 10 shows a frontal perspective view of the Sleeve lever that is tilted, engaging the top A-B Winged zone with the hand rail (101). Note the maximised surface contact provided by the flexed Wing (03D) that has been formed within the conical section of the Tube body (03)
  • FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the Sleeve lever (04B) with the engaged underside of the Winged zone (C-D) and T- C contact (D) with the rail (101). Note that in this lever orientation, it can be seen that the underside Slit (03B), which is opposite the levering Post handle (04B), has a reduced material content (Tube body and Girdle) so that a complete T-C junction is not formed (D). The forces in this zone are reduced but remain adequate for the Wings and T-C zone to form substantial contact forces to adhere to the surface of the rail.
  • levering Post handle (04B) may be mounted in a different Girdle aperture location (02A, FIG. 12) so that the 04B Lever is used in a different orientational manner, whereby the opposing T-C engagement forces are balanced.
  • FIG. 12 shows an oblique overhead view of the Locked Sleeve lever with the Post handle (04B) mounted in a different location upon the Girdle so that the new position of the Post handle (repositioned radially, by ninety degrees in the Coronal plane) applies leverage in the Transverse plane to the user.
  • the Sleeve is engaged with the rail with equal lateral pressure applied to the two sides (to the left and right side) as the underside Slit (03B) remains beneath the rail, with equal Wing and T-C contacts being formed (in a similar manner as previously illustrated/described in FIGS. 9,10 and 11).
  • FIG. 12A shows the rail installed in an inclined mode (in a toilet environment), where the mounted Sleeve can be employed by the user to transfer their position by progressively lowering (or raising) themselves from a standing to seated position.
  • the user positions the Sleeve at an upper location (X) upon the rail and then lowers themselves (their Centre of Mass, CoM) from a standing position (leaning forward) to a seated position (Y).
  • the Sleeve is used as a “Clutchbrake”, to slide (under braking constraint provided by variable Sleeve lever force application), enabling the Sleeve to slide along the rail at a controlled pace of descent, relevant for the user.
  • FIG. 14 shows the stairway with a user extending one hand to grip the rail.
  • FIGS. 8-14 These FIGS. (9-14) illustrate some of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism modules, with various lever options (04 types) being mounted to a standard-Rail (101, 102 Rails) that may be installed horizontally, inclined or vertically (in a stairway, walkway or transit location), when the Sleeve is then mounted upon the rail and employed to grip (lock or clutch) the rail, to provide the user with the optimal assistive and defensive usage capacity.
  • a standard-Rail 101, 102 Rails
  • the angle of Rail inclination also reduces the user’s power efficiency, as demonstrated in FIG. 14, (as the rail is orientated “in-line” with the user and rising at 40 degrees).
  • This angle does not enable the user to develop a power-zone of action.
  • a power-grip is more effectively applied to a “handle or bar” that is at right angles to the wall (and Rail).
  • the optimal force is applied to any Rail by the user positioning the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism to be comfortably (ergonomically) accessed and orientated so that the Lever element is held with an improved power-grip by the hand.
  • the arm-wrist-hand configuration is positioned to operate within an effective power-zone, creating a power-alignment that is comfortable and effective for the user, so that they may maximise their grip and leverage.
  • the user may employ one or two Sleeve levers upon one Rail to assist their mobility in traversing any installed rail location.
  • the hand rail employed in the stairway may be either the 101 type or 102 type, but optimal usage in a stairway is provided by a proprietary Rail (of the 102 type).
  • FIG. 14 (continued):
  • the illustration of FIG. 14 presents a user negotiating a stairway where they are facing forward (which is not a biomechanically favourable format). Irrespectively, with the Sleeve lever, the user can employ:
  • the Lever (rotated in the Coronal plane) provides the optimal power- alignment so that the Lever may be applied (Locked when pulled or pushed) with improved and controlled force.
  • the Sleeve When using the Sleeve for self-lowering, the Sleeve is used with an efficient power-grip both as both a Locking mechanism or, as a Clutch-brake.
  • the Sleeve lever is then moved (traversed) along the rail (with the Slit 03B traversing over the rail), traversing the wall supports (09A), to arrive at the next position of grip and leverage.
  • FIG. 15 shows the user facing the wall of the stairway (i.e. facing sidewards).
  • a single locked Sleeve lever (not shown) is employed, mounted to the upper ergonomic zone of the rail to improve the poweralignment of the user.
  • the power-grip is formed upon the Lever, where it may be used in an ergonomic location that facilitates effective power-alignment.
  • This method (crab-method) of ascending/descending a stairway “sidewards” does require the tread of the stair to accommodate both feet side by side (facing the wall), which most treads do.
  • the user may employ an additional second Sleeve lever to negotiate such stairway (whilst sidewards), with a single Rail installation.
  • FIG. 16 Illustrates the user employing two Sleeves (not shown) to negotiate a descent or ascent of the stairway with a single Rail installation.
  • the upper Sleeve lever is employed by the user to
  • the lower Locked Sleeve lever is employed for “purchase”, to press against and stabilise.
  • the user may adopt this “crab-like” method of ascent/descent in a stairway with only one installed hand rail (in their own residence, for example), or they may use this method on a Rail in a public place with a standard hand rail (especially where they wish to avoid blocking the stairway).
  • FIG. 17 shows two wall-mounted Rails (102 type or proprietary type)) that are employed in a stairway.
  • a “second wall” if a “second wall” is not available then, the use of a second Rail may be provided by/through the installation of a suitable Banister rail (that provides a standard hand rail dimension and support capacity)
  • the Rails presented in FIG. 17 are of the 102 type Rail design, however 101 type Rails may be equally employed on either sides of the stairway (as either wall mounted Rails or Banister rails).
  • FIG. 18 Illustrates the user within a stairway employing two Sleeves (not shown) upon two 102 type Rails (the second Rail is also not shown): the user is leaning forward, with their Centre of Mass (CoM) positioned above the next tread, in preparation for leverage.
  • CoM Centre of Mass
  • the stairway is of such a dimension that the 102 Rails are close enough to both be negotiated comfortably with two Sleeve levers.
  • FIG. 19 Illustrates the user having pulled against their extended arms with leverage upon the Locked Sleeves, with the following idealised procedure (FIGS. 18 and 19):
  • the one leg is used as a post-leg (remaining vertical).
  • the bent power-leg is employed to make a leg-thrust, when the Sleeve levers are “pulled against with power-alignment employed” to raise the user (when the user CoM is also moved forward).
  • the post-leg may then be positioned upon the next tread (with the straightened power-leg).
  • the user can then repeat the cycle, to simultaneously position the Sleeve levers at the next level, in order to prepare for the next leverage and lift cycle.
  • the user may climb the stairs employing a hand-walking technique that uses both Rails (when using the hands/Sleeves alternately, at different levels).
  • FIG. 20 shows the Sleeve lever (with Post handle) and Cam inserts installed.
  • the Girdle (02) has been pre-prepared with two symmetrically placed insert apertures (02B) positioned in the lower part of the Girdle, through which Cams (05) are inserted (through the Girdle and through the Core zone of the Tube body).
  • the Cams (05) are screw-adjustable when, on being inserted they are adjusted to rise (on a cord or radius trajectory within the near-circular Core zone 03A of the Tube body, 03) into the inner cavity of the Sleeve (01).
  • the Sleeve with Cam inserts can be mounted onto Rail-types 101 where the Cams will reduce the internal movement of the rail against the Sleeve, when:
  • the Sleeve will be free to rotate in the Coronal plane.
  • the Sleeve will be able to tilt, to pivot to Lock (or brake) in the radial positions between the Sagittal plane and the Transverse plane.
  • FIG. 21 shows the 102-type standard hand rail (Rail), which has a solid section in this illustration, with the rail elements of:
  • the Cam “head” (05A, FIG. 20) is of a suitable material with a low-coefficient of friction to engage with the rail within the indented recess (102B) and beneath the ledge (102C) without damaging the rail, whilst still providing Sleeve lever control for the engagement of the Wings and T-C interface-contact of the rail.
  • FIG. 22 shows the Sleeve lever Post handle module with Cams fitted, mounted onto the rail (type 102).
  • the two internal Cams (05) are mounted in the pre-prepared apertures (02B) located upon the lower Girdle.
  • the internal Cams are adjusted by the external element (05) to fixedly locate the Cams (05B) against the indented Rail (102B, 102C).
  • the Cam heads (05A) rise within the Core zone (03A) so that they engage with the side walls of the enveloped Rail (102B) and also apply pressure to the underside of the rail Ledge (102C) so that the rail is raised to bring the Crown of the rail (102A) close to the internal face of the Core zone of the Tube body of the Sleeve.
  • FIG. 23 shows the Sleeve lever module (perspective view) with Post handle 04B mounted within the side aperture (02A) of the Girdle, so that it is able to apply transverse leverage pressure upon the enveloped Rail 102.
  • the most suitable “small lever” that may be used independently with the Sleeve-Cam module using transverse leverage is the Post handle (04B) with the lever mounted in the lower (side) Girdle aperture 02A (as per FIG. 23).
  • FIG. 24 shows the Post handle (04B) Lever element in adjacent comparison to the Beam lever element (04C).
  • the Beam lever (04C) is larger than the Post handle (being longer and of greater diameter).
  • both the Post handle and the Beam lever have apertures (Eyes, 07C) provided within their structure (as does the Bar handle, 04A, FIG. 4).
  • levered grip purchase that is formed by the Sleeve upon the rail, is a function of:
  • Lever which is shown in FIG. 24, to be substantially increased by the 04C Lever, the Beam lever.
  • the diameter of the Beam lever (04C) is slightly more than that of the Post handle (and Bar handle). Irrespectively, a strong power-grip is still able to be formed upon the longer Beam lever, which Lever may be held by the user with either one hand or with two hands (forming one power-grip or two power-grips) to achieve greater a leverage force.
  • FIG. 25 shows a Beam lever (04C) mounted onto the side of the Sleeve-Girdle (in the side aperture 02A) when it can be employed upon the rail (102 hollow type), with the Sleeve being employed “with or without’ internal Sleeve-Cams fitted.
  • the Beam lever (04C, with no Cams installed) when rotated radially around the rail in the Coronal plane enables, with its longer length, a number of ergonomic height options for hand-grips to be formed which users (with various height needs) can employ to suitably engage the Sleeve in order to effectively Grip or Clutch the rail (with a power-grip and power-alignment) or to use the rail (through the Beam lever) for guidance and stability.
  • the Post handle (04B) may continue to be also employed (in the vertical 02A position) as in FIG. 25, or it may be removed if required so that only the Beam lever is mounted transversely to the rail.
  • the Sleeve mounted Beam lever can be employed upon the rail with either: a. One hand on the Beam lever and one holding the Post handle (or Bar handle). b. Two hands holding the Beam lever (without the Post handle or Bar handle).
  • FIG. 26 shows the Cam mounted Sleeve lever (with both Beam lever and Post handle) being pivoted in the Transverse plane to achieve the required grip/purchase to Lock the Sleeve upon the rail (type 102).
  • Such “Lock” is able to be applied by:
  • the Post handle (or Bar handle) is employed to guide the Sleeve along the rail (over the rail supports) and the Beam lever is employed to provide a power-grip hold for the user as well as to fully engage the rail (to Lock onto the rail or act as a Clutch-brake upon the rail).
  • FIG. 27 shows a Harness element (06) that is employed with Straps (07) which, when employed, are attached to the Sleeve lever to provide security (and safety) for users who may feel vulnerable or unsafe when negotiating a stairway or walkway (or who may also wish for extra biomechanical support in negotiating a stairway).
  • the Harness and Straps module is described as follows: a.
  • the Harness (06) is of a strong material construction that can be readily donned and firmly secured by the user when it is attached around their mid-lower abdomen, with a secure closure method, such as belt (06B) with a hook-loop fastening or mechanical buckle (06C).
  • the Harness can be readily uncoupled from the Sleeve and doffed.
  • the Harness is provided with multiple attachment location Eyes (06A) upon its periphery, which are strengthened for the attachment of the Straps (07A)
  • the Harness provides strategic support for the user within the mid-lower torso region so that the Harness (and Strap positioning) may be used in both an assistive and defensive manner.
  • the two Straps (07) are attached by couplings 07A to the mountings of the Harness (06A), as shown.
  • Each Strap end has a reinforced coupling (07A, 07B) to support a carabineer-type of rapid attaching mechanism (or similar) to the Eye Levers (07C)
  • each of the Straps is mounted to the Harness at one Eyelet position (06A), and to one of the Eye(s) of the Lever(s) (07C) at the other end of the Strap (07B).
  • the Straps are preferably mounted to the lowest under-side Eyelet position of the Harness so that they are routed to “cross” behind and underneath the user (as shown in the Strap illustrations of FIGS. 29-33).
  • the preferred low Harness positioning for the Straps ensures that, when “crossed” behind and below the user, they form a type of “seat” for the user.
  • the pseudo-seat formed from the cross-Strap configuration enables the Harness and Straps to be employed by the user in actions that:
  • a Sleeve lever mounted upon a single Rail can support (by itself) the two Straps attached at Eyes (07C) in order to firmly secure the Harness (06) to the user:
  • each (separate) Lever Eye is used as a point of attachment for either Strap.
  • FIG. 28 Illustrates the Harness and Straps attached (07B) to a single Sleeve (not shown) that is mounted upon a single inclined Rail (102) in a stairway.
  • the Harness is used for safety/security purposes (in case of losing balance and falling) as well as assistive purposes when:
  • the Harness is employed to assist with the ascent of the stairway as the user can pursue the following idealised actions where, in order to reduce some of the body-weight from the body-lift and leg-transfer action, the user may:
  • the body-weight is partially transferred to the Sleeve (and to the rail) at the time of leverage against the Sleeve lever.
  • the Harness and Straps may be employed to assist with the user’s controlled descent, especially when the Sleeve is employed as a Clutch-brake.
  • Harness and Straps continue to function in a safety and security capacity (in case the user was to fall).
  • FIG. 29 Illustrates the Harness and Straps attached (07B) to Sleeve levers (not shown) on a single Rail, (102) with the user facing the wall of the stairway.
  • this orientation forms a sidewards movement for the user to negotiate the Stairway.
  • Harness/Straps provide limited assistive purchase with this mode of use. However, they provide effective assistive use in descending the stairway (especially when using a Clutch-brake system of movement control).
  • Harness and Straps continue to function in a safety and security capacity (in case the user was to fall).
  • This safety feature can be employed by the user whilst ascending or descending the stairway.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates the Harness (06) being employed with Straps connected (07B) to two Sleeve levers (not shown) upon two hand rails (102) that are installed, one on either side of the Stairway (with one of the rails not shown)
  • one Rail could be a standard wall mounted Rail (102), the other could be either another wall mounted hand rail or a Banister form of hand rail (1020 of FIG. 40).
  • Banister rail (1020) If a Banister rail (1020) is employed, it is a requirement that it is of an adequate strength to function as a hand rail (not just as a “barrier rail”).
  • the configuration of a stairway, with two Sleeve levers mounted upon two accessible Rails provides an improved ergonomic and biomechanical opportunity (with the Strap ends widely separated and an effective “seat” formed) to enable the user to employ the Harness and Straps as an assistive mechanism to climb or descend the Stairway (as per the summary of FIGS. 31 and 32).
  • FIG. 30 shows the user effectively and safely employing two Rails when in the spread-eagled position (with two individual Sleeve levers and Harness/Straps).
  • the Harness and Straps remain as a safety appliance, as the user is “spread-eagled” (FIG. 30) when, losing balance and falling is to be especially prevented
  • the user may also employ the Strap configuration of FIG. 30 for security in descent (rearwards) when the two Sleeve levers are used as Clutch-brakes, enabling the user to lower themselves in an ergonomically controlled and secure manner.
  • FIG. 31 shows a side perspective of a user ascending a stairway that has a single wall mounted Rail to which is mounted a Sleeve lever module (with combined Beam lever and Bar handle), with Cams installed.
  • This module employs a combination of Beam lever and Bar handle where:
  • the Beam lever controls the lever-torque applied through the Sleeve to grip the rail.
  • the Bar handle controls the Sleeve as it traverses along the rail (and passes over the wall supports).
  • the user may employ the Harness with the two Straps mounted with:
  • FIGS. 31 and FIG. 32 (side perspective and rear plan view) shows the user with the Harness-Straps mounted to the two ends of the Beam lever, when:
  • the Beam lever is in the locked position, when it has been tilted in the transverse plane to lock the Sleeve upon the rail.
  • the Bar handle may also be slightly tilted in the Sagittal plane to reinforce the grip of the Sleeve upon the rail.
  • FIGS. 31 and 32 (summary).
  • the two FIGS, illustrate the upward facing user employing the Sleeve with Beam lever and Bar handle mounted upon one Rail.
  • the Sleeve with Beam lever and Bar handle can be mounted upon either Rail type (101, 102) with or without the use of the Cam inserts.
  • the Beam lever will only rotate in the transverse plane.
  • the Harness can be used more effectively (with more control of the fixed Coronal position Beam lever)
  • the Straps of the Harness take the weight of the user (when the Straps are tautened beneath the buttocks of the user) so that there is control of balance as:
  • the user’s hands are securely positioned (power gripped) upon the Beam lever (or Beam lever and Bar handle), stabilising the upper body of the user.
  • the climbing (self-lift sequence) with the Beam lever and Harness is ideally summarised as: i.
  • the Sleeve (and Beam lever) is pushed forward so that the user is leaning forward with their body weight (CoM) transferred to be over the next tread.
  • the Straps are directly adjusted by the positioning of the Sleeve and the user’s body so that a taut contact is formed by the crossed-seat of the Straps around (under) the buttocks of the user.
  • the power leg is placed onto the next tread (FIG. 31).
  • the Sleeve is positioned to fully Lock the Beam lever (FIG. 32).
  • the user leans backwards to tauten the crossed-seat arrangement of the Straps and position their arms within the powerzone (to form a power-alignment).
  • the lift-force of the user is provided by simultaneously:
  • the upward facing user may descend the stairs (backwards) with the Sleeve lever and the cross-seat Straps of the Harness employed (in the reverse manner to the above).
  • the stairs are negotiated downwards by the user employing the Sleeve(s) as both a Lock and Clutch-brake to lower the user form one-tread to the next (with the Harness providing security).
  • FIG. 33 illustrates the downward facing user, using the Sleeve with the Beam lever (without installed Cams) for stairway assistance (without a Harness).
  • the Beam lever is positioned radially (in the Coronal plane) so that it is rotated upwards to provide an elevated ergonomic hand-grip position for the user, enabling the user to control their descent (using the Sleeve as a Lock and Clutch-brake).
  • the Beam lever acts as a safety bar, in front of the user, in case of instability.
  • the amount of upward angle of orientation of the Beam lever can be best observed when compared to the horizontal orientation of the tread (as per FIG. 33)
  • a safety Harness may also be employed. If the user falls, the Harness mounted Lever will assist, as it will be caused (by the attached Harness) to rotate downwards and Lock with the rail, securing the user on the stairway.
  • Harness will have a safety effect in descending frontwards
  • Beam lever with Harness
  • a single Sleeve lever may be employed upon a Rail (with Straps attached).
  • Two Sleeve levers may be employed on one Rail (or two Rails, if installed)
  • the two Straps are configured so that they are connected to the pre-prepared Lever Eye-locations (07C) as well as to the appropriate Eye-locations (06A) that are positioned upon the upper periphery of the Harness, so that the Straps are attached to the upper zone of the user’s Torso.
  • the user may descend the stairs facing forwards, with the Sleeve lever(s) being used as a Lock and/or Clutch-brake and the Harness as a safety device (and not for supportive purposes).
  • FIG. 34 Illustrates the summary position of the Straps if the user (facing upwards or downwards, not shown) were to lose their balance (or, if the lower limbs/legs were to fail) and they were to slump then: If the user does not fall up the stairway (rare, but possible) the user will fall down the stairway when the falling movement of the Harness and tautened Straps for a user that has slumped (not shown) onto the treads of the Stairway (and probably letting go of the Lever-bar) will cause the Straps to automatically tilt the Lever(s) and rotate the Sleeve to cause it to engage (Lock) with the rail.
  • the invention of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism facilitates a simple method of “Cargo carriage” that will assist in preventing such category of stairway fall.
  • FIG. 35 shows the Sleeve module (with fitted Cams and mounted Beam lever (with Bar handle) being used to transport a medium-weight item (shopping bag, trolley or similar) up/down the stairway.
  • the Sleeve (with inserted Cams) and Beam lever with Bar handle may be employed to carry such element of “Cargo”, by carefully placing and securing the item over the Beam lever.
  • the mobile-carriage of Cargo by the Sleeve lever is such that it also facilitates the user “not to have to lift the Cargo” (other than the original positioning of it upon the Beam lever). This is because:
  • the Cargo is moved forward each time (in a shunting mode) when the user extends their arms forwards (with the Cargo also being raised by each forward shunted-arm movement).
  • the Beam lever continues, as before, to assist the user to negotiate the stairway by providing the supporting leverage required for the Power-grip and Power-alignment whilst the Bar handle or Post handle (if attached) Locks the Sleeve to the rail.
  • the Harness may also continue to be used in this Cargo mode.
  • the descent of the stairway is the (near) reverse action of the above.
  • the Beam lever supports the Cargo.
  • the Beam lever is employed to lean against (backwards) by the user, to lower themselves.
  • Harness and Straps may also be employed to support the ascent/descent of the user, as before.
  • a Wall wheel module may be employed.
  • FIG. 36 shows the Wall wheel component (08) that is mounted to the Sleeve with Beam lever module, where, the Wall wheel (08) has the elements of:
  • the Wheel (08C) is mounted to the end of the Angle-bracket on a pinion (08D) so that it may rotate freely.
  • the Angle-bracket dimension and the diameter/radius of the wheel (08C) is such that the wheel spans the distance from its Angle-bracket mounting to the constructed wall.
  • the Wheel is mounted with sliding adjustment (08E) so that the lateral distance from the rail mounted Sleeve to the wall is maintained with the wheel (08C) (when mounted to the Beam lever) in the required tangent position upon the wall.
  • the lower element of the Angle-bracket is pivoted (08G) to adjust the wheel to maintain the required pitch (to traverse the wall).
  • the installed (adjusted) Wall wheel maintains the Beam lever in a horizontal orientation (within the Coronal plane of the user) during the longitudinal traversing movement of the Cargo module.
  • FIG. 37 shows the Sleeve lever (with inserted Cams) and the combined Wall wheel Angle-bracket mounted through the bracket aperture (08A) to the Beam lever (at the same 02A connection within the Girdle of the Sleeve).
  • the Wall wheel component is mounted to the Beam lever and suspended under the Sleeve mounted Rail, so that the adjusted wheel element is engaged tangentially with the wall of the Stairway (and maintains the Beam lever in the required position so that it does not rotate/twist radially downwards).
  • the Wheel that is mounted upon the Angle-bracket is pressed upon the wall and adjusted to rotate in the transverse plane of the user (at the same angle of pitch of the rail), when the user ascends/descends the stairway.
  • the weight of the Cargo presses the Wheel to the wall, so that the weight is transferred to the wall, using the Sleeve as a pivot (acting upon the rail).
  • An alternative embodiment for heavy carriage of heavy weights and/or frequent use of the Wall wheel
  • a Wall plate (08H) which is mounted upon the Wall, so that it is fixed as a flat surface (positioned beneath the support bracketry) to enable the Wall wheel to engage with it so that:
  • the Wall plate “spreads the load” of the Cargo.
  • the Cargo module with the Wall wheel remains in contact with the wall and prevents any Coronal movement of the Sleeve levers (Beam lever, Bar handle or Post handle), ensuring there is no uncontrolled movement (sway) of the Cargo.
  • the Sleeve lever unit is employed in the same manner as before, with the Beam lever module supporting the Cargo and providing the greater lever-force to Lock (or Clutch-brake) the Sleeve to the rail and the other Lever traversing the Sleeve along the rail.
  • the Harness may continue be employed with the Sleeve lever and Cargo for safety and security purposes, as before.
  • the Sleeve mechanism can mount the existing standard hand rail with the standard hand rail fixtures and fittings.
  • the Sleeve mechanism will mount existing standard hand rails (or proprietary new standard hand rails), but slight modification may be required, where:
  • the wall mounted hand rail may need to be extended (at the upper section) in order to gain adequate purchase for the user to ascend/descend the uppermost treads of the stairway with the Sleeve.
  • the Sleeve component needs to be suitably positioned (mounted) upon the “end” of the rail for it to be able to traverse the rail.
  • the invention includes the availability of specific mountings that facilitate the non-handed Sleeve to mount upon the standard hand rail by using end caps and other end mountings as follows:
  • FIGS. 38 and 39 shows an end cap and wall mounting (09B and 09D) connected by a return-section (09C, tube or bar) with a Sleeve lever being mounted upon (or dismounted from) the end section of the rail.
  • the end cap design (09B) and extended “return” dimension enables the Sleeve (01) to be readily mounted to the rail (type 101 or 102).
  • the extended tube/post wall connection (09C) enables the Sleeve lever (especially the larger Beam lever module, with Sleeve-Cam inserts) to be removed from the rail, or radially rotated and left “compactly suspended” upon the rail-post (09C).
  • the Sleeve lever can be placed to conveniently “hang downward” at the end cap-locations.
  • FIG. 40 shows an end cap (09E) which is a “blank”, mounted to the rail-end.
  • This end cap has the same format as the rail-end of the return fixture (09B).
  • This end cap arrangement when installed in conjunction with a vertical post, which employs a postmounting cap (09B) and support (09F), is used for the Sleeve to mount a Rail that is not wall supported (but floor supported).
  • the combined end cap and vertical post mount enables the Sleeve lever to be mounted upon a Rail that is not wall supported, such as:
  • FIGS. 41-59F relate to a “hand rail system” that provides improved ergonomic and biomechanical hand-hold applications that enhance defensive and assistive usages in a Stairway or Walkway (and other installed-rail environments) where mobilityassistance and security is required.
  • the area of invention relates to the provision of a solid-rail for individual safety and assistance (e.g. a stairway) which rail may be used for group-safety (e.g. a barrier).
  • a solid-rail for individual safety and assistance (e.g. a stairway) which rail may be used for group-safety (e.g. a barrier).
  • the priority use of the invention is the “individual use” of a rail that is installed in locations within or external to buildings (permanent or temporary) or vehicles (static or mobile) to function in the defensive and/or assistive roles of: Hand rail, Banister rail, Grab rail, Safety rail and similar.
  • a primary objective is to maximise the hand contact-formats of “hand-grip, hand-adhesion and hand-alignment’, so that the optimal “defensive forces” of the user may be applied to the rail to prevent “unsafe” circumstances (and overcome such circumstances, if they arise).
  • Such hand-contact-formats should provide all of the defensive abilities required to: a: Guide the user so that they may orientate themselves. b: Achieve balance and self-stabilise. c: Stop (or arrest) a fall. d: Break the fall (and reduce the fall impact).
  • the Guidance-grip (Haptic-grip) ii.
  • the Power-grip (generally, the strongest grip)
  • the Chuck grip (generally, the second strongest grip) iv. The Palm-grip. v. The Finger-Purchase grip (The Pinch-grip). vi. The Finger-Hook grip vii. The Emergency grip (The Grab-grip). viii. The Flailing-grip (The Hook-grip) ix. (The Pull-Push grip is primarily used as an assistive grip, it may also be used to assist the user, as a defensive grip).
  • the ergonomic positioning of the rail which includes the selection of its position and the subsequent orientation of the rail to the user.
  • the “improved Rail” should facilitate, enable and improve (where possible) all of the above hand-format configurations (i-ix), and permutation(s) thereof,
  • Push-Grip to lean or lower against, as a brace or “bolster”.
  • Haptic benefits with an ideal-rail that has optimised guidance and assistance through haptic support, providing:
  • a guidance surface that is symmetrical, with haptic sensory clues (that communicate with the user).
  • under-rail supports such as rail mountings
  • a visual contrast is provided in normal light (with the rail being evident against the surrounding background.
  • an improved-Rail is feasible, being a Universal Rail-Unit (URU) that addresses many of the issues described (A-C) in order to provide comprehensive improvements through defensive and assistive applications.
  • USU Universal Rail-Unit
  • the circular profile provides the maximum grip capacity (in most situations). But it does not prevent the hand from slipping, (by sliding in the Longitudinal direction, or rotating in the Coronal direction).
  • the Universal Rail Unit is of a new design, the manufacture process of which assists with its commercial (cost-effective) availability when, upon installation, the URU provides improvements in defensive and assistive applications for a diverse range of users that may employ the URU in various circumstances and instances.
  • the URU provides the following improved/advantageous functions, where the installed URU:
  • the URU may be installed in the dictated location but may also be rotated to provide an ergonomically favourable orientation (to improve the ergonomic approach of the hand to the URU).
  • the average user will have a grip capacity that ranges from “weak to strong” (according to age, gender, physique and possible infirmity), the efficiency of which grip is improved by the URU profile.
  • an extraordinary force may be required to be withstood (e.g. by the user, who may be falling onto or away from the URU).
  • the URU is able to:
  • the URU’s linear (structural) support may be:
  • the URU profile enables all hand-grip formats to maximise adherence.
  • the URU profile enables various hand-sizes to grip and adhere.
  • the URUs are supported (upon installation) with minimal interruption of an encircling hand by any lower (underside) railsupport mechanism(s).
  • the URU is produced with a surface that is antimicrobial, with a clean disposition that is “readily cleanable”.
  • the URU is seamless, with fixings/mountings that are readily cleaned.
  • the URU is cost-effective (and practical), where: relative to other rails, the URU is affordable, manageable, non-flammable and conveniently installed.
  • the key advantages of the Universal Rail-Unit are, for a variety of user types, (irrespective of age, gender, physique or disability), that may employ the URU in differing circumstances or instances, are the advantages of:
  • the compound reinforcing structure provides variable URU strength options (through selective structural reinforcement) and rapid abutment capacity.
  • the surface-design (and antimicrobial content) improves hygiene maintenance.
  • the preferred embodiment of the Universal Rail Unit is shown by way of cross-sectional profile in FIG. 41 , which formed profile may be achieved by an extrusion process (thermoplastic or metal). Accordingly, the URU of this invention is presented as a compound unit, being an extruded linear profile (FIGS. 41 and 42) that is formed with an internal cavity which accommodates a separate Core-insert (described later).
  • the URU may be reinforced with the profile being originally extruded with supporting internal “webs or braces” included (which are inclusive within the extrusion design), whereby no insert may be required.
  • a suitably designed insert variation may be provided to enter the now reduced and restricted profile in order to form an alternative compound construction.
  • the URU may be formed from a solid body (wood, metal or plastic), but this requires multiple-stages of production.
  • the preferred URU embodiment is produced to address the requirements (Pages 2-4) and to be produced cost effectively, with the minimal number of stages of production.
  • the URU (FIGS. 41 and 42) is shown to be a symmetrically profiled linear thermoplastic construction that is formed by an extrusion process.
  • FIG. 41 shows the URU as “hollow” extrusion, with an internal cavity (201) surrounded by an external wall (202), which URU wall is formed with the profile of:
  • the URU wall (202) has an outer face 202A and inner face 202B
  • the upper (zenith) part of the wall is a domed section, the URU Crown (203)
  • the underside wall has a minor groove-inset (207)
  • the extruded wall has a thickness (208)
  • the outer form (side and lower extremities) of the URU has four Rims (A, B, C and D) - Each Rim has an adjacent Ledge, 209A1, 209B1, 209C1, 209D1.
  • Adjacent to each Edge is a periodically intermittent row of protrusions (Nodules), (FIG. 42: 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) which are low-profiled (domed) Nodules and formed at the time of extrusion of the body 202 of the URU, being co-extruded or coformed.
  • Nodules may comprise a raised bump to indent into the user’s finger for grip.
  • Each row of Nodules may extend along a corresponding Edge 209A2, 209B2, 209C2, 209D2.
  • the wall of the extruded body (202) is a consistent thickness (208), as per the limitations of the extrusion moulding process.
  • a Core-insert may be selectively inserted within the cavity (201), which compound formation of “URU and Insert’ is discussed later.
  • the internal URU profile (202B) is required to be of a consistent dimension.
  • FIG. 42 shows the longitudinal perspective of the URU, with three force- vector axes: a) the long-axis (L) of the longitudinal body (202) of the URU. with the two additional coplanar URU axes that are: b) the Transverse axis of the URU (T) c) the Normal axis of the URU (N).
  • FIG. 42 also shows the regular periodicity of the Nodules (210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) located on the underside/inside of the Rim-ledges (209A1, 209B1, 209C1 and 209D1).
  • the URU is also described in relation to the planes of movement of the human body, which are the three planes described as:
  • FIG. 43 illustrates the external profile of the URU in comparison to the profiles of two schematic circles, with R2 (maximum) and R1 (minimum) being the legislated sizes, where:
  • the UK regulations require a hand rail to be of a certain size:
  • the external diameter is required to be 34 - 51mm.
  • the rail periphery must have a linear dimension that is between 102 - 159 mm.
  • the proportional dimensions of the URU are such that its profile is peripherally formed to comply within the UK circle dimensional guidance of maximum diameter 51mm (R2) and minimum diameter 34mm (R1).
  • the strength(s) of a hand rail are defined (Building Regulations, UK) as requiring the minimum horizontal (transverse load) strength to range between 22kg/m to 74kg/m.
  • the USA guidance (OSHA) is a little more precise, stating that a hand rail should withstand 50lb per ft (i.e. 74kg/m) or a concentrated load of 200lb (i.e. 91 kg/m) with such force being applied in any direction upon an installed hand rail and (with a maximum flexure of 77mm or 3inches).
  • the URU (without insert) has a profile and wall thickness that provides a construction and installation specification that withstands a force of 100kg (any direction) with a maximum deflection of 65mm across a 0.95m supported span.
  • the URU body (202) may be further reinforced by the subsequent inclusion of the Core-insert, as required for the additional strength objective of the URU).
  • FIG. 43 also shows the URU as being divided into horizontal zones, that separate the peripheral features of the URU. This zonation: relates to:
  • the smooth Crown (203) of the URU of Zone I has an arc that extends from a circle of a radius that is larger than the circle R1 and is either larger than the circle R2 or reaches a radius of R2, providing a Rim-to-Rim distance C-D, which is the largest dimension of the URU. (C-D does not exceed the maximum legislated dimension width).
  • the arc provides a smooth surface that is both haptic and provides a broad, engaging-interface of URU surface contact with the hand-palm.
  • Zone II (Zl I): It is proven that an indented wall assists in maintaining the user’s grip when counteracting N-T force directions. Accordingly, the indentations form Recesses (FIG. 41- 204, 205), of a substantial depth (when measured from an approximated circumference), providing a “height” that enables finger entry to each Recess. Zone II also contains the Edge forming Ledges 209C1 and 209D1, which Ledges support the periodic Nodules 210C, 210D). Further Nodules may be additionally provided within Zone II, within the sections of the Recesses (204, 205), if required.
  • Zone III the underside of the URU provides a Recess (206) for the fingers. The same Recess is also required to seat the URU (202) on the support bracketry system within it.
  • Zone III contains the edge forming ledges 209A1 and 209B1, which Ledges support the periodic Nodules (210A, 210B). Further Nodules may also be provided in Zone III, within the lower sections of Recess (206), as required.
  • the Cross Section (FIG. 41) shows the curvilinear profile of the URU, which specifically enhances the rail’s strength in two directions (T, N), with the resultant profile being comparable to the cross section of the human spine.
  • T, N two directions
  • the URU design reflects an element of biomimicry, which is “usually”, an effective design format).
  • the “power-alignment” of the shoulder-humerus-forearm-wrist-hand is a function of the positioning of the body in relation to the hand-receiving rail.
  • this description concentrates upon the URU’s ability to facilitate an improved grip (and leverage) for the hand of the user, for both defensive and assistive purposes through power alignment and grip improvement.
  • the sectional and longitudinal profiles (FIGS. 41, 42) enable all of the three natural hand- Arches to be positioned in various hand-formats upon the URU, to fully or partially envelop it (according to hand size and griptype).
  • the three forms of hand-Arch are those of:
  • Thefinger-Arch Formed by the curve-arch of the Proximal-lnterphalangeal Joints (PIP) and the Distal-lnterphalangeal Joints (DIP) of the fingers.
  • PIP Proximal-lnterphalangeal Joints
  • DIP Distal-lnterphalangeal Joints
  • the thumb-Arch Formed by the curve-arch created by the combined flexure of the MCP and ICP Joints of the opposing thumb.
  • the hand-Arches use the appropriate sections of the hand as levers and hinges which are muscularly controlled so that the arches pivot and compress together.
  • the three hand-Arches enable the hand to form compressive (opposing) biomechanical forces that are applied (transversely and normally) in the Coronal plane to grip the rail-unit.
  • the effectiveness of compression by the three-Arches is improved by the URU profile (as it enables multiple grip formats to be applied to itself).
  • the wrist may also be employed with the hand to form a non-compressive fourth Arch:
  • the ideal position for a rail to be gripped is when the rail is positioned transversely to the arm-wrist-hand alignment, to be parallel with the extended finger MCP joints (with rail and joints at right angles to the arm orientation). This is not the general alignment formed by the hand with a side-wall installed hand rail (in a stairway or walkway).
  • FIG. 44 shows the acute angle (a) of extended-arm (100) alignment (side view) with a Wall-mounted rail.
  • FIG. 45 shows the acute angle (Q) the extended arm-alignment (100) formed (in plan view) with the wall-mounted rail.
  • FIG. 46A shows the acute angle ((B) that is formed (sectional view) by the extended arm (100) with wall-mounted rail.
  • the resultant angle of hand/arm application i.e. the alignment of forearm, wrist and hand
  • the resultant angle of hand/arm application i.e. the alignment of forearm, wrist and hand
  • the angles of approach (a, Q) cannot be varied (usually) within a stairway.
  • the Coronal angle ( ) may be altered to orientate the URU, with the Crown of the URU being installed in an orientated position to suit the user, as per FIG. 46B, which illustrates the extended arm (100) approaching perpendicular to the Crown (203) of the URU, which improved angle of approach is achieved through the proprietary URU installation system (of bracketry support and rail orientation).
  • the rail Coronal orientation is not of importance. However, a profiled rail is more efficient than a circular rail. So, if the rail is profiled, then, the appropriate radial orientation of the URU to the user will improve the power-alignment applied by the user (as per FIG. 46B). Thus, appropriate rotation of the profiled rail, to orientate it in the user’s Coronal plane, assists and improves power-alignment of the user with the URU.
  • the coronal orientation may be a value selected from the range greater than 5 degrees to less than 45 degrees relative to vertical. The coronal orientation may be fixed or variable.
  • the profile of the URU has a number of features that create mechanical hand-adhesion.
  • Such adhesion is primarily formed by the intrusion of a shaped component into the fleshy tissue of the hand (which hand tissue is termed, “the Pulp”).
  • the hand has suitably fleshy elements (“Pulp”) that can support mechanical adhesion to the URU.
  • the main hand-Pulp elements are located in various positions.
  • the finger-tip pads (distal phalange ends).
  • the URU profile facilitates mechanical hand-adhesion of itself with the hand by:
  • the depths of side Recesses 204, 205, 206 are also a function of the Pulp adhesion: preventing N-T rotation and L sliding.
  • Nodules 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D
  • Rims A, B, C, D protrude to engage and indent with the hand (with effective adhesion in three axes, N-T-L)
  • the fleshy Pulp also has (when compressed to the rail) a curvi-planar inter-face surface that provides a frictional contact that is achieved by the contact surfaces of:
  • the palm-Pulp has a substantially extended surface-interface with the Crown (203)
  • FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 illustrate the URU that can receive all of the variations of the three curved-Arch formats which the user may form with the hand (and wrist) in various circumstances and instances, in order for the user (of variable hand size and capacity) to grip the URU using the various hand-grips referred to (ii-ix, Page 3).
  • the hands of children and some users may be too small to fully envelop the URU (or a disability may prevent such envelopment), thus preventing the full circumduction required for the thumb to engage the opposing finger phalanges in order to form the Power-grip and Chuck-grip (ii, iii).
  • the proportionality and design of the URU minimises the number of excluded users. Also, such users are able to achieve most of the remaining grips in order to apply the required defensive forces and assistive forces.
  • the three hand-arches apply the various formats of compressive force upon the URU to form hand-grips, with additional adhesive support from the URU to prohibit rotation in the Coronal plane (in the presence of N-T forces) or Longitudinal sliding (in presence of L forces) so that the grip is stable and can be applied effectively.
  • the profile of the URU of FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 is now described with regard to its improved ability to accommodate and grip the various hand-formats that can be applied to it, with consideration for the various hand-grip and hand-adhesion formats of the grips previously indicated (Page 2, i-ix), as follows:
  • the URU is “symmetrical” (i.e.
  • the URU provides uninterrupted haptic assistance by enabling the fingers to run continuously along the top (Crown, 203) and side Recesses (204, 205), providing guidance and reassurance to the user.
  • the URU of the invention also provides additional haptic assistance (through the user interacting with the under-section nodular Rims (210A-D), which can be modified (e.g. removed) in order to provide haptic marker-points along the rail-length.
  • the Power-grip, Type “A” which primarily employs the URU Zones I, II, III. (which is analogous to gripping a “circular rod or bat”). This grip is formed by the hand maximising the three hand-Arches to achieve a fully circular grip, with:
  • a strong compressive grip may then be formed by the three hand-Arches applying forces in the various N and T directions of the Coronal plane.
  • This hand-format is reinforced, supported and secured by hand-adhesion with Rims (A, B, C, D) which Edges and Nodules, under muscular compression, are forcibly engaged with the Pulps of the inner-hand by the contraction of the three Arches.
  • the URU provides both an effective Power-Grip using Zones I and III to form improved hand-grip and hand-adhesion as the thumb, palm and fingers encircle the URU, also engaging with the adhesive profile of the URU periphery (Zone II) so that:
  • Power-grip Type B
  • the URU Given that hand-sizes vary, the URU enables variations of the Power-grip.
  • the following Power-grip (Type B) may be formed with the same thumb-finger orientation achieving “a simulated Power-Grip”. This is achieved if the thumb-phalange and finger-tip phalanges partially enter the recess (206) but do not quite touch each other (or partially touch).
  • the parallel phalange tips (thumb and fingers) of the Power-grip are fully engaged, with most of the adhesive forms of Power-grip A being enabled, but providing a lesser adhesion / closure force than Power-grip A.
  • Power-grip, Type C where a very small hand forms a much reduced “Power-Grip”, when the thumb phalange is positioned transversely in Recess 206 (beneath Ledge 209A1) and the finger phalanges in Recess 205 (behind Ledge 209C1) or the thumb phalange positioned in Recess 04 (anchored under Ledge 209D1) with the finger phalanges in Recess 206 beneath either Edge 209B2, or beneath Ledge 209B1.
  • the three-arch closure can be formed with a reduced force, but the adhesion of the hand is compromised, as it is formed across three Rim forms (not four)
  • the Power-grip improves the ability of the three curve-arches of the hand to maintain their T-N compression (compressed against each other, inwardly) which compression is reinforced by an adhesive factor (to prevent slipping) thereby forming a further improved Power-grip that is capable of being achieved by various parties (user-types) of various capabilities.
  • the Chuck Grip of Zones I, II and III (which is analogous to holding a screw-driver). This grip is formed in a manner similar to the Power-grip, but the thumb is extended longitudinally from the transversely extended index finger and long fingers so that the fingers and thumb are compressed around the rail in such a format that:
  • the extended thumb is located within Recess 204, whilst the opposing adducted fingers (index and long finger) encircle the URU so that their distal phalanges are positioned across the underside to bridge and engage Rim A (or Rim B);
  • This format of hand-grip depends upon hand size: with a “smaller grip” able to be achieved with the finger phalanges engaging with the Rim, B.
  • the remaining fingers may, where possible, also assist in directly applying transverse (T) pressure upon the URU sides or normal (N) pressure upon the URU underside.
  • the URU provides an improved compressive hand-grip when the thumb and force-finger phalanges press (inwards) against each other (and the Palm-Arch presses downwards) to form the Chuck-grip.
  • the thumb-Arch and finger-Arch adhere to the Rim Ledges, Recesses and Nodules.
  • the Chuck-grip is improved as the URU provides substantial handadhesion through the thumb’s extended location in the side Recess (204), also forming a point of upward compressive leverage against the ledge (209D1).
  • the Palm-grip of Zones I and II (which is analogous to the user “incompletely holding a ball”).
  • This grip is formed with the palm of the hand being placed on the Crown (203) of the URU, when the thumb is extended across the Crown and the Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint (MCP) of the thumb is flexed (hooked) under the Rim D (or Rim A, depending upon hand size and Crown orientation), whilst simultaneously the DIP and IP finger phalange Joints are flexed, with the adducted DIPs positioned (hooked within Zone II) under Rim C (or possibly Rim B).
  • MCP Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint
  • the profile of the URU improves the compressional capacity of the three-arch handformats by adhesively engaging the elements of the thumb and the displaced adducted finger phalanges beneath the Rim edges and Rims C and D (as well as engaging with Nodular protrusions (210C, 210D).
  • the Recesses (204 and 206) which the thumb enters and the Recess (205 and 206) which the finger-ends enter provides adhesion from their respective interfaces with the compressive hand-arches (enhancing the N-T forces of the palm).
  • the combined adhesion from the palm interface contact with the thumb and finger interface contacts provides resistance to both Coronal rotation (and longitudinal sliding of the hand).
  • the Finger-purchase grip (or Pinch-grip) of Zone II is a deliberate “partial-grip” which is formed when the flexed thumb of the thumb-Arch is located transversely in the recess (204) and the flexed abducted fingers of the finger-Arch are located transversely within the recess (205) so that the thumb and fingers simultaneously compress against the side walls in the transverse T-force direction.
  • the palm of the hand is not applied with any “substantial force” against the Crown (203) of the URU. So the primary grip-forces are the two transverse closure forces of the two hand-Arches (thumb and finger).
  • This Finger-Purchase is improved by the URU providing the two Edges (209C2, 209D2) to enable the Pulp of the thumb and fingers to have maximum purchase against Recesses 204 and 205 and to engage with the underside of Ledges 209C1-209D1.
  • the Pinch-grip also forms a limited adhesion with the underside Nodules of Rims C and D, providing limited resistance to Coronal rotation and Longitudinal slippage.
  • the Finger-hook grip of Zones I (and partial II). this may be regarded as a “last-resort” grip, which is employed in the key action of when: a user might begin to fall, or arrest a fall).
  • the thumb may remain located within (or near) the Recesses 204 or 206, but the thumb is not able to apply pressure to the URU in either T or N axis due to the user’s momentum of movement (pulling the user’s thumb away from the URU)
  • the palm may not have a secure contact, being raised away from the URU.
  • the flexed finger-tip ends located in Recess 204 or 205 may apply pressure sidewards and inwards (T) and upwards (N), towards the palm (from which there may not be a return pressure).
  • the flexed (hooked) thumb may be able to provide upward assistance through an upward applied force, which hooked thumb force is minimal.
  • Such instance may leave the user with the opportunity of solely employing the hooked-finger-ends (the finger-hooks) that are positioned on the underside of the URU’s Rims, either in Recess 204/205 or Recess 206 (or possibly, in a state of “crosshooking”, with thumb and finger-tips located in both Recesses 205 and 206).
  • the objective of the user at this stage will be to try to maintain a hold upon the URU, for which purpose the main URU advantage is provided through the Rims C (and possibly B) having an underlying Ledge (209C2 and 209B2), enabling a base for the finger-hook application and Nodular engagement, providing adhesion.
  • the user may either:
  • the URU design presented has the advantage that it can immediately accept all of the hand-formats described (so far) to salvage the situation.
  • the URU profile with hand-formats that provide both hand-grip and hand-adhesion have been primarily described regarding the defensive forces required by the user in the event of loss of balance in the Coronal plane, (with the effect of only a limited loss of balance in the Sagittal plane).
  • the fall may be either: - Afall “in situ” in the Coronal plane, with minimal offset forward or backwards movement, being similar to a stationary fall.
  • the user may use any of the T-N grip formats described upon the rail to break the fall.
  • the strengthened and adhesive T-N grips that are provided by the URU can prevent (or minimise) Coronal hand-rotation and will contribute to controlling the fall and reduce fall-impact (by creating less momentum).
  • the adhesive capacity of the URU enables the user to retain a T-N grip as well as to exert an L-force (in the Sagittal plane) to resist the momentum of falling forwards.
  • additional L pressure may be applied by the user (forward or backwards, depending on the fall direction) to attempt to prevent the hand sliding on the rail.
  • some Longitudinal pressure can continue to be applied in order to resist the resultant Sagittal body movement. This sustained ability will help to minimise the fall momentum and assist in controlling the fall so that the impact is broken (with less momentum).
  • the user may fall into the URU, when the fall may be broken.
  • the user may fall away from the URU, when the grip is weakened due to the thumb being pulled away from the URU, which action is virtually uncontrollable.
  • the defensive applications of the installed URU may be reinforced with the addition of a vertical URU Grab rail that is also located in the stairway. It is to be noted that, in such a situation of falling within a stairway, the user may fall chaotically, with a “tumbling action”, when the user is “flailing their arms”. In such a scenario, the user will (probably) flail their arms chaotically and attempt to grasp any item to arrest their worsening (and accelerating) fall.
  • the baluster may not enable the falling user to form a grip upon it.
  • the vertical baluster may not be strong enough to hold a structural “grip”.
  • vertical URUs may be installed to provide a system of arresting such a fall when it functions as a stairway “Grab rail”.
  • the URU may be installed in a stairway in both a conventional “inclined wall mounted hand rail format’ (as discussed) and also as a vertical “Grab rail format”.
  • the installation of two combined URU formats may be advantageously employed to assist in arresting a tumbling user.
  • the vertical URU Grab rails are positioned either:
  • the vertical orientation of the URU may be positioned so that the Crown (203) is presented to the user’s arm-hand alignment, so that a flailing arm-hand can effectively envelop the orientated Crown in order to achieve the arrest of the fall.
  • multiple vertical URUs may be pre-positioned at the side of the stairway so that they may be employed in emergency by the chaotically falling user (tumbling and flailing), to attempt to arrest their fall by forming a “Flailing-grip” upon the URU.
  • the Flailing-grip (of Zone I) (this is analogous to a “luggage Handle Grip”)
  • the hook-shape of the Flailing-grip can engage, to “hook” the orientated Crown, in an impromptu (non-grip-format) manner, where: Whilst the downward momentum does not allow a formal grip, the palm-Arch (and finger-Arch) may engage (positively) with the URU Crown, with the extended arm acting as a hooked-anchor to resist and break the fall.
  • the URU may also be used to provide the improved ergonomic orientation and biomechanical application of ferees that may be employed for the assistance of the user, which improved ASSISTIVE FORCES also contributes to the safety of the user.
  • a different power-alignment is used by the user, typically through the Push-Pull grip (as follows).
  • the Push-Pull grip of Zones I, II, III) (analogous to a gymnasium arm-curl or arm-press action) This assistive grip may be applied in various environments, where:
  • the inclined orientated URU facilitates and improves T-N grip through:
  • the hand formats of before (ii and possibly Hi) are the probable formats that the user may employ for the vertical URUs that are installed, which installations may be located:
  • the vertical URUs provide a biomechanical advantage as the user may reach or lean forward so that: the alignment of the arms, wrist and hands form a more efficient power-zone alignment to effect an arm-curl action.
  • the forces applied are primarily arm-curl forces (extending and contracting the arm muscles) which arm action is employed whilst the hand muscles firmly grip the orientated vertical URU with a biomechanical action that is improved by the power-alignment (with little need to dilute the applied power with L forces to prevent slippage along the URU).
  • the URU In a lesser-mobility environment: the URU is employed to raise, lower or transfer the user, when the URU is installed in orientations that are either vertical, horizontal or inclined, (using a Push-Pull Grip accordingly). In the event of a problem, all other grips (ii-viii) may be attempted to stabilise the user and arrest or break a fall.
  • the URU is installed at the required inclination and orientation to suit the alignment and user movement so that they may employ the optimal power-zone configuration for power-alignment.
  • the URU may be positioned at an appropriate inclination, with an appropriate length.
  • the user may firmly grasp the URU to move along it (from one hand-grip position to the next) with the “grip” being assisted by the adhesion that the inclined URU provides.
  • This staged hand movement, traversing along the URU, with application and release of hand-forces is facilitated by the URU’s provision of various formats of hand-grip to suit the variable grip requirements of the movement (whilst maintaining the hand’s adhesion) and avoiding loss of grip that may result in a fall.
  • the external design of the URU that is presented within FIGS. 41, 42, 43 demonstrate the range of improved hand-formats that provide the comprehensive hand-grips and hand-adhesions that may be applied by the user upon the purpose orientated URU, in order to improve user-safety and user-assistance (for users of various capabilities) in various circumstances and instances.
  • the present invention is presented as a Compound unit (so that it may be reinforced, as required). Whilst it has been noted that the URU could be formed as a solid unit, it has been stated that the preferred construction is a compound format (being a hollow profile with secondary emplaced core insert, forming a Compound URU (the C-URU).
  • an internal web and cross brace elements may also be simultaneously moulded in position to strengthen the URU (which will affect the design of an inserted core).
  • C-URU Compound URU
  • FIG. 47 shows a front elevation of the Core-insert (220) that is formed to reflect the internal URU profile (202B of FIGS. 41, 42, 43) with a Crown (221) and Foot (FIG. 48, 223).
  • the Core-insert (Insert, 220) is preferably formed from extruded non-flammable thermoplastic (or metallic materials), but may also be formed from various solid materials that are shaped appropriately (wood, plastic, metal).
  • Core-insert (Insert 220) is preferred to be formed from an extruded thermoplastic material, as this will achieve the above objectives and preferably interact and interface effectively with the external URU.
  • FIG. 47 shows a crosssection of Insert (220), with the elements of: a. A Crown (221) that reflects the internal Crown (03, 02B) of the URU; b. A bulk Web (222) that is of a substantial width that spans the height of the Insert; c. A Foot (223, FIG. 48) that reflects the internal foot of the URU; d. Two (continuous) apertures (224) located in the mid-section of the Web (222), with other apertures also being provided (if required).
  • the profile of the Core-insert (Insert 220) reflects the internal URU. It is also structurally analogous to both a bone-structure (“another biomimicry”) and an approximated l-section structure.
  • FIG. 48 shows the Insert (220) with the URU, being a dose-fit (near friction-fit) when entered within the cavity (201) of the URU, contacting the inner URU face (202B) in strategic locations to form the C-URU structure, with contact faces being made with:
  • the Compound URU (the C-URU) provides a substantially reinforced structure:
  • the URU is now reinforced by the interfacing Crowns (203 and 221) and interlocking bases (223 and 206) enhancing the N-axis.
  • the L axis will be substantially strengthened by the compounded longitudinal structure.
  • FIG. 49 shows the Insert (220) employed to join two separate length-sections of URU, which are internally joined together (end to end), so that the Crowns of the two URUs, (203, 203) form a continuous (seamless) join (230), that is substantially reinforced internally at the join location (230).
  • the Insert length may be selectively extended within the vicinity of the Join (230), according to the strength required of the C-URU. It can be seen that the joining of two URUs through the internal insertion and fixing of a common Core-insert (Insert, 220) provides:
  • the two external URUs are preferably secured to the internal Insert by screws entered into the body of the Insert (222) through the pilot guide (207) located in the Recess (206) of the URU.
  • the pilot (207) facilitates and guides the screw entry, to accurately locate the main Web-body (222) of the Insert (220).
  • Such fixing arrangement secures each URU to the Insert, so that the two URUs cannot be separated.
  • the C-URU forms a seamless join (on all elements of the surface of the URU, especially the haptic Crown) and effectively reinforces the selected length of the URU that is formed as a C-URU.
  • the Core-insert (Insert, 220) is advantageously employed with pre-installation arrangements where: it is (independently) secured by being mounted directly to a substrate (floor, wall or other surface), as illustrated in FIG. 50 where:
  • the Insert apertures (224) are employed as fixing conduit-guides (pilots) for screws (or similar) that pass through the length of the apertures (224), passing through the Insert-body, Web (222), to pass into the substrate (231) to form a substrate join (232A).
  • the Insert (220) is also positioned to pre-orientate the enveloping URU (when attached) to optimise its power-alignment with the user. Accordingly, the two apertures (224) are employed to fix the orientation of the Core-insert upon the substrate (so that the fixed Join, 232A, cannot rotate independently).
  • FIG. 51 shows the URU mounted over the Insert and secured by screw, chemical adhesion or other means to form a C-URU structure that is orientated, reinforced and conveniently mounted to directly “abut” the substrate.
  • the C-URU is typically attached by screw fittings to the Insert (220), employing the pilot guide (207) located in the face (206) to facilitate and guide the screw entry to penetrate the URU, to accurately enter the main body (222) of the Insert (220).
  • the pilot guide (207) located in the face (206) to facilitate and guide the screw entry to penetrate the URU, to accurately enter the main body (222) of the Insert (220).
  • the Core-insert (220) is also usually mounted to the end section of a URU, to form a C-URU. Such mounting reinforces the end of the URU and is employed for the fixing and securing of end-coupling attachments (and support brackets).
  • FIG. 52 shows an Insert (220) installed within a URU, to form a C-URU, with an end cap (232B) that is to cover of the end of the C-URU.
  • the end cap is affixed by being screwed to the end-face of the Insert (220), with the screws attaching to the web body (222) or another part of the Insert 220.
  • the URU may be attached to a vertical substrate (e.g. wall) using various standard fixtures and fittings that are presently commercially available as:
  • the end URU profile (202) will accommodate most available end caps and end returns (and associated bracketry fixtures).
  • bracketry and fixtures
  • a supporting system of bracketry which system hosts a specific URU innovation, being a “pivoting support-Plate”, that is common to each bracketry unit.
  • FIG. 53A describes the specific feature of a “pivoting support-Plate”, where:
  • the mounting system is shown employing two separate elements, namely:
  • the Post has a Ball-head (243) of diameter X (which is smaller than Y).
  • the Ball-head diameter X enables the over-mounting of the support Plate (244) with Plate-arch (245) with internal profile Y
  • the support Plate is pre-fixed to the URU underside, entering Recess (206) of the URU and being affixed by screw penetration through apertures (246) of the Plate (244), with screws self-tapping directly into the URU body (202), as well as the Insert, if fitted.
  • FIG. 53B shows the support-Plate, with the Plate-arch (245) mounted on the Ball-head (243) which, when mounted, enables pivotal movement of the URU in both the Sagittal plane (vertical forward inclined) and the Coronal plane (vertical orientated) so that:
  • the locking screws (245A) of the Plate-arch (245) are adjusted to lock the Plate-arch to the Ball-head so that the URU (or C- URU) is fixedly installed upon the support post (242) at the appropriate inclination and orientation.
  • FIG. 54 shows a near conventional design of wall mounting support-bracket (242A) that enables the URU to be affixed to the wall to form a Hand rail (horizontal or inclined).
  • the Ball-head mounting with the URU is employed (as FIGS. 53A, 53B) with the support Post being one that is “shaped” (242A) for it to be attached to a wall-mounting Plate (247 A).
  • This bracketry fixing process includes the following sequence:
  • the URU (with Plate) is then mounted onto the Ball-head of the support post (243) and inclined (as required), It is then orientated for user alignment, with the support Plate-lock fixtures (246) finally applied to fix the orientation and inclination.
  • the wall mounting Plate (247 A) is formed as a rigid element of the support post (242A) and screwed to the wall.
  • FIG. 55 shows a Post structure of bracketry support that is used to connect an overhead URU (horizontal or inclined) with a vertical URU.
  • the separate Support Plate (244) is attached to the underside of the URU (as before)
  • the Ball-head accommodates the URU pre-fixed support Plate (244) as before.
  • the bottom of the Post 42B has a capping Plate (247B) attached
  • This bracketry unit enables two URUs to be joined:
  • the two URUs are orientated for user alignment, as required.
  • FIG. 56 shows a “wall-mounting bracketry” for the URU, where the same turned arrangement is employed as FIG. 54, with an additional vertical extension formed of the Post structure (242C) forming a “T” shape (type) bracketry.
  • the Post extends horizontally to the wall (with a mounting Plate (247 A), as FIG. 54.
  • the Post (242C) extends vertically to support another plate, a capping Plate (247B), which is to be mounted upon an end C- URU section, of an installed URU (that is typically vertically positioned).
  • the Plate joins the vertical C-URU (e.g. floor mounted as FIG. 51), which is joined to the underside of the Plate (247 A) with the URU having the required inclined orientation.
  • the vertical C-URU e.g. floor mounted as FIG. 51
  • the inclined URU is installed (and orientated) as a Hand rail.
  • the vertical URU is installed (and orientated) as a Grab rail.
  • the two URUs are orientated for user alignment, as required.
  • FIG. 57 shows an URU with end cap (232B) and with a return Post (242D) connecting to the wall.
  • the support post (242D) has two end cap mountings that:
  • the terminal end of the URU Hand rail (or Grab rail) is required to be closed (blanked).
  • the terminal end is constructed as a C-URU, so that the orientated URU is both securely capped (and reinforced).
  • This bracketry firmly attaches the URU to the wall to create a safe end-closure which eliminates any undue protrusion that can be accidentally caught upon by the user with the end of the structure.
  • FIG. 58 shows the bracketry for the joining of two non-linear URUs with a double ended support Post coupling (242E), the fitting of which is self-explanatory (with end caps 232B).
  • the advantage of this bracketry is that the required angle of curvature of the Post can be adjusted “on-site” (by using a simple bending tool) to suit the requirements of the installation.
  • the support Plate (244) that is located within the URU Recess (206) within all of the FIGS. (53A-57) has a symmetrically tapered profile so that, upon entry to Recess (206) there is minimal intrusion (interruption or detraction) from:
  • the haptic-contact of a user s hand that is traversing the underside of the URU.
  • the vertical URU can either be positioned (installed and orientated) beneath a wall mounted URU Hand rail or a URU-banister Hand rail.
  • the vertical URU is positioned to maximise the biomechanics of both uses, where the Crown is orientated accordingly.
  • the URU with its improved biomechanical hand-grip capacity and its ergonomically advantageous installed orientation provides an increased safety and support capacity that enables a versatile installation within a stairway.
  • the Inclined URU as a wall mounted URU, as a Hand rail.
  • the Vertical URU as a Grab Rail, mounted under a wall mounted URU Hand rail.
  • the Vertical URU as a URU-baluster (and as a Grab rail)
  • a vertical URU Grab rail may be grasped with a Recovery-grip to prevent the user from falling backwards.
  • the user may attempt to “sit” or slide to break the fall when they can also effectively grasp (with a Recovery-grip) a vertical URU Hand rail to arrest their fall.
  • the user may have no control and their arms may flail, when they may effect a Flailing-grip upon a Grab rail to attempt to arrest the fall.
  • FIGS. 59A-59F illustrate a summary of URU integral arrays that may be installed and orientated in a stairway:
  • FIG. 59A - A stairway with single wall mounted inclined URU, employed as a Hand rail.
  • FIG. 59B - A stairwell with two wall mounted URUs employed as two Hand rails.
  • FIG. 59C A stairway with one open side
  • the inclined URU is employed as a URU-banister
  • the multiple vertical URUs are employed as a URU-balustrade (supporting the URU-banister).
  • the baluster URUs are installed at regulated intervals, being available as “Grab rails”. Note that as a balustrade, the vertical Rail-units are required to be positioned with a maximum “gap” of 100mm (UK regulation)
  • FIG. 59D An installed inclined wall mounted URU, employed as a Hand rail (as FIG. 59A) with an open stair-side URU that is installed as an inclined URU-banister Hand rail which overlies vertical URUs (as FIG. 59C).
  • FIG. 59E An installed inclined wall mounted URU employed as a Hand rail (as FIG. 59A) with vertical URUs located beneath.
  • the interval between vertical URUs can be different from the required balustrade interval (which is regulated).
  • interval may be selected to respond to the anticipated forces that may be required to be withstood by the URU.
  • the interval (vertical distance) of the wall arrangement in 19E can be adjusted to provide increased N-T strength of the inclined URU
  • FIG. 59F An installed wall mounted array as in FIG. 59E, with an open-side array as in FIG. 59C.
  • the vertical URU Grab rails also assist users to negotiate the stairway who may have limited height (children or disadvantaged users), who may not be able to readily reach a conventionally inclined Hand rail.
  • Such available variation of installed arrays provides major advantages in the risk assessment and safety planning (and subsequent safety precautions) of such locations as a stairway as well as the additional advantage of planning for the assistive use of the installed array.
  • FIGS. 60-75D relate to a modular hand rail and grip system. Summary: The installation of a hand-held rail is sensible, as well as “obligatory” in many locations (according to various regulations): irrespectively, many installed rails are not very effective, with most rails also being under-utilised.
  • the area of invention relates to the installation of an improved rail that is intended to be employed primarily as a modular hand rail (with different selective profiles), which may remain either as an independent hand rail appliance, or it may be employed as a “module” in order to continue as both a hand rail and a “rail-chassis” where, within a modular mobility system, a purpose- designed component is mounted to the rail (to use the rail as a chassis), which component improves the direct mobility of the user as well as facilitates optional (additional) usages through the additional mounting of accessories to the rail-mounted component, thereby maximising the use of the rail.
  • the hand rail (the rail) is improved through the provision of flexible material that is mounted externally upon the suitably profiled solid Core of the rail (the Chassis) by affixing or enveloping the material to create a hybrid Rail (being a solid Core with flexible peripheral materials affixed).
  • the mounting of such peripheral material may be by way of single or multiple mountings (with single or multiple flexible material types).
  • the mounted material has a flexible characteristic, with a texture that improves the hand to material adhesion (and friction) so that the hand-material interface becomes “non-slip” (with such non-slippage ability being within the practical limits of the adhesion capacity of the material).
  • the mobility assisting Sleeve is improved with a design that is tailored to provide an improved mounting upon the rail (with an improved Lever action).
  • a principal modification of the Sleeve is one that maximises the inter-surface contacts of both the rail and the Sleeve.
  • the Sleeve is enabled to pivot, so that the contact faces (Sleeve and Rail) remain parallel, thus maximising their interface contact, irrespective of the rotational angle of leverage applied.
  • the invention that is proposed herein is presented as a modular combination of both a revised hand rail design (re: the rail) and a revised assistive component design (re: the Sleeve).
  • the installation of the most effective Rail system that maximises the defensive and supportive applications of the rail (and Sleeve), may be uniquely tailored from the design options (and subsequent module options formed from the attached accessories) to suit the purpose of the user.
  • the affixed flexible material is profiled so that the hybrid Rail combination of “Core and affixed materials” is more efficient for the user to hold (and grip, with an improved amount of adhesion).
  • the affixed material(s) may be removed to enable the mounting and subsequent operation of the Sleeve
  • the Core may be encapsulated in a flexible material which forms a thin Membrane sheath.
  • the encapsulating Membrane sheath provides an improved grip for the hand as well as an improved grip for the Sleeve.
  • the flexible material(s) or membrane is applied to the periphery of the solid Core of the rail in a number of ways:
  • the Core of the rail and the flexible material may be profiled (with purpose designed indentations and protrusions) - Female cavities and male protrusions are formed upon the periphery of the flexible material and the surface of the Core that is suitably profiled with corresponding male/female features.
  • the flexible material is affixed to the Core (by pressure) forming a mechanically shaped (key-like) interlocking profile (which mounting may be further reinforced by the use of adhesive or other retention mechanism).
  • the entire Core may be covered with an enveloping peripheral membrane (for which purpose, the rail is enveloped by a peripheral membrane at the point of manufacture):
  • Such envelopment may be complete, encircling the entire solid Core of the rail, with the Core having a number of profiled-Recesses that are spanned by the Membrane sheath.
  • the enveloping material is of such flexibility that it may be compressed into the Recesses by hand/finger compression which forms a tactile depression of purchase (with the fingers of the user entering indirectly into the Recess).
  • the envelopment of the Core by the membrane may be partial (i.e. not forming a complete Core envelopment).
  • the lower zone of the Core is part-enveloped by a peripheral Membrane (which is affixed to the Core through a corresponding male/female interface).
  • Such part-membrane cover may be profiled and fixed to the rail through a tailored inset arrangement (so that the external profile of the rail is maintained as a uniform (uninterrupted) surface), until the membrane is required to be removed.
  • a primary objective is to maximise the continuous curvature of the periphery of the rail, in order to provide a uniform “shape of grip” for the hand of the user to engage with.
  • the Core and Attachments when they are mounted upon the rail, create a Rail that has a profile which is a (near) circle, which profile is ideal for the formation of the Power-grip.
  • the Rail can be used independently, in various modular formats.
  • the Rail may be used with either one or multiple flexible Attachments affixed (or removed), with the configuration of attachments enabling the rail to be tailored to suit the hand-requirements of a particular user.
  • the removed attachments are designed so that they may be suitably re-affixed, if and when required.
  • the encapsulated Rail is not able to be similarly modified (with the removal of the “flexible membrane”).
  • a revised Sleeve design achieves a substantial grip when mounted upon either the solid Core or membrane covered core of the rail.
  • the Sleeve has an especially improved grip adhesion when mounted upon the flexible Membrane-sheath covered Rail.
  • the vacant Recesses form the Cam tracking-channel within the rail for the traversing movement of the Sleeve Cams.
  • the Sleeve component is positioned upon the encapsulated Rail, with the mounting elements of the Sleeve indented into the membrane; indenting the membrane into the underlying Recesses to form tracking arrangements, with the Sleeve tracking upon the indented membrane (which is indented into the Recess).
  • the Sleeve may be mounted upon the flexible material (in the manner of the Membrane-sheathed Rail) provided the material is adequately flexible and effectively secured to the Core of the rail.
  • the tracking elements of the Sleeve are mounted upon the rail within the vacated Recesses forming the tracking Channels of the lower Core, so that the Sleeve is stabilised and secured within the established Recess-tracks.
  • tracking element of the Sleeve being an adjustable lateral Cam that enters, with adjustment, within the vacated pre-formed Recesses of the lower Core of the rail.
  • the tracking-Cam may also be applied to the Membrane-sheathed Rail, as the Cam forms an indentation within the covering flexible membrane material, indenting it to lie within the Recess.
  • the transverse Cams (the tracking Cams) are laterally adjustable and mounted on a pivoting mechanism so that the Cams, when they are engaged within the tracking Channel (within the Recess) are tilted so that they are orientated to be parallel to the linear profile of Rail.
  • This tilt capacity of the Cams is advantageous as, when the Sleeve is tilted (to apply contact pressure of the Sleeve-Crown to the rail-Crown), then:
  • the tracking capacity of the tracking Cam is improved with a traction Wheel that is mounted to the Cam, which Wheel is employed to assist the Sleeve in traversing the rail (especially when the rail is encapsulated).
  • the pivoted Sleeve-Crown makes the maximum secured contact with the rail-Crown (external face), thereby achieving the maximum combined friction and adhesion reaction between the two surfaces (so that the applied leverage does not fail and the Sleeve is locked onto the rail so that it can be used to fully support the action of the user).
  • the rotational Cams apply (responsive) pressure to the contact profiles within the Recesses.
  • the Sleeve mechanism When the Sleeve mechanism is mounted upon the rail, it functions as:
  • a direct Grip mechanism that the user can employ to directly facilitate their own enhanced grip upon the rail, by locking the Sleeve upon the rail in order to apply leverage upon the Sleeve for supportive and defensive mobility.
  • a direct Clutch mechanism which the user can employ by controlling the leverage applied by the Sleeve upon the rail (by reducing or adding “grip” upon the rail) so that the Sleeve is allowed to slide with “dutch-control” to traverse over/upon the rail (which use is supportive and may be employed, for example, when the user is lowering themselves in a stairway).
  • a system-apparatus that enables various modules to be mounted to the Sleeve, so that additional functions may be pursued by the user (with the Sleeve using the rail as a support mechanism and as a form of traversing and tracking guide).
  • the rail may function independently as a “modular Rail” whilst the rail and Sleeve may function jointly as a combined “modular system”.
  • the section of the unoccupied Rail i.e. the rail that is not occupied by the Sleeve
  • the section of the unoccupied Rail remains available to continue to be used by all parties in the form of a conventional Rail (hand rail) as:
  • the exposed Recesses within the lower Core continue to enable the applied hand of the user to grip the rail effectively, when the fingers of the user may enter the vacated Recess and thereby achieve a substantial grip.
  • the effect of the indented membrane (caused when the tracking Cam of the Sleeve is mounted upon the enveloped Rail) has a localised indentation, within the proximity of the Sleeve.
  • the Membrane-sheathed Rail may be gripped in the normal manner, by the user’s hand encapsulating the rail (or with the fingers selectively indenting into the Recesses of the rail).
  • the Rail may be solid (but this is not cost effective)
  • the preferred Rail is preferably hollow with improved internal bracing, with a design that maximises the body strength and the tracking Recess.
  • the Sleeve is reinforced with more substantive Posts, Bridges and tracking Cams (to enter the enlarged tracking Recess of the rail).
  • the tilt action can be gauged (and controlled) so that the Sleeve is used as Clutch (for forward or back movement along the rail).
  • the lever action can be also gauged (and controlled) so that the Sleeve is used as Clutch (for forward or back movement along the rail).
  • the position of the rail-Crown can be “tangibly felt’, through the encapsulating membrane, so that the rail can be suitably orientated to be installed effectively.
  • the end cap of the membrane covered Rail may be employed which is shaped so that it can only mount the rail in one position, thereby (when mounted) it provides an external view of the internal orientation of the Crown.
  • FIGS. 60-75D The invention will now be further described by way of example and with reference to the various drawings of FIGS. 60-75D.
  • FIG. 60 a cross section (front elevation) is shown of the Core (302), this being the solid body forming “the Chassis” of all forms of rail preparation, with or without Attachments: for which all are forms are referred to as “the rail” (301).
  • the solid Core can be employed “by itself’, without Attachments as the basic-Rail (also: 301).
  • the solid Core when employed as a Chassis with Attachments is referred to as the formed-Rail (or part-formed Rail, also: 301)
  • the solid Core (302) of FIG. 60 is preferably an extruded component (that is either a metal or thermoplastic extrusion), with a sustained uniform linear dimension and a sustained cross sectional dimensional profile.
  • the solid Core can function as

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Abstract

A user rail (102, 200, 301) comprising a core (202, 302) and flexible material (306, 307, 320) mounted to the core, the core comprising a domed crown (203, 302B) and a recess (204, 205, 304) to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the flexible material spans the recesses and is depressible into the recesses.

Description

HAND RAIL SYSTEM, LEVER-OPERATED SLEEVE MECHANISM, AND MODULAR HAND RAIL AND GRIP SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments relate to a hand rail system, a lever-operated sleeve mechanism, and to a modular hand rail and grip system.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Hand-held rails are known to be installed and used to provide guidance, assistance and safety for many categories of controlled and uncontrolled movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a user rail comprising a core and flexible material mounted to the core, the core comprising a domed crown and a recess to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the flexible material spans the recesses and is depressible into the recesses.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a user rail and a sleeve mechanism mounted to the user rail, the user rail comprising a core having a crown and a recess to each side of the crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the sleeve mechanism is shorter than the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism comprises a handle and is operable as a clutch upon the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism has tracking elements extending into the recesses.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a user rail and bracketry for supporting the user rail, the user rail comprising a core, the core comprising a domed crown and a recess to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core. In one embodiment, the bracketry is configured to support the user rail at a user-adjustable orientation relative to the bracketry, to enable user adjustment of orientation of the crown towards and/or away from a mounting plane of the bracketry. The mounting plane of the bracketry is substantially coplanar with a plane of the surface (e.g., wall) to which the bracketry is to be mounted. In another embodiment, the bracketry is configured to support the user rail at a fixed orientation, wherein in the fixed orientation the crown faces towards or away from the mounting plane of the bracketry. The variable and/or tilted orientation can provide benefits for users depending on their hand size and grip capability.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a user rail, bracketry for supporting the user rail, an elongate article, and a connection block, wherein the elongate article is curved and/or flexible relative to the user rail, and wherein the connection block is configured to connect the user rail to the elongate article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the various drawings attached:
FIG. 1A shows the standard Circular type of Rail (Mop-head design);
FIG. 1 B shows the standard Side-indented type of Rail (Mushroom design);
FIG. 1C shows the Sleeve’s Tube body (front elevation) in proportion to the cross-sectional profiles of the two standard rail types and the average “circular” regulated size specification of the standard hand rail;
FIG. 1 D shows the plan-view of the Tube body of the Sleeve;
FIG. 2 shows the Sleeve mechanism and elements (front elevation); FIG. 3 shows the Sleeve mechanism and elements (side elevation, perspective);
FIG. 4 shows the Sleeve lever module (Bar handle lever);
FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the tilt angle ((B) of the Core zone of the Sleeve;
FIG. 6 shows the Sleeve lever module (Post handle lever);
FIG.7 shows a Sleeve lever, mounted upon the standard hand rail, side perspective;
FIG. 8 shows the non-engaged Sleeve lever positioned upon a Rail (front elevation);
FIG. 9 shows the Sleeve lever tilted upon the rail, to engage with the rail;
FIG. 10 shows the Sleeve lever tilted onto the rail (front oblique perspective);
FIG. 11 shows the Sleeve lever tilted onto the rail (rear underside, perspective);
FIG. 12 shows the Sleeve lever (overview) engaged on the rail, with the Lever positioned in the lower girdle aperture, to be at 90° degrees to FIGS. 9-11;
FIG. 13 shows the inclined Rail, used for transfer purposes (e.g. to move from standing to seated position in a toilet environment);
FIG. 14 shows a stairway with user that is facing forward, employing a single Sleeve lever (not shown) for assistance upon one Rail (side perspective view);
FIG. 15 shows a stairway with user that is facing the wall, employing two Sleeve levers (not shown) upon one hand rail, with one hand leading and one following;
FIG. 16 shows a stairway with user facing the wall with two Sleeve levers employed (not shown) to ascend/descend the stairway (with the user pulling up or lowering down on the upper lever and bracing on the lower lever);
FIG. 17 shows a stairway with two Rails installed (with a 102 shaped profile Rail);
FIG. 18 shows a stairway with user leaning forward, preparing to pull on the locked Sleeve lever (The Sleeve levers are not shown, neither is the second wall, or Rail);
FIG. 19 shows the stairway with user raising their body up towards the locked Sleeve levers (Sleeve’s not shown, neither is the second wall, or Rail);
FIG. 20 shows the Sleeve lever with internal Shoe cams;
FIG. 21 shows the profile of the indented form of Rail (type 102);
FIG. 22. shows the Sleeve lever mounted upon the indented Rail;
FIG. 23 shows the Sleeve lever gripping the rail (with tilt in the Transverse plane);
FIG. 24 shows the comparative Sleeve levers (the Post handle and the Beam lever);
FIG. 25 shows a Sleeve lever module (with Beam lever and Post handle employed) mounted upon the indented Rail (in the free passage, non-engaged mode);
FIG. 26 shows the perspective plan-view of the Sleeve levers (Beam lever and Post handle) mounted on the rail, locked mode;
FIG. 27 shows the Harness (with Straps);
FIG. 28 shows the user with the Harness mounted to one Sleeve lever;
FIG. 29 shows the Harness connected to two Sleeve levers (mounted on one Rail);
FIG. 30 shows the Harness connected to two Sleeve levers mounted on two Rails;
FIG. 31 shows the stairway with user employing the Sleeve-beam with Bar handle module with the Harness attached (perspective view);
FIG. 32. shows the overview of the stairway, with the user employing the Sleeve-beam and Bar handle module with Harness in the locked position upon the rail;
FIG. 33 shows the user descending the stairway “forwards”; FIG. 34 shows the Harness /Straps in the collapsed user position (user not shown);
FIG. 35 shows the Sleeve beam and Bar handle being used for carriage;
FIG. 36 shows the elements of the Wall wheel;
FIG. 37 shows the Sleeve beam with Post handle that is mounted upon the rail with a Wall wheel (which is in position upon the Wall plate);
FIG. 38 shows a Rail end cap with wall return and wall mount;
FIG. 39 shows a Sleeve lever, mounting onto the rail end (that is wall mounted);
FIG. 40 shows the rail mounted on top of a vertical support (which is not wall mounted) which support is mounted onto a vertical Rail. In this installed form, with Rail end cap in position, the Sleeve may mount the installed Rail(s);
FIG. 41 Illustrates the cross section of the Universal Rail Unit (URU), which has various elements;
FIG. 42 Illustrates the longitudinal profile of the URU (and force vector directions);
FIG. 43 Illustrates the Cross Section of the URU in comparison to two reference Circles (of legislated dimension);
FIG. 44 Illustrates the acute angle of user hand-approach-alignment (climbing the stairs);
FIG. 45 Illustrates the acute angle of hand-approach-alignment of a wall mounted URU;
FIG. 464 Illustrates the URU orientation (with regard to user alignment);
FIG. 46B. Illustrates the URU, orientated to facilitate hand-approach alignment;
FIG. 47 Illustrates a cross section of the internal Core-insert;
FIG. 48 Illustrates the Core-insert mounted to form a compound URU (a C-URU);
FIG. 49 Illustrates the Core-insert employed to link to URUs linearly;
FIG. 50 Illustrates the mounting of a vertical URU upon a substrate;
FIG. 51 Illustrates the substrate mounted Core-insert with a URU enveloping;
FIG. 52 Illustrates the mounting of an end cap (blank) to the end of a C-URU;
FIG. 53A. Illustrates the separated vertical support elements of mounting bracket;
FIG. 53B. Illustrates the joined vertical support elements;
FIG. 54 Illustrates a wall mounting bracketry for a URU;
FIG. 55 Illustrates a double bracket to connect an overlying URU with a vertical URU;
FIG. 56 Illustrates a triple bracket (wall-mounted overlying URU and vertical URUs);
FIG. 57 Illustrates an URU end cap with wall mount;
FIG. 58 Illustrates a bend connection between two URUs;
FIG. 59A. Wall mounted single URU Hand rail within a stairway environment;
FIG. 59B. Two wall mounted URU Hand rails within a stairway environment;
FIG. 59C. URU-banister Hand rail, mounted upon URU Grab rails within a stairway environment;
FIG. 59D. Combination of FIGS. 59A and 59C within a stairway environment;
FIG. 59E. Wall mounted URU Hand rail with intermittent URU Grab rails within a stairway environment;
FIG. 59F. Combination of FIGS. 59C and 59E within a stairway environment;
FIG. 60 shows a cross section of the solid Core of the rail, the profile of which is formed to accommodate a number of inserts;
FIG. 61A shows the flexible attachments that may be affixed to the Core profile;
FIG. 61 B shows the formed-Rail with Inserts and Inlay affixed to the Core to create the “formed Rail”;
FIG. 62 shows the rail with the Inserts removed (and Inlay retained);
FIG. 63 shows the Sleeve (partly exploded);
FIG. 64A shows the tracking Cam; FIG. 64B shows the rail with the Sleeve mounted (no leverage applied) with the adjustable tracking Cam located within the Sleeve Recess (Channel);
FIG. 65 shows the rail with the Sleeve mounted (and with leverage applied);
FIG. 66 shows a modified Core-profile that is suitable for a membrane encapsulation (rather than for affixing of Inserts and Inlay, as FIG. 1);
FIG. 67A shows the encapsulating membrane (in non-extended tube format);
FIG. 67B shows the encapsulating Membrane that is mounted as a sheath upon the Core, to form the e-Rail;
FIG. 68 shows the encapsulating Membrane sheath that is indented within the e-Rail sub-membrane Recesses;
FIG. 69 shows a modified Sleeve version, that is not mounted upon a Rail;
FIG. 70A shows the modified version of a tracking-Cam (with internal Wheel);
FIG. 70B shows the Sleeve mounted upon the encapsulating membrane with the tracking-Cam indented into the membrane;
FIG. 71 shows a perspective view (from above) of the Sleeve mounted e-Rail;
FIG. 72 shows the Sleeve being levered. To lock upon the e-Rail;
FIGS. 73A, 73B, 73C, 73D, 73E: show the Beam and the various secured positions of the Beam (when mounted upon the Sleeve);
FIGS. 74A, 74B show a modified installation bracket;
FIGS. 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D show versions of the end caps that may be employed with either the formed Rail or the e-Rail;
FIG. 76A illustrates a wall plate;
FIG. 76B illustrates a bracket mounted to a wall plate;
FIG. 77 illustrates a bracket mounted to a wall plate and to a wall;
FIG. 78A illustrates a reinforced rail;
FIG. 78B illustrates a reinforced rail butting to a newel post;
FIG. 79 illustrates how two rails can be mounted to a newel post;
FIG. 80A illustrates a frontal perspective view of a bracket;
FIG. 80B illustrates an underside perspective view of a bracket;
FIG. 80C illustrates a bracket connected to an end of a rail;
FIGS. 80D-80E illustrate a user rail with a continuity adapter;
FIG. 81A illustrates an interior perspective view of an end cap with a wall link;
FIG. 81 B illustrates an exterior perspective view of an end cap with a wall link;
FIG. 81 C illustrates a grab rail comprising two of the end caps of FIGS. 81A-81 B;
FIG. 82 illustrates a user rail, a membrane sheath, and a clip strip; and
FIG. 83 schematically illustrates different vertical post rail orientations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1-40 relate to a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism that is mounted upon a rail structure to function as a modular mobilityaid that enables various improved defensive (safety), and assistive usages.
The present invention of FIGS. 1-40 relates to a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism, the principle of which can be mounted upon a rail-type of structure (that is of a continuous longitudinal form, with a consistently sustained profile) for the purpose of “gripping the rail” through a mechanical lever action that applies peripheral force to the enveloped rail. The immediate application is that of a mobility-aid that provides both defensive and assistive support when mounted upon a standard hand rail of regulated dimensions, which may be installed in multiple locations (with accompanying standard and supports/bracketry).
The Background is now described. There are an increasing number of domestic injuries from “falls”, especially amongst the elderly or disabled, which falls are often within a stairway.
This growth in “falls” is also a function of the increase in the ageing population (many of whom have various disabilities that arise through the ageing process).
As the stairway is factually, the most dangerous domestic location for accidents and falls (statistically being second only to road accidents) this location is regarded by many parties as the primary location that requires mobility assistance. The increasing concerns over “mobility-assistance and safety” have led to various measures of support, assistance and security to be provided to negotiate stairways (with walkways and other locations of “transfer movement’ also being addressed).
The main stairway measures implemented are summarised, as:
Measure A: The installation of “purpose-made” (bespoke) apparatus:
A frequent bespoke installation type is that of a chair-lift that is positioned within the stairway (mounted upon the side-wall), or an alternative apparatus may be installed in lieu of the stairway (e.g. an escalator or elevator).
There are various issues regarding such bespoke stairway installations, where:
A.1. Such installation (normally) includes a complex apparatus (requiring specific tolerances and engineering preparation), which requirements often create a complicated, disruptive and expensive installation.
A.2. For some bespoke installations, it is impossible (or difficult) for the complex apparatus to be positioned (installed) around corners, curves and angles, which may complicate their installation in a stairway.
A.3. The bespoke installation provides “in-situ” assistance (within the installed location only), limiting the geographic mobility of the user.
A.4. As the bespoke installations are often fully electromechanical, they provide no muscular exercise for the user (in comparison to the exercise which is provided through the physical actions of climbing/descending stairs)
A.5. Such electromechanical installations usually require substantial maintenance and are also subject to power disruption (especially when driven by the electric mains supply).
Measure B: The installation of a bespoke hand rail (system).
A bespoke hand rail system that replaces the standard hand rail may be installed that also functions as a heavy-duty wall mounted “rail-track” for either a unique electromechanical or mechanical mobility-aid apparatus.
- Such installation has some advantages over a standard-type of hand rail.
- These installations have issues that are similar to the observations made of for Measure “A” above (re: “A1 , A2, A3” and possibly A4 and A5).
Measure C: The installation of “standard-type” hand rails:
For standard reference, the forces applied to a rail are described in relation to the planes of movement of the human body, which are the three planes described as:
- Sagittal (with body movement in the vertical, forward rotation plane). - Coronal (with body movement in the vertical sidewards rotation plane).
- Horizontal (with transverse body movement in the horizontal rotation plane).
Commercially available “hand rails” (complying with regulated size, performance and installation) may be readily installed by a competent party at various locations within a building (duly accommodating most corners and curves) and, when fitted, the hand rail provides the user with both assistive and defensive support (also, with muscular exercise). However, not all hand rails provide a full hand-grip (i.e. with full or majority hand encirclement around the rail). Such hand rail with full encirclement is termed (in this presentation) a “standard hand rail”. The two popular standard hand rails in the “market-place” are the round rail-profile and the mushroom-rail profile which meet the minimum regulated requirements. However:
C.1 . The individual standard hand rail (installed on one-side of stairway). The standard hand rail (the rail) may be difficult for the user of any capacity (able or less able) to firmly grasp/purchase with a firm hand-hold, to achieve an optimal “power-zone” of approach to the rail and engage with the optimal “power-grip”.
The power-grip results from the combined positional ergonomics and applied biomechanics of their coordinated application within the power-zone formed of the user’s arm-wrist-hand upon the rail to effect a “power-alignment’, where: a. The design/diameter (or perimeter profile) of the rail may restrict or limit its biomechanical use, preventing the user from firmly gripping the rail. b. The rail position/orientation is installed “in-line” with the mid-body of the “average user”, so the rail has a spatial orientation and ergonomic dictate (according to the supporting structure). For example, when the rail is inclined, it is installed with a “pitch” that ranges from between an angle of 0° (horizontal walkway) to 42° (in a stairway). The rail may also have an elevation or depression (from 0-90 degrees) when installed in a bathroom, toilet or bedroom (or other location). Such range of inclination geometries may hinder the alignment of the user’s arm-wrist- hand with the rail, and restrict an effective power-alignment.
The ideal angle(s) of grip and alignment is when the users’ hand forms a grip that is within their radial Coronal-plane, with the arm-wrist-hand combination within the power-zone formed within their “Sagittal plane” (at right-angles to the Coronal plane and, preferably, rail alignment) in order to maximise their power-alignment.
The various rail orientations that are outside of this “ideal angle”, when combined with the necessary extended hand orientation of the user (which may be elevated “up” or depressed “down” and extended laterally), will reduce the efficiency of the user’s power-alignment and subsequent grip-force upon the rail.
This consideration must be factored by the user, in order for them to effectively (and safely) apply force/purchase to the rail with:
- The development of the optimal ergonomic power-zone positioning of arm-wrist-hand to achieve an effective power-alignment is required for the user:
- To develop the optimal biomechanical hand-grip upon/around the rail to achieve the maximum power-grip and purchase,
- To “pull” (with arm-curl type of power development) or
- To “thrust” (with arm-extension type of power development). - The development of the “purchase” required, is a deliberate consideration to ensure that the hand does not slide (lose purchase) upon the rail.
If the resultant force(s) applied to the rail are not correctly applied (and the grip and purchase upon the rail fails) then this can be very dangerous for the user.
C.2. The use of two standard “hand rails”, when two standard Rails are installed in a stairway/walkway (with appropriate space and suitable rail-support structures).
The two installed hand rails provide balance control and leverage capacity, which provides an improved degree of self-control and self-support.
However, they do not (generally) provide additional grip-capability, neither do they provide improved stability-support (in the case of “loss of balance”) or additional security-support (in case of an actual fall or collapse). The installation of two hand rails in the same stairway has the advantage of either rail being employed individually by the user (with considerations similar to C1).
However, when both rails are employed simultaneously there are the problems of: a. The “spread-eagle” position of the user’s arms (reaching for two rails) reduces the biomechanical efficiency (for grip and purchase) upon either hand rail, as: The user is attempting to grasp both “offset rails” (with increased separation angle and poor power-alignment) to effect a lever action, for which the combined ergonomic angles create a biomechanically inefficient position. b. The issue of risk is increased in the case of a loss of balance or fall, as: The spread-eagled user of both rails is “exposed”, being in the centre of the stairway or walkway, where there is little chance for them to fully grasp either rail to prevent themselves from falling.
D. Transfer hand rails. The standard hand rails are also used for user self-mobility (i.e. self-assistance and self-support) when moving or transferring their bodyweight within various locations, such as a bed-chair or toilet-bathroom environments, especially when transferring from one item/location to another (e.g. from a bed to a toilet). Given the variety of positions that the user may take in preparing to make such movement, then the applied grip (purchase) and power-alignment required to employ the various installed (fixed-position) hand rail(s) may have similar issues to those of “C1 and C2” of above.
To address all of the various issues described (within A-D above), most issues can be approached through the provision of an improved hand rail usage facility.
Thus, irrespective of “age, gender, physique and possible infirmity” and with especial regard to the elderly, disabled or less able user of a “hand rail” (who may have a reduced “power-capacity”) the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism presented herein provides:
- Defensive usage (for safety) which, when employing a hand rail, is essential.
- Assistive ergonomic and biomechanical advantages that may be applied to a hand rail to obtain improved “power capacity”, which is beneficial. The Lever operated Sleeve mechanism invention provides such defensive and assistive advantageous applications of safety, security, mobility and load-carriage. When mounted upon any standard hand rail (especially in a stairway), the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism can freely traverse the hand rail in order for it to be selectively engaged through a lever-action, to firmly grip (lock) upon the hand rail.
- The selective manner of the Sleeve component to: “grip and lock” the rail (or to “clutch and brake” the rail), enables pursuant usages for the user, where:
- The applied lever-force enables the Sleeve mechanism to:
- grip and firmly Lock the internal element of the Sleeve with the external element of the hand rail in order for the user to derive an assistive support by pulling or pushing against the locked Lever.
- adjust the Sleeve mechanism (using more or less leverage), so that it is not fully locked, when it is used as a Clutch-brake, so that the Sleeve is enabled to traverse over the rail at a controlled rate.
- The Sleeve mechanism may be employed defensively, when the lever may be responsively applied by the user (if imbalance occurs) in order to urgently lock the lever upon the rail and enable the user to stabilise themselves.
- If the user has problems of stability (or has disabilities) and is insecure in negotiating a stairway then a modular Harness may be employed, so that:
-If the user loses balance (and falls), the Harness (attached to the Lever of the Sleeve mechanism) automatically engages the Sleeve with the hand rail, gripping the rail in a defensive “Lock”, preventing the user from falling.
- The Harness can also contribute to the mobility assistance provided by the Lock or Clutch-brake capacity of the Sleeve mechanism and Lever.
- If the user has problems of stairway carriage, the modular Sleeve mechanism (with an appropriate Lever) may be employed for the safe carriage of items.
The Lever operated Sleeve mechanism(s) may be used as a single or twin mounted mobility system, with one or two Sleeves attached upon a single hand rail or two Sleeves mounted upon two hand rails.
It is noteworthy that, given the multiple geographical locations of standard hand rail installations, the “universal attachment capacity” of the Sleeve enables the user of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism to have a wide range of geographic mobility, with greater independence (and consistent exercise).
Thus, the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism of this invention is a modular mobility-aid that can be tailored to improve the purpose of rail-use when mounted upon a “standard hand rail” (of standard dimensions and installation specifications) that is located within a stairway, walkway or other suitable location.
Accordingly, for the invention to be of optimal application, it is required to comply (coordinate) with the specifications of the “standard-type hand rail”, which are reviewed herewith within the context of British government legislation (and other guidance sources) so that such standard type hand rail may be used by the Sleeve mechanism to provide improved assistance, stability, safety and security. The standard type “hand rail: This is a firm rail of suitable material nature and profile dimension that is installed by a suitably competent party when it is either wall mounted, upon appropriate supports, or firmly positioned in an elevated location by a suitable supporting structure so that, in either case, the rail is securely positioned at the regulated height (and angle/pitch).
The (current) regulations relating to a standard hand rail are specified as:
- A rail that complies with the regulated dimension(s).
- British legislation states that a hand rail must have an outside diameter of 32-51 mm, or a non-circular perimeter of 102-159 mm.
- A rail of an installed angle (pitch) that rises from: 0°(as per a horizontal, level walkway) to an inclined walkway, to a stairway of up to 42° pitch (max).
- Legislation states that the maximum residential stairway pitch is 42° (note that semi-public stairs have a maximum pitch of 38° and public stairs have a maximum pitch of 33°).
- A side-wall hand rail installation which is tailored to the height of the user.
- (with a regulated height of 900 to 1000 millimetres above the stair tread nose).
- A side-wall rail with 50mm minimum clearance between the rail and the wall and 50mm between the rail and the underlying supporting structure.
- British legislation (Building Regulations) is not specific about residential installations, but this is the dimension described in the Consultation K document.
- A hand rail with adequate mounting support that can withstand a reasonable force applied at any point (in a downward or horizontal direction).
- To achieve such capacity, the supports are required to be positioned near both the start and end locations of the rail (and suggested to be at a maximum of 1m intervening distances).
- When installed, the hand rail should not overly dip or flex between the supports (when a reasonable force is applied). The interpretation/advice from guidelines within both Britain and USA is that the hand rail should not dip (flex) more than 75mm (Vector direction) when a 91 kg force is applied between the suitably spaced supports.
- A stairway hand rail may purposefully aid a walker by commencing at or near the first riser and then extend beyond the top riser.
- A hand rail requires to present a haptic surface to the user, preferably with a smooth, uninterrupted upper surface (the “Crown” of the rail).
- A wide stairway or walkway may provide assistance with two rails installed on opposite sides of the stairway or walkway (where relevant and physically possible), so that the hand rails may be employed singly or concurrently.
- British legislation requires two hand rails to be employed within a stairway (when it is more than 1m wide).
- Rails which, as aids for general mobility assistance, must be terminated in a safe manner (so they cannot be caught on loose robes, for example), having a “return coupling” to the wall (or an “end pole” mounting). All of which terminations must continue to provide suitable “grip” for the user.
The preceding summary describes the general parameters of an installed standard-type hand rail (henceforth, “the rail”). It is presented as a “parameter guide” for the design requirements of the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve).
The invention provides for various Sleeve lever modules to be employed as different forms of mobility-aids to assist the user in improving their various controlled movement(s) when employing such a standard hand rail (the rail). Thus, the invention, the Lever operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve), includes various separable components and elements that form the various modules, being:
1. A Sleeve component, that mounts upon the rail. The Sleeve supports the additional elements to form the various modules of use.
2. Various Lever attachments for the Sleeve (forming Sleeve lever modules), with different applications and purposes of use.
3. A Harness-module (with Straps), that is attached to the Sleeve lever(s), with various “Strap configurations” for assistive and defensive support.
4. A Cargo-module that is mounted upon an extended Lever-bar (for light loads). The Cargo-module may also employ a Wall wheel, to carry a substantial “load” upon the rail (by transferring the load-forces to the wall through an optional/auxiliary Wall plate).
For convenient presentation, the Sleeve component (and the associated modular elements that are to be attached to the Sleeve), will be briefly introduced herewith:
The Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve): The Sleeve, when mounted upon the rail, “engages” by applied leverage to distribute a combination of physical forces through the Sleeve, causing it to Grip (or Lock) the encircled Rail through the forces of adhesion and friction, through:
- the mechanical interlocking (point-adhesion) of the Sleeve with the rail
- the maximised frictional “interface area of contact’ of the inner Sleeve-face with the outer Rail-face.
The Rail-Crown is usually a smooth haptic surface, so the Sleeve-Rail interface requires the optimal combination of adhesive and frictional grip factors to be applied by the Sleeve to the rail (without damaging the rail).
Accordingly, to reinforce the frictional capacity of the Sleeve, the internal Sleeve-face may be pre-prepared with an appropriate frictional surface covering (such as a lamina-film or veneer with a high coefficient of friction).
Various methods of applied-force are thus employed, either as: i. Lever forces, which are rigidly applied, as point adhesion and surface friction forces, to engage the Sleeve with the rail in a Locked position. ii. Lever forces, which are selectively applied to enable the frictional forces of the Sleeve to function as a Clutch-brake, enabling the Sleeve to traverse the rail at a controlled speed (under variable lever-loading)
Hi. Lever forces are applied automatically (when the Harness is worn by a user who is “falling”), through the attached Harness causing the Sleeve lever to tilt and engage in a locked-form with the rail.
The Sleeve lever modules: The Sleeve is physically engaged with the rail through the action of selectively attached Lever(s).
All Sleeve lever modules provide improved biomechanical grip application for the user, so that improved (combined) ergonomic and biomechanical leverage is applied (through the Sleeve) upon the rail, by: a. The Sleeve handles (being modules that employ small Levers).
- Two forms of Sleeve handle module are primarily employed with the Sleeve The Bar handle module and The Post handle module.
- The Sleeve handles may be modified for the hand format of a disabled user. b. The Sleeve beam module (being a module that employs a longer Lever).
- A longer Lever, the Beam lever, forms the Sleeve beam module, which is employed with improved ergonomic and biomechanical effect to provide:
- A greater leverage/torque upon the Sleeve (to be delivered to the rail).
- A more ergonomic two-hand format.
- An improved geometric configuration for the attached Harness/Straps.
The Beam lever may be used:
- In isolation, with the Sleeve (as the only Lever employed)
- In conjunction with one of the other smaller Sleeve levers.
The variety of Sleeve lever types (and optional mounting positions) enables the user to choose the appropriate Sleeve lever module(s) that achieves their optimised hand-position(s) and grip-type(s) in order to exert the required leverage upon the Sleeve and apply enhanced force(s) upon the rail, by:
- Gripping and-or Locking the Sleeve to the rail securely.
- Gripping the rail partially (to engage the rail as a frictional “Clutch-brake” (so that the Sleeve traverses the rail with a controlled action and speed).
The Sleeve lever(s) may be ergonomically positioned radially, at various coplanar Coronal orientations in front of the user (being rotated within the Coronal Plane) when it is suitably applied (and “gripped” upon the rail) by the user.
Alternatively, the Sleeve mechanism may be adjusted (internally) so that it remains in a fixed position upon the rail, when it cannot rotate in the Coronal plane.
The Assistive and Safety module (with Harness and Straps): A Harness (worn by the user) can be mounted to one or two Sleeve lever modules, being connected by Harness-Straps which are attached to the Lever(s) of the Sleeve to provide assistive and supportive usage as well as safety and security.
There are various connecting positions upon the Harness that enable the Strap(s) to form a number of connecting configurations with the Sleeve levers.
The Harness provides:
- Defensive use, when the Harness acts a Sling (to break the fall of the user, in the case of loss of balance).
- Assistive use, which is achieved by the user employing the Harness to transfer their Centre of Mass (CoM) to assist their movement on a stairway.
The Cargo-module: The Cargo-module is formed when the Sleeve beam module supports the carriage of light loads along the rail for which the Sleeve requires to be fixed in the Coronal plane (so that it does not vertically rotate in that plane) when: - Light-weight items are directly mounted upon the Sleeve beam and securely moved along the rail.
For the carriage of heavier Cargo items along the rail:
- Additional carriage support is provided to the Sleeve beam module through a Wall wheel attachment (that distributes the weight of the Cargo between the rail and the adjacent wall). A Wall plate may also be employed in order to stabilise the cargo/load and distribute the load-weight upon the wall.
The Harness may still be employed with the Sleeve beam module that is carrying light or heavy Cargo, as both an assistive- aid and as a safety-device for the user.
Such range of usage of the Sleeve (with Levers, Harness and Wall wheel) forms a modular system that improves rail-usage, which the user can selectively employ, with standard hand rails that are located in a stairway, walkway or other location of mobility-aid requirement to improve personal mobility related functions.
With regard to the standard hand rail (“the rail”) that the Sleeve mechanism (the “Sleeve”) is to be mounted upon: The installed Rail that is to be employed with the Sleeve is that which complies with the aforementioned specifications, with the additional consideration(s) that:
- The optimum Rail (for maximised grip) is either the popular circular rail that has a Mop-head design or the slightly less popular Mushroom type-design.
- Whilst many hand-formats may be applied to the rail, the power-grip is the optimum grip for purchase and leverage of the hand upon the rail.
- The circular form of Mop-head hand rail is known (proven) to provide the optimum power-grip for a hand that fully encircles the rail).
- The Mushroom-type design of Rail, with a semi-oval profile cannot (normally) be fully encircled by the hand, but continues to provide a strong palm-grip or pinch-grip (but not as effective as the power-grip)
- The dimensions of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism of the invention are such that the Sleeve can be applied to both the circular (Mop-head) and indented (Mushroom) rail profiles (as these profiles remain within the dimensions specified by the Building Regulations of Britain).
In addition to the standard hand rail (above, which is generally “smooth”), a proprietary standard hand rail may be employed, this being a Mushroom-type Rail with an external form that includes “nodular protrusions”, which are positioned on the underside of the rail, to assist with the adhesion of the Sleeve to the rail.
The invention of FIGS. 1-40 will now be described by way of example and with reference to the various drawings of FIGS. 1- 40.
Thus, the following description, a Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism (the Sleeve), is presented as a summary of a modular component which, when mounted upon a “standard hand rail” (the rail), enables assistive, defensive and other uses to be pursued advantageously by the user, who has several basic modules (options) of use, that are illustrated within the following drawings, re:
- The Sleeve lever (options): - The Bar handle Lever.
- The Post handle Lever.
- The Beam Lever.
- The Sleeve lever with internal Cams installed.
- The Sleeve lever with multiple Levers.
- The Sleeve lever with lever(s) and Harness.
- The Sleeve lever with Cargo Capacity.
- The Sleeve lever mounting(s) upon the rail.
All modules involve varying assemblages, with different user applications.
Whilst there are a number of different designs of hand rail available, all of the various modules can mount the common types of standard hand rail profile.
Two of the most common Rails are shown in FIG. 1 (front elevations), where:
- FIG. 1A shows the circular Mop-head design of Rail (101)
- This Rail is usually a solid item (often formed from a timber material).
- FIG. 1 B shows the side-indented Mushroom design of Rail (102).
- The Rail is often formed (shaped/moulded) from timber.
Both Rails (101, 102) may also be extrusion moulded (or fabricated from metal), being required to remain within the “regulated hand rail dimension” range from 32-51mm (diameter) or 102-159 mm (perimeter) and be of a suitable strength capacity.
The average regulated diameter (103) is presented (as a reference proportion guide) within FIG. 1 C, shown positioned within the Tube body element (03) of the Sleeve.
With regard to FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 1C: These FIGS, show the inter-relationship between the hand rail types of Rails 101 and 102, with regard to their proportional dimensions within the larger (encompassing) Tube body (03) of the Sleeve.
The Tube body (03) of FIGS. 1C (front elevation) and 1 D (plan) is also shown in proportional comparison with the standard regulated circle (103), which is seen to be accommodated within the Tube body element of the Sleeve component.
The design (and dimensions) of the Tube body are fundamental, as the Tube body is the gripping element of the Sleeve component.
FIGS. 1C and 1 D show the Tube body (03) as a tapered tube-cone that is symmetrical about its centre. Within FIGS. 1C (endview) and 1 D (side-view) the details of the Tube body are shown to be composed of: 03. the Tube body.
03A. the tubular Core zone of the T ube body.
03B. the complete Slit on the underside of the Tube body.
03C. the partial Slits on the tapering Conical section of the Tube body. 03D. the Wings (facilitated by the Slits within the outer Conical section).
03E. the junction with the inner Tube Core zone and the outer Conical zone (The T-C Junction).
03F. the pivot “circle-line”.
From FIGS. 2 and 3, the Sleeve component (01) is shown to be composed of two elements, the encompassing Girdle (02) and the Tube body (03)
- The Girdle (02) is of a suitable material type and dimension so that it is rigid (and does not flex) when lever-force is applied upon it by the user.
- The encompassing Girdle dimensions are those of:
-The diameter: with the (near) same internal diameter (i/d) as the outside diameter (o/d) of the Core zone 03A of the Tube body (03).
- The thickness of 02, which is such that it is inflexible.
- The width, which is minimised (in order to provide a pivotal capacity).
- The Girdle provides a number of mount positions:
- (02A) for mounting of various Lever types at three locations (nominal).
- (02B) for mounting the adjustable internal Cams that are positioned (inserted) through the Sleeve (being adjusted from the outside).
- The Girdle also has a gap (Slit) on the underside (02C)
- The Girdle-Slit is to enable the Girdle element of the Sleeve to traverse the rail supports.
- The Conical-tubular body (Tube body 03), is shown (FIGS. 1C, 1 D, 2 and 3) to be symmetrically conical about its tubular centre (the Core zone, 03A).
- The Tube body Core zone (03A) is rigidly joined to the Girdle (02), with the Core zone (03A) directly interfacing with the inner Girdle where:
- The Core zone is cylindrical (tubular) and forms the mounting interface of the Tube body with the Girdle (with the Core zone having the near-same o/d dimension as the i/d of the Girdle).
- The Core zone (03A) is slightly wider than the Girdle width (02).
- The Tube body diameter increases outwardly to form a cone: with the Tube-Cone junction (termed the T- C junction, 03E), where:
- The Tube body is symmetrical about the Core zone, with features: i. An underside Slit (03B) (within the entire lowerTube body, which Slit-gap is the same width as the Girdle Slit-gap (02C), so that the two elements may both traverse the rail supports. ii. Smaller Recess-slits (03C), are located in the outer Tube body (commencing at the periphery and extending inwards, towards the T-C junction with the Core zone). The multiple Recess-Slits are typically located upon the periphery, with cardinal locations (N, E, W).
Hi. The Recess-slits (with the underside Slit) form flared “Wings” (03D) within the outer conical section of the Tube body.
- The thickness of the Tube body is required to be such that:
- The Core zone, bounded by the two T-C junctions, remains rigid. - The Wings have slight flexure (facilitated by the Slits, 03C). Such flexure purposefully maximises the engaged surface (interface) contact of the Wings (03D) with the enveloped Rail.
- The inner face of the Tube body, especially the inner face of the Wings, is coated (or treated) with a material that has a high coefficient of friction which forms a surface to maximise the adhesive and frictional capacity of the interface formed with the enveloped Rail.
The internal diameter (i/d) of the Core zone of the Tube body element is wider than the outside diameter (o/d) of the standard Rail to be mounted.
The design and proportionality of the Sleeve component (01) is such it may be formed/manufactured to be of any dimension that is compatible with any rail profile so that, in alternative embodiments, there may be variations with: a. The i/d of the Tube body of the Sleeve that is formed is such that it is proportionally greater than the rail to be encircled. b. The conical Tube body may be formed without Slits (to create the Wings) through a stamping, moulding or alternative profiling process.
(However, the presence of Wings provides the advantageous flexure capacity of the Tube body, that increases surface contact within the conical-tube section).
In summary, the Sleeve component (01) is formed from the two elements of the Girdle (02) and the Tube body (03) which are both rigidly joined together (preferably by a permanent welding process) to form the “Sleeve”, with such join being either permanent, or requiring workshop separation.
When the Sleeve component (01) is formed, then:
- The Girdle element (02) is inflexible and required to host elements that are attached by screw fixture or similar at the prepared locations 02A, 02B. Thus the Girdle is preferred to be a metal element, of a suitable thickness, diameter and width dimension.
- The Tubular-body element (03) is required to be inflexible (within the Core zone, 03A), but is enabled (through the provision of the various Slits, 03B) to accommodate slight flexure of the Wings (03D).
As the conical Tube body (03) is required to have the properties described, it is preferred to be a metal element that is of a suitable thickness, diameter and conical-tube length.
In an alternative embodiment of the Sleeve; the Girdle and Tube body elements may be formed from a single machined or moulded material (or composite combination) that is of adequate strength and performance.
Whichever formation process is adopted to produce the Sleeve, it is also required to be non-degradable and hygienic.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective drawing of the Sleeve lever with a Bar handle type of lever (04A) mounted to the Sleeve (01), which is attached to the Girdle (02) at the two side-positioned mounting points of (02A).
- The Bar handle lever (04A) is mounted to the Girdle using the prepared apertures (04A2) to join the two side-struts (04A1) rigidly to the Girdle.
- The Bar handle (04A), has a bar element (04A3) for the hand-grip which is: - Of a diameter and surface format that may be efficiently gripped. (The bar, 04A3, is interchangeable so that it may be modified to accommodate the hand of a person with disability).
- Positioned in the radial Coronal plane (with orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail to be enveloped). This radial orientation of the bar enables the user to form an improved ergonomic position and enhanced “power-grip”.
- Positioned at an elevated distance from the Girdle, so that the Girdle can receive a substantial applied lever-force (from leverage of the handle).
- Note the Bar handle has two attachment eyes, (07C), one per strut (04A1), for the attachment of a modular Harness (discussed later),
FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the mid-section (Core zone, 03A) of the Tube body that is positioned enveloping a standard- Rail (101 type).
- The Core zone (03A) has an internal diameter that is larger than the external diameter of the rail (101).
- The location P is an “imaginary pivot-point’, centred upon the pivot centre-line (03F) of the Core zone (03A) and the midcentre of the rail (101 A).
- The Core zone can be pivoted at P (pivoting from P1 to P2), rotating about the centre-line (101 A) of the rail with the angle of pivot (tilt) shown to be “ ”, which created (tilted) angle dimension depends upon:
- The difference in diameters between the rail and the Tube body.
- The length of:
- The distance from the centre-line (03F) of the Core zone (03A) to the Tube-Cone (T-C) junction (03E)
- The degree of flexure of the Wings (03D) which are required to flex, so that the T-C junction is depressed to engage with the rail.
In practice, the Tube body is pivoted (tilted) in two sequential stages so that:
- The outer (end location) of the Wings (03D) contact the rail (101), then:
- The Wings flex, enabling the tilt action to continue, with progressive interface area (surface contact) being made until the rigid T-C junction is reached.
Thus, the Tube body lever-tilt action creates an interface of the Sleeve with the body of the enveloped Rail with a contact that is both frictional and adhesive.
The Sleeve (01), with a selection of attachable Levers (all of which provide various biomechanical advantages) forms the basis of the Sleeve lever modules that are enabled to apply a selected range of forces upon the enveloped Rail, so that the rail may be employed more effectively by the user.
FIG. 6 illustrates the Sleeve lever module, with Post handle (04B), which is rigidly mounted to the Girdle (02).
- The Post handle (04B) is mounted to the Girdle (02) using any of the pre-prepared screw apertures (02A).
- This illustration shows the Post handle employing the 02A aperture located at the Crown of the Girdle.
- The Post handle may be selectively positioned in any of the 02A apertures, so that it can be more effectively gripped by the user.
- The Post handle may be positioned in the radial Coronal plane (as per the Bar handle) and then efficiently gripped. - The Post handle also has an attachment, Eye (07C) for a Harness/Strap.
FIG. 7 shows a Sleeve lever module loosely positioned on the rail (101).
- Either Levers (Bar handle 04A of FIG. 4 or the Post handle 04B of FIG. 6) may be employed with the Sleeve in this format.
- Both Levers provide an improved “grip”, as the user is able to achieve the hand-format of a “power-grip” around either the post or bar elements (and apply such levered power-grip with more biomechanical efficiency).
The Sleeve levers can also be pre-orientated radially upon the rail (within the Coronal plane of the user) to provide a n optimal ergonomic position of hand-hold.
FIG.8 shows the non-handed Sleeve lever with Post handle (04B) freely enveloping the wall mounted Rail (101).
- The Sleeve (01) can traverse the longitudinal Rail length, with the underside-Slits (03B) enabling passage across the wall mounting-supports (09A)
FIG. 9 shows a Sleeve with Post handle in tilted side-perspective that is levered in the user’s Sagittal plane to engage the Sleeve with the rail with the upper Winged-zone A-B and lower Winged-zone C-D. contacting the rail.
- The height of the grip-position of the user’s hand directly affects the amount of leverage. Accordingly the Post handle (04B) is of a suitable height to achieve beneficial leverage (as is the Bar handle of FIG. 4, also a suitable height).
The two zones of principal contact (friction and adhesive) that the pivoting (levered) Tube body (03) makes with the enveloped Rail (101) are: a. The upper zone of the Tube body (A-B) forms mechanical contact when: i. Inter-surface friction is enhanced through the expanded surface contact (formed by the curvi-planar interface contact) being made by the upper Wings interfacing with the external body of the rail (101) ii. Surface indentation is formed by the rigid T-C junction (A) creating an adhesion by the mechanical interlocking of the Core-tube and the rail. b. The lower zone of the Tube body (C-D) forms a mechanical contact with the rail, which has a similar contact dynamic to the above except that there is the presence of the under-side Slit (03B), causing i. A reduced area of applied “Wing friction” (C-D) ii. A reduced adhesion “circle” of T-C contact (D).
Hi. A reduced underside strength due to Girdle and Core Slits (02C, 03C).
The combination (option) of the various Lever forms (and the selection of their mounted positions upon the Girdle) provides several modes of Lever operation, so that the user may grip (and Lock or Clutch) the enveloped Rail in various preferential orientations and manners.
FIG. 10 shows a frontal perspective view of the Sleeve lever that is tilted, engaging the top A-B Winged zone with the hand rail (101). Note the maximised surface contact provided by the flexed Wing (03D) that has been formed within the conical section of the Tube body (03) FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the Sleeve lever (04B) with the engaged underside of the Winged zone (C-D) and T- C contact (D) with the rail (101). Note that in this lever orientation, it can be seen that the underside Slit (03B), which is opposite the levering Post handle (04B), has a reduced material content (Tube body and Girdle) so that a complete T-C junction is not formed (D). The forces in this zone are reduced but remain adequate for the Wings and T-C zone to form substantial contact forces to adhere to the surface of the rail.
Alternatively, the levering Post handle (04B) may be mounted in a different Girdle aperture location (02A, FIG. 12) so that the 04B Lever is used in a different orientational manner, whereby the opposing T-C engagement forces are balanced.
FIG. 12 shows an oblique overhead view of the Locked Sleeve lever with the Post handle (04B) mounted in a different location upon the Girdle so that the new position of the Post handle (repositioned radially, by ninety degrees in the Coronal plane) applies leverage in the Transverse plane to the user.
In this format, the Sleeve is engaged with the rail with equal lateral pressure applied to the two sides (to the left and right side) as the underside Slit (03B) remains beneath the rail, with equal Wing and T-C contacts being formed (in a similar manner as previously illustrated/described in FIGS. 9,10 and 11).
FIG. 12A shows the rail installed in an inclined mode (in a toilet environment), where the mounted Sleeve can be employed by the user to transfer their position by progressively lowering (or raising) themselves from a standing to seated position.
For example, with the user “self-lowering”, using a Clutch-brake action, when:
- The user positions the Sleeve at an upper location (X) upon the rail and then lowers themselves (their Centre of Mass, CoM) from a standing position (leaning forward) to a seated position (Y). During this sequence the Sleeve is used as a “Clutchbrake”, to slide (under braking constraint provided by variable Sleeve lever force application), enabling the Sleeve to slide along the rail at a controlled pace of descent, relevant for the user.
- The same progressive sliding technique (slightly modified) can be used in reverse, with the user resuming a standing position “in stages”.
FIG. 14 shows the stairway with a user extending one hand to grip the rail.
- Note the angle formed ( ) between the extended arm and inclined Rail. This reduced angle provides poor power-alignment (and poor power-grip). Similarly, there is a poor lateral alignment (with the rail offset to the side of the user).
- The use of a Sleeve lever in this situation provides:
- An improved ergonomic arm-wrist-hand power-zone that creates an improved power-alignmentfor the applied force of the user.
- An improved biomechanical power-grip on the Lever with maximised (controlled) force upon the rail.
In partial summary: re FIGS. 8-14: These FIGS. (9-14) illustrate some of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism modules, with various lever options (04 types) being mounted to a standard-Rail (101, 102 Rails) that may be installed horizontally, inclined or vertically (in a stairway, walkway or transit location), when the Sleeve is then mounted upon the rail and employed to grip (lock or clutch) the rail, to provide the user with the optimal assistive and defensive usage capacity. As noted, the typical hand rail installation in a stairway does not provide an effective biomechanical extended hand-purchase configuration. The angle of Rail inclination also reduces the user’s power efficiency, as demonstrated in FIG. 14, (as the rail is orientated “in-line” with the user and rising at 40 degrees).
- This angle of extended reach (arm-hand) is not ergonomically effective. The angle between the rail and the arm ( ) can be seen to provide a “minimised” alignment.
- This angle does not enable the user to develop a power-zone of action.
- The power-grip biomechanical efficiency is also partially reduced.
- The longitudinal alignment of the rail does not enable a power-grip to be efficiently formed by the user’s hand. A power-grip is more effectively applied to a “handle or bar” that is at right angles to the wall (and Rail).
From FIGS. 8-14: the optimal force is applied to any Rail by the user positioning the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism to be comfortably (ergonomically) accessed and orientated so that the Lever element is held with an improved power-grip by the hand. At the same time, the arm-wrist-hand configuration is positioned to operate within an effective power-zone, creating a power-alignment that is comfortable and effective for the user, so that they may maximise their grip and leverage.
The user may employ one or two Sleeve levers upon one Rail to assist their mobility in traversing any installed rail location.
In locations where two Rails are installed, the user may effectively employ two Sleeves (one per Rail) to improve their mobility.
As a primary objective of the Sleeve is that of providing assistance (with improved safety) to the user when used in a stairway, especially for a user who has mobility difficulties, then the following usages will be described:
The hand rail employed in the stairway may be either the 101 type or 102 type, but optimal usage in a stairway is provided by a proprietary Rail (of the 102 type).
FIG. 14 (continued): The illustration of FIG. 14 presents a user negotiating a stairway where they are facing forward (which is not a biomechanically favourable format). Irrespectively, with the Sleeve lever, the user can employ:
- One hand, which is extended to form a controlled grip upon Lever (04A/04B) .
- The Lever (rotated in the Coronal plane) provides the optimal power- alignment so that the Lever may be applied (Locked when pulled or pushed) with improved and controlled force.
When using the Sleeve for self-lowering, the Sleeve is used with an efficient power-grip both as both a Locking mechanism or, as a Clutch-brake.
After the power-assisted movement of ascending or descending, when the user has stabilised themselves, the Sleeve lever is then moved (traversed) along the rail (with the Slit 03B traversing over the rail), traversing the wall supports (09A), to arrive at the next position of grip and leverage.
FIG. 15 shows the user facing the wall of the stairway (i.e. facing sidewards).
Whilst this orientation of the user enables improved biomechanics for gripping the rail (as the hand-span is “nearly” in line with the rail), it has not helped to improve the power-zone application of the arm-wrist-hand configuration. - A single locked Sleeve lever (not shown) is employed, mounted to the upper ergonomic zone of the rail to improve the poweralignment of the user. The power-grip is formed upon the Lever, where it may be used in an ergonomic location that facilitates effective power-alignment.
- This method (crab-method) of ascending/descending a stairway “sidewards” does require the tread of the stair to accommodate both feet side by side (facing the wall), which most treads do.
To improve grip and achieve assistive purchase upon the rail the user may employ an additional second Sleeve lever to negotiate such stairway (whilst sidewards), with a single Rail installation.
FIG. 16 Illustrates the user employing two Sleeves (not shown) to negotiate a descent or ascent of the stairway with a single Rail installation.
- In this case example, the upper Sleeve lever is employed by the user to
- hold onto (i.e. pull against when Locked, in order to raise themselves).
- hold onto as “Locked” to lower themselves (or to progressively lower themself as a Clutch-brake)
- For both ascent and descent, the lower Locked Sleeve lever is employed for “purchase”, to press against and stabilise.
The user may adopt this “crab-like” method of ascent/descent in a stairway with only one installed hand rail (in their own residence, for example), or they may use this method on a Rail in a public place with a standard hand rail (especially where they wish to avoid blocking the stairway).
FIG. 17 shows two wall-mounted Rails (102 type or proprietary type)) that are employed in a stairway.
- Note: if a “second wall” is not available then, the use of a second Rail may be provided by/through the installation of a suitable Banister rail (that provides a standard hand rail dimension and support capacity)
- The Rails presented in FIG. 17 are of the 102 type Rail design, however 101 type Rails may be equally employed on either sides of the stairway (as either wall mounted Rails or Banister rails).
FIG. 18 Illustrates the user within a stairway employing two Sleeves (not shown) upon two 102 type Rails (the second Rail is also not shown): the user is leaning forward, with their Centre of Mass (CoM) positioned above the next tread, in preparation for leverage.
- The stairway is of such a dimension that the 102 Rails are close enough to both be negotiated comfortably with two Sleeve levers.
- The user is leaning forward and the Sleeve levers are Locked, to support the subsequent forward movement of the Centre of Mass (CoM) of the user.
FIG. 19 Illustrates the user having pulled against their extended arms with leverage upon the Locked Sleeves, with the following idealised procedure (FIGS. 18 and 19):
- The one leg is used as a post-leg (remaining vertical).
- The other leg (power-leg) is raised/placed on the next tread (in bent position)
- When the user re-balances, the bent power-leg is employed to make a leg-thrust, when the Sleeve levers are “pulled against with power-alignment employed” to raise the user (when the user CoM is also moved forward).
- The post-leg may then be positioned upon the next tread (with the straightened power-leg). - The user can then repeat the cycle, to simultaneously position the Sleeve levers at the next level, in order to prepare for the next leverage and lift cycle.
Alternatively, the user may climb the stairs employing a hand-walking technique that uses both Rails (when using the hands/Sleeves alternately, at different levels).
FIG. 20 shows the Sleeve lever (with Post handle) and Cam inserts installed.
The Girdle (02) has been pre-prepared with two symmetrically placed insert apertures (02B) positioned in the lower part of the Girdle, through which Cams (05) are inserted (through the Girdle and through the Core zone of the Tube body).
The Cams (05) are screw-adjustable when, on being inserted they are adjusted to rise (on a cord or radius trajectory within the near-circular Core zone 03A of the Tube body, 03) into the inner cavity of the Sleeve (01).
- The Sleeve with Cam inserts can be mounted onto Rail-types 101 where the Cams will reduce the internal movement of the rail against the Sleeve, when:
- The Sleeve will continue to traverse the rail.
- The Sleeve will be free to rotate in the Coronal plane.
- The Sleeve will be able to tilt, to pivot to Lock (or brake) in the radial positions between the Sagittal plane and the Transverse plane.
FIG. 21 shows the 102-type standard hand rail (Rail), which has a solid section in this illustration, with the rail elements of:
- A domed Crown (102A)
- A recessed (indented) side wall (102B)
- An upper ledge between the Crown and the side-wall (102C)
The Cam “head” (05A, FIG. 20) is of a suitable material with a low-coefficient of friction to engage with the rail within the indented recess (102B) and beneath the ledge (102C) without damaging the rail, whilst still providing Sleeve lever control for the engagement of the Wings and T-C interface-contact of the rail.
FIG. 22 shows the Sleeve lever Post handle module with Cams fitted, mounted onto the rail (type 102).
- The two internal Cams (05) are mounted in the pre-prepared apertures (02B) located upon the lower Girdle.
- The internal Cams are adjusted by the external element (05) to fixedly locate the Cams (05B) against the indented Rail (102B, 102C).
- When adjusted, the Cam heads (05A) rise within the Core zone (03A) so that they engage with the side walls of the enveloped Rail (102B) and also apply pressure to the underside of the rail Ledge (102C) so that the rail is raised to bring the Crown of the rail (102A) close to the internal face of the Core zone of the Tube body of the Sleeve.
- Such external adjustment of the Cams causes the Sleeve mounted onto the 102 Rail to have:
- Rotation that is restricted, with no radial rotation in the Coronal plane.
- Limited tilt rotation movement in the Sagittal plane.
- Rotational capacity in the transverse plane, for which the angle of lever-tilt ((B) continues to be applied, as the direction of insertion of the Cams lies within the plane of the Core zone (and Girdle), so that the Cams form part of the pivoting Girdle of FIG. 1 C, enabling the Core zone to pivot in the transverse plane and for leverage to be applied with the same tilt-angle of previous ((B).
FIG. 23: shows the Sleeve lever module (perspective view) with Post handle 04B mounted within the side aperture (02A) of the Girdle, so that it is able to apply transverse leverage pressure upon the enveloped Rail 102.
Although the internal Cams are in position, the transverse pivotal action is not impaired, enabling the required lever-force to be applied to the Sleeve to engage the rail in order to “Lock or Clutch-brake” the rail.
In this transverse Sleeve lever orientation (with Sleeve Cams engaged against a type 102 Rail) the use of the Bar handle (04A) is not feasible for the application of controlling or applying leverage.
Thus, the most suitable “small lever” that may be used independently with the Sleeve-Cam module using transverse leverage is the Post handle (04B) with the lever mounted in the lower (side) Girdle aperture 02A (as per FIG. 23).
FIG. 24: shows the Post handle (04B) Lever element in adjacent comparison to the Beam lever element (04C). The Beam lever (04C) is larger than the Post handle (being longer and of greater diameter). These two optional Lever elements of the Sleeve, the Post handle (04B) and the Beam lever (04C) are shown side by side in FIG. 24.
- Note that both the Post handle and the Beam lever have apertures (Eyes, 07C) provided within their structure (as does the Bar handle, 04A, FIG. 4).
- The Eyes are for the attachment of Harness-Straps to the Sleeve levers.
- The ends of the Levers (04B1 and 04C1) are shown as threaded, to facilitate attachment within the apertures 02A of the Girdle (2)
As noted previously with regard to the Lever options, the levered grip purchase that is formed by the Sleeve upon the rail, is a function of:
- The length of Lever, which is shown in FIG. 24, to be substantially increased by the 04C Lever, the Beam lever.
- The angle of rotation of the Lever (which remains for all Levers as P)
The diameter of the Beam lever (04C) is slightly more than that of the Post handle (and Bar handle). Irrespectively, a strong power-grip is still able to be formed upon the longer Beam lever, which Lever may be held by the user with either one hand or with two hands (forming one power-grip or two power-grips) to achieve greater a leverage force.
FIG. 25 shows a Beam lever (04C) mounted onto the side of the Sleeve-Girdle (in the side aperture 02A) when it can be employed upon the rail (102 hollow type), with the Sleeve being employed “with or without’ internal Sleeve-Cams fitted.
Given the side mounting (02A) of a Beam lever upon the Sleeve, it can be used
- With a Sleeve that has no Cams installed, when the Beam lever can be positioned radially, to take any vertical position in the Coronal plane.
- With a Sleeve that has Cams installed, it takes the transverse position, when it can only function in one position in the Coronal plane. It is to be noted that the installed height of a standard hand rail is regulated. However, there have been many requests for additional arrangements, with additional Rails requested to be installed at alternative heights (to accommodate the required ergonomics of people of lesser height, children or disabled parties).
- The Beam lever (04C, with no Cams installed) when rotated radially around the rail in the Coronal plane enables, with its longer length, a number of ergonomic height options for hand-grips to be formed which users (with various height needs) can employ to suitably engage the Sleeve in order to effectively Grip or Clutch the rail (with a power-grip and power-alignment) or to use the rail (through the Beam lever) for guidance and stability.
With the Beam lever (04C) in a fixed transverse position (with Sleeve Cams 05 employed), then the Post handle (04B) may continue to be also employed (in the vertical 02A position) as in FIG. 25, or it may be removed if required so that only the Beam lever is mounted transversely to the rail.
- Thus, the Sleeve mounted Beam lever can be employed upon the rail with either: a. One hand on the Beam lever and one holding the Post handle (or Bar handle). b. Two hands holding the Beam lever (without the Post handle or Bar handle).
FIG. 26 shows the Cam mounted Sleeve lever (with both Beam lever and Post handle) being pivoted in the Transverse plane to achieve the required grip/purchase to Lock the Sleeve upon the rail (type 102). Such “Lock” is able to be applied by:
- The Post handle being pulled (tilted) in the Sagittal plane.
- With Cams installed within the Sleeve, the angle of tilt movement in the Sagittal plane is restricted.
- The Beam lever, rotated (tilted) in the transverse plane (the angle of transverse tilt remaining the same ((B) with/without the Cams being installed.
In this mode of use, the Post handle (or Bar handle) is employed to guide the Sleeve along the rail (over the rail supports) and the Beam lever is employed to provide a power-grip hold for the user as well as to fully engage the rail (to Lock onto the rail or act as a Clutch-brake upon the rail).
FIG. 27 shows a Harness element (06) that is employed with Straps (07) which, when employed, are attached to the Sleeve lever to provide security (and safety) for users who may feel vulnerable or unsafe when negotiating a stairway or walkway (or who may also wish for extra biomechanical support in negotiating a stairway).
The Harness and Straps module is described as follows: a. The Harness (06) is of a strong material construction that can be readily donned and firmly secured by the user when it is attached around their mid-lower abdomen, with a secure closure method, such as belt (06B) with a hook-loop fastening or mechanical buckle (06C). The Harness can be readily uncoupled from the Sleeve and doffed. b. The Harness is provided with multiple attachment location Eyes (06A) upon its periphery, which are strengthened for the attachment of the Straps (07A)
The Harness provides strategic support for the user within the mid-lower torso region so that the Harness (and Strap positioning) may be used in both an assistive and defensive manner. The two Straps (07) are attached by couplings 07A to the mountings of the Harness (06A), as shown. Each Strap end has a reinforced coupling (07A, 07B) to support a carabineer-type of rapid attaching mechanism (or similar) to the Eye Levers (07C)
When the two Straps are employed with the Sleeve lever(s), each of the Straps is mounted to the Harness at one Eyelet position (06A), and to one of the Eye(s) of the Lever(s) (07C) at the other end of the Strap (07B).
For most uses, the Straps are preferably mounted to the lowest under-side Eyelet position of the Harness so that they are routed to “cross” behind and underneath the user (as shown in the Strap illustrations of FIGS. 29-33).
- The preferred low Harness positioning for the Straps ensures that, when “crossed” behind and below the user, they form a type of “seat” for the user.
- The pseudo-seat formed from the cross-Strap configuration enables the Harness and Straps to be employed by the user in actions that:
- Provide assistive support for the negotiation of a stairway;
- Provide defensive support (especially as a safety measure, in case of loss of balance).
A Sleeve lever mounted upon a single Rail can support (by itself) the two Straps attached at Eyes (07C) in order to firmly secure the Harness (06) to the user:
- The point of attachment for the two Straps for the Bar handle and Post handle modules are located within the upper (end) zone of either Lever.
- If the user falls, the “offset-Eye” positioning within the upper/outer Lever location of the Strap(s) automatically applies leverage to the Sleeve.
- When two Sleeve levers are employed together, either on a single Rail or on two Rails, each (separate) Lever Eye is used as a point of attachment for either Strap.
- When the Sleeve mounted Beam lever is employed, Straps are mounted either:
- Separately, within the eyes that are located at the two ends of the Lever-bar.
- Together, within the eye that is located at the far-end of the Lever-bar.
- When a Sleeve mounted Beam lever is employed with another Sleeve lever (Bar handle or Post handle), the Straps are mounted within the two furthest end-positioned eyes of the two Sleeve levers.
Such positioning of Straps upon the Levers ensures that the user (with tautened Harness attachment) will cause the Straps to engage and Lock the Sleeve mechanism, in the event of the user falling.
FIG. 28: Illustrates the Harness and Straps attached (07B) to a single Sleeve (not shown) that is mounted upon a single inclined Rail (102) in a stairway. The Harness is used for safety/security purposes (in case of losing balance and falling) as well as assistive purposes when:
- The Harness is employed to assist with the ascent of the stairway as the user can pursue the following idealised actions where, in order to reduce some of the body-weight from the body-lift and leg-transfer action, the user may:
- Place (transfer) some of their body-weight into the Harness by leaning “back” into the seat formed by the Straps.
- The body-weight is partially transferred to the Sleeve (and to the rail) at the time of leverage against the Sleeve lever. - For the rearward descent of the stairway, the Harness and Straps (with “seat formation”) may be employed to assist with the user’s controlled descent, especially when the Sleeve is employed as a Clutch-brake.
- The Harness and Straps continue to function in a safety and security capacity (in case the user was to fall).
FIG. 29 Illustrates the Harness and Straps attached (07B) to Sleeve levers (not shown) on a single Rail, (102) with the user facing the wall of the stairway.
- As per FIGS. 15 and 16, this orientation forms a sidewards movement for the user to negotiate the Stairway.
- The Harness/Straps provide limited assistive purchase with this mode of use. However, they provide effective assistive use in descending the stairway (especially when using a Clutch-brake system of movement control).
- The Harness and Straps continue to function in a safety and security capacity (in case the user was to fall).
In the event of the user losing their balance and falling, then the Straps that are connected to the Levers will automatically pull the Levers “down” (through the initial downward body movement/rotation of the falling user). Such movement will tilt the Lever of the Sleeve so that it engages and Locks with the rail, and thereby arrests the fall of the user.
- This safety feature can be employed by the user whilst ascending or descending the stairway.
FIG. 30 illustrates the Harness (06) being employed with Straps connected (07B) to two Sleeve levers (not shown) upon two hand rails (102) that are installed, one on either side of the Stairway (with one of the rails not shown)
- With twin Rails, one Rail could be a standard wall mounted Rail (102), the other could be either another wall mounted hand rail or a Banister form of hand rail (1020 of FIG. 40).
- If a Banister rail (1020) is employed, it is a requirement that it is of an adequate strength to function as a hand rail (not just as a “barrier rail”).
The configuration of a stairway, with two Sleeve levers mounted upon two accessible Rails, provides an improved ergonomic and biomechanical opportunity (with the Strap ends widely separated and an effective “seat” formed) to enable the user to employ the Harness and Straps as an assistive mechanism to climb or descend the Stairway (as per the summary of FIGS. 31 and 32).
FIG. 30 shows the user effectively and safely employing two Rails when in the spread-eagled position (with two individual Sleeve levers and Harness/Straps). The Harness and Straps remain as a safety appliance, as the user is “spread-eagled” (FIG. 30) when, losing balance and falling is to be especially prevented
The user may also employ the Strap configuration of FIG. 30 for security in descent (rearwards) when the two Sleeve levers are used as Clutch-brakes, enabling the user to lower themselves in an ergonomically controlled and secure manner.
The user may also lower themselves facing down the stairs: The variable mounting arrangements (Eye locations) that are positioned upon the Harness enables the Straps to be used for descent with a Strap configuration that may be positioned on the side or upper Eyes of the Harness (and crossed in front of the user) in order to enable a controlled and secure forward descent. FIG. 31 shows a side perspective of a user ascending a stairway that has a single wall mounted Rail to which is mounted a Sleeve lever module (with combined Beam lever and Bar handle), with Cams installed.
- This module employs a combination of Beam lever and Bar handle where:
- The Beam lever controls the lever-torque applied through the Sleeve to grip the rail.
- The Bar handle controls the Sleeve as it traverses along the rail (and passes over the wall supports).
- The user may employ the Harness with the two Straps mounted with:
- Straps being mounted within the Eyes at either end of the Beam lever.
- One Strap to the end of the Beam lever and one Strap on the Bar handle.
FIGS. 31 and FIG. 32 (side perspective and rear plan view) shows the user with the Harness-Straps mounted to the two ends of the Beam lever, when:
- The Beam lever is in the locked position, when it has been tilted in the transverse plane to lock the Sleeve upon the rail.
- Although the Sleeve has Cams installed, the Bar handle may also be slightly tilted in the Sagittal plane to reinforce the grip of the Sleeve upon the rail.
FIGS. 31 and 32 (summary). The two FIGS, illustrate the upward facing user employing the Sleeve with Beam lever and Bar handle mounted upon one Rail.
- Beam lever use provides an effective geometric configuration for optimised Harness-Strap attachment (with the Straps mounted in a spread configuration).
- The Sleeve with Beam lever and Bar handle can be mounted upon either Rail type (101, 102) with or without the use of the Cam inserts.
- With no Cam inserts the Beam lever rotates radially (in the Coronal plane)
- With Cam inserts, the Beam lever will only rotate in the transverse plane.
- The Harness can continue to be used effectively to support the user:
With the Cams in position within the Sleeve, the Harness can be used more effectively (with more control of the fixed Coronal position Beam lever)
As before, the Straps of the Harness take the weight of the user (when the Straps are tautened beneath the buttocks of the user) so that there is control of balance as:
- The user’s hands are securely positioned (power gripped) upon the Beam lever (or Beam lever and Bar handle), stabilising the upper body of the user.
- The mid-body of the user cannot fall backwards/downwards as it is securely held in the Straps of the Harness (which are attached to the locked Sleeve).
With such configuration, a similar sequence of movements to that previously described (with the power-leg and prop-leg) can be pursued with the tautened Straps providing an additional supportive weight distribution that assists in the self-lift of the user.
The climbing (self-lift sequence) with the Beam lever and Harness is ideally summarised as: i. The Sleeve (and Beam lever) is pushed forward so that the user is leaning forward with their body weight (CoM) transferred to be over the next tread. ii. The Straps are directly adjusted by the positioning of the Sleeve and the user’s body so that a taut contact is formed by the crossed-seat of the Straps around (under) the buttocks of the user. iii. The power leg is placed onto the next tread (FIG. 31). iv. The Sleeve is positioned to fully Lock the Beam lever (FIG. 32). v. The user leans backwards to tauten the crossed-seat arrangement of the Straps and position their arms within the powerzone (to form a power-alignment). The lift-force of the user is provided by simultaneously:
- Using the pre tautened Straps to lean against, reducing the Load.
- using a power-grip (both hands) with improved power-alignment “pulling/levering” upon the engaged Sleeves.
- raising the body with the power-leg. vi. With this combined lift technique, the user’s CoM is moved further upward and forwards, enabling the prop-leg to be raised- moved onto the next tread. vii. The next step upwards is approached by repeating the above sequence, with the Sleeve being traversed forwards along the rail (as per “i” of this sequence) by using the Bar handle for guidance.
The upward facing user (with all Sleeve lever modules) may descend the stairs (backwards) with the Sleeve lever and the cross-seat Straps of the Harness employed (in the reverse manner to the above). The stairs are negotiated downwards by the user employing the Sleeve(s) as both a Lock and Clutch-brake to lower the user form one-tread to the next (with the Harness providing security).
FIG. 33 illustrates the downward facing user, using the Sleeve with the Beam lever (without installed Cams) for stairway assistance (without a Harness). The Beam lever is positioned radially (in the Coronal plane) so that it is rotated upwards to provide an elevated ergonomic hand-grip position for the user, enabling the user to control their descent (using the Sleeve as a Lock and Clutch-brake).
- The Beam lever acts as a safety bar, in front of the user, in case of instability.
The amount of upward angle of orientation of the Beam lever can be best observed when compared to the horizontal orientation of the tread (as per FIG. 33)
- A safety Harness may also be employed. If the user falls, the Harness mounted Lever will assist, as it will be caused (by the attached Harness) to rotate downwards and Lock with the rail, securing the user on the stairway.
- However the rotation of the Beam lever, from the raised position to the lowered position will have caused the user to (probably) collide with the lower treads before the Sleeve is engaged.
Thus, whilst the Harness will have a safety effect in descending frontwards, it is proposed that if a user is very unstable, then they use the Beam lever (with Harness) to descend rearwards.
To descend the stairs in a forward direction, with a Harness (with any Sleeve lever module), it is preferable to position the Straps so that they are configured with either one or two Sleeves-levers when:
- A single Sleeve lever may be employed upon a Rail (with Straps attached).
- Two Sleeve levers may be employed on one Rail (or two Rails, if installed) For such forward descent, the two Straps are configured so that they are connected to the pre-prepared Lever Eye-locations (07C) as well as to the appropriate Eye-locations (06A) that are positioned upon the upper periphery of the Harness, so that the Straps are attached to the upper zone of the user’s Torso.
With the Straps so positioned, the user may descend the stairs facing forwards, with the Sleeve lever(s) being used as a Lock and/or Clutch-brake and the Harness as a safety device (and not for supportive purposes).
FIG. 34 Illustrates the summary position of the Straps if the user (facing upwards or downwards, not shown) were to lose their balance (or, if the lower limbs/legs were to fail) and they were to slump then: If the user does not fall up the stairway (rare, but possible) the user will fall down the stairway when the falling movement of the Harness and tautened Straps for a user that has slumped (not shown) onto the treads of the Stairway (and probably letting go of the Lever-bar) will cause the Straps to automatically tilt the Lever(s) and rotate the Sleeve to cause it to engage (Lock) with the rail.
- The upward facing user’s Harness prevents the user’s body from “tumbling” backwards down the stairwell by the Sleeve lever(s) engaging the rail.
- The Harness of the downward facing user will cause the Sleeve lever(s) to grip the rail (after the Sleeve lever has been “pulled” by the Harness into a position to engage the rail).
In such events, although the user may fall to the stair-tread, the Harness will break the further fall of the user and prevent the user from cascading down the stairway.
In a further application of the Sleeve mounted Beam lever, items of light luggage (shopping etc, re “Cargo”), may be transported by the user directly mounted (carefully) upon the hand rail, when the Cargo may be moved either up/down the stairway (or along a walkway). It is noteworthy that attempts to carry items within a stairway are a frequent cause of accidents, causing “stairway-falling”.
Accordingly, the invention of the Lever-operated Sleeve mechanism facilitates a simple method of “Cargo carriage” that will assist in preventing such category of stairway fall.
FIG. 35 shows the Sleeve module (with fitted Cams and mounted Beam lever (with Bar handle) being used to transport a medium-weight item (shopping bag, trolley or similar) up/down the stairway.
- The Sleeve (with inserted Cams) and Beam lever with Bar handle may be employed to carry such element of “Cargo”, by carefully placing and securing the item over the Beam lever.
The mobile-carriage of Cargo by the Sleeve lever is such that it also facilitates the user “not to have to lift the Cargo” (other than the original positioning of it upon the Beam lever). This is because:
- The Cargo is moved forward each time (in a shunting mode) when the user extends their arms forwards (with the Cargo also being raised by each forward shunted-arm movement).
- The raising of the Cargo is by the forward leaning motion.
- The user is not having to directly lift (or carry) the Cargo, but they push it forward (and also upwards) using their body weight as leverage to shunt the Cargo forward (at each stage of the stair-rise movement) The Cargo will not fall back upon the user for, after moving the Cargo forward, the Sleeve is automatically locked to the rail by the weight of the Cargo.
The Beam lever continues, as before, to assist the user to negotiate the stairway by providing the supporting leverage required for the Power-grip and Power-alignment whilst the Bar handle or Post handle (if attached) Locks the Sleeve to the rail. The Harness may also continue to be used in this Cargo mode.
The descent of the stairway is the (near) reverse action of the above.
- The Beam lever supports the Cargo.
- The Beam lever is employed to lean against (backwards) by the user, to lower themselves.
- Descent is controlled by the Lock or Clutch-brake action of the Beam lever.
The Harness and Straps may also be employed to support the ascent/descent of the user, as before.
In the event of a Cargo with routinely larger loads that are required to be carried on the rail within the stairway, then a Wall wheel module may be employed.
FIG. 36 shows the Wall wheel component (08) that is mounted to the Sleeve with Beam lever module, where, the Wall wheel (08) has the elements of:
- The Angle-bracket (08B) with Beam lever mounting aperture (08A)
- The Wheel (08C)
- The Wheel (08C) is mounted to the end of the Angle-bracket on a pinion (08D) so that it may rotate freely.
- The Angle-bracket dimension and the diameter/radius of the wheel (08C) is such that the wheel spans the distance from its Angle-bracket mounting to the constructed wall.
- To allow for installation differences, the Wheel is mounted with sliding adjustment (08E) so that the lateral distance from the rail mounted Sleeve to the wall is maintained with the wheel (08C) (when mounted to the Beam lever) in the required tangent position upon the wall.
- A vertical adjustment is also provided (08F), to ensure that the Angle-bracket does not collide (under the rail) with the supporting bracketry.
- The lower element of the Angle-bracket is pivoted (08G) to adjust the wheel to maintain the required pitch (to traverse the wall).
The installed (adjusted) Wall wheel maintains the Beam lever in a horizontal orientation (within the Coronal plane of the user) during the longitudinal traversing movement of the Cargo module.
FIG. 37 shows the Sleeve lever (with inserted Cams) and the combined Wall wheel Angle-bracket mounted through the bracket aperture (08A) to the Beam lever (at the same 02A connection within the Girdle of the Sleeve).
- The Wall wheel component is mounted to the Beam lever and suspended under the Sleeve mounted Rail, so that the adjusted wheel element is engaged tangentially with the wall of the Stairway (and maintains the Beam lever in the required position so that it does not rotate/twist radially downwards). - The Wheel that is mounted upon the Angle-bracket is pressed upon the wall and adjusted to rotate in the transverse plane of the user (at the same angle of pitch of the rail), when the user ascends/descends the stairway.
- The weight of the Cargo presses the Wheel to the wall, so that the weight is transferred to the wall, using the Sleeve as a pivot (acting upon the rail).
An alternative embodiment (for heavy carriage of heavy weights and/or frequent use of the Wall wheel) includes a Wall plate (08H) which is mounted upon the Wall, so that it is fixed as a flat surface (positioned beneath the support bracketry) to enable the Wall wheel to engage with it so that:
- The Wall plate “spreads the load” of the Cargo.
- Protects the wall from damage.
- Acts as a tracking (guidance) device for the wheel (when the Wall plate is shaped slightly, as “a trough”).
The Cargo module with the Wall wheel remains in contact with the wall and prevents any Coronal movement of the Sleeve levers (Beam lever, Bar handle or Post handle), ensuring there is no uncontrolled movement (sway) of the Cargo.
- The Sleeve lever unit is employed in the same manner as before, with the Beam lever module supporting the Cargo and providing the greater lever-force to Lock (or Clutch-brake) the Sleeve to the rail and the other Lever traversing the Sleeve along the rail.
- The Sleeve lever(s) with Cargo continues to be employed for assistive and defensive purposes in the stairway as before.
- The Harness may continue be employed with the Sleeve lever and Cargo for safety and security purposes, as before.
As noted, the Sleeve mechanism can mount the existing standard hand rail with the standard hand rail fixtures and fittings.
The Sleeve mechanism will mount existing standard hand rails (or proprietary new standard hand rails), but slight modification may be required, where:
- The wall mounted hand rail may need to be extended (at the upper section) in order to gain adequate purchase for the user to ascend/descend the uppermost treads of the stairway with the Sleeve.
- The Sleeve component needs to be suitably positioned (mounted) upon the “end” of the rail for it to be able to traverse the rail.
Thus, in addition to the available universal (existing) fixtures and fittings (such as the wall supports previously referred to, 09A) that enable the rail to be wall mounted and extended (where necessary), the invention includes the availability of specific mountings that facilitate the non-handed Sleeve to mount upon the standard hand rail by using end caps and other end mountings as follows:
FIGS. 38 and 39 shows an end cap and wall mounting (09B and 09D) connected by a return-section (09C, tube or bar) with a Sleeve lever being mounted upon (or dismounted from) the end section of the rail.
For this mounting action, the Sleeve is rotated so that the underside Sleeve-Slit (03B) traverses the rail connection and wall connection of 09C as:
- The end cap design (09B) and extended “return” dimension enables the Sleeve (01) to be readily mounted to the rail (type 101 or 102). - When the Sleeve is not in use, the extended tube/post wall connection (09C) enables the Sleeve lever (especially the larger Beam lever module, with Sleeve-Cam inserts) to be removed from the rail, or radially rotated and left “compactly suspended” upon the rail-post (09C).
- Whichever Sleeve lever module is being employed, the Sleeve lever can be placed to conveniently “hang downward” at the end cap-locations.
- In this mounted, but hanging, position it remains conveniently available to the user for their future negotiation of the location.
- If two Sleeve levers are being used upon one Rail, then:
- With a Sleeve lever module that does not employ Cams, the Sleeve lever will naturally “hang”, (suspended with the underside Slit inverted) in any position adjacent to bracketry.
- If required, then, given the simple and convenient design of the end caps, the attachment and removal of the Sleeve lever is a simple task.
FIG. 40 shows an end cap (09E) which is a “blank”, mounted to the rail-end. This end cap has the same format as the rail-end of the return fixture (09B). This end cap arrangement, when installed in conjunction with a vertical post, which employs a postmounting cap (09B) and support (09F), is used for the Sleeve to mount a Rail that is not wall supported (but floor supported).
- The combined end cap and vertical post mount enables the Sleeve lever to be mounted upon a Rail that is not wall supported, such as:
- A Banister rail.
- A Rail used for external steps.
FIGS. 41-59F relate to a “hand rail system” that provides improved ergonomic and biomechanical hand-hold applications that enhance defensive and assistive usages in a Stairway or Walkway (and other installed-rail environments) where mobilityassistance and security is required.
The area of invention relates to the provision of a solid-rail for individual safety and assistance (e.g. a stairway) which rail may be used for group-safety (e.g. a barrier).
The priority use of the invention is the “individual use” of a rail that is installed in locations within or external to buildings (permanent or temporary) or vehicles (static or mobile) to function in the defensive and/or assistive roles of: Hand rail, Banister rail, Grab rail, Safety rail and similar.
From the legal obligations and guidance currently provided, there exists a controlled framework to ensure that such “user rail” is adequate for its purpose, through:
A. Guidelines for the primary provision by the rail of “Defensive safety”:
However, some rails (in various circumstances) do not provide the adequate hand-contact-formats required in an emergency for effective hand-grip, hand-adhesion and hand-alignment to be formed, to prevent or arrest a fall.
B. Guidelines for the secondary provision by the rail of “Assistive support”: However, some rails do not provide the adequate hand-contact-formats required for ergonomic orientation and biomechanical efficiency of mobility-control to assist the user, (which provision also requires the effective hand-grip, hand-adhesion and handalignment of preceding section “A”).
C. Guidelines for the additional provision of Haptic and Visual advantage:
This is generally catered for adequately, through rail source-material, design and colour. However, there are issues (especially regarding seamless surface continuity and haptic interactivity) that reduce the ability of some rails to provide such facility(ies).
D. The provision of regulated control to maintain minimal standards (A-C):
Most (all) governments (Britain & others) provide legal controls (and some guidance) for rail-type and hand rail installation procedures in domestic, commercial and industrial settings, with such advice relating to:
- The material strength and physical nature of the rail.
- The peripheral dimensions of the rail.
- The positioning of the rail (according to its relative location and purpose).
Given that the selection (purchase) of a rail is (often) a function of price, then: the materials, designs and production methods are often pursued with economic considerations that comply with the minimal controls and advice of A-D above.
Thus, some user rails only meet the minimal standards required, which may compromise the safety and effectiveness of the rail.
Any single deficiency within A-C (or combination of deficiencies) reduces the efficiency of the defensive-assistive application of the user.
Accordingly, within the spectrum of “rail-use” (by users of various capabilities), an ideal-rail is required that simultaneously addresses the (potential) issues (A-C above).
The concept of such an ideal-rail is theoretical. However, it is “an ideal” to develop an “improved rail” that addresses as many potential issues as possible. The following is a summary of objectives of such improved-rail (the rail), which is ideally required to:
1. To maximise the DEFENSIVE use (especially for safety purposes):
Given the danger of a user faltering, failing or falling (and to avoid the subsequent injury(ies) that may be incurred) then, a primary objective is to maximise the hand contact-formats of “hand-grip, hand-adhesion and hand-alignment’, so that the optimal “defensive forces” of the user may be applied to the rail to prevent “unsafe” circumstances (and overcome such circumstances, if they arise).
Such hand-contact-formats should provide all of the defensive abilities required to: a: Guide the user so that they may orientate themselves. b: Achieve balance and self-stabilise. c: Stop (or arrest) a fall. d: Break the fall (and reduce the fall impact).
The usable range of “hand-contact-formats” that the user may apply to the ideal-rail for their defensive use (re: a-d of above) or, for assistive use, is summarised as:
1. The Guidance-grip (Haptic-grip) ii. The Power-grip (generally, the strongest grip)
Hi. The Chuck grip (generally, the second strongest grip) iv. The Palm-grip. v. The Finger-Purchase grip (The Pinch-grip). vi. The Finger-Hook grip vii. The Emergency grip (The Grab-grip). viii. The Flailing-grip (The Hook-grip) ix. (The Pull-Push grip is primarily used as an assistive grip, it may also be used to assist the user, as a defensive grip).
The efficiencies of all of the “hand grips” identified relate to the following:
The ergonomic positioning of the rail, which includes the selection of its position and the subsequent orientation of the rail to the user.
The biomechanical design and construction of the rail (which includes the grip-profile and the provision of hand-adhesion to the rail).
Thus, the “improved Rail”, should facilitate, enable and improve (where possible) all of the above hand-format configurations (i-ix), and permutation(s) thereof,
2. To maximise the ASSISTIVE use by an ideal-rail that achieves:
2A. The provision of “physical assistance” to be achieved with an improved Rail that has similar characteristics as “1”, with an assistive capability that maximises the applied “arm-wrist-hand alignment’ that provides:
- improved grip capacity (as per grips ii-viii, preceding).
- maximised leverage (as per ix, preceding) with:
- A Pull-Grip (to climb a stairway, or rise from a lower position).
- A Push-Grip (to lean or lower against, as a brace or “bolster”).
2B. The provision of Haptic benefits: with an ideal-rail that has optimised guidance and assistance through haptic support, providing:
- A guidance surface that is symmetrical, with haptic sensory clues (that communicate with the user).
- An uninterrupted (seamless) upper surface and side-surface.
- An underside where, the under-rail supports (such as rail mountings), are haptically streamlined, to minimise any abrupt disruption of hand passage.
2C. The provision of Visual Advantage: (especially for users of limited vision), where:
- A visual contrast is provided in normal light (with the rail being evident against the surrounding background.
- A visual identification is provided (with the rail visible in limited light). 3. To provide a rail-system that is Cost-Effective (for the rail and installation): with the rail being competitive, versatile and aesthetic: so that it improves the prospect of its selection for the purposes of: purchase, installation and use.
Thus, whilst some of the potential issues (A-C) are addressed by some of the currently available user rails, there is not an “ideal-rail” that is commercially available that comprehensively addresses all of the above requirements simultaneously (A-C). Such a commercial ideal-Rail is not realistic or feasible.
However, the present invention of an improved-Rail is feasible, being a Universal Rail-Unit (URU) that addresses many of the issues described (A-C) in order to provide comprehensive improvements through defensive and assistive applications.
It is known that, of the various rail profiles available, the circular profile provides the maximum grip capacity (in most situations). But it does not prevent the hand from slipping, (by sliding in the Longitudinal direction, or rotating in the Coronal direction).
So an amended circle form is adopted for the Universal Rail-Unit (URU). The Universal Rail Unit (URU) is of a new design, the manufacture process of which assists with its commercial (cost-effective) availability when, upon installation, the URU provides improvements in defensive and assistive applications for a diverse range of users that may employ the URU in various circumstances and instances.
Given the idealised framework of objectives presented for the “ideal-rail”, the URU provides the following improved/advantageous functions, where the installed URU:
A. Is ergonomically improved: as (most) rail ergonomics are dictated by the location of the rail installation.
The URU may be installed in the dictated location but may also be rotated to provide an ergonomically favourable orientation (to improve the ergonomic approach of the hand to the URU).
B. Is biomechanically improved: as a symmetrical, continuous, seamless length with an uninterrupted external profile that is appropriately shaped to provide the combined purposes of improved hand-grip, hand-adhesion and haptic benefit.
- Hand-grip is improved by the sinuous profile.
- Hand adhesion is improved by the curvilinear and angular profile (augmented with nodular projections).
C. Can withstand variable forces that may be applied by the user, where:
- in normal use, the average user will have a grip capacity that ranges from “weak to strong” (according to age, gender, physique and possible infirmity), the efficiency of which grip is improved by the URU profile.
- In exceptional circumstances, an extraordinary force may be required to be withstood (e.g. by the user, who may be falling onto or away from the URU).
Where, within the range of “normal-exceptional forces”, the URU is able to:
- Support and enhance postural stability.
- Facilitate the user to arrest, break and mitigate a fall. - Assist the mobile user with the provision of a lever-mechanism alignment (when climbing or descending a stairway, or negotiating a walkway).
- Assist the user as a transfer lever-mechanism, for the self-movement purposes of lifting or lowering themselves.
For which structural purposes the URU’s linear (structural) support may be:
- Reinforced internally (as a primary or secondary process).
- Selectively augmented by additional URU installations.
D. Maximises the hand-formats: that may be applied by various users (with various hand-sizes or capabilities)
- To both grip and adhere to the URU).
- The URU profile enables all hand-grip formats to maximise adherence.
- The URU profile enables various hand-sizes to grip and adhere.
- Multiple linear URUs are seamlessly joined, without linear interruption of the upper (smooth) rail surface, for haptic and cosmetic purposes.
- The URUs are supported (upon installation) with minimal interruption of an encircling hand by any lower (underside) railsupport mechanism(s).
E. Provides improved guidance for the user.
- By providing haptic qualities that communicate with the user.
- By presenting a colour (appearance) relevant for visibility requirements.
F. Provides improved hygiene.
- The URU is produced with a surface that is antimicrobial, with a clean disposition that is “readily cleanable”.
- The URU is seamless, with fixings/mountings that are readily cleaned.
G. Provides improved installation options (for a competent DIY party): when it is installed “wall-mounted” or “free-standing” it may:
- Be readily (simply) installed, with a support strength that can be adjusted.
- Be ergonomically orientated in order to readily suit the user’s arm-hand power-alignment without undue haptic disruption to the hand-passage.
- Have a haptic underside for minimal interruption of hand-passage.
H. The URU is cost-effective (and practical), where: relative to other rails, the URU is affordable, manageable, non-flammable and conveniently installed.
Thus, in summary, the key advantages of the Universal Rail-Unit (URU) are, for a variety of user types, (irrespective of age, gender, physique or disability), that may employ the URU in differing circumstances or instances, are the advantages of:
- The improved biomechanical design of the rail, which provides multiple hand-formats of hand-grip and hand-adhesion that may be selectively or urgently applied by the user to the URU.
- The improved ergonomic installation options of the URU, enabling orientation of the URU, providing defensive and supportive advantages. - The improved haptic advantages of sensory arrangements of hand-URU.
- The compound reinforcing structure provides variable URU strength options (through selective structural reinforcement) and rapid abutment capacity.
- The surface-design (and antimicrobial content) improves hygiene maintenance.
- The cost-effective production/installation facilitates commercial availability.
These advantages and considerations enable the installed URU to provide improved defensive and assistive applications, which (singly or jointly) contribute to user safety and maximised Rail usage. As Stairways are the second leading cause of accidental injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents and that “stairway falls” commonly cause disabling hip injuries then, the stairway environment is of prime attention.
An example of this invention of the Universal Rail Unit (URU) will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 41-59F.
The preferred embodiment of the Universal Rail Unit (URU) is shown by way of cross-sectional profile in FIG. 41 , which formed profile may be achieved by an extrusion process (thermoplastic or metal). Accordingly, the URU of this invention is presented as a compound unit, being an extruded linear profile (FIGS. 41 and 42) that is formed with an internal cavity which accommodates a separate Core-insert (described later).
- In an alternative embodiment, the URU may be reinforced with the profile being originally extruded with supporting internal “webs or braces” included (which are inclusive within the extrusion design), whereby no insert may be required.
A suitably designed insert variation may be provided to enter the now reduced and restricted profile in order to form an alternative compound construction.
- In a further alternative embodiment, the URU may be formed from a solid body (wood, metal or plastic), but this requires multiple-stages of production.
The preferred URU embodiment is produced to address the requirements (Pages 2-4) and to be produced cost effectively, with the minimal number of stages of production.
In the preferred form, the URU (FIGS. 41 and 42) is shown to be a symmetrically profiled linear thermoplastic construction that is formed by an extrusion process.
FIG. 41 shows the URU as “hollow” extrusion, with an internal cavity (201) surrounded by an external wall (202), which URU wall is formed with the profile of:
- The URU wall (202) has an outer face 202A and inner face 202B
- The upper (zenith) part of the wall is a domed section, the URU Crown (203)
- Two side walls have Recesses (204 and 05)
- An underside Recess, the URU Floor (206).
- The underside wall has a minor groove-inset (207)
- The extruded wall has a thickness (208)
The outer form (side and lower extremities) of the URU has four Rims (A, B, C and D) - Each Rim has an adjacent Ledge, 209A1, 209B1, 209C1, 209D1.
- Each Rim junction with the ledge forms an Edge 209A2, 209B2, 209C2, 209D2.
Adjacent to each Edge is a periodically intermittent row of protrusions (Nodules), (FIG. 42: 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) which are low-profiled (domed) Nodules and formed at the time of extrusion of the body 202 of the URU, being co-extruded or coformed. Each Nodule may comprise a raised bump to indent into the user’s finger for grip. Each row of Nodules may extend along a corresponding Edge 209A2, 209B2, 209C2, 209D2.
The wall of the extruded body (202) is a consistent thickness (208), as per the limitations of the extrusion moulding process.
- As previously indicated, a Core-insert may be selectively inserted within the cavity (201), which compound formation of “URU and Insert’ is discussed later.
- To accommodate the subsequent contact-emplacement of the Core-insert, the internal URU profile (202B) is required to be of a consistent dimension.
FIG. 42 shows the longitudinal perspective of the URU, with three force- vector axes: a) the long-axis (L) of the longitudinal body (202) of the URU. with the two additional coplanar URU axes that are: b) the Transverse axis of the URU (T) c) the Normal axis of the URU (N).
FIG. 42 also shows the regular periodicity of the Nodules (210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) located on the underside/inside of the Rim-ledges (209A1, 209B1, 209C1 and 209D1).
In addition to the force-vector axes (L, T, N), the URU is also described in relation to the planes of movement of the human body, which are the three planes described as:
- Sagittal (with body movement in the vertical, forward rotation plane).
- Coronal (with body movement in the vertical sidewards rotation plane).
- Horizontal (with transverse body movement in the horizontal rotation plane).
FIG. 43 illustrates the external profile of the URU in comparison to the profiles of two schematic circles, with R2 (maximum) and R1 (minimum) being the legislated sizes, where: The UK regulations require a hand rail to be of a certain size:
- If circular, the external diameter is required to be 34 - 51mm.
- If the rail is “shaped”, the rail periphery must have a linear dimension that is between 102 - 159 mm.
- The maximum cross-sectional distance is restricted to 57mm
As a circular profile of rail is proven to provide the maximum hand-grip capacity (in most situations), the two circle references are adopted as the basis for the URU profile.
Thus, the proportional dimensions of the URU are such that its profile is peripherally formed to comply within the UK circle dimensional guidance of maximum diameter 51mm (R2) and minimum diameter 34mm (R1). The strength(s) of a hand rail are defined (Building Regulations, UK) as requiring the minimum horizontal (transverse load) strength to range between 22kg/m to 74kg/m. The USA guidance (OSHA) is a little more precise, stating that a hand rail should withstand 50lb per ft (i.e. 74kg/m) or a concentrated load of 200lb (i.e. 91 kg/m) with such force being applied in any direction upon an installed hand rail and (with a maximum flexure of 77mm or 3inches).
Thus, the URU (without insert) has a profile and wall thickness that provides a construction and installation specification that withstands a force of 100kg (any direction) with a maximum deflection of 65mm across a 0.95m supported span. (Note, the URU body (202) may be further reinforced by the subsequent inclusion of the Core-insert, as required for the additional strength objective of the URU).
FIG. 43 also shows the URU as being divided into horizontal zones, that separate the peripheral features of the URU. This zonation: relates to:
- The comparative reference circles (R1 and R2), which provide a framework reference of compliance (with the legislative requirements).
- The areas of hand contact with the URU.
Regarding the elements and proportional relationship of the 3 Zones (Zl, ZU, Zill):
- The smooth Crown (203) of the URU of Zone I, has an arc that extends from a circle of a radius that is larger than the circle R1 and is either larger than the circle R2 or reaches a radius of R2, providing a Rim-to-Rim distance C-D, which is the largest dimension of the URU. (C-D does not exceed the maximum legislated dimension width).
- The apex of the Crown (203) of the Upper Zone 1 and the Rim points A and B of the Lower Zone (III) fall close to the smaller reference circle R1.
Regarding Zone 1 (Zl), the arc provides a smooth surface that is both haptic and provides a broad, engaging-interface of URU surface contact with the hand-palm.
Regarding Zone II (Zl I): It is proven that an indented wall assists in maintaining the user’s grip when counteracting N-T force directions. Accordingly, the indentations form Recesses (FIG. 41- 204, 205), of a substantial depth (when measured from an approximated circumference), providing a “height” that enables finger entry to each Recess. Zone II also contains the Edge forming Ledges 209C1 and 209D1, which Ledges support the periodic Nodules 210C, 210D). Further Nodules may be additionally provided within Zone II, within the sections of the Recesses (204, 205), if required.
Regarding Zone III, the underside of the URU provides a Recess (206) for the fingers. The same Recess is also required to seat the URU (202) on the support bracketry system within it. Zone III contains the edge forming ledges 209A1 and 209B1, which Ledges support the periodic Nodules (210A, 210B). Further Nodules may also be provided in Zone III, within the lower sections of Recess (206), as required.
Whilst the cross-sectional profile, with Zonally proportional measurements (and capabilities), complies with the various government regulations, they also reflect the matriculated advice derived from various industrial and research organisations. Thus, the three Zones are presented for the purpose of defining various modes of rail-use that are related to:
- different sizes of hands.
- different applied hand-forces. - different responsive hand-forces.
The Cross Section (FIG. 41) shows the curvilinear profile of the URU, which specifically enhances the rail’s strength in two directions (T, N), with the resultant profile being comparable to the cross section of the human spine. (It is noted that the URU design reflects an element of biomimicry, which is “usually”, an effective design format).
For the remaining description, unless otherwise stated, the description(s) of the URU (and its method of application) will be described with the URU positioned on the right-hand-side of the reader, with the visual orientation and perspective being that of “looking away from the reader”. For the descriptions relating to the prehension of the URU, the following references to the anatomical elements of the hand (wrist-arms) are based upon various clinical summaries (for which references can be presented).
There are many anatomical elements involved in the component actions of lifting, bracing, etc: all of which movement involves the upper torso and specifically:
- The shoulder, (pivoting about the scapula)
- The arm (with the humerus and radius/ulna pivoting at the mid-arm).
- The hand (pivoting from the arm about the wrist)
To fully analyse the anatomical inter-actions of shoulder-arm-hand in detail, is beyond this summary. However, there are basic (simplified) tenets that relate to the objective of achieving an efficient and effective grip by the user, which tenets are based upon: The development of a power-zone with the optimal muscular preparation and positioning of the shoulder, upper-arm, fore-arm, wrist and hand to achieve power-alignment, which is essential for effective grip and efficient leverage.
The “power-alignment” of the shoulder-humerus-forearm-wrist-hand is a function of the positioning of the body in relation to the hand-receiving rail. Thus, this description concentrates upon the URU’s ability to facilitate an improved grip (and leverage) for the hand of the user, for both defensive and assistive purposes through power alignment and grip improvement.
Upon the secure URU installation, the sectional and longitudinal profiles (FIGS. 41, 42) enable all of the three natural hand- Arches to be positioned in various hand-formats upon the URU, to fully or partially envelop it (according to hand size and griptype). The three forms of hand-Arch are those of:
A. Thefinger-Arch: Formed by the curve-arch of the Proximal-lnterphalangeal Joints (PIP) and the Distal-lnterphalangeal Joints (DIP) of the fingers.
B. The palm-Arch: Formed by the curve-arch of the Metacarpal-Phalangeal (MCP) Joints of the fingers.
C. The thumb-Arch: Formed by the curve-arch created by the combined flexure of the MCP and ICP Joints of the opposing thumb.
The hand-Arches use the appropriate sections of the hand as levers and hinges which are muscularly controlled so that the arches pivot and compress together. The three hand-Arches enable the hand to form compressive (opposing) biomechanical forces that are applied (transversely and normally) in the Coronal plane to grip the rail-unit. The effectiveness of compression by the three-Arches is improved by the URU profile (as it enables multiple grip formats to be applied to itself).
The wrist may also be employed with the hand to form a non-compressive fourth Arch:
D. The wrist-Arch formed by the curve-arch created by the junction of the wrist carpals with the hand metacarpals and phalanges.
The ideal position for a rail to be gripped is when the rail is positioned transversely to the arm-wrist-hand alignment, to be parallel with the extended finger MCP joints (with rail and joints at right angles to the arm orientation). This is not the general alignment formed by the hand with a side-wall installed hand rail (in a stairway or walkway).
FIG. 44 shows the acute angle (a) of extended-arm (100) alignment (side view) with a Wall-mounted rail.
FIG. 45 shows the acute angle (Q) the extended arm-alignment (100) formed (in plan view) with the wall-mounted rail.
FIG. 46A shows the acute angle ((B) that is formed (sectional view) by the extended arm (100) with wall-mounted rail.
In all cases of “angles of approach” (re FIGS. 44, 45 and 46A-46B), the conventionally mounted hand rail provides “issues” with the positioning of the hand-Arches upon the rail, as such hand positioning approach is a combined directional (ergonomic) function of:
- The position of the fixed (installed) rail (and the user in relation to the rail).
- The resultant angle of hand/arm application (i.e. the alignment of forearm, wrist and hand) that is presented by the user to connect with the rail.
Thus, the previously highlighted issue of the hand of the user sliding upon the rail is a function of the angles of hand-approach, a, p, Q, with the sliding movements being:
- Slide-rotation in the Coronal plane (with the hand sliding around a circular rail).
- Longitudinal slide (with the hand sliding “along the rail”, especially a circular rail).
The angles of approach (a, Q) cannot be varied (usually) within a stairway. However, the Coronal angle ( ) may be altered to orientate the URU, with the Crown of the URU being installed in an orientated position to suit the user, as per FIG. 46B, which illustrates the extended arm (100) approaching perpendicular to the Crown (203) of the URU, which improved angle of approach is achieved through the proprietary URU installation system (of bracketry support and rail orientation).
If the rail is circular, then the rail Coronal orientation is not of importance. However, a profiled rail is more efficient than a circular rail. So, if the rail is profiled, then, the appropriate radial orientation of the URU to the user will improve the power-alignment applied by the user (as per FIG. 46B). Thus, appropriate rotation of the profiled rail, to orientate it in the user’s Coronal plane, assists and improves power-alignment of the user with the URU. In implementations, the coronal orientation may be a value selected from the range greater than 5 degrees to less than 45 degrees relative to vertical. The coronal orientation may be fixed or variable. To combat such sliding movement (and thereby retain an effective hand-grip) the profile of the URU has a number of features that create mechanical hand-adhesion. Such adhesion is primarily formed by the intrusion of a shaped component into the fleshy tissue of the hand (which hand tissue is termed, “the Pulp”). The hand has suitably fleshy elements (“Pulp”) that can support mechanical adhesion to the URU. The main hand-Pulp elements are located in various positions.
- The finger-tip pads, (distal phalange ends).
- The finger-length pads (upon the underside of the interphalanges)
- The “thenar eminence” which is the most fleshy portion of the palm of the hand (adjacent to the lower thumb)
- The palm-pad.
Accordingly, effective hand-adhesion is achieved with the surface structure and forms of the URU that are presented to the hand (as well as the positioning of the hand).
The URU profile facilitates mechanical hand-adhesion of itself with the hand by:
- The physical adhesion formed by the hand with the angular Edge profiles of the Rims 209A2, 209B2, 209C2, 209D2: preventing Coronal N-T rotation.
- The depths of side Recesses 204, 205, 206 are also a function of the Pulp adhesion: preventing N-T rotation and L sliding.
- The Nodules (210A, 210B, 210C, 210D) that are adjacent to Rims A, B, C, D protrude to engage and indent with the hand (with effective adhesion in three axes, N-T-L)
The fleshy Pulp also has (when compressed to the rail) a curvi-planar inter-face surface that provides a frictional contact that is achieved by the contact surfaces of:
- The thumb and finger-Pulps engaging with the extended surface interface of the URU within the Recesses 204, 205, 206.
- The thumb and finger-Pulps engaging with Ledges 209A1, 209B1, 209C1, 209D1.
- The palm-Pulp has a substantially extended surface-interface with the Crown (203)
Thus these single or combined mechanical indentations and physical contact surfaces achieve various permutations of both mechanical adhesion and friction functions between the hand and the URU, which combined functions reinforce all of the handgrip, hand-adhesion and hand-purchase formats of the URU (ii-ix, P3).
Thus, FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 illustrate the URU that can receive all of the variations of the three curved-Arch formats which the user may form with the hand (and wrist) in various circumstances and instances, in order for the user (of variable hand size and capacity) to grip the URU using the various hand-grips referred to (ii-ix, Page 3). Note: the hands of children and some users may be too small to fully envelop the URU (or a disability may prevent such envelopment), thus preventing the full circumduction required for the thumb to engage the opposing finger phalanges in order to form the Power-grip and Chuck-grip (ii, iii).
However, the proportionality and design of the URU minimises the number of excluded users. Also, such users are able to achieve most of the remaining grips in order to apply the required defensive forces and assistive forces.
The three hand-arches apply the various formats of compressive force upon the URU to form hand-grips, with additional adhesive support from the URU to prohibit rotation in the Coronal plane (in the presence of N-T forces) or Longitudinal sliding (in presence of L forces) so that the grip is stable and can be applied effectively. The profile of the URU of FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 is now described with regard to its improved ability to accommodate and grip the various hand-formats that can be applied to it, with consideration for the various hand-grip and hand-adhesion formats of the grips previously indicated (Page 2, i-ix), as follows: The URU, is “symmetrical” (i.e. it is not “handed”) so that, for all handformats, the user is able to use (place) either their left or right hand upon the URU (according to left/right side positioning of the URU) or, in the case of two URUs being installed together, the user may place a hand on both sides, when both the left and right hand URUs may be used simultaneously, to form any of the following grips. i. The Guidance-grip of Zone 1 (and partially Zone II and Zone III), This grip is analogous to “feeling an item through sensory touch”, forming the lightest (weakest) grip, with contact of the finger ends engaging the URU surface, in a haptic sense (not a formal grip sense that uses an applied force). The URU provides uninterrupted haptic assistance by enabling the fingers to run continuously along the top (Crown, 203) and side Recesses (204, 205), providing guidance and reassurance to the user. The URU of the invention also provides additional haptic assistance (through the user interacting with the under-section nodular Rims (210A-D), which can be modified (e.g. removed) in order to provide haptic marker-points along the rail-length. ii. The Power-grip, Type “A” which primarily employs the URU Zones I, II, III. (which is analogous to gripping a “circular rod or bat”). This grip is formed by the hand maximising the three hand-Arches to achieve a fully circular grip, with:
- the thumb-Arch, locating the thumb transversely under the Rim (A) of the basal section of the rail-unit (FIG. 41).
- the finger-Arch formed by the adducted finger phalanges located transversely beneath the basal Rim (B), so that the thumb (extended transversely towards the transversely extended index finger phalange) engages in adjacent alignment with the phalange of said index finger, within Zone III.
- The palm-Arch simultaneously rests upon the Crown (203) of the URU, Zone I.
A strong compressive grip may then be formed by the three hand-Arches applying forces in the various N and T directions of the Coronal plane.
This hand-format is reinforced, supported and secured by hand-adhesion with Rims (A, B, C, D) which Edges and Nodules, under muscular compression, are forcibly engaged with the Pulps of the inner-hand by the contraction of the three Arches.
Thus the URU provides both an effective Power-Grip using Zones I and III to form improved hand-grip and hand-adhesion as the thumb, palm and fingers encircle the URU, also engaging with the adhesive profile of the URU periphery (Zone II) so that:
- the potential for the rotation of the hand around the rail-unit in the Coronal plane is resisted by the N-T adhesion of the hand to the rail-unit.
- the potential for the hand to slide in the longitudinal direction of the Sagittal plane is also resisted by the L adhesion of the hand to the rail-unit.
Power-grip, Type B: Given that hand-sizes vary, the URU enables variations of the Power-grip. Thus, according to the hand size (or disability) of the user then the following Power-grip (Type B) may be formed with the same thumb-finger orientation achieving “a simulated Power-Grip”. This is achieved if the thumb-phalange and finger-tip phalanges partially enter the recess (206) but do not quite touch each other (or partially touch). In this format, the parallel phalange tips (thumb and fingers) of the Power-grip are fully engaged, with most of the adhesive forms of Power-grip A being enabled, but providing a lesser adhesion / closure force than Power-grip A.
Power-grip, Type C: where a very small hand forms a much reduced “Power-Grip”, when the thumb phalange is positioned transversely in Recess 206 (beneath Ledge 209A1) and the finger phalanges in Recess 205 (behind Ledge 209C1) or the thumb phalange positioned in Recess 04 (anchored under Ledge 209D1) with the finger phalanges in Recess 206 beneath either Edge 209B2, or beneath Ledge 209B1. In this instance, the three-arch closure can be formed with a reduced force, but the adhesion of the hand is compromised, as it is formed across three Rim forms (not four)
In summary, for this most important grip (the strongest grip), the Power-grip, the positioning of the hand upon the adhesive forms of this present invention, improves the ability of the three curve-arches of the hand to maintain their T-N compression (compressed against each other, inwardly) which compression is reinforced by an adhesive factor (to prevent slipping) thereby forming a further improved Power-grip that is capable of being achieved by various parties (user-types) of various capabilities. iii. The Chuck Grip of Zones I, II and III (which is analogous to holding a screw-driver). This grip is formed in a manner similar to the Power-grip, but the thumb is extended longitudinally from the transversely extended index finger and long fingers so that the fingers and thumb are compressed around the rail in such a format that:
- The extended thumb is located within Recess 204, whilst the opposing adducted fingers (index and long finger) encircle the URU so that their distal phalanges are positioned across the underside to bridge and engage Rim A (or Rim B);
- The user engages the Metacarpal pulp (thenal eminence) of the extended thumb to maximise the longitudinal interface contact within the URU (within Recess 204).
This format of hand-grip depends upon hand size: with a “smaller grip” able to be achieved with the finger phalanges engaging with the Rim, B. The remaining fingers may, where possible, also assist in directly applying transverse (T) pressure upon the URU sides or normal (N) pressure upon the URU underside.
In this format the URU provides an improved compressive hand-grip when the thumb and force-finger phalanges press (inwards) against each other (and the Palm-Arch presses downwards) to form the Chuck-grip. The thumb-Arch and finger-Arch adhere to the Rim Ledges, Recesses and Nodules. The Chuck-grip is improved as the URU provides substantial handadhesion through the thumb’s extended location in the side Recess (204), also forming a point of upward compressive leverage against the ledge (209D1). iv. The Palm-grip of Zones I and II (which is analogous to the user “incompletely holding a ball”). This grip is formed with the palm of the hand being placed on the Crown (203) of the URU, when the thumb is extended across the Crown and the Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint (MCP) of the thumb is flexed (hooked) under the Rim D (or Rim A, depending upon hand size and Crown orientation), whilst simultaneously the DIP and IP finger phalange Joints are flexed, with the adducted DIPs positioned (hooked within Zone II) under Rim C (or possibly Rim B). In this format the thumb is positioned beneath a Rim (Zone II) and the fingers are positioned beneath another Rim (Zone II): so that the forces applied by the hand are:
- Inward (and upward) with contractual flexure forces of the DIPs and PIPs of the thumb and fingers (in the near-normal and near-transverse directions)
- Downward contractual pressure in Zone I of the palm upon the Crown of the rail, in the normal direction. This format enables pressure to be applied by both the thumb and the adducted fingers “inwards and upwards”, compressing towards the palm (with the palm also pressing downwards), as a modified extension of the three-Arch format,
Regarding the adhesion of grips ii-iv, the profile of the URU improves the compressional capacity of the three-arch handformats by adhesively engaging the elements of the thumb and the displaced adducted finger phalanges beneath the Rim edges and Rims C and D (as well as engaging with Nodular protrusions (210C, 210D). The Recesses (204 and 206) which the thumb enters and the Recess (205 and 206) which the finger-ends enter provides adhesion from their respective interfaces with the compressive hand-arches (enhancing the N-T forces of the palm). The combined adhesion from the palm interface contact with the thumb and finger interface contacts provides resistance to both Coronal rotation (and longitudinal sliding of the hand). v. The Finger-purchase grip (or Pinch-grip) of Zone II (analogous to “squeezing tweezers”). This is a deliberate “partial-grip” which is formed when the flexed thumb of the thumb-Arch is located transversely in the recess (204) and the flexed abducted fingers of the finger-Arch are located transversely within the recess (205) so that the thumb and fingers simultaneously compress against the side walls in the transverse T-force direction. In this hand-format, the palm of the hand is not applied with any “substantial force” against the Crown (203) of the URU. So the primary grip-forces are the two transverse closure forces of the two hand-Arches (thumb and finger). This Finger-Purchase (Pinch-Grip) is improved by the URU providing the two Edges (209C2, 209D2) to enable the Pulp of the thumb and fingers to have maximum purchase against Recesses 204 and 205 and to engage with the underside of Ledges 209C1-209D1. The Pinch-grip also forms a limited adhesion with the underside Nodules of Rims C and D, providing limited resistance to Coronal rotation and Longitudinal slippage. vi. The Finger-hook grip of Zones I (and partial II). (this may be regarded as a “last-resort” grip, which is employed in the key action of when: a user might begin to fall, or arrest a fall). This grip is formed when the thumb has only a partial contact with the URU. It is known that, when a fall commences, the overpowering biomechanical forces of rotational momentum cause a minimised defensive force. In such instance, it has been proven that the MCP and Carpal element of the thumb (the thenar webspace) is pulled away from a rail when, in the case of the URU:
- The thumb may remain located within (or near) the Recesses 204 or 206, but the thumb is not able to apply pressure to the URU in either T or N axis due to the user’s momentum of movement (pulling the user’s thumb away from the URU)
- Also, the palm may not have a secure contact, being raised away from the URU.
In this instance, the flexed finger-tip ends located in Recess 204 or 205 may apply pressure sidewards and inwards (T) and upwards (N), towards the palm (from which there may not be a return pressure).
In some circumstances, the flexed (hooked) thumb may be able to provide upward assistance through an upward applied force, which hooked thumb force is minimal.
Such instance may leave the user with the opportunity of solely employing the hooked-finger-ends (the finger-hooks) that are positioned on the underside of the URU’s Rims, either in Recess 204/205 or Recess 206 (or possibly, in a state of “crosshooking”, with thumb and finger-tips located in both Recesses 205 and 206). The objective of the user at this stage will be to try to maintain a hold upon the URU, for which purpose the main URU advantage is provided through the Rims C (and possibly B) having an underlying Ledge (209C2 and 209B2), enabling a base for the finger-hook application and Nodular engagement, providing adhesion.
In such momentarily rapid changing sequence of events as a fall, there will be increasingly additional forces (T, N, L) applied against the user’s flexed fingers (caused by the accelerating momentum of the falling movement of the user).
If the thumb and palm have lost contact with the rail, then the forces acting upon the finger tips will become extreme (and grip failure is likely to occur). vii. The Grasp-grip (The Recovery-grip) formed chaotically in Zones I, II, III: This grip is the result of an impulse action by the user, in response to “imbalance” (with a resultant hand-format being applied that is unpredictable, possibly chaotic). In the event of the user initially holding the URU badly (or not holding the URU at all) then, in circumstances that may cause “loss of balance” of the user, the user will attempt to grasp the URU more firmly (if already holding it) or reach-out to grasp the URU (if they are not already holding it) or try to regain a grip (if previously lost).
Thus, depending upon the instance of the circumstances, the user may either:
- Stabilise their position and thus regain the balancing of their centre of gravity, in which case the URU has been effective.
- Commence to fall, in which case the user will try to arrest the fall, with the user “grabbing” the URU to endeavour to regain their balance.
In the event of such “grasping situations”, there are numerous panic-reaction scenarios as to “how” a user may impulsively place their hand upon the URU.
Thus, given that any of the previous range of hand-grip formats (2-6) may be impulsively formed (grasped) upon the URU as well as any other hybrid grasping formats that may also be chaotically applied in order to arrest the fall, then: the URU design presented has the advantage that it can immediately accept all of the hand-formats described (so far) to salvage the situation.
The URU profile with hand-formats that provide both hand-grip and hand-adhesion have been primarily described regarding the defensive forces required by the user in the event of loss of balance in the Coronal plane, (with the effect of only a limited loss of balance in the Sagittal plane).
When stationary, if the T and N forces in the Coronal plane cannot be stabilised, the user will continue to lose balance and thus commence to fall in the Coronal plane (i.e. accelerate vertically downwards, away from a position of balance).
With mobility (and momentum), then additional applied and resultant forces are required to be used defensively (due to horizontal motion and/or vertical gravity) which forces are primarily required in the Longitudinal (L) direction (in the Sagittal plane). Thus, whilst using the applied hand-formats “ii-vi”, the following mobile safety considerations are also assessed and presented where:
In circumstances when the user cannot stabilise themselves to prevent their fall due to mobility and momentum then.
- In a mobile fall circumstance involving a flat walkway, the fall may be either: - Afall “in situ” in the Coronal plane, with minimal offset forward or backwards movement, being similar to a stationary fall. When the user may use any of the T-N grip formats described upon the rail to break the fall. The strengthened and adhesive T-N grips that are provided by the URU can prevent (or minimise) Coronal hand-rotation and will contribute to controlling the fall and reduce fall-impact (by creating less momentum).
- A fall forward, in the Sagittal plane through a “trip” (or stumble), when the fall will commence in a longitudinal and downward direction, in which case if there is movement (slippage) of the hand on the URU, the strong T-N grip will be weakened.
- In this situation, it is essential to maintain the T-N adhesive capacity provided by the URU, as it directly forms a defensive non-rotational grip that maintains the hand in the Coronal position.
In these circumstances, the adhesive capacity of the URU enables the user to retain a T-N grip as well as to exert an L-force (in the Sagittal plane) to resist the momentum of falling forwards. If required, additional L pressure may be applied by the user (forward or backwards, depending on the fall direction) to attempt to prevent the hand sliding on the rail. In the event of the hand sliding, some Longitudinal pressure can continue to be applied in order to resist the resultant Sagittal body movement. This sustained ability will help to minimise the fall momentum and assist in controlling the fall so that the impact is broken (with less momentum).
In a mobile fall situation in an inclined walkway, the above considerations remain valid, although the inclination of the floor (and the URU) will cause a number of more difficult “force issues”, especially in the longitudinal direction.
In a mobile fall situation involving a stairway, the circumstances are more variable, but, where the user cannot retain their balance and a fall commences with the user retaining hold of the URU then, the instances are such that:
- The user may fall into the URU, when the fall may be broken.
- The user may fall away from the URU, when the grip is weakened due to the thumb being pulled away from the URU, which action is virtually uncontrollable.
Regarding the defensive forces (T, N, L) employed upon a rail to combat a “fall situation” on a stairway it has been proven that the most difficult circumstance that the user faces is to combat the longitudinal “L” force that is generated when falling. The inclination of the URU and the inclined momentum of the user will attempt to cause the hand to slide along the URU, which action may be resisted or controlled by the URU through the improved adhesion of the hand, as previously described.
In the event of failure of the hand-grip in the Longitudinal direction, with the hand sliding (traversing) the rail, this reduces the effect of the N-T grip, typically resulting in the complete loss of hold (grip) upon a rail by the user. Whilst the installed (inclined) wall-mounted URU provides additional capacities to prevent and arrest a fall, the URU may not be totally capable of stopping such a fall, especially in the circumstances where the fall has started and the momentum of the falling action has reached a point where: the user may “panic” and release the URU.
Thus, given the danger of falling “uncontrolledly” in a stairway then, the defensive applications of the installed URU may be reinforced with the addition of a vertical URU Grab rail that is also located in the stairway. It is to be noted that, in such a situation of falling within a stairway, the user may fall chaotically, with a “tumbling action”, when the user is “flailing their arms”. In such a scenario, the user will (probably) flail their arms chaotically and attempt to grasp any item to arrest their worsening (and accelerating) fall.
- In the scenario of “tumbling and flailing”, the user will (probably) not have the opportunity to reach the inclined URU to attempt to regain a grip.
- (If such contact were to be re-made by the user, it is likely that the positioning of the URU, or any rail, will not enable a firm grip to be formed).
In the chaos of tumbling down a stairway (with flailing arms) there will only be a few items that may be attempted to be grasped by the user, one of which may be the open-side balusters or wall-side vertical rod/post, if installed. Thus, in the instance when the falling user may flail their arms and may reach-out to hold a stair-side baluster, they may be able to try to arrest the fall to stabilise themselves (or at least break the momentum of the fall). However:
- The baluster may not enable the falling user to form a grip upon it.
- The vertical baluster may not be strong enough to hold a structural “grip”.
Accordingly, vertical URUs may be installed to provide a system of arresting such a fall when it functions as a stairway “Grab rail”.
Thus, the URU may be installed in a stairway in both a conventional “inclined wall mounted hand rail format’ (as discussed) and also as a vertical “Grab rail format”. The installation of two combined URU formats may be advantageously employed to assist in arresting a tumbling user.
For this improved safety purpose, the vertical URU Grab rails are positioned either:
- On the wall-side (either independently, or preferably positioned beneath an inclined wall mounted URU).
- On the open-side, as a URU-baluster (preferably beneath a URU-banister).
- (Or, positioned upon both sides in a vertical format as described).
When being installed as a vertical URU, there is the additional advantage that the vertical orientation of the URU may be positioned so that the Crown (203) is presented to the user’s arm-hand alignment, so that a flailing arm-hand can effectively envelop the orientated Crown in order to achieve the arrest of the fall.
Thus, multiple vertical URUs may be pre-positioned at the side of the stairway so that they may be employed in emergency by the chaotically falling user (tumbling and flailing), to attempt to arrest their fall by forming a “Flailing-grip” upon the URU. viii. The Flailing-grip (of Zone I) (this is analogous to a “luggage Handle Grip”)
In this grip, as the URU is vertical, (and the Crown (1) orientated, in alignment) so that the user may present their arm, wrist and hand to form the wrist-Arch whereby the carpals, metacarpals and finger phalanges form the shape of a hook (analogous to a shepherd’s hook) with which they can “flail” and hook around the vertical URU.
With the momentum of “falling”, there is little opportunity to attempt a formal grip on any object. Thus the hook-shape of the Flailing-grip can engage, to “hook” the orientated Crown, in an impromptu (non-grip-format) manner, where: Whilst the downward momentum does not allow a formal grip, the palm-Arch (and finger-Arch) may engage (positively) with the URU Crown, with the extended arm acting as a hooked-anchor to resist and break the fall.
In the circumstances of “tumbling, sliding or careering”, any hybrid form of Flailing-Grip that is possible to apply to the vertical URU is useful.
The hand-formats applied to the URU, as previously described (i-viii) have been for defensive forces that are for the safety of the user.
The URU may also be used to provide the improved ergonomic orientation and biomechanical application of ferees that may be employed for the assistance of the user, which improved ASSISTIVE FORCES also contributes to the safety of the user. For such assistive purpose(s) a different power-alignment is used by the user, typically through the Push-Pull grip (as follows). ix. The Push-Pull grip of Zones I, II, III) (analogous to a gymnasium arm-curl or arm-press action) This assistive grip may be applied in various environments, where:
- In a stairway with an inclined wall mounted URU or URU-banister, where the hand formats “ii -iii” are the most probable grip formats for the user to employ. a. When ascending: the user leans forward to extend their arm in a power-alignment to form a Power-grip upon the inclined wall mounted URU: to then pull, with an arm-curl against it (to assist their climbing action of the stairway). The palm rests on the inclined (smooth) URU Crown (203) (which is orientated to the user’s arm alignment), whilst the Zones II and III of the URU provide side and underside grip-adhesion to the thumb and fingers. As noted, this is not an efficient biomechanical arrangement as it is applied with a minimised angle (a) between the inclined elevated arm and the inclined Rail-unit which invites “slippage” in the L direction (FIG. 44). However, the adhesion capacity of the URU in the L axis will counter some of this acute angle disadvantage. b. When descending rearwards (facing up the stairway), the user can hold onto the URU, to assist and support their descent (as a reverse to “a” preceding). c. When descending forwards (facing down the stairway), the user can position their hands to push (brace) on the URU by:
- Position their hands at the side or slightly behind themselves to support their weight by holding or leaning upon the URU, which is somewhat safer as the URU can be gripped more securely (transversely), with an improved biomechanical format (and longitudinal slippage prevented).
- Leaning forwards, with their hands extended forwardly, pushing (bracing) obliquely upon the URU to support their weight (preferably with a Power-Grip) when lowering themselves downwards. This is not recommended as a safe movement as any longitudinal movement (slippage) may be uncontrollable.
In all actions, the inclined orientated URU facilitates and improves T-N grip through:
- L adhesion, with the URU profile
- Orientation of the URU
Such reinforcing of all hand-grips resists the hand from sliding longitudinally, especially when the various Pull/Push forces are applied in the inclined URU. - In a stairway environment, where the URU is installed vertically: the hand formats of before (ii and possibly Hi) are the probable formats that the user may employ for the vertical URUs that are installed, which installations may be located:
- As a vertical URU Grab rail, beneath the inclined URU Hand rail
- As a vertical URU Baluster-rail, beneath the URU-Banister.
When ascending the stairs the vertical URUs are employed by the user to lean forward and pull (lever) against.
- The vertical URUs provide a biomechanical advantage as the user may reach or lean forward so that: the alignment of the arms, wrist and hands form a more efficient power-zone alignment to effect an arm-curl action.
- When descending the stairs (rearwards, facing up the stairway), the vertical URUs are employed with the reverse action to that of ascending:
For both ascending and descending actions, the forces applied are primarily arm-curl forces (extending and contracting the arm muscles) which arm action is employed whilst the hand muscles firmly grip the orientated vertical URU with a biomechanical action that is improved by the power-alignment (with little need to dilute the applied power with L forces to prevent slippage along the URU).
In a lesser-mobility environment: the URU is employed to raise, lower or transfer the user, when the URU is installed in orientations that are either vertical, horizontal or inclined, (using a Push-Pull Grip accordingly). In the event of a problem, all other grips (ii-viii) may be attempted to stabilise the user and arrest or break a fall. Thus:
- If the user requires a single force-action (i.e. to rise from a seated or supine position (or return to such position), the URU is installed at the required inclination and orientation to suit the alignment and user movement so that they may employ the optimal power-zone configuration for power-alignment.
- If the user requires to move in stages (transfer their body-weight across a distance) then the URU may be positioned at an appropriate inclination, with an appropriate length. The user may firmly grasp the URU to move along it (from one hand-grip position to the next) with the “grip” being assisted by the adhesion that the inclined URU provides. This staged hand movement, traversing along the URU, with application and release of hand-forces (analogous to a mechanical Clutch-brake), is facilitated by the URU’s provision of various formats of hand-grip to suit the variable grip requirements of the movement (whilst maintaining the hand’s adhesion) and avoiding loss of grip that may result in a fall.
In partial summary, the external design of the URU that is presented within FIGS. 41, 42, 43 demonstrate the range of improved hand-formats that provide the comprehensive hand-grips and hand-adhesions that may be applied by the user upon the purpose orientated URU, in order to improve user-safety and user-assistance (for users of various capabilities) in various circumstances and instances.
For structural safety, the present invention is presented as a Compound unit (so that it may be reinforced, as required). Whilst it has been noted that the URU could be formed as a solid unit, it has been stated that the preferred construction is a compound format (being a hollow profile with secondary emplaced core insert, forming a Compound URU (the C-URU).
- With the external body (202) formed by extrusion process, an internal web and cross brace elements may also be simultaneously moulded in position to strengthen the URU (which will affect the design of an inserted core).
- It is possible that a continuous internal web-brace section could reinforce the URU so that there is no need for an insert (for reinforcement). - However, the continuous web-brace URU require a more complicated extrusion process (with more material employed) and with more cost.
The Core-insert that is designed to enter the profiled body of the URU to form the preferred Compound URU (re: C-URU) as described as follows:
FIG. 47 shows a front elevation of the Core-insert (220) that is formed to reflect the internal URU profile (202B of FIGS. 41, 42, 43) with a Crown (221) and Foot (FIG. 48, 223). The Core-insert (Insert, 220) is preferably formed from extruded non-flammable thermoplastic (or metallic materials), but may also be formed from various solid materials that are shaped appropriately (wood, plastic, metal).
It is preferable for the Core-insert to have the practical parameters / abilities of:
- The formation of long (continuous) lengths, with a consistent profile (to reflect the internal URU 202B profile);
- A minimised weight (but adequate structural strength);
- Central apertures (224), with at least two apertures provided;
- The capacity to be bonded to the internal face of the URU;
- A body (Web, 222) to receive self-tapping screws (within the Web mass);
- The ability to be employed as a separate unit that may be pre-attached to a substrate, to act as a fixing-post (or anchor) for the enveloping URU;
- As a waterproof (and rot-proof) element of the Compound-URU;
- At a cost that maintains the competitive price of the URU system.
Accordingly the Core-insert (Insert 220) is preferred to be formed from an extruded thermoplastic material, as this will achieve the above objectives and preferably interact and interface effectively with the external URU.
When the Insert (220) is installed within the URU, it forms a Compound URU section (re C-URU). FIG. 47 shows a crosssection of Insert (220), with the elements of: a. A Crown (221) that reflects the internal Crown (03, 02B) of the URU; b. A bulk Web (222) that is of a substantial width that spans the height of the Insert; c. A Foot (223, FIG. 48) that reflects the internal foot of the URU; d. Two (continuous) apertures (224) located in the mid-section of the Web (222), with other apertures also being provided (if required).
The profile of the Core-insert (Insert 220) reflects the internal URU. It is also structurally analogous to both a bone-structure (“another biomimicry”) and an approximated l-section structure.
FIG. 48 shows the Insert (220) with the URU, being a dose-fit (near friction-fit) when entered within the cavity (201) of the URU, contacting the inner URU face (202B) in strategic locations to form the C-URU structure, with contact faces being made with:
- With the internal 202B Crown (203) and the external Insert Crown (221)
- With the internal 202B Foot (206) and the external Insert Foot (223) The secure contact arrangement to form the Compound URU (the C-URU), is achieved within the URU core by contact with the URU body (202) by either:
- The formation of a chemical-adhesive bond between the contacting faces.
- The provision of a screw fixing that is applied externally, through the planar face (206) of the URU, using the pilot-guide (207), to then proceed to be screwed directly into the Web-mass (222) of the Insert (220).
- A physical wedge (cleat) that is inserted between the contact faces of the URU and the Core-insert (not shown)
It may also be suitable to employ a combination of the above-described methods of fixedly joining the Insert to the URU in order to form the C-URU. When the Insert is emplaced, the C-URU is also physically locked, to prevent rotation of the internal Insert, through the provision of a “locking profile” (especially between the Insert Foot (223) and the inner face of Recess (206).
The Compound URU (the C-URU) provides a substantially reinforced structure:
- The T and N axes, whilst previously intrinsically strengthened (due to the various peripheral sinuous-arcuate forms), the URU is now reinforced by the interfacing Crowns (203 and 221) and interlocking bases (223 and 206) enhancing the N-axis.
- In the event that the Insert will be fully entered within the complete body of the URU, then the L axis will be substantially strengthened by the compounded longitudinal structure.
FIG. 49 shows the Insert (220) employed to join two separate length-sections of URU, which are internally joined together (end to end), so that the Crowns of the two URUs, (203, 203) form a continuous (seamless) join (230), that is substantially reinforced internally at the join location (230). The Insert length may be selectively extended within the vicinity of the Join (230), according to the strength required of the C-URU. It can be seen that the joining of two URUs through the internal insertion and fixing of a common Core-insert (Insert, 220) provides:
- A longitudinal Crown section of the two URUs, (203, 203) with a smooth, continuous surface that the palm of the hand can rest on, and haptically traverse “in an uninterrupted, seamless manner”.
- An internal reinforcement of the two joined URUs that substantially reinforces both the join of the two URUs and the extended C-URU length which has been formed by the Insert installation.
When the Join (230) has been formed the two external URUs are preferably secured to the internal Insert by screws entered into the body of the Insert (222) through the pilot guide (207) located in the Recess (206) of the URU. The pilot (207) facilitates and guides the screw entry, to accurately locate the main Web-body (222) of the Insert (220).
Such fixing arrangement secures each URU to the Insert, so that the two URUs cannot be separated. Thus the C-URU forms a seamless join (on all elements of the surface of the URU, especially the haptic Crown) and effectively reinforces the selected length of the URU that is formed as a C-URU.
The Core-insert (Insert, 220) is advantageously employed with pre-installation arrangements where: it is (independently) secured by being mounted directly to a substrate (floor, wall or other surface), as illustrated in FIG. 50 where:
- The Insert apertures (224) are employed as fixing conduit-guides (pilots) for screws (or similar) that pass through the length of the apertures (224), passing through the Insert-body, Web (222), to pass into the substrate (231) to form a substrate join (232A). - During installation, the Insert (220) is also positioned to pre-orientate the enveloping URU (when attached) to optimise its power-alignment with the user. Accordingly, the two apertures (224) are employed to fix the orientation of the Core-insert upon the substrate (so that the fixed Join, 232A, cannot rotate independently).
FIG. 51 shows the URU mounted over the Insert and secured by screw, chemical adhesion or other means to form a C-URU structure that is orientated, reinforced and conveniently mounted to directly “abut” the substrate.
- As per the linear join, the C-URU is typically attached by screw fittings to the Insert (220), employing the pilot guide (207) located in the face (206) to facilitate and guide the screw entry to penetrate the URU, to accurately enter the main body (222) of the Insert (220). Such fixing secures the URU to the Insert (so that the URU cannot be accidentally lifted (detached) from the Insert.
The Core-insert (220) is also usually mounted to the end section of a URU, to form a C-URU. Such mounting reinforces the end of the URU and is employed for the fixing and securing of end-coupling attachments (and support brackets).
FIG. 52 shows an Insert (220) installed within a URU, to form a C-URU, with an end cap (232B) that is to cover of the end of the C-URU. The end cap is affixed by being screwed to the end-face of the Insert (220), with the screws attaching to the web body (222) or another part of the Insert 220.
The installation arrangements (and fittings) required for the installed orientation of the URU in stairways, hallways and other locations (for transfer purposes) are summarised as:
- The URU may be attached to a vertical substrate (e.g. wall) using various standard fixtures and fittings that are presently commercially available as:
- The external profile with Recess (206) of the URU (FIGS. 41, 42, 43) will accommodate most available supporting bracketry and associated fixtures.
- The end URU profile (202) will accommodate most available end caps and end returns (and associated bracketry fixtures).
- The ability for the URU (and C-URU) to be installed using standard fittings and bracketry obtained from standard sources enables all of the hand-grip formats (except the Hook-Grip) to be employed with the installed URU (and reinforced C-URU), as required for a conventional hand rail.
However, to achieve the improved use of the URU and C-URU (especially the ability to orientate the Crown of the URU to the user) then, a supporting system of bracketry (and fixtures) is required, which system hosts a specific URU innovation, being a “pivoting support-Plate”, that is common to each bracketry unit.
FIG. 53A, describes the specific feature of a “pivoting support-Plate”, where: In this embodiment, the mounting system is shown employing two separate elements, namely:
- A support Plate (244) that has an internally arched linear Foot, the Plate-arch (245) of internal profile diameter Y.
- A support post (242).
- The Post has a Ball-head (243) of diameter X (which is smaller than Y).
- The Ball-head diameter X enables the over-mounting of the support Plate (244) with Plate-arch (245) with internal profile Y The support Plate is pre-fixed to the URU underside, entering Recess (206) of the URU and being affixed by screw penetration through apertures (246) of the Plate (244), with screws self-tapping directly into the URU body (202), as well as the Insert, if fitted.
FIG. 53B shows the support-Plate, with the Plate-arch (245) mounted on the Ball-head (243) which, when mounted, enables pivotal movement of the URU in both the Sagittal plane (vertical forward inclined) and the Coronal plane (vertical orientated) so that:
- the required inclination of the URU installation is achieved.
- the required alignment (orientation) of the user to the URU is achieved.
The locking screws (245A) of the Plate-arch (245) are adjusted to lock the Plate-arch to the Ball-head so that the URU (or C- URU) is fixedly installed upon the support post (242) at the appropriate inclination and orientation.
Given a prime objective of improved ergonomics and biomechanics, the following installation (variations) may be employed, utilising the Ball and Plate configuration to achieve the required orientation of the URU, where:
The mounting fixture for a horizontal, inclined or vertical URU (or C-URU) - FIG. 54 shows a near conventional design of wall mounting support-bracket (242A) that enables the URU to be affixed to the wall to form a Hand rail (horizontal or inclined). The Ball-head mounting with the URU is employed (as FIGS. 53A, 53B) with the support Post being one that is “shaped” (242A) for it to be attached to a wall-mounting Plate (247 A). This bracketry fixing process includes the following sequence:
- The underside recess of the URU (206) accommodates the support Plate (244).
- The URU (with Plate) is then mounted onto the Ball-head of the support post (243) and inclined (as required), It is then orientated for user alignment, with the support Plate-lock fixtures (246) finally applied to fix the orientation and inclination.
- The wall mounting Plate (247 A) is formed as a rigid element of the support post (242A) and screwed to the wall.
FIG. 55 shows a Post structure of bracketry support that is used to connect an overhead URU (horizontal or inclined) with a vertical URU.
- The separate Support Plate (244) is attached to the underside of the URU (as before)
- The Ball-head (243) accommodates the URU pre-fixed support Plate (244) as before.
- The bottom of the Post 42B has a capping Plate (247B) attached
This bracketry unit enables two URUs to be joined:
- An orientated wall mounted URU to be positioned above (as a Hand rail)
- a vertical URU, positioned at any location beneath the upper URU as a Grab rail (without the requirement of a wall fixing).
As with previous URU bracketry, the two URUs are orientated for user alignment, as required.
FIG. 56 shows a “wall-mounting bracketry” for the URU, where the same turned arrangement is employed as FIG. 54, with an additional vertical extension formed of the Post structure (242C) forming a “T” shape (type) bracketry.
- The Post extends horizontally to the wall (with a mounting Plate (247 A), as FIG. 54. - The Post (242C) extends vertically to support another plate, a capping Plate (247B), which is to be mounted upon an end C- URU section, of an installed URU (that is typically vertically positioned).
The Plate joins the vertical C-URU (e.g. floor mounted as FIG. 51), which is joined to the underside of the Plate (247 A) with the URU having the required inclined orientation.
The bracketry of the T shape enables two URUs to be effectively joined and also fixed to the wall:
- The inclined URU is installed (and orientated) as a Hand rail.
- The vertical URU is installed (and orientated) as a Grab rail.
As with previous URU bracketry, the two URUs are orientated for user alignment, as required.
FIG. 57 shows an URU with end cap (232B) and with a return Post (242D) connecting to the wall.
- The support post (242D) has two end cap mountings that:
- attach the Post to the end of the C-URU
- fix the Post to the wall
- The required orientation of the URU is firmly accommodated within the end cap (232B), without affecting the URU orientation.
- The terminal end of the URU Hand rail (or Grab rail) is required to be closed (blanked). The terminal end is constructed as a C-URU, so that the orientated URU is both securely capped (and reinforced).
This bracketry firmly attaches the URU to the wall to create a safe end-closure which eliminates any undue protrusion that can be accidentally caught upon by the user with the end of the structure.
FIG. 58 shows the bracketry for the joining of two non-linear URUs with a double ended support Post coupling (242E), the fitting of which is self-explanatory (with end caps 232B). The advantage of this bracketry is that the required angle of curvature of the Post can be adjusted “on-site” (by using a simple bending tool) to suit the requirements of the installation.
It is to be duly noted that the support Plate (244) that is located within the URU Recess (206) within all of the FIGS. (53A-57) has a symmetrically tapered profile so that, upon entry to Recess (206) there is minimal intrusion (interruption or detraction) from:
- The applied-force of the hand-grip contact
- The haptic-contact of a user’s hand that is traversing the underside of the URU.
The mounting of a vertical -rail unit (mounted beneath a URU Hand rail unit).
Using the above bracketry, the vertical URU can either be positioned (installed and orientated) beneath a wall mounted URU Hand rail or a URU-banister Hand rail.
For the purpose of employing the Flailing-grip and the Push-Pull grip, the vertical URU is positioned to maximise the biomechanics of both uses, where the Crown is orientated accordingly.
Safety considerations within the stairway. Given that Stairways are the second leading location that causes accidental injury, then the stairway environment is of prime attention. The URU, with its improved biomechanical hand-grip capacity and its ergonomically advantageous installed orientation provides an increased safety and support capacity that enables a versatile installation within a stairway.
Such various installation options described for the URU that enable installation within the stairway (with the URU bracketry) are summarised as:
- The Inclined URU: as a wall mounted URU, as a Hand rail.
- The Inclined: as a URU-banister (forming a Hand rail)
- The Vertical URU: as a Grab Rail, mounted under a wall mounted URU Hand rail.
- The Vertical URU: as a URU-baluster (and as a Grab rail)
Thus, with regards to user-safety, such variety of URU installations provide an integral combination of safety and usage advantages which are summarised as follows:
- Improved hand-grip and hand-adhesion enabling the user to:
- Self-stabilise:
- Arrest the beginning of a fall (with a maintained hand-format), or break the fall (if it cannot be arrested) with a modified hand-format.
- In the event of loss of grip:
- If falling (when facing up the stairs) a vertical URU Grab rail may be grasped with a Recovery-grip to prevent the user from falling backwards.
- If falling downwards (when facing downwards) the user may attempt to “sit” or slide to break the fall when they can also effectively grasp (with a Recovery-grip) a vertical URU Hand rail to arrest their fall.
- The user may have no control and their arms may flail, when they may effect a Flailing-grip upon a Grab rail to attempt to arrest the fall.
FIGS. 59A-59F illustrate a summary of URU integral arrays that may be installed and orientated in a stairway:
- FIG. 59A - A stairway with single wall mounted inclined URU, employed as a Hand rail.
- FIG. 59B - A stairwell with two wall mounted URUs employed as two Hand rails.
- FIG. 59C - A stairway with one open side where:
- The inclined URU is employed as a URU-banister
- The multiple vertical URUs are employed as a URU-balustrade (supporting the URU-banister). The baluster URUs are installed at regulated intervals, being available as “Grab rails”. Note that as a balustrade, the vertical Rail-units are required to be positioned with a maximum “gap” of 100mm (UK regulation)
- FIG. 59D - An installed inclined wall mounted URU, employed as a Hand rail (as FIG. 59A) with an open stair-side URU that is installed as an inclined URU-banister Hand rail which overlies vertical URUs (as FIG. 59C).
- FIG. 59E - An installed inclined wall mounted URU employed as a Hand rail (as FIG. 59A) with vertical URUs located beneath.
- The interval between vertical URUs can be different from the required balustrade interval (which is regulated).
- The choice of interval may be selected to respond to the anticipated forces that may be required to be withstood by the URU. - The interval (vertical distance) of the wall arrangement in 19E can be adjusted to provide increased N-T strength of the inclined URU
- This arrangement enables a Hand rail to be installed that can accommodate an exceptional load in the N-axis.
- FIG. 59F An installed wall mounted array as in FIG. 59E, with an open-side array as in FIG. 59C.
The vertical URU Grab rails also assist users to negotiate the stairway who may have limited height (children or disadvantaged users), who may not be able to readily reach a conventionally inclined Hand rail.
Such available variation of installed arrays provides major advantages in the risk assessment and safety planning (and subsequent safety precautions) of such locations as a stairway as well as the additional advantage of planning for the assistive use of the installed array.
FIGS. 60-75D relate to a modular hand rail and grip system. Summary: The installation of a hand-held rail is sensible, as well as “obligatory” in many locations (according to various regulations): irrespectively, many installed rails are not very effective, with most rails also being under-utilised.
The area of invention relates to the installation of an improved rail that is intended to be employed primarily as a modular hand rail (with different selective profiles), which may remain either as an independent hand rail appliance, or it may be employed as a “module” in order to continue as both a hand rail and a “rail-chassis” where, within a modular mobility system, a purpose- designed component is mounted to the rail (to use the rail as a chassis), which component improves the direct mobility of the user as well as facilitates optional (additional) usages through the additional mounting of accessories to the rail-mounted component, thereby maximising the use of the rail.
Background: A description of the background(s) relating to hand rail usage and mobility negotiation has been provided earlier. The earlier description includes:
- Descriptions of the deficiencies and attempted improvements of hand rail usage, combined with improved user safety and improved mobility (with improved hand rail-grip formats), especially with regard to the negotiation of a stairway or walkway,
- A summary of the inventions proposed to improve both the design of a hand rail (the rail) and the assistive component (the purpose designed Sleeve, with the additional accessories applied to the Sleeve) that is mounted upon the rail.
The ongoing development of the above inventions contained within the earlier sections of the description (related to FIGS. 1- 59F) has led to additional improvements in the preparation of a “modular Rail and Sleeve usage” (for either individual Rail or joint Rail and Sleeve use), as proposed herein, where:
- The hand rail (the rail) is improved through the provision of flexible material that is mounted externally upon the suitably profiled solid Core of the rail (the Chassis) by affixing or enveloping the material to create a hybrid Rail (being a solid Core with flexible peripheral materials affixed).
