STAIRS ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A stairs assistance device including a frame member, the frame member including an operable grasping jaw adapted to operably grasp a handrail of the stairs, the operable grasping jaw including a rail-grasping configuration and a released configuration, the rail-grasping configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a fixed relationship with the handrail, the released configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a movable relationship with the handrail, projecting laterally from the frame member, a hand grip configured to assist the user grip the frame member during use, a manually-operated actuator configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw by the user, the manually-operated actuator adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration, and an arm support configured to support an arm portion of the user.

Claims

1. A stairs assistance device relating to assisting a user move up and down stairs, the stairs assistance device comprising: a frame member, the frame member including an operable grasping jaw adapted to operably grasp a handrail of the stairs, the operable grasping jaw comprising a rail-grasping configuration and a released configuration, the rail-grasping configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a fixed relationship with the handrail, the released configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a movable relationship with the handrail, projecting laterally from the frame member, a hand grip configured to assist the user grip the frame member during use, a manually-operated actuator configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw by the user, the manually-operated actuator adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration, and an arm support configured to support an arm portion of the user.

2. The stairs assistance device of claim 1, wherein the manually-operated actuator comprises: an electrically-operated actuator configured to mechanically adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration; a battery adapted to electrically power the electrically-operated actuator; and a manually-operated actuator switch configured control the operation of the electrically-operated actuator; wherein the manually-operated actuator switch is adapted to be manually operable by the user.

3. The stairs assistance device of claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongated frame segment extending between the first end and the second end the elongated frame segment defines an elongated-frame axis the hand grip defines a hand grip axis; the hand grip is positioned adjacent the second end; and the elongated-frame axis and the hand grip axis are orthogonal.

4. The stairs assistance device of claim 3, wherein the arm support comprises a U-shaped member adapted to support a forearm of the user.

5. The stairs assistance device of claim 4, wherein the elongated frame segment includes the arm support.

6. The stairs assistance device of claim 1, wherein the arm support further comprises a retaining strap configured to retain the arm portion of the user within the arm support, the retaining strap adapted to extend over the arm portion of the user.

7. The stairs assistance device of claim 1, wherein the operable grasping jaw comprises a fixed jaw rigidly coupