WO2023173010A2 - Adjustable mounting system for accessibility devices and other arrangements - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable mounting system for selectively coupling an external device or arrangement to a physical structure includes a mounting track positioned along a longitudinal axis for coupling to the physical structure. The mounting track includes a number of rails extending a distance along the longitudinal axis for having the external device or arrangement adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance. The system further includes a number of decorative covers selectively coupled to the mounting track.

Description

ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR ACCESSIBILITY DEVICES AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

63/269,079, filed March 9, 2022, and to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/318,716, filed March 10, 2022, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to a mounting device. More specifically, the disclosed concept relates to a mounting system onto which multiple types of devices such as accessibility devices and other arrangements can be selectively coupled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The tipping point for when an aging individual can no longer live in their own home is often related to the individual’s ability or inability to move around their home effectively and safely. Such mobility limitations, which are the most common type of disability, can have a life changing impact even when the individual is living with a companion and even without cognitive impairment. Home modifications that would make the home safer and more accessible for an individual typically include stair lifts, grab bars, and bath/shower renovations. As an individual’s mobility impairment progresses, needs for accommodations change and with every change there is disruption to the individual’s environment due to construction, as well as additional costs for the further changes/modifications.

[0004] The usefulness of existing grab bars is limited by weight bearing capacity requirements and the complexity of the installation process. If improperly secured, a grab bar is an ineffective safety hazard instead of a useful safe accessibility aid. Because of the installation requirements for grab bars, these devices need to be permanently affixed to a physical structure and are therefore problematic when used in many room types in which proper support blocking is not already present (e.g., due to Fair Housing Act requirements) and/or would be difficult if not impossible to realistically add. The term “physical structure” is used herein to refer to structures including, but not limited to, buildings, vehicles, fences, furniture, as well as any other suitable arrangement. Further, these permanent fixtures do not enable a user to reconfigure the accessibility device based on the user’s changing mobility needs.

[0005] Currently, stair lifts are the primary choice to assist an individual who needs assistance moving between floors. However, the installation of a stair lift often requires placement of an obtrusive device/arrangement in the user’s home. Because current stair lifts only allow for automated movement up and down the stairs in a seated position, the machines are often cumbersome and overpowered. The level of assistance provided by such an automated seated stair lift is often more than what is needed to safely and effectively navigate the stairs. Accordingly, compromises, including increased construction complexity, cost, and obtrusiveness, are required to accommodate such a stair lift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0006] These needs, and others, are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept that provide adjustable mounting systems for external devices or arrangements such as accessibility devices and other items.

[0007] As one aspect of the disclosed concept, an adjustable mounting system for selectively coupling at least an external device or arrangement to a physical structure is provided. The adjustable mounting system comprises: a mounting track positioned along a longitudinal axis and structured to be coupled to the physical structure, the mounting track having a number of rails extending a distance along the longitudinal axis and structured to have the external device or arrangement adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance; and a number of decorative covers structured to be selectively coupled to the mounting track.

[0008] The number of rails may comprise a pair of rails. The number of decorative covers may comprise a plurality of decorative covers, and one decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers may be selectively coupled to the pair of rails. A second decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers may be coupled to the mounting track along a first edge of the one decorative cover, and a third decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers is coupled to the mounting track along a second edge of the one decorative cover opposite the first edge. The second decorative cover and the third decorative cover are selectively coupled to the mounting track. The second decorative cover and the third decorative cover may be permanently coupled to the mounting track. The number of decorative covers may be structured to resemble one of door trim, window trim, baseboard, or crown molding. The adjustable mounting system may further comprise the external device or arrangement. The external device or arrangement may be adjustably coupled to the rails via a carriage element slidably positioned within a channel bounded by the rails, wherein the external device or arrangement is selectively coupled to the carriage element via a number of fasteners. The external device or arrangement may be adjustably coupled to the rails via a quick-release arrangement engaged with the rails. The external device or arrangement may comprise an accessibility device. The accessibility device may comprise a grab bar structured to be grasped by a hand of a human being for steadying the human being. The external device or arrangement may comprise one or more of: a table, shelf, nightstand, soap dispenser, hooks, and/or lighting arrangement. The external device or arrangement is structured to engage another portion of the physical structure in addition to via the mounting track. The number of decorative covers may form a decorative cover arrangement that is structured to conceal the mounting track when the mounting track is mounted to the physical structure and the number of decorative covers are coupled to the mounting track.

[0009] As another aspect of the disclosed concept a method of providing an accessibility device on a rigid structure is provided. The method comprises: securing a mounting track to the rigid structure, the mounting track having a pair of rails extending a distance along the mounting track and structured to have an external accessory adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance; selectively positioning the accessibility device at a desired location along the rails; and selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails at the desired location via a number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device.

[0010] Selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails via the number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device may comprise selectively coupling the anchoring arrangements to the rails via a carriage member slidably disposed within a channel defined in-part by the rails and a number of fasters selectively engaged with the slidable member. Selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails via the number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device may comprise selectively coupling the anchoring arrangements to the rails via a quick-release arrangement. The method may further comprise selectively coupling a plurality of decorative covers to the mounting track about the anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device.

[0011] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0012] A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an adjustable mounting system in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0014] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the adjustable mounting system of Figure 1 as indicated therein showing internal details of the system as well as example fasteners in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept used for securing the system to a wall or other suitable structure;

[0015] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the adjustable mounting system of Figure 1 similar to that shown in Figure 2 except shown with components of the system and the fasteners shown in an exploded positioning from the arrangement of Figure 2; [0016] Figure 4, similar to Figure 3, is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable mounting system of Figure 1;

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an end cover of the adjustable mounting system of Figures 1 and 4;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the adjustable mounting system of

Figures 1-5 including an accessibility device in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0019] Figure 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the adjustable mounting system of Figure 6;

[0020] Figure 8A is a front elevation view of an alternate decorative cover in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept that may be employed in the adjustable mounting system of Figures 1-5;

[0021] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the backside of the alternate decorative cover of Figure 8 A;

[0022] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the front side of the alternate decorative cover of Figures 8 A and 8B;

[0023] Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mounting system of

Figures 7 and 8 as indicated in Figure 7 shown with selected portions of the system removed to show internal details of selected components of the system;

[0024] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a removable fastener of the adjustable mounting system of Figure 9;

[0025] Figure 11 is a partial sectional view similar to that shown in Figure 9 except with an accessibility device shown coupled with another example coupling arrangement, shown partially schematically, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0026] Figure 11A is a view of a portion of the view of Figure 11 showing some elements thereof disposed in an alternative positioning;

[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the accessibility device of Figures 7 and

8;

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another accessibility device in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept that may be employed in place of the accessibility device of Figure 12; and

[0029] Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of the adjustable mounting system of Figures 1-5 including further devices in accordance with some other example embodiments of the disclosed concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0030] It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0031] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0032] As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”

[0034] As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together or act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire. [0035] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are

“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are coupled directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

[0036] As used herein, the phrase “selectively coupled” or “temporarily coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “selectively coupled” whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not “selectively coupled”, but instead are “permanently coupled”. A “difficult to access fastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component” is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0037] As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

[0038] As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a number of elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single [X],

[0039] As used herein, an “elongated” element inherently includes a longitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction of the elongation.

[0040] As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. [0042] As used herein, “at” means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] As described in detail herein in connection with some example embodiments, the disclosed concept provides systems and arrangements that address, inter alia, the above-described deficiencies of grab bars, stair lifts, as well as other arrangements. Embodiments of the disclosed concept provide quickly disconnectable, readily adjustable, interchangeable, and reconfigurable systems that are designed to provide solutions for a user’s changing mobility assistance needs. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosed concept provide systems that can be used in place of, or disguised as, architectural molding in a home in an inobtrusive manner. Further, embodiments of the disclosed concept may readily function as a universal mounting system onto which third party, proprietary, and custom-made accessories and devices may be readily mounted (wholly or in-part), unmounted, and re-arranged as desired.

[0044] Embodiments of the disclosed concept provide products and methods that expedite the modification of existing living spaces. Further, embodiments of the disclosed concept serve as platforms for customization at any point along the life cycle of the physical structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed concept provides a modular and expandable mounting system that can be installed onto a wide variety of physical structures to serve as the anchor(s) for a multitude of interchangeable accessories that solve a range of mobility problems in the home as well as an, or the anchor, for various other arrangements. A range of accessibility devices such as handrails, grab bars, and stair assist devices, may be attached to embodiments of the system. Embodiments of the disclosed concept provide the structural framework that enables the user or a representative thereof to selectively attach, use, and remove accessibility devices that are required to move around the physical structure. As an example, a small modification of a 'hand-rail profile' could be used in place of chair rail molding to serve as a railing throughout the home or selected portions thereof that may be readily varied as- needed to meet changing needs. Similarly, profiles corresponding to other trim(s) could be used in providing mounting solutions (in generally any direction) along doors, windows, baseboards, top of walls, and/or in generally any desired location. Further, several accessories can be simultaneously attached to embodiments of the disclosed concept to provide the user with a desired set of functionalities. When not configured for a particular need, embodiments of the disclosed concept can generally be hidden by a decorative cover or covers that mimic architectural trim work. In addition to providing structural support for various elements, systems in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed concept can also be used as conduit(s) to provide power to attachments coupled thereto where appropriate. Further sensors may be integrated into embodiments of the disclosed concept to track user activity and/or their surrounding environment and identify emergency situations.

[0045] Having thus described some general functionality of embodiments of the disclosed concept, an example embodiment of an adjustable mounting system 10 in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept will now be described in connection with Figures 1-4. The adjustable mounting system 10 includes a mounting assembly/track 12 which acts generally as a permanent fixture onto which a selectively reconfigurable external accessory or accessories (e.g., without limitation, accessibility device(s) - grab bars, handrails, stair assist devices, lighting, nightstands, etc.; decorative covers, etc., discussed further below) is/are mounted/unmounted to satisfy changing needs. In the example shown in Figures 1-4, the mounting track 12 is an elongate structure disposed along a longitudinal axis 13 and formed via a suitable fabrication process (e.g., without limitation, machining, extrusion, etc.) from a suitable material or materials. In some example embodiments, the mounting track 12 has been formed from aluminum due to its machineability, lightweight, rigidity, corrosion resistance, etc. It is to be appreciated, however, that the mounting track may be formed from other suitable material or materials without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. The mounting track 12 is structured to be mounted to a rigid structure or structures (e.g., without limitation, wall studs within a wall, posts, etc.) via a number of suitable fasteners 14 (e.g., without limitation, screws) so as to provide a solid base for subsequent mounting/unmounting of accessibility devices and other arrangements such as previously described herein. To provide for such mounting of the mounting track to a rigid structure or structures, the mounting track 12 (illustrated in Figures 2-4) includes a plurality of primary anchor points 16 (only some of which are labeled in Figure 4). In the example shown in Figure 4, each primary anchor point 16 is in the form of a circular hole formed in/through the mounting track 12 in which each fastener 14 may be disposed (see, e.g., Figure 2). It is to be appreciated that the primary anchor points 16 may be of any suitable shape (e.g., slots), sizing, positioning, and/or structure dependent on the particular application and fastener(s) 14 employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In some example embodiments, the primary anchor points are not pre-formed and instead are left for the installer to locate/create (e.g., drill) in desired locations. In such examples, suitable indications (e.g., without limitation, tick marks, lines, dimensional indicators, indents, recesses, etc.) may be provided to assist the installer(s) with locating/ creating the primary anchor points.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2-4, the mounting track 12 generally includes a back panel 18, a first offset arrangement 20, a second offset arrangement 22 and a pair of rails 24 generally defined by the first and second offset arrangements 20 and 22. In the example shown in Figures 2-4, portions of the first offset arrangement 20, the second offset arrangement 22, and the rails 24 generally define a channel 26 that is thus bounded on either side by a rail 24. Functionality of the channel 26 is discussed further below. In the example embodiment shown in Figures 2-4 the mounting track 12 is formed as a single unitary member, hence the aforementioned elements/components of the mounting track 12 are each integral portions of the single unitary member. It is to be appreciated, however, that the mounting track 12 may also be formed from a plurality of separate elements/members that are coupled together, e.g., via any suitable arrangement, without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In the example shown in Figure 4, the primary anchor points 16 (previously discussed) are defined in the back panel 18 and distributed generally across the back panel 18 so as to distribute loading applied to the mounting track 12 (discussed further below) to the structure(s) to which the mounting track 12 is secured.

[0047] As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, each of the first and second offset arrangements 20 and 22 extend outward from the back panel 18 in a common direction opposite from a surface 28 of the back panel 18 that in the example embodiment shown in Figures 1-4 is structured to abut/ engage the surface of a wall or other suitable structure to which the mounting track 12 is secured (as previously discussed). Although shown in the example of Figures 2 and 3 as a planar surface that generally spans the entire back side of the mounting track 12, it is to be appreciated that the surface 28 may be discontinuous (e.g., without limitation, broken up by milled or otherwise formed regions/spaces) without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0048] In order to provide for an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that generally fits in with other general trim work found in a person’s living environment in which the arrangements are used, the mounting assembly 10 further includes a decorative cover arrangement 30 that is structured to generally overlay and conceal the mounting track 12 when mounted to a wall or other suitable structure. Accordingly, in example embodiments of the disclosed concept the decorative cover arrangement 30 is shaped/formed to resemble molding/trim typically used in a patient’s living environment. Hence, it is to be appreciated that one or more of the shape, sizing, texture, color, material(s), etc. from which the decorative cover arrangement 30 is formed may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. For example, without limitation, materials such as plastics, metals, woods, rubbers, and foams have been used in various embodiments of the disclosed concept to form cover arrangements depending on the particular requirements/wants/needs of a particular patient and/or the particular arrangement(s)/application(s) thereof.

[0049] The decorative cover arrangement 30 may be made up of, and thus include, a number of individual decorative cover members 32. In other words, the decorative cover arrangement 30 may, and in most embodiments is, formed from multiple cover members 32. In the example shown in Figures 1-4 the decorative cover arrangement 30 includes a central cover member 32A, upper and lower cover members 32B and 32C, as well as end covers 32D and 32E. As perhaps best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the central cover member 32A may be selectively coupled/uncoupled with mounting track 12 in a friction/snap fit arrangement by engaging/disengaging protruding stabs 34 of the central cover member 32A between the rails 24 of mounting track 12. The upper and lower cover members 32B and 32C may be readily selectively coupled to the mounting track 12 by a generally snap fit operation. As can be appreciated from the sectional views of Figures 3 and 4, such snap fit of the upper and lower cover members 32B and 32C is carried out by generally hooking the outer edge OE of each cover member 32B, 32C about a corresponding outer edge 36 of mounting track 12, and then engaging a hook-like inner edge structure IE with a corresponding groove 38 formed inward on each of the first and second offset arrangements 20 and 22. End covers 32D and 32E may be readily selectively coupled to the mounting track 12 via a friction/snap-fit arrangement by forcing protruding members 40 of each end cover 32D, 32E into corresponding apertures 42 formed in the ends of the mounting track 12. It is to be appreciated that the arrangements used to secure/couple the decorative cover arrangement 30 and/or the number of decorative cover members 32 thereof to the mounting track may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. Further, it is to be appreciated that the type of coupling, e.g., selective, permanent, etc., may likewise be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. For example, in some example embodiments all of the cover members 32 might be selectively coupled to as to be readily removed, adjusted, replaced, etc. for reconfiguring, cleaning, and/or other purposes. In some example embodiments, one or more of the cover members may be generally permanently coupled, e.g., via a strong adhesive, so as to generally prohibit removal, and/or may be semi-permanently coupled, e.g., via a weaker adhesive (e.g., caulking) so as to be removable but with some effort.

[0050] Having thus described the basic arrangement and elements of the example embodiment of the mounting assembly 10, a modified/recon figured version of such arrangement, will now be described in conjunction with Figures 6 and 7, in which the niodified/reconfigured mounting assembly 10’ is shown assembled and generally exploded, respectively. Starting with mounting assembly 10 of Figure 1, the mounting assembly 10’ of Figure 6 was arrived at by simply selectively uncoupling and removing the central cover member 32A from the underlying mounting track 12, coupling/ securing a grab bar 50 (e.g., see Figure 12) to the mounting track 12, and then selectively coupling the new central cover members 32A’ and contoured cover members 32F to the mounting track 12. The central cover members 32A’ are generally the same as the central cover member 32A except of different length to fit among mounting arrangements 52 of the grab bar 50 and the contoured cover members 32F. The contoured cover members 32F, shown in greater detail in Figures 8A-8C are likewise similar to the central cover member 32A, but also each include a cut-out or contour portion 42 that is correspondingly shaped to fit against an extension portion 54 of the grab bar 50 extending between the bar 56 and mounting arrangements 52 thereof. In accordance with example embodiments of the disclosed concept, pre-made cover members of different sizes may be provided that allow for somewhat custom placement of an attachment along the mounting track 12, alternatively, cover members structured to be cut to desired size(s) by an installer may also be provided, thus allowing for infinitely customizable placement of one or more attachments along the mounting track 12.