- The mounting of such peripheral material may be by way of single or multiple mountings (with single or multiple flexible material types). - The mounted material has a flexible characteristic, with a texture that improves the hand to material adhesion (and friction) so that the hand-material interface becomes “non-slip” (with such non-slippage ability being within the practical limits of the adhesion capacity of the material).
- The mobility assisting Sleeve is improved with a design that is tailored to provide an improved mounting upon the rail (with an improved Lever action).
- A principal modification of the Sleeve is one that maximises the inter-surface contacts of both the rail and the Sleeve.
- The Sleeve is enabled to pivot, so that the contact faces (Sleeve and Rail) remain parallel, thus maximising their interface contact, irrespective of the rotational angle of leverage applied.
To describe the above improvements, the invention that is proposed herein is presented as a modular combination of both a revised hand rail design (re: the rail) and a revised assistive component design (re: the Sleeve).
With this presentation (and the earlier sections of the description), it is noted that there are:
- There are various considerations for the rail design.
- There are various considerations for the Sleeve design (to suit the rail design).
- There are various options of supporting bracketry for the selected Rail and Sleeve combination.
The installation of the most effective Rail system, that maximises the defensive and supportive applications of the rail (and Sleeve), may be uniquely tailored from the design options (and subsequent module options formed from the attached accessories) to suit the purpose of the user.
A revised Rail design is presented herein as having a generally similar Rail profile (with solid Core) to that presented in the earlier sections of the description (FIGS. 1-59F), with the rail continuing to further address the issues of improved orientation and grip of the rail where:
- In the revised version of the rail, there are single or multiple extruded flexible thermoplastic materials (suitably profiled, being solid or hollow) that are mounted to the outside of the solid Core, which affixed material(s) has the various advantages of:
- The affixed flexible material is profiled so that the hybrid Rail combination of “Core and affixed materials” is more efficient for the user to hold (and grip, with an improved amount of adhesion).
- The opportunity to integrate an illuminated capacity.
- The ability to employ an improved antimicrobial content (the employment of which is more effective in the flexible thermoplastic form than in the solid thermoplastic Core form)
- The affixed material(s) may be removed to enable the mounting and subsequent operation of the Sleeve
Alternatively, in place of the use of affixed flexible materials that are mounted separately upon the exterior of the solid Core, the Core may be encapsulated in a flexible material which forms a thin Membrane sheath.
- The encapsulating Membrane sheath provides an improved grip for the hand as well as an improved grip for the Sleeve.
The flexible material(s) or membrane is applied to the periphery of the solid Core of the rail in a number of ways:
- The Core of the rail and the flexible material may be profiled (with purpose designed indentations and protrusions) - Female cavities and male protrusions are formed upon the periphery of the flexible material and the surface of the Core that is suitably profiled with corresponding male/female features.
- The flexible material is affixed to the Core (by pressure) forming a mechanically shaped (key-like) interlocking profile (which mounting may be further reinforced by the use of adhesive or other retention mechanism).
- Alternatively, the entire Core may be covered with an enveloping peripheral membrane (for which purpose, the rail is enveloped by a peripheral membrane at the point of manufacture):
- Such envelopment may be complete, encircling the entire solid Core of the rail, with the Core having a number of profiled-Recesses that are spanned by the Membrane sheath.
- The enveloping material is of such flexibility that it may be compressed into the Recesses by hand/finger compression which forms a tactile depression of purchase (with the fingers of the user entering indirectly into the Recess).
- The envelopment of the Core by the membrane may be partial (i.e. not forming a complete Core envelopment). In this case the lower zone of the Core is part-enveloped by a peripheral Membrane (which is affixed to the Core through a corresponding male/female interface).
- Such part-membrane cover may be profiled and fixed to the rail through a tailored inset arrangement (so that the external profile of the rail is maintained as a uniform (uninterrupted) surface), until the membrane is required to be removed.
- The Recesses of the Core that are enveloped within the covering Membrane sheath continue to provide a suitable profile for the mounting of the Sleeve attachment.
In both cases (of affixed flexible Attachments or mounted Membrane sheath), a primary objective is to maximise the continuous curvature of the periphery of the rail, in order to provide a uniform “shape of grip” for the hand of the user to engage with. Thus, the Core and Attachments (or Membrane-cover), when they are mounted upon the rail, create a Rail that has a profile which is a (near) circle, which profile is ideal for the formation of the Power-grip.
The Rail can be used independently, in various modular formats.
- The Rail may be used with either one or multiple flexible Attachments affixed (or removed), with the configuration of attachments enabling the rail to be tailored to suit the hand-requirements of a particular user.
- The removed attachments are designed so that they may be suitably re-affixed, if and when required.
- The encapsulated Rail is not able to be similarly modified (with the removal of the “flexible membrane”).
- Removal of the encapsulation may be attempted, but such action would require complete removal, whereafter replacement is not convenient.
A revised Sleeve design achieves a substantial grip when mounted upon either the solid Core or membrane covered core of the rail.
- The Sleeve has an especially improved grip adhesion when mounted upon the flexible Membrane-sheath covered Rail.
When the Sleeve is fitted (mounted) upon the rail then, for the Sleeve to be securely mounted:
- In the case of the “Rail with affixed Attachments”, the appropriate Attachments are required to be selectively removed. - The removal of the Attachments enables the Sleeve component to be directly “track-mounted” upon the Recesses of the Core of the rail (with appropriately shaped tracking elements of the Sleeve extending to enter the vacated Recesses of the Core).
- The vacant Recesses form the Cam tracking-channel within the rail for the traversing movement of the Sleeve Cams.
- In the case of the rail with partial encapsulation, such encapsulation may be removed as per the previous description of “Attachment removal” to enable the mounting of the Sleeve within the vacated Recesses.
- In the case of the rail with full membrane encapsulation, the Sleeve component is positioned upon the encapsulated Rail, with the mounting elements of the Sleeve indented into the membrane; indenting the membrane into the underlying Recesses to form tracking arrangements, with the Sleeve tracking upon the indented membrane (which is indented into the Recess).
- In the case of the rail with removable Attachments (or part membrane cover), the Sleeve may be mounted upon the flexible material (in the manner of the Membrane-sheathed Rail) provided the material is adequately flexible and effectively secured to the Core of the rail.
In all cases, the tracking elements of the Sleeve are mounted upon the rail within the vacated Recesses forming the tracking Channels of the lower Core, so that the Sleeve is stabilised and secured within the established Recess-tracks.
- This controlled stability is achieved by the tracking element of the Sleeve being an adjustable lateral Cam that enters, with adjustment, within the vacated pre-formed Recesses of the lower Core of the rail.
- The tracking-Cam may also be applied to the Membrane-sheathed Rail, as the Cam forms an indentation within the covering flexible membrane material, indenting it to lie within the Recess.
The transverse Cams (the tracking Cams) are laterally adjustable and mounted on a pivoting mechanism so that the Cams, when they are engaged within the tracking Channel (within the Recess) are tilted so that they are orientated to be parallel to the linear profile of Rail.
This tilt capacity of the Cams is advantageous as, when the Sleeve is tilted (to apply contact pressure of the Sleeve-Crown to the rail-Crown), then:
- Such tilt action maximises the inter-surface contact of the tracking-Cams with the roof of the Recess (or the indented membrane surface of the Recess).
- The tracking capacity of the tracking Cam is improved with a traction Wheel that is mounted to the Cam, which Wheel is employed to assist the Sleeve in traversing the rail (especially when the rail is encapsulated).
In all cases of Sleeve mounting of the rail, it is a requirement that the Sleeve-Crown (contact-plate, internal face) is maximised with the rail-Crown.
- This maximised contact is achieved by the Sleeve-Crown being pivotal, so that the two pivotal actions of the Sleeve (Crown and Cams) are effected jointly (by their joint connection).
- The pivoted Sleeve-Crown (internal face) makes the maximum secured contact with the rail-Crown (external face), thereby achieving the maximum combined friction and adhesion reaction between the two surfaces (so that the applied leverage does not fail and the Sleeve is locked onto the rail so that it can be used to fully support the action of the user).
- To secure such inter-Crown contact, the rotational Cams apply (responsive) pressure to the contact profiles within the Recesses. When the Sleeve mechanism is mounted upon the rail, it functions as:
- A direct Grip mechanism that the user can employ to directly facilitate their own enhanced grip upon the rail, by locking the Sleeve upon the rail in order to apply leverage upon the Sleeve for supportive and defensive mobility.
- A direct Clutch mechanism, which the user can employ by controlling the leverage applied by the Sleeve upon the rail (by reducing or adding “grip” upon the rail) so that the Sleeve is allowed to slide with “dutch-control” to traverse over/upon the rail (which use is supportive and may be employed, for example, when the user is lowering themselves in a stairway).
- A system-apparatus that enables various modules to be mounted to the Sleeve, so that additional functions may be pursued by the user (with the Sleeve using the rail as a support mechanism and as a form of traversing and tracking guide).
Thus, the rail may function independently as a “modular Rail” whilst the rail and Sleeve may function jointly as a combined “modular system”.
When the Sleeve is mounted upon the rail, the section of the unoccupied Rail (i.e. the rail that is not occupied by the Sleeve) remains available to continue to be used by all parties in the form of a conventional Rail (hand rail) as:
- In the case of the rail with removed Attachments (and the case of the removed part-enveloping membrane), the exposed Recesses within the lower Core continue to enable the applied hand of the user to grip the rail effectively, when the fingers of the user may enter the vacated Recess and thereby achieve a substantial grip.
- In the case of the enveloping Membrane-sheathed Rail, the effect of the indented membrane (caused when the tracking Cam of the Sleeve is mounted upon the enveloped Rail) has a localised indentation, within the proximity of the Sleeve.
- Beyond the localised indentation, the Membrane-sheathed Rail may be gripped in the normal manner, by the user’s hand encapsulating the rail (or with the fingers selectively indenting into the Recesses of the rail).
With regard to the rail:
- The Rail may be solid (but this is not cost effective)
- The preferred Rail is preferably hollow with improved internal bracing, with a design that maximises the body strength and the tracking Recess.
- The revised profiled structure of the Core Recess of the rail enables greater inter-face purchase of the tracking Cams of the Sleeve.
- The improved friction/adhesion of the tilting Sleeve-inserts and tilting Sleeve-Crown create an improved structural support that is provided to the Sleeve.
The revised structure of the Sleeve provides.
- Reinforcement to the upper section of the Sleeve so that applied leverage is transferred to more locations within the rail.
- Reinforced lower section of the Sleeve to provide additional interface support between the Sleeve and the rail
- The Sleeve is reinforced with more substantive Posts, Bridges and tracking Cams (to enter the enlarged tracking Recess of the rail).
(All developments/reinforcements of the Sleeve also facilitate the improved usage of the Sleeve mounted accessory modules). Such improvements of the combined structural support of the rail and the Sleeve improves the “response to and resistance of” the applied pressure(s) directed upon the Sleeve (by the hand of the user or through the mounted accessories) causing an improved response to the resultant related movement tendency orientations that are:
- Linear.
- With the Sleeve lever-pressure locking the Sleeve along the sagittal (forward) plane of the rail and preventing the Sleeve from sliding (traversing the rail) along its length.
- This enables the Sleeve to be levered sagitally (forward or backwards).
- Such tilt action enables the Sleeve to be locked so that it may be employed support! vely or defensively.
- The tilt action can be gauged (and controlled) so that the Sleeve is used as Clutch (for forward or back movement along the rail).
- Transverse.
- Sleeve horizontal lever-pressure locks the Sleeve within the transverse plane to prevent the Sleeve form rotating horizontally.
- This enables the Sleeve to be levered transversely (which application is primarily employed with an accessory).
- The lever action can be also gauged (and controlled) so that the Sleeve is used as Clutch (for forward or back movement along the rail).
- Radial.
- When such Sleeve lever-pressure locks the Sleeve along the transverse (coronal) axis of the rail and prevents the Sleeve from rotating around the rail.
- This enables the Sleeve to be employed to resist radial forces (which application is primarily employed with an accessory such as the Cargo bearing unit).
When installing the rail:
- The Rail-Crown continues to be able to be specifically orientated (as per the previous descriptions of FIGS. 1-59F) in all modules and installations.
- However, when the rail with the encompassing membrane is employed, such orientation of the rail-Crown is not so convenient (as the Crown may not be readily evident within the rail).
Thus, for the purposes of Crown orientation of the Membrane-sheathed Rail then (at the time of installation):
- The position of the rail-Crown can be “tangibly felt’, through the encapsulating membrane, so that the rail can be suitably orientated to be installed effectively.
- The end cap of the membrane covered Rail may be employed which is shaped so that it can only mount the rail in one position, thereby (when mounted) it provides an external view of the internal orientation of the Crown.
In all configurations of Rail installation, the same (or similar) fittings / bracketry of the previous description sections (FIGS. 1- 59F) can be employed to install the rail in the multiple positions possible with:
- An improved design of the combined Rail and Sleeve ability to withstand the applied forces (that may be increased), with the rail and the Sleeve, suitably reinforced.
It is to be noted that the descriptions of ergonomics and biomechanics of the direct grip upon the rail (and assisted grip, with the Sleeve) upon the rail have been discussed and described within the previous description sections (FIGS. 1-59F) (as part of the background and description of the previous Rail and Sleeve designs). Therefore, only a brief reference will be made to the grip types that may be employed upon the rail (or Sleeve) and the associated hold disadvantages or advantages and benefits.
The invention will now be further described by way of example and with reference to the various drawings of FIGS. 60-75D.
From FIG. 60: a cross section (front elevation) is shown of the Core (302), this being the solid body forming “the Chassis” of all forms of rail preparation, with or without Attachments: for which all are forms are referred to as “the rail” (301).
- The solid Core can be employed “by itself’, without Attachments as the basic-Rail (also: 301).
- The solid Core when employed as a Chassis with Attachments, is referred to as the formed-Rail (or part-formed Rail, also: 301)
The solid Core (302) of FIG. 60 is preferably an extruded component (that is either a metal or thermoplastic extrusion), with a sustained uniform linear dimension and a sustained cross sectional dimensional profile. The solid Core can function as
- A basic-Rail.
- A Chassis for Attachments.
- A Chassis for a Sleeve component.
- A Chassis for Attachments and a Sleeve component.
The solid Core may be an extruded component that is completely solid or, it is preferably formed as shown, as an extruded component with an outer “solid casing” with hollow cavities (303, FIG. 66).
- The Core has a peripheral solid wall (302A) which is generally of a consistent thickness.
- There are variations in thickness due to extrusion procedures and the internal bracing arrangements for the structural reinforcing of the Core.
- The design of the bracing and cavity design within the Core maximises strength and minimises material.
- The internal reinforcing of the solid Core is designed to produce multi-axial strength by way of cross-bracing, with
- A vertical brace formed in the centre
- A mid-horizontal brace formed at the (near) centre.
- A lower horizontal brace formed above the lower Recess (305)
Accordingly such internal design of the solid Core enables it to be able to withstand great pressures (linear, transverse and radial), as applied by the user, with or without the Sleeve mounted.
- The lower brace of the Core forms the base upon which the rail (in all formats) will receive the support bracketry.
- Such support bracketry will be positioned within the underside Recess 305 of the rail.
- Support of the rail is also provided by the positioning of end caps.
- The lower brace must withstand linear, vertical, lateral and radial pressure (with the ability to withstand a strong rotational (radial) pressure being an important issue).
The upper zone of the Core (302B) is termed the Crown of the rail and is seen to have an approximate semi-circular profile (which maximises the interface contact of the palm of the user’s hand with the rail). The lower zone of the Core (302C) has a profile that contains a multiple number of Recesses, with three Recesses shown in the example presented of FIG. 60, (being the Recesses 304, 304 and 305), with Recesses (304, 304) being reverse-duplicated forms within the lower wall of the Core (302).
From FIG. 61A: The solid Core (302) of the rail is seen with three separate linear Attachments (306, 306, 307) that are positioned in readiness to be affixed to the shaped periphery of the lower Core (by location within the Core Recesses, 304, 304, 305)
The Rail is a modular component, as it can be employed with/without Attachments being affixed, when it can be employed in the various (301) forms of:
- A basic- Rail (with no affixed Attachments):
- A semi-formed Rail, with some affixed Attachments.
- A formed-Rail, with all affixed Attachments.
From FIG. 61 B: the Core (302) of the now fully formed Rail (301) maintains the three Attachments (306, 306, 307) which are affixed within the Recesses (304, 304 and 305 of FIG. 61A).
- The two attachments (306, 306) are Inserts that occupy the two specifically profiled Recesses (304, 304) located in the lower zone of the Core. The two Inserts (306, 306) are:
- Preferably an extruded flexible material.
- Of equal profile (therefore reversible, fitting either Recess (304, 304).
- A suitably soft thermoplastic material that can be compressed (with finger pressure applied inwards, towards the centre of the Core)
- The two Inserts are secured (anchored) within the Recesses of the Core by the mechanical entry of the matched “malefemale” profiles of the host Core and the affixed Inserts.
- Each Insert is firmly anchored in position as a “press-fit” (and may be additionally secured with an adhesive, if required)
The linear attachment (307) is an Inlay, which is an extruded thermoplastic material that occupies the underlying Recess of the Core (305, of FIG. 61A). The Inlay is:
- A soft/flexible thermoplastic material (that may be the same material as 306, or of a different material/nature).
- The Inlay (307) is positioned within the Recess (305) with the Inlay profile having protrusions that anchor it simply within the appropriately shaped profile of the Recess (305).
The affixing of the Inserts is a more secure fixing than the affixing of the Inlay.
- The design of the Insert retention system does not anticipate the Inserts to be affixed or removed with frequency.
- Forces of compression and other pressures are expected to be applied more frequently to the Inserts: thus they need to be adequately secured.
- The design of the Inlay retention system enables the Inlay to be removed readily (orfrequently): such removal may be required for:
- the mounting of support bracketry.
- the introduction of electrical wiring. - the components for illumination of the Inlay.
The choice of affixing or removing either of the Inserts (or both Inserts) and/or the Inlay, is also a functional response to the requirements of either:
- The provision of a smaller profile of Rail:
- The choice of the removal of one or two Inserts (and/or the Inlay) enables the rail to be modularly tailored for a required (purpose-shaped) use, or the reduced hand geometry use of a specific user.
- The preparation for the mounting of the Sleeve component.
- Which mounting requires the removal of the two Inserts (but not necessarily the removal of the Inlay).
The three linear attachments (306, 306, 307) are all illustrated as being “hollow” (with internal cavities, 308, 308, 309).
- The internal cavities enable the outer faces of the linear attachments (Inserts and Inlay) to be compressed, through the user’s hand applying an internal compression direction (towards the centre of the Core).
- Hollow attachments are preferred, but solid versions of the attachments may be alternatively employed for certain requirements.
The Inlay (307) that is positioned within the lower (under-Rail) recess (305) is an extruded soft material that is preferably required to have a hollow core (309) as:
- The cavity created enables the lower (outer) face of the Inlay to be ‘‘slit’,
- The slit enables the rail’s installer to gain entry into the cavity (309) for the fixing of the bracketry within the Recess (305), so that the solid Core is securely mounted onto the wall, floor or other supporting body.
- Such fixing of the bracketry to the Core is preferred to be a screw-fix, with the screw passing through the inner face of the Inlay to access the solid body of the Core, (302).
- The Inlay is required to be of such flexible extruded material nature that the slit-aperture that is created does not subsequently “readily tear or rip” (i.e. extend itself).
Alternatively, for installation of the rail, an appropriate section of the Inlay can be cut away so that the appropriate area of the under-Rail Recess (305) is vacated so that the required bracketry may be directly mounted upon the solid Core (and directly secured to it by screw fixture or other means, such as adhesive).
From FIG. 61 B, it can be seen that for the formed Rail (301) with the three affixed elements of 306, 306, 307, the peripheral profile of the formed Rail has developed into a complete circle (approximately), with the peripheral junction of the affixed elements with the Core providing a minimal disruption to the peripheral circular continuity of the near circular formed Rail:
- Such near circular profile of the rail (301) maintains a suitably curved haptic Crown (and also provides a haptic underside formed by the Inserts and Inlay).
- Such near circular profile enables the user to employ the formed Rail as “a near-circular type of Rail” and thereby apply a maximised power-grip.
- In forming a maximised (strong) power-grip, the “flesh” (pulp) of the hand indents into the face(s) of the flexible Inserts, thereby improving the user’s grip, reinforcing the hold of the user upon the rail (especially when the user applies appropriate pressure: as when required in an emergency or when maximising an applied grip), at which moment:
- The mid-body of the thumb and fingers will compress and indent the Inserts 306, 306. - The finger-tips of the extended thumb and fingers will compress and indent the Inlay 307
- The material nature (surface texture) of such indented materials is such that it assists in securing the hand (by adhesion), so that the hand is prevented from both rotating around the rail, as well preventing the hand from slipping linearly (along the rail). However, in the event of the user losing control of the power grip/hold that is held around the full periphery of the rail then.
- The user may achieve the formation of a quality grip (such as the “Chuck Grip or Palm-Grip”), formed with the Palm compressed around the Crown of the rail and with repositioned thumb and fingers entering into the two indented Inserts (306, 306).
A further advantage of the formed-Rail of FIG. 61 B is that it can be made to appear visibly neutral (with all peripheral elements the same colour) so that its use as a mobility-aid is not evident (and prejudicial).
From FIG. 62, the solid Core (302) of the part-formed Rail is shown with the Inserts (306, 306) removed (or not emplaced), leaving the Recesses 304, 304 “vacant’ (with the Inlay (307) retained, affixed within the lower Recess (305), within this example). Such part-formed Rail configuration may be required if the fully formed Rail profile (with Inserts and Inlay, FIG. 61 B) is too large for the hand of the user.
- In this case, the reduced profile of the part-formed Rail of FIG. 62 enables a smaller dimension of hand to achieve a quality grip upon the part-formed Rail.
- Such part-formed Rail may continue to also be used effectively by a person with a larger hand who may achieve purchase within the Recesses 304, 304 (and/or by also enveloping the lower Recess 305, with the subsequent indenting of their fingers into the Inlay 307).
- The lower Inlay (307) may also be removed to form a “basic Rail” module (leaving only the solid Core 302, with all Attachments removed), which basic-Rail also remains as an effective “standalone” hand rail unit.
- A part-formed Rail may also be achieved in an alternative module by the removal of one Insert (leaving the other Insert in Place). The permutation of the number of Inserts and/or Inlay that are employed provides a modular capacity for the preparation of the rail, with the appropriate module selected, to suit the user’s requirements.
- The lower Inlay (307) is shown as remaining inserted within the Core. This configuration continues to provide an indented purchase capacity for the user, as well as forming a cover for the underside bracketry (and other applications within the Recess 305).
Notes:
- The basic Rail (FIG. 60) with the Inserts and Inlay removed (or Inlay not mounted) also forms a Chassis for the mounting of the Sleeve.
- The basic Rail can sit directly onto the bracketry supports (which are located within Recess 305).
From FIGS. 61A and 62, the Inlay (307) may be affixed to the Core to form a Rail that is mounted in a horizontal manner (e.g. a walkway hand rail installation) or inclined manner (in a stairway hand rail) or vertical manner (as a grab rail).
- When being installed, the rail is orientated so that the Crown is positioned in the ideal ergonomic position.
- Such installation also orientates the position of the Recess 305.
Whichever installed position is required, the rail may be used to assist the user with illumination or location-identification. - The formed or part-formed Rail construction is such that, in all of the above installation locations, the hollow Inlay (307) may be used to accommodate an internal illumination or “visible” structure that is:
- Mounted within the cavity (309) so that an electric or electronic illumination is transmitted through the outer face of the Inlay. This requires the Inlay to be a near-transparent thermoplastic extrusion.
- Located upon the surface of the Inlay (being formed as part of the polymer-mix for extrusion) which is highlighted by an electric or electronic source from within the Inlay cavity.
- Alternatively, the Inlay may be surface treated to provide a highly visible surface, which surface:
- May be formed during the extrusion process or it may be applied afterwards.
- May be light sensitive, so that it glows in darkness.
- May be formed by applying a post extrusion film or “paint-cover'’.
In an alternative embodiment, the same methods of illumination/identification may be applied within one (306) or both Inserts (306, 306) or within all three emplacements of Insert and Inlay (306, 306, 307).
FIG. 63: shows a partially exploded view of a version of the Sleeve (311), which is employed (as per the previous description sections, FIGS. 1-59F) when mounted upon the rail in order to assist a less able user to employ the rail with the mounted Sleeve providing improved mobility. The Sleeve (311) is shown to be constructed with:
- Two upright Posts (314, 314) which are connected by a structural Cross-bar (312) which is, in its basic form, also used to function as a “Handle”.
- The height of the Posts is such that they position the Handle in a location that is adequately offset from the rail, so that they provide a position that achieves substantial leverage for the user of the Handle (312), levering the mounted Sleeve (311) upon the rail (301).
- The height of the two Posts 314 may also be varied to suit the requirements of the user.
- The angle of the Handle between the two Posts can be altered (in the vertical plane such as the coronal plane).
- The central zone of each Post (314A) is reinforced to support the suspension of the Cross-Bar 314AX which supports the transverse carrying Bar (316) that is pivotally attached to the Sleeve-Crown (317).
- The lower section of each Post (“the Foot’ 314B, 314B) hosts an adjustable lateral Cam (315, 315) so that, upon mounting the Sleeve to the prepared Rail (formed through the removal of the Inserts) then, each Cam (315, 315) will enter laterally into the vacant Recesses 304, 304 of the solid Core.
- The Sleeve Crown (317) with its overhead pivot bar (317).
- The Sleeve Crown mirrors the profile of the rail Crown
- The dimension of the Sleeve Crown is a size that provides an effective interface contact with the rail- Crown, but does not cause the Sleeve to bind when traversing the rail freely.
FIGS. 64A and 64B: FIG. 64A shows the Cam (315) of the Sleeve that is inserted into the Recess (304)
- Each Cam is shown to have a horizontal end-dome profile (315A) with an upper flat surface (315B) that extends at right angles to the Cam-Bar (315C). Optionally, the Cam Bar 315C may be slidably adjustable, such as telescopically adjustable. This enables positioning of the cam.
FIG. 64B. shows the assembled Sleeve (311) that is mounted upon the Core (02) of the rail (01): - The two inserts (306, 306) are not mounted as the Recesses (304, 304) are required to be vacant. (In this illustrated case, the Inlay, 307, is also removed).
- The two laterally adjustable tracking Cams (315, 315) are shown to be fully engaged within the two vacant Recesses (304, 304).
- The Cam (315) configuration of profiled end-dome and extended surface enables each Cam to track effectively within each Recess 304.
- Each tracking-Cam is laterally adjusted so that each Cam-Bar (315C) is secured in position within their respective foot-holders (314B, 314B) so that each Cam is appropriately positioned within its respective Recess (304).
- The two Cams are adjusted to maintain the Sleeve in a loose but stable manner (so that it does not sit “slackly” upon the rail).
- The two tracking Cams have an extended upper planar dimension (315B) that maximises the inter-face contact between the Cam when it is raised to contact the Recess roof (with such Cam shape being analogous to a “bicycle brake block” shape). The Cams achieve the maximum friction and adhesion when they are applied to the roof of the Recess.
- Each Cam-Bar is able to rotate (pivot) within its holder (314B) and within the Recess (304), so that the Cams remain parallel within the Recess-Channel. This function ensures that the parallel Cams:
- apply maximum contact force with the roof of the Recess.
- are prevented from binding with the Recess, when the Sleeve is being traversed freely along the Recess.
- The Sleeve-Crown (underside) is positioned (without pressure) upon the outside (topside) of the rail-Crown.
- With the transverse Cams suitably adjusted, the Sleeve is able to glide upon the rail, with the Cams tracking (freely) within the Recesses in order to traverse the linear body of the rail.
- This position is the neutral position.
The Handle (312) is “modular” regarding height, orientation and use.
- As noted, the height of the Post (313) may be adjusted (to provide greater/lesser applied leverage).
- The Handle in the standard position (FIG. 64B) is transverse to the linear orientation of the rail, providing improved ergonomic and biomechanical purchase of the hand of the user upon the Handle (compared to the purchase of the hand upon the same position of the rail)
- As noted, the structural bar (312) that forms the Handle may be adjusted so that it is inclined (vertically) between the Posts.
- The structural bar (312) may be employed to support a surrounding or affixed structure that provides an alternative new-Handle, which may be either:
- A prosthetically shaped new-handle.
- Orientated transversely within the Sleeve for a specific user.
Or other variation of new-handle.
FIG. 65 shows the basic Handle (312) of the Sleeve being tilted (in the linear direction of the rail), which lever-tilt action causes the consequential (resultant) movement and applications of:
- The Sleeve-Crown (317, FIG. 63), which is pivoted and lowered to engage with the rail-Crown (02B)
- The face of the Sleeve-Crown (317) tilts downwards to engage with the rail-Crown (302B), with the action enforcing the maximum inter-surface contact of the two Crowns, causing the maximum friction and adhesion. - The two tracking Cams (315), are each simultaneously pivoted and raised to engage the roof of the Recess of the Core:
- The enlarged upper surface (315B, FIG. 70A) of each Cam is pivoted and raised to parallelly engage the roof of the Recess (304).
The combined friction and adhesion of the multiple interacting contact surfaces (with adequate applied leverage by the handle, (312) ensures that the Sleeve will contact and lock with the rail, remaining in a “locked position” upon the rail whilst the leverage applied by the Handle is maintained.
The locked Sleeve enables it to be independently used as either:
- A direct mobility aid for the user
- The basis for various components to be attached to the Sleeve (and Rail) to form a modular system of aids to mobility (as per the previous description sections, FIGS. 1-59F)
The locked Sleeve may also be used with a controlled “reduced force” of leverage (by the Handle applying reduced pressure) so that the Handle is used as a direct Clutch (so that the user may, for example, employ the Sleeve to lower themselves in a controlled manner).
From FIG. 66: A modified version of the Core (302) of FIG. 60 is illustrated, which is in many ways (physically, materially and chemically) a similar Core to that of FIG. 60.
The Core of FIG. 66 is, as before, a basic Rail (301) that is preferably formed form an extruded thermoplastic that has a peripheral body (302) with hollow internal sections 303 with a wall that is a consistent thickness (unless forming part of the reinforcing structure).
As before (FIG. 60) the upper sector (the Crown 02B) remains semi-circular (approximately), whilst the lower sector (302C) is profiled with multiple Recesses, for which there are (in this example) three Recesses within the Core (304, 304, 305).
- The Recesses in this version of the Core do not support Inserts or Inlays (as previously described regarding FIGS. 61 A-61 B, and 62).
- The Recesses of FIG. 66 are less detailed (compared to the profiled Recesses of FIG. 60), and therefore the profile of FIG. 66 is simpler to extrude.
- The two Recesses, 304, 304 are again, mirror images within the Core, so that the rail is not “handed”, enabling it to be installed “in any direction”.
- As before the internal element of the Core (302) of the rail (301 ) is formed as the structural Chassis of the rail, with interrelated structural webs and bars, leaving hollow cavities (303) remaining within the Core.
From FIG. 67A: a circular (tubular) membrane (320) is shown, which is formed from an extruded thermoplastic material. Optionally, the membrane 320 is of a 0.5-3mm (e.g., 1mm) notional thickness. In an example, the membrane 320 is formed from a polyvinyl chloride (pvc), formed without a filler so that it retains its microcellular toughness with the possible addition of an elastomer to support its flexibility). Thereby providing a membrane that has a high degree of flexibility (and elasticity), whilst retaining a substantial strength. The degree of flexibility/elasticity is also a function of the wall thickness (320A) which membrane wall is maintained at a consistent thickness (within the limits of extrusion practice), with the thickness of the membrane being such that it:
- Maximises the flexibility/elasticity of the membrane. - Minimises the ability for the membrane to tear.
From FIG. 67B: the Core is shown to be firmly encapsulated by the external flexible membrane (320) which forms a tactile covering or sheath (enveloping the Core), thus creating a formed Membrane sheath (320) that encapsulates the rail, forming the e-Rail (301).
- The extruded flexible Membrane sheath of the e-Rail has a wall with an appropriate thickness (320A) and elasticity that enables the membrane to be extended in order to encapsulate the Core.
- The flexible Membrane sheath (320) is required to have the ability to achieve a returning “but pliable shape”. The Membrane sheath is also required to maintain a peripheral near-circular form, which circular profile is supported by the encapsulated profile of the underlying solid Core: for which the Chassis (Core) acts as template to maintain the Membrane sheath in the form of a near-circular profile, the e-Rail.
- The curvature of the membrane will reduce (flatten “slightly”) when spanning the unsupported openings of Recesses 304, 304, 305.
- The degree of flattening across the Recesses, is a function of the tensioning of the Membrane sheath as it covers (spans) the underlying Recesses within the Core.
The encapsulation of the Core by the Membrane sheath achieves an approximate near-circular e-Rail profile (301). This enables the user to achieve a full circle Power-grip upon the “circular” e-Rail.
The development of such Power-grip is further achieved (supported) by:
- The full circle encapsulation of the Membrane sheath: providing a smooth, tactile (but naturally textured) outer surface of the e-Rail, which forms a continuously curved surface (with some flattening).
- The fully enveloping sheath that is “tactile”, being soft to touch, with an adhesive textural element that is “non-slip”.
- The surface texture of the membrane reinforces the adhesive capacity of the grip formed (in all contact areas) with the hand of the user.
- Such increased hand-surface contact capacity (of a complete uninterrupted Rail surface) with enhanced adhesive texture greatly prevents the hand from sliding on the rail (and thereby secures the grip).
- The applied finger pressure will cause the flesh (Pulp) of the fingers to enter the Membrane-recess (formed beneath the Membrane sheath spanned Recesses 304, 304, 305, located beneath the membrane), providing additional indented adhesion (and also preventing radial rotation).
The continuously curved surface of the e-Rail also provides an effective haptic interactive response for the user.
The encapsulation of the underside Recess (305) by the Membrane sheath prevents direct access to the formed “cavity” (309), for which access is required (as per the summary of FIGS. 61 A-61 B and 62) for:
- Installation of the e-Rail bracketry.
- Insertion, installation and adjustment of illuminating material and controls.
Accordingly, to obtain such access, the Membrane sheath is required to be able to be slit by the installer, so that: - The supporting bracketry may be inserted, mounted and secured directly to the solid Core, with the flexible membrane selfclosing upon the inserted bracket shaft.
- The required elements of illumination may be inserted, adjusted and maintained, with the flexible material of the membrane self-closing so that the illuminated function/capacity is not impaired.
Upon conclusion of the access works, the slit within the Membrane sheath will effectively self-dose, thus providing a cosmetic finish (and a method of obscuring the bracketry and internal elements within Recess 305).
Such self-seal covering function improves the haptic extent of the rail (and minimises the underside surface obstruction of the e-Rail).
From FIGS. 67B and 68: the flexible Membrane sheath (320) is schematically shown to be indented (with the indented membrane occupying indented positions 320B, 320B), with the indentation of the membrane being formed within the cavity (307) of the underlying Recesses (304, 304).
- Such capacity to indent the membrane enables the user to grip the rail in an efficient grip.
- Similar to the indentation advantages of the Inserts and Inlay of FIG. 61 B, the provision of greater finger adhesion is achieved by the indentation of the Membrane sheath, so that:
- An effective Power-Grip is achieved.
- An effective Chuck-Grip may be achieved
- FIG. 68 shows a schematic section of the indented position achieved (with the membrane entering within Recesses 304 to form the membrane profile 320B within the Recess) with the depth of indention being a function of the force applied to the membrane that is spanning the underlying Recess.
- The membrane is required to be “highly elastic”, so that it may be suitably indented without undue pressure being required.
- The membrane is required to be highly durable (so that it does not tear)
- This is a particular requirement as, in the case of having to slit the membrane in order to gain access to the Recess 305 then, after being slit, the Membrane is required not to tear.
The e-Rail is not regarded as a modular Rail (as per the previous versions of the formed-Rail) as the Membrane sheath cannot be removed without (probably) damaging it and the replacement of a membrane is (probably) a factory service. However, in some circumstances, the membrane may be removed and/or replaced.