[0051] In the example mounting assembly 10’ shown in Figures 6 and 7, the grab bar 50 is selectively coupled to the mounting track 12 via a coupling arrangement 60 that will now be described in conjunction with Figures 9 and 10. The coupling arrangement 60 shown in Figure 9 includes a carriage member 62 (shown in entirety in Figure 10) that includes a generally elongate body 64 having a number of threaded apertures 66 formed therein. The elongate body 64 is sized and configured to be slidably positioned, and generally constrained within the channel 26 of the mounting track 12 by rails 24. The mounting arrangement 52 of the grab bar 50 is selectively coupled/secured to the carriage member 62 via rotatably securable fasteners 68 (e.g., threaded stud/nuts, threaded bolts, etc.) that are threadingly engaged with the threaded apertures 66 and tightened using appropriate tools (e.g., socket and ratchet) as needed. It is to be appreciated that the coupling arrangement 60 not only provides for the grab bar 50 to be selectively coupled and/or uncoupled from the mounting track 12 but also provides for the grab bar 50 to be selectively coupled at any point along the mounting track 12. An example of another grab bar 58 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept that may be employed in place of, or in addition to grab bar 50 is shown in Figure 13. Grab bar 58 generally varies from grab bar 50 in that it has a multi-angled bar 56’ as opposed to the straight bar 56 of the grab bar 50. Such example is provided solely to demonstrate one of many variations of devices that may be selectively coupled to the mounting track 12 and thus is not intended to be limiting upon the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0052] Another example coupling arrangement 70 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept that may be employed in coupling components to the mounting track 12 is generally shown in Figure 11. Coupling arrangement 70 is generally of a “quick-release” variety; and thus does not require the use of any tools in coupling or uncoupling from the mounting track 12. Coupling arrangement 70 utilizes a number of fixed hooks 72 and movable hooks 74 that are generally positioned in the channel 26 in a non-overlapping manner and tightly engaged with the rails 24 of the mounting track 12. The number of movable hooks 74 extend from an internal body 76 (shown in hidden line) that is disposed within the extension portion 54’ of the grab bar 50’. In the orientation shown in Figure 11, the internal body 76 is biased downward within the extension portion 54’ by a biasing element 78 (e.g., a selectively flexible member, spring, or other suitable arrangement, also shown in hidden line) thus generally forcing the number of movable hooks 74 away from the number of fixed hooks 72 and thus creating a tight fitment with the rails 24 of the mounting track 12. An external operating mechanism 80 (e.g., an external button) engaged or coupled with the internal body serves to release the coupling arrangement 70 when pushed toward the extension portion 54’, thus acting against the biasing element 78 and moving the internal body 76 and the number of movable hooks 74 upward (as shown by arrow U) to a positioning such as shown in Figure 11 A. In such positioning as shown in Figure 11A, the number of movable hooks 74 have shifted up, thus also allowing for the grab bar 50’ to shift downward slightly thus generally disengaging all of the hooks 72 and 74 from the rails 24 and thus allowing the hooks 72 and 74 to be removed from the channel 26 and the grab bar 50’ to be removed from the mounting arrangement 10.

[0053] Figures 14 and 15 show some further example embodiments of adjustable mounting systems 10” that may be utilized in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosed concept. More particularly, Figures 14 and 15 illustrate examples of foldable grab bar arrangements 90 and 90’ that each include a grab bar 92 that is selectively moveable (upward or downward from the positioning shown) about a pivot 96. Such movement is carried out generally by disengaging a lower portion of the grab bar 92 from a housing 98, rotating the grab bar so as to be generally parallel to the floor, and then rotating the grab bar 92 upward or downward as desired. Each grab bar arrangement 90 and 90’ may be selectively coupled along the mounting track 12 underlying covers 32A’ via coupling arrangements such as previously described in conjunction with Figures 9 and 11. It is to be appreciated that the embodiment shown in Figure 14 provides an example in which a lower support 94 of the grab bar arrangement 90 selectively coupled to the mounting system 10” engages a wall or other structure below the mounting system 10”. Further. Figure 15 provides an example wherein a vertical leg member 102 of the grab bar arrangement 90’ coupled to the mounting system 10” engages the floor below the mounting system 10” (e.g., via a foot portion 104), thus illustrating the mounting system 10” being used one securement point for the arrangement 90’. It is also to be appreciated that the arrangement shown in Figure 15 further provides for height adjustability of the grab bar 92 via selectively adjusting the positioning of collar 100 along leg member 102.

[0054] From the foregoing it is thus to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide adjustable mounting systems that can be readily installed in living environments in minimally obtrusive ways while providing for reliable customizable positioning of items attached thereto not otherwise available. Such systems can readily be employed for mounting, wholly or in-part, accessibility devices in a reliably secure manner as well as non-accessibility related items/arrangements (e.g., without limitation, console tables, shelves, nightstands, soap dispensers in the shower, hooks, lighting, etc.) as wanted/needed for numerous applications.

[0055] While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0056] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable mounting system for selectively coupling at least an external device or arrangement to a physical structure, the adjustable mounting system comprising: a mounting track positioned along a longitudinal axis and structured to be coupled to the physical structure, the mounting track having a number of rails extending a distance along the longitudinal axis and structured to have the external device or arrangement adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance; and a number of decorative covers structured to be selectively coupled to the mounting track.

2. The adjustable mounting system of claim 1, wherein the number of rails comprises a pair of rails.

3. The adjustable mounting system of claim 1 , wherein: the number of decorative covers comprises a plurality of decorative covers, and one decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers is selectively coupled to the pair of rails.

4. The adjustable mounting system of claim 3, wherein: a second decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers is coupled to the mounting track along a first edge of the one decorative cover, and a third decorative cover of the plurality of decorative covers is coupled to the mounting track along a second edge of the one decorative cover opposite the first edge.

5. The adjustable mounting system of claim 4, wherein the second decorative cover and the third decorative cover are selectively coupled to the mounting track.

6. The adjustable mounting system of claim 4, wherein the second decorative cover and the third decorative cover are permanently coupled to the mounting track.

7. The adjustable mounting system of claim 1, wherein the number of decorative covers are structured to resemble one of door trim, window trim, baseboard, or crown molding.

8. The adjustable mounting system of claim 2, further comprising the external device or arrangement.

9. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8, wherein the external device or arrangement is adjustably coupled to the rails via a carriage element slidably positioned within a channel bounded by the rails, wherein the external device or arrangement is selectively coupled to the carriage element via a number of fasteners.

10. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8, wherein the external device or arrangement is adjustably coupled to the rails via a quick-release arrangement engaged with the rails.

11. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8, wherein the external device or arrangement comprises an accessibility device.

12. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8 wherein the accessibility device comprises a grab bar structured to be grasped by a hand of a human being for steadying the human being.

13. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8, wherein the external device or arrangement comprises one or more of: a table, shelf, nightstand, soap dispenser, hooks, and/or lighting arrangement.

14. The adjustable mounting system of claim 8, wherein the external device or arrangement is structured to engage another portion of the physical structure in addition to via the mounting track.

15. The adjustable mounting system of claim 1, wherein the number of decorative covers form a decorative cover arrangement that is structured to conceal the mounting track when the mounting track is mounted to the physical structure and the number of decorative covers are coupled to the mounting track.

16. A method of providing an accessibility device on a rigid structure, the method comprising: securing a mounting track to the rigid structure, the mounting track having a pair of rails extending a distance along the mounting track and structured to have an external accessory adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance; selectively positioning the accessibility device at a desired location along the rails; and selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails at the desired location via a number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails via the number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device comprises selectively coupling the anchoring arrangements to the rails via a carriage member slidably disposed within a channel defined in-part by the rails and a number of fasters selectively engaged with the slidable member.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein selectively coupling the accessibility device to the rails via the number of anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device comprises selectively coupling the anchoring arrangements to the rails via a quick-release arrangement.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising selectively coupling a plurality' of decorative covers to the mounting track about the anchoring arrangements of the accessibility device.