As per the formed Rail, the Membrane sheath of the e-Rail may be employed for lighting or improved visibility of the e-Rail.
- For lighting: the internal cavities (308, 308, 309) may be employed as before, but less conveniently.
- For visibility, the membrane can be coloured, coated or impregnated accordingly.
Anti-microbial treatment of both the formed Rail and the e-Rail: in summary, the flexible elements that are available to be affixed to the Core (302) to achieve either the fully formed Rail or the e-Rail are those of:
- Inserts
- Inlay
- Sheath membrane. These three elements are extruded thermoplastic materials of various chemistries, which source material-formulation may have an antimicrobial content included. In an example, the antimicrobial content comprises silver particles, or equivalent.
- Given the required flexibility of the (potentially different) three materials, the surface cohesive strength of each material can be preferentially selected to be suited for impregnation (as compared to the surface of a solid component, such as the solid Core).
- A reduced surface strength will facilitate a small amount of continued erosion of the surface (through usage).
- With an antimicrobial content within the selected material, such erosion will enable the embedded antimicrobial content to be continuously rejuvenated (from within).
Thus the provision of an antimicrobial content is preferred to be introduced within the flexible attached materials (rather than the solid Core material, which cannot rejuvenate as readily as the flexible materials).
- The ideal Rail form (and material) to deliver a rejuvenating antimicrobial surface is the fully enveloping Membrane sheath, as this material does not have to be removed for the purposes of:
- modifications due to hand size and other hand formats
- preparation for the mounting of the Sleeve.
- Also
- The Membrane sheath is of such a (reduced) thickness that it can be saturated with the antimicrobial content (with a cost advantage).
- The Membrane sheath provides a fully encapsulating cover to form the e-Rail, thereby providing an improved antimicrobial effect for the entire Rail periphery.
- The fully encapsulating Membrane sheath is more hygienic as there are fewer surface interruptions.
Optionally, the core 302 may be not comprise the antimicrobial content if it is covered by the membrane 320. Therefore, since the core 302 is not exposed to human skin contact, the amount of antimicrobial content required can be minimised by only applying it to the thin part (the membrane) but not the bulky part (the core).
FIG. 69 shows a modified form of the Sleeve (311) which has many of the same elements of construction as the Sleeve design of FIG. 63, with:
- Two vertical (upright) Posts (314).
- A Cross-bar (or Handle), 312A
- A second Cross-bar which is rigidly located in the mid Post sector (314A),
- A supporting bar (316) for the pivoting Sleeve-Crown (317)
From FIG. 70A, the lower section of the Sleeve Post (the Foot, 314B) hosts a laterally adjustable tracking-Cam (315), which is modified so that:
- The Cam Bar (315) supports an internal rotating Wheel (315D) that has an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to the support Post (314), which configuration enables the end circumference of the Wheel to protrude into the Recess (304).
- The Wheel (315D) rotates on a bearing (315F) that is secured on the underside (315E) of the Cam so that the top surface (315B) is uninterrupted. - The Cam-Bar (315C) is adjusted laterally to tension the membrane. Optionally, the Cam Bar 315C may be slidably adjustable, such as telescopically adjustable. This enables positioning of the cam.
- The Wheel (315D) becomes a tracking-Wheel, which tracks within the indented membrane that has been extended to protrude within Recess 304.
FIG. 70B shows the Sleeve (311) mounted upon the e-Rail (301), that is encapsulated with an external Membrane sheath (320).
- Each tracking Cam (315) is adjusted, so that it indents the membrane (320) into the Recess (304), thereby tensioning the membrane (and also tensioning the position of the tracking-Cam)
- The membrane will only be tensioned in the vicinity of the inserted Cam, through the indenting contact of the tracking-Wheel.
- Each tracking-Cam, when mounted so that it “tracks” within the Recess 304 is primarily engaged with the membrane through various tension-contact points, with the principal faces/points of engagement of.
- The peripheral circumference of the rotating Wheel (315D), making tangent contact with the membrane that is indented within the Recess.
- The “sidewards” contact with the membrane will be primarily at the point of maximum indented elasticity.
- The upper contact surface of the Cam (315B), with the overlying indented Membrane
- The partial lower contact surface (minimal) of the Cam with the underlying indented membrane
- The indented membrane is only indented within the location of the Cam.
- Such indentation forms a localised channel (track) that is formed around the tracking-Cam, within the indented membrane (within the Recess).
- Such channel forms an indented “well” within the membrane which may bind the Cam; hence the provision of the Wheel (315D) to enable the Cam to “roll out’ of the well, forming its own “new channel”, as it is traversed along the length of the rail.
- To avoid the Sleeve from binding (locking) against the membrane, the rotating Cam wheel enables the Sleeve to glide along the “elastic channel” that is created by the Cam-wheel within the Recess (304).
- It is noted that the Sleeve will also function with Cams that do not have a Cam wheel (as per FIGS. 64B and 65), when the Sleeve tracking Cams are required to be mounted with less tension (against the membrane).
FIG. 71 shows the Sleeve (from an upper perspective), where it can be seen that the Sleeve-Crown is in the neutral position upon the rail-Crown.
- Such neutral position is maintained by the spring-loaded peg (pin) connection (318) (FIGS. 69 and 71) that is mounted upon the underside of the Bar (314A).
- The force of retention of the peg is not strong, just adequate to maintain the Handle in a neutral (non-tilted) position whilst it is traversing the rail freely.
- The spring-action Peg can maintain the Sleeve Crown in the neutral position for freely traversing the rail or it can be pushed against “gently” in order for the Sleeve to controlledly traverse the rail.
- When the handle is forcibly tilted it is pivoted away from the peg and locks upon the rail. The flexible nature of the Membrane sheath that encapsulates the Core to form the e-Rail, with tracking-Cam indentations accommodated within the flexible membrane, improves the friction/adhesion of all of the various contact interfaces, thereby forming an improved “locked” capacity that firmly locks the Sleeve upon the rail (when the Handle is applied as a lever).
- The Sleeve may also be used with partial pressure, when used as a Clutch upon the e-Rail: when the tilting of the Sleeve is controlled between the neutral position and the locked position.
FIG. 72 shows the Handle (312A) of the Sleeve being tilted, to form lever-pressure on the rail, with downward pressure effected by the Sleeve-Crown onto the rail-Crown and upward pressure from the upper surface of the parallel tracking-Cam applied to the membrane that is indented within the Core Recess (304).
- As per the similar summary (FIG. 65), the pivoting Sleeve-Crown engages with the maximum interface area of the rail-Crown to maximise contact friction and adhesion, in order to lock the Sleeve to the rail.
- Such tilted position of the Handle firmly locks the Sleeve in position upon the rail, thereby enabling the user to then employ the Handle of the locked Sleeve to assist their mobility.
- Additionally, various modular attachments may be mounted upon the Sleeve (to assist the mobility of the user) when the Sleeve is locked.
The previous description sections (FIGS. 1-59F) have described the various Sleeve accessories in detail, including the mounting of a “Beam” to the rail.
- The Sleeve of FIG. 72 has various modifications to additionally support the accessories that are to be mounted to the Sleeve.
The Sleeve design (FIGS. 69, 72) shows the improved structural arrangements of the Posts and Bridges which have increased strength, providing increased support for the accessories (compared to the Sleeve of FIG. 63 or the previous description sections, FIGS. 1-59F).
- Such improved (strengthened) structure is preferred, as it enables the Harness and Beam accessories to receive greater support.
The Sleeve (FIG. 72) has improved (strengthened) Bridge sections (312A, 314A), with the strengthened Bridges having the following additions.
- The bridge structure (312A, also the Handle) has two reinforcing corner webs, within which are located the apertures/eyes (340, 341) which are for:
- The mounting of the Harness attachment (with carabineers or similar) to the eyes (described within the previous description sections, FIGS. 1-59F).
- The eyes position the Harness so that when the Harness pulls upon the Handle (in the case of imbalance or fall of the user) the “pulling” of the Handle will cause the Sleeve to lock upon the rail.
- The eyes also assist in the positioning of the Beam attachment (as further described below).
- The Bridge structure (314A) forms a heavy-duty wide-bodied bridge that spans the width of the Sleeve (and the rail).
- The Bridge is rectangular, providing increased strength in the vertical plane: which shape also supports the mounting of a Beam that is employed for mobility use and/or Cargo transport purposes.
- The rectangular body provides a form that the Beam is mounted upon in a “sandwich structure” (with substantial load advantages). - The Bridge (314A) has apertures/eyes (342, 343) that enable the attached Beam to be pivotally mounted upon the Sleeve, with its principal pivot point being located in either of the two apertures.
Adjacent to the Bridge structure (314A) there is a stop-block (344) that restricts the (downward) movement of the mounted Beam.
The Beam Accessory FIGS. 73A, 73B, 73C, 73C: FIGS. 73A, 73B show the Beam (351) which is shaped to mount upon the Bridge (314A) of the Sleeve, with the recess 339 enabling a sandwich structure to be formed.
- The Beam has prepared pivotal related apertures/eyes: 345, 346, 347, and 348.
- The Beam has additional eyes 349, 350
FIG. 73C shows the Sleeve (without being mounted upon the rail) supporting the attached accessory of a mounted transverse Beam (351). The co-positioning (alignment) of the selected eyes of the Beam and the various Bridge apertures (items 312A and 314A) enables the Beam to be securely mounted to the Sleeve in various positions, so that it may be positioned in:
- The horizontal position (FIG. 73C): with a pivot point 345/343 and a max lowered point controlled by the block (344)
- The Beam may be secured in this position by a dip-pin which passes through aligned apertures 347/342.
- The inclined position (FIG. 73D): with pivot point 345/343 and with securing pin arrangement (through aligned apertures 348/340).
- The vertical position (FIG. 73E): with pivot point 345/343 and with securing pin arrangement (through aligned apertures 346/341).
The secured positioning of the Beam in such various locations facilitates various usage of the Beam.
In all cases the pivotal position of the Beam is on the outside (wall-side) location of the rail, thereby providing maximum support to the Beam (across the rail), so that the forces applied by the user upon the Beam are distributed to both sides (Posts) of the Sleeve and thus to both Recesses of the rail.
This distribution of loading across the Sleeve is advantageous, in order to support (resist) substantial loading that is applied by the Beam in the various directions of:
- Lateral rotation, when the horizontal Beam is pushed (away) or pulled towards the body of the user.
- In this case of use, there will be some lateral grip within the Crown-to-Crown interface: however, the Cams will apply the major contact force to the rail (to lock the Sleeve Cams within the Recesses).
- Vertical rotation, when a force that is in a near-vertical plane (at right angles to the rail) is applied to the Beam.
- In this case of use, the Sleeve Crown and the wall-side Cam will apply the major contact force(s) to the rail (in order to lock the Sleeve within the rail Recess).
There are two apertures/eyes that are also located within the Beam (49, 50), which are employed for the mounting of other accessories, such as:
- The support of a Harness.
- The support of Cargo. The Bracketry and Fittings. The previous description sections (FIGS. 1-59F) have described the bracketry required to install the rail, with the innovations described of:
- Orientating the Crown of the rail (to improve the ergonomic approach of the hand and the biomechanical efficiency of the grip).
- Employing the rail to support an additional load (which increased load may arise through the modular system of attachments).
The previous description sections (FIGS. 1-59F) have proposed a system of bracketry that orientates the Crown by employing a support that has a ball and socket structure.
It is proposed herein (FIG. 74A, 74B) that the orientation of the rail may also be achieved by a rigid bracket option (366) that provides a support-plate (367) that is rigidly pre-orientated (and does not require a ball and socket support for orientation).
- Such support-plate provides a fixed “optimum angle” of orientation of the Crown, so that the Crown is orientated towards the user, rather than an adjusted (or adjustable) angle of orientation.
It is anticipated that a wall mounted Rail employed to support various increased forces that are substantial (vertical, lateral and rotational), requires reinforcement. Such forces (loads) can be supported by:
- The bracket arm (366) being of a substantial or improved strength and of a wall mounted design (bracket 369) that may also be mounted upon (by Cap 370) a vertical Rail.
- The support-plate (367) being of increased strength and extended linear dimension, which dimension will enable the rail Recess (305) to “locate” upon the support-plate with an extended area of contact support and additional screw emplacement (367A).
- The junction (368A) of the bracket arm (368) with the support plate (367) being reinforced i.e. the arm and the plate are formed as one piece and reinforced (e.g. webbed).
- Previous designs have included a ball and socket arrangement. For increased strength capacity, it is proposed that the required orientation is created with a fixed head configuration.
Additional forces applied to the Sleeve and Rail can be accommodated (countered) by:
- Reinforcement of the wall fixing (369).
- The installation of multiple wall mounted brackets (and Rail supports).
- The installation of vertical Rails that are located beneath the inclined or horizontal Rail, which installation, with a suitable bracket 366, can support additional loading of the wall mounted Rail with:
- Reinforced wall mounting attachment (369);
- under-Rail mounting of a reinforcing vertical Rail (370).
The above summary of “bracketry” is presented to explain that the installation of the rail that is required to suit both enhanced orientation and greater load application is readily achievable.
FIGS. 75A, 75B, 75C and 75D illustrate versions of end caps (e.g. 330, 331) that may be chosen to be employed at the terminal ends of the rail, being:
- A profiled end cap (330), which may be employed with types of Rail that are
- with a membrane sheath encapsulating the Core. - with the Inserts 306, 306 removed form the Core. Such end cap profile (30) enables the various Sleeve designs to be readily mounted over the end of the rail, with only minor subsequent adjustment required for the Cams.
- A circular end cap (331), which can be mounted to the end of any Rail.
- When this form of end cap is fitted then, in order to mount the Sleeve, the Cams would need to be withdrawn, so that the Sleeve can be initially positioned upon the rail and then the Cams re-entered and adjusted accordingly.
In both cases of end cap design, each may be fitted to the rail by screw fitting, as there are screw-fixing apertures prepared to enable:
- A linear screw fixing (332A), located through the end face of the cap.
- A lateral screw fixing (332B), entering through the side of the cap
In both cases of end cap design there is also an integral “Key” element (334) within the end cap, which “Key” enables the end cap to be employed as
- A vertical Rail support where the end cap is screwed to the floor and the Key (located in the Core Recesses) prevents the accidental rotation of the vertical Rail.
- A horizontal Rail or inclined Rail can also be similarly orientated, when required.
The Key element (334) provides a “bulk” of material that
- Prevents rotation of the rail
- Supports the lateral screw fixing of the end cap to the solid Core of the rail, locating the screw within the “bulk” of the Core (so that the rail cannot lift form the floor, in the case of a floor mounting of the rail).
It is proposed that the preferred material employed to form the prepared end cap (with apertures and bulk Key element) is a moulded thermoplastic unit.
- The end cap may be produced by a moulded metal process (or from solid), but this is not viewed as cost effective.
In the case of the rail being installed in a sectioned location (i.e. stairway or walkway with various directional changes) then the rail will also require to be installed in “railway sections”, with a section of Rail installed for each straight section of the stairway or walkway.
- In order to provide a complete system of mobility support along the length of the “railway”, it is intended that the Sleeve (all designs) will be available to the user for a commercially competitive price, so that multiple Sleeves may be employed (with one Sleeve mounted to one section of the installed Rail).
- Alternatively, tailored end caps (340) of the rail may be employed so that a single Sleeve can be simply and conveniently removed from the rail, so that the user may move from one section of Rail and then mount the same Sleeve onto the next section of “railway”.
Moving on to FIGS. 76A-77, the illustrated rail is a “Heavy Duty Rail” (HDR) (classification) being intended for heavy duty applications where the HDR Rail does not fail the user due to the strength of the Rail or the strength of its installation.
Accordingly, a wall plate is recommended for the installation of the HDR Rail, especially where the rail is being mounted upon a substrate of uncertain structural characteristics (e.g. a plasterboard or similar) Thus, for uncertain substrates or high-load wall-mounted implementations, FIGS. 76A-77 illustrate a wall plate 400 mountable to a wall to receive one or more wall-mounting brackets 406.
The wall plate 400 distributes the loads from the wall-mounting bracket 406 over a larger area. The bracket 406 may not need to be aligned with strong-points of the wall. As noted, the wall may be a less competent structure (e.g. a stud-wall with plasterboard covering).
The wall-mounting bracket 406 is illustrated in FIG. 80A but can alternatively have the features of any of the wall-mounting plates/brackets described herein.
The wall plate 400 can comprise an extruded plate-form, mounted to the wall by adhesive and/or mechanical fixings. The wall plate 400 can be manufactured in contiguous lengths.
The wall plate 400, can comprise basal (underside) striations (not visible in FIG. 80A). The striations provide a roughened adhesive surface. The striations are configured to enable the roughened underside of the wall plate 400 to form a stronger adhesive bond with the substrate upon which it is mounted.
FIG. 80A further illustrates localised crenulations 402 profiled to enable the adhesive that is “not-set” to be shaped upon the underside (upon its viscous application) in order to harden into the form of a hook-bond that secures the under-surface of the plate with the substrate. The crenulations 402 are deeper than the striations. The crenulations 402 may extend through the entire thickness of the plate.
In some examples, the same wall plate can perform the functionality of the wall plate (08H of Fig 37) but with the external profile of the crenulations 402 forming a pre-formed track, for the tracking of the Sleeve mounted Wall-wheel (08C) of Fig 37.
The bracket 406 may be screwed to the wall plate 400. The bracket 406 may be fastenable to either or both underlying elements of: The substrate using a screw-plug system and holes in the wall plate 400, or the wall plate 400 itself.
The body of the wall plate 400 may be formed with a substantial thickness (e.g. 10mm) which will enable a screw to form a thread so that it grips within the wall plate 400.
Each longitudinal end of the wall plate 400 may be covered by an end cover 404, screwed or otherwise attached to the wall plate 400.
For long-span or heavy load applications, FIGS. 78A-79 illustrate the possibility of employing additional reinforcement. A reinforcing member 500 in the form of a rigid (e.g., metal) rod extends along one of the internal cavities of the rail 301. In examples, the reinforcing member 500 can be retrofit to the rail 301.
As shown in FIG. 78B, the reinforcing member 500 can optionally extend beyond the ends of the rail 301, exposing fixing portions 502 in the form of threaded ends. Alternatively, the threading could extend along the full length of the reinforcing member 500. The fixing portions 502 enable the reinforcing member 500 to be secured to a support post 600 such as the illustrated newel post or a balustrade.
As shown in FIG. 78, an end of the reinforcing member 500 may extend through an aperture in the support post 600, so that the fixing portion 502 protrudes beyond the support post 600 and can have a securing nut fitted and tightened.
The fixing portions 502 can enable the reinforcing member 500 to be uniaxially tensioned, for example by tightening the nut on the threaded end. Tensioning increases the stiffness and strength of the rail 301 and reinforcing member 500. When a rail 301 is mounted between two support posts 600 then the reinforcing member 500 is placed under tension (by the tightening of the two end nuts). The body of the intervening rail 301 is placed under compression, being “uniaxially squeezed” between the two support posts 600. The combination of compression and tension that is applied to the rail 301 and reinforcing member 500 minimises any lateral or vertical flexure.
For additional strength, multiple parallel reinforcing members 500 can extend through the rail 301. They may extend through separate respective internal cavities of the rail 301.
FIG. 79 shows that multiple fixtures to a support post 600 of similar or different levels can be addressed with the reinforcing members 500A, 500B of adjacent rails suitably prepared so that two rails can abut onto the same support post 600 with each of the reinforcing members 500A, 500B passing through the common support post 600 without obstruction (in an offset manner), so that each reinforcing member 500A, 500B may be suitably tightened upon their respective external anchoring positions on the same support post 600 (e.g., Newel).
The offset configuration of FIG. 79 enables the termination of two rails to be achieved at the same level, and for there to be a form of haptic continuity between different Rails.
Another feature visible in FIGS. 78A-78B is that the membrane 320 may be tucked into the underside groove (305, FIG. 66) instead of spanning across the underside groove 305. Any suitable clip (not shown) may secure the membrane 320 to the underside groove 305, if required.
For greater safety and security (and for heavy load applications), FIGS. 80A-80C illustrate a stronger bracket 406, having a larger back plate 408 than some previous examples, to improve load distribution. The larger back plate 408 enables a greater number of fixing apertures 410 (four illustrated) to be pre-drilled within the back plate 408, to improve support capacity. The illustrated back plate 408 is hexagonal, without limitation.
With a larger number of fixing apertures 410, there is greater opportunity for vertical alignment of fixing apertures 410 when the bracket 406 is tilted, as in a stairway, thereby facilitating vertical alignment of fixings over a substrate with a narrow support frame).
The size of the back plate is such that this form of bracket may not require the support of a wall plate 400 for installation upon a substrate that has strength and integrity. The Bracket has a more substantial support arm 412 that is mounted by an elongated welded join to the back plate 408 with the join forming a strong, heavy duty fixing arrangement across a broader contact base. The support plate 414 can be rigidly mounted upon the support arm 412 with a welded join. Therefore, the ball-head 243 from previous examples is omitted.
The support arm 412 of the Bracket can be modified, so that it supports the support plate 414 (saddle plate) at varying angles. This is in order to orientate the positioning of the rail.
The support arm 412 can have a smooth tapered profile, such as the illustrated swan neck shape, in order to facilitate smooth hand-passage by the user (with hand-passage on the underside of the rail).
For the installation of the rail 301, the elongated support plate 414 (saddle plate) is located within the underside recess 305 of the rail 301. The support plate 414 can be secured to the rail by screw fittings or the like. The screws may extend through the later-described clip strip 352 of FIG. 82, and through the membrane 320. The increased number of screw fixings (at least four along each saddle) provides greater installation strength for the rail.
FIG. 80C shows the elongated support plate having four fixing apertures.
This enables the end of the rail to be securely mounted (with two screws) at its extreme end, being mounted upon half of the support plate
FIGS. 80D-80E illustrate a connection block 420 being fitted to the end of the rail. As well as acting as an end cap for the rail, the connection block 420 provides a mounting point for an elongate article 422 such as a rod, rope, tube, or any other appropriate elongate article. Whereas the rail 301 may be of generally straight, extruded form, the elongate article 422 may be more flexible and/or more curved than the rail 301 . The purpose of the elongate article 422 is to lead the hand of the user to or from the end of the rail 301. This assists users who are blind or are navigating in the dark. The connection block 420 can be regarded as the interface/adapter between two different types of rails. In another example, the elongate article is replaced by a visual device to highlight the end of the rail.
In a use case, the elongate article 422 may extend around a wall corner to connect two of the connection blocks 420, to link two separate rails 301. The elongate article 422 may also extend between different elevations to link separate rail ends at separate elevations.
If the rail is mounted to half of the bracket saddle support 406 as shown in FIGS. 80C and 80D, the connection block 420 may be mountable to the other half of the saddle of the bracket 406. The continuity adapter 420 may have holes to align with those in the support plate 414 of the bracket 406.
FIGS. 81A-81C illustrate a bracket 700 comprising an end cap 702 with integral return post 704, which is updated relative to that shown in FIG. 57. This can be used as a combined end cap and wall fixing for conventional rails and is also useful for short-span implementations such as grab rails (FIG. 81 C), that are used without such wall mounting brackets as that shown in FIG. 80A. The end cap 702 is formed from a rigid profiled section (metal or thermoplastic) and is attached to the return post 704. The return post 704 is in the form of a heavy duty “bah’.
The end cap 702 and return post 704 perform a variety of functions, including the provision of a cosmetic finish to the “open end” of the rail 301. The profile design of the end cap 702 is such that the internal recess fits closely around the lobate, membrane covered rail 301 so that the end cap 702 and rail 301 cannot rotate relative to each other. An end cap aperture 708 enables a fixing to be inserted to engage the end cap 702 with the rail 301 to further prevent rotation. The fixing, such as a screw, may penetrate the membrane 320. The membrane 320 may be secured and tensioned by the end cap 702, by a combination of friction and the fixing.
The end cap 702 also prevents longitudinal movement through the provision for external screw fixtures to be applied through the end cap 702 into the rail 301.
The end cap 702 may also be secured by the attached Return post 704 (Wall-mounting Bar) to the wall, via a foot having a fixing hole 706 therethrough. The return post 704 comprises the foot with the fixing hole 706. The foot may be bent perpendicular to a main leg of the return post 704. The foot defines the mounting plane of the bracket 700.
The return post 704 is a handed fixture (foot on only one side). The main leg of the return post 704 forms a “snag-bar” (barrier) to prevent any items of clothing (or similar) being snagged by/upon the rail.
FIG. 81 C shows a Grab Rail mounted at both ends to a wall, wherein the wall-mounted end caps 702 are used to support a short length of wall mounted Grab Rail (e.g. 300 to 500mm). The end caps 702 are fixed directly to the Wall by their return posts 704, with no intervening supporting brackets employed. The short Grab Rail can be positioned at any angle (from the horizontal to the vertical), but it needs to be firmly secured to the wall and may need an additional substrate mounting (e.g. Wall-plate, FIGS. 37 or 76A-77).
In a use case, the end caps 702 are used for a vertical rail. The end caps 702 are used as both “Foot-Caps and Top-Caps” in order to secure a vertically orientated floor-mounted Rail beneath a handrail (e.g. in a stairway). When mounted beneath an overlying wall-side handrail, the Foot-Cap (end cap) is fixed to both the floor and to the Wall in order to secure the position of both itself and the rail’s position.
In some examples, marker locations are pre-located within the end cap 702. The markers are required to be drilled-out in order to form apertures in the end cap 702 that are located to enable screw fittings to be mounted to secure the end cap 702 directly to the floor. At the same time, a fixing is engaged with an end cap aperture 708 to lock the end cap 702 to the rail 301 and a fixing is inserted through aperture 706 to secure the rail 301 and end cap 702 to the wall.
The Top-Cap (end cap 702) may be secured to the rail 301 with the additional fitting of a mounting that links the end cap aperture 708 to the underside recess 305 of the overlying Rail.
With modification, the Foot-Cap and Top-Cap arrangement for mounting the Rail may be employed so that a vertical Rail is installed in an open-side installation. In some examples, a vertical or slanted rail can be rotated about its own axis of elongation by a modified version of the return post 704 of FIGS. 81A-81 B. The return post 704 may come in two parts, connected together by an adjuster (not shown) providing one or more degrees of freedom of adjustment. The degrees of freedom may include adjustment of the coronal angle. Optionally, the height and/or distance from the wall may also be controllable. The adjuster can comprise a hinge connection and/or a sliding connection. Users with small hands, such as children, may find it easier for their fingers to reach the recesses if the crown is tilted towards them (away from the wall). Other users may prefer the crown to be tilted towards the wall, for example if they cannot form a full rail grip and just form a 'shepherd’s hook’ grip. The adjustability may be provided for handrails, vertical rails, post rails such as balustrades, or the like.
FIG. 83 schematically illustrates different orientations of a vertical Post Rail about a vertical axis. Each illustrated orientation corresponds to the crown of the rail facing a different direction relative to the wall/foot of the end cap. Orientation A shows a vertical floor-mounted Post Rail as mounted in a stairway using rigid end caps each having an integral bar extension that is directly affixed to the wall.
Orientation B shows the floor orientation-footprint of the rail, which for a stairway that is ascending right to left, does not provide any assistive advantage to the approaching arm-hand-wrist (AHW) alignment of the user ascending the stairs. Note that the crown is facing away from the AHW alignment whereas the recesses are facing towards the AHW alignment. Therefore, the user cannot wrap their hand around the crown and embed their digits into the recesses.
Orientation C shows the curved crown of the rail orientated away from the wall and towards the AHW. This enables a user with a large hand to fully envelop the vertical rail, to form the tri-arch grip with the thumb-arch (using the distal thumb phalange), the palm arch, and finger-arch (using the four distal phalanges of the fingers). The fingers can enter the recesses.
Orientation D is physiologically better for a smaller hand (or one with less dexterity) which shows the crown orientated towards the wall and towards the AHW, so that a smaller hand can partially use the tri-arch arch grip where the finger-arch and the palm-arch form the strength of the hold (with the thumb-arch also partially engaging, if possible).
Orientation E is physiologically better for a hand that has minimal size, grip, or dexterity. It shows the crown orientated towards the wall and away from the AHW (near-right angle from the AHW). The hand forms a hook-grip with the palm-arch providing the major support (with possible assistance from the finger-arch).
Accordingly, the ability to orientate the vertical Post-Rail is advantageous as the orientation may be suitably presented to satisfy the requirements of the various users. The end-cap requires an articulated (pivotal) section between it and the wall.
It is to be noted that in descending the stairway, the user may descend backwards and use the rail (grip formats) as an assistive lowering mechanism. In an emergency, the orientation of the rail may not be of great relevance as the main use of the rail will be defensive, i.e., to form an emergency hook-grip if the user is falling (and their arms are flailing).
FIG. 82 illustrates a cross-section view of the core 302 and the membrane 320 wrapped around the core 302, and further illustrates a clip member 352 for securing the membrane 320 to the core 302 and for tensioning the membrane 320 over the core 302. The clip member 352 may be in the form of a strip of material, defining a clip strip. The clip member 352 is mounted upon the outside of the membrane 320.
In FIG. 82, the clip member 352 is secured to the lower recess 305 of the core 302. The clip member 352 compresses the membrane 320 against the base of the lower recess 305. The clip member 352 is secured to the core 302 by a snap fit connection defined by undercuts (not shown) extending along the ledges of the lower recess 305. The effect is that the membrane 320 is tensioned over the core 302 and forms a taut bridge over each side recess 304. The result is that the membrane 320 is pulled into a lobate shape. The clip member 352 may be held by friction between the clip member 352 and membrane 320.
Another effect of the clip member 352 is that the membrane 320 is embedded in the lower recess 305, so the entrance of the lower recess 305 is open to the user’s fingers. The clip member 352 is exposed to contact with human skin and may therefore optionally comprise antimicrobial content as described earlier. The clip member 352 may be further removable to enable replacement of the membrane 320. The clip member 352 may be removable from the lower recess 305 by leverage using an appropriate tool such as a screwdriver.

Claims

83 CLAIMS
1. A user rail comprising a core and flexible material mounted to the core, the core comprising a domed crown and a recess to each side of the domed crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the flexible material spans the recesses and is depressible into the recesses.
2. The user rail of claim 1 , wherein the flexible material is of such flexibility to enable the flexible material to be depressed into the recesses by finger compression.
3. The user rail of claim 1 or 2, comprising a membrane sheath providing the flexible material, wherein the membrane sheath at least partially envelops the core to span the recesses.
4. The user rail of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the user rail has a substantially circular shape defined by the core, the flexible material, or a combination thereof.
5. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein the core comprises a rim at a junction between the crown and each recess, wherein each rim defines an edge between an adjacent ledge and the crown.
6. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein an underside of the core comprises an under-rail recess between the recesses, to seat the user rail on a support bracketry system.
7. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein the core is hollow and comprises internal bracing.
8. The user rail of any preceding claim, comprising a reinforcing member extending through the core, the reinforcing member comprising a more rigid material than a material of the core.
9. The user rail of claim 8, wherein one or each end of the reinforcing member extends beyond a corresponding end of the core and comprises a fixing portion.
10. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein the core and/or the flexible material are of extruded form.
11. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible material comprises an antimicrobial additive.
12. The user rail of any preceding claim, further comprising a clip member configured to secure the flexible material to the core, wherein when the clip secures the flexible material, the flexible material is tensioned over the core to pull the flexible material taut over the recesses.
13. The user rail of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible material has a greater coefficient of friction than the core.
14. A system comprising the user rail of any preceding claim, arranged as a hand rail, the system further comprising one or more user rails employed as baluster structures, wherein the one or more baluster structures are connected to the overlying hand rail by bracketry and/or are affixed to a wall mounting. 84
15. The system of claim 14, wherein each baluster structure comprises the features of the user rail according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
16. A system comprising the user rail of any one of claims 1 to 13, arranged as a hand rail, the system further comprising a wall-mounting bracket to connect the hand rail to a wall.
17. The system of claim 16, comprising a wall plate configured to be mounted to the wall to distribute a load from a wallmounting bracket.
18. A system comprising the user rail of any one of claims 1 to 13, and a bracket comprising an end cap to close an end of the user rail.
19. A system comprising the user rail of any one of claims 1 to 13, and a sleeve mechanism shorter than the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism comprises a handle and is operable as a clutch upon the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism has tracking elements configured to indent the flexible material into the recesses.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the tracking elements comprise lateral cams arranged to laterally enter the recesses of the rail.
21. The system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the handle is operable as a lever to pivot a sleeve crown of the sleeve mechanism sagitally along the user rail to apply pressure between the sleeve crown and the crown of the core, to engage the sleeve mechanism with the user rail in a locked position.
22. The system of claim 19, 20, or 21, comprising a transverse beam mounted to the sleeve mechanism, employing a longer lever than the handle.
23. The system of any one of claims 19 to 22, comprising a harness securable directly or indirectly to the sleeve mechanism to be supported by the sleeve mechanism.
24. The system of any one of claims 19 to 23, comprising a wall wheel mounted to the sleeve mechanism to distribute weight to an adjacent wall when in use.
25. A system comprising a user rail and a sleeve mechanism mounted to the user rail, the user rail comprising a core having a crown and a recess to each side of the crown, each recess defining an indentation of the core, wherein the sleeve mechanism is shorter than the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism comprises a handle and is operable as a clutch upon the user rail, wherein the sleeve mechanism has tracking elements extending into the recesses.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the tracking elements comprise lateral cams arranged to laterally enter the recesses. 85
27. The system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the handle is operable as a lever to pivot a sleeve crown of the sleeve mechanism sagitally along the user rail to apply pressure between the sleeve crown and the crown of the core, to engage the sleeve mechanism with the user rail in a locked position.
5 28. The system claim 25, 26, or 27, comprising a transverse beam mounted to the sleeve mechanism, employing a longer lever than the handle.
29. The system of any one of claims 25 to 28, comprising a harness securable directly or indirectly to the sleeve mechanism to be supported by the sleeve mechanism. 0
30. The system of any one of claims 25 to 29, comprising a wall wheel mounted to the sleeve mechanism to distribute weight to an adjacent wall when in use.
31. The system of claim 30, comprising a wall plate configured to be mounted to the adjacent wall to provide a track for the5 wall wheel.
PCT/GB2022/052487 2021-10-01 2022-09-30 Hand rail system, lever-operated sleeve mechanism, and modular hand rail and grip system WO2023052787A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB2114137.9A GB202114137D0 (en) 2021-10-01 2021-10-01 A lever-operated grip-system for improved hand-rail usage.
GB2114138.7 2021-10-01
GB2114137.9 2021-10-01
GBGB2114138.7A GB202114138D0 (en) 2021-10-01 2021-10-01 An installed hand-rail system, with improved ergonomic and biomechanical usage.
GB2117157.4 2021-11-29
GBGB2117157.4A GB202117157D0 (en) 2021-10-01 2021-11-29 Modular rail and grip

Publications (1)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5657968A (en) * 1996-01-02 1997-08-19 Marsden; Jeff Adjustable stair railing
US6270058B1 (en) * 1998-05-21 2001-08-07 Construction Specialties, Inc. Handrail/leaning rail
GB2455146A (en) * 2007-12-01 2009-06-03 Matthew Adrian Stuart Sanders Childrens auxiliary handrail for an existing stairway handrail
US20100183814A1 (en) * 2005-08-02 2010-07-22 Victor Rios Silicone compositions, methods of manufacture, and articles formed therefrom
ITVI20130052A1 (en) * 2013-02-28 2014-08-29 Guerrino Simonato HYGIENIC PROTECTION DEVICE
US20200071933A1 (en) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-05 Michele O. Jorge Training hand rail

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5657968A (en) * 1996-01-02 1997-08-19 Marsden; Jeff Adjustable stair railing
US6270058B1 (en) * 1998-05-21 2001-08-07 Construction Specialties, Inc. Handrail/leaning rail
US20100183814A1 (en) * 2005-08-02 2010-07-22 Victor Rios Silicone compositions, methods of manufacture, and articles formed therefrom
GB2455146A (en) * 2007-12-01 2009-06-03 Matthew Adrian Stuart Sanders Childrens auxiliary handrail for an existing stairway handrail
ITVI20130052A1 (en) * 2013-02-28 2014-08-29 Guerrino Simonato HYGIENIC PROTECTION DEVICE
US20200071933A1 (en) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-05 Michele O. Jorge Training hand rail

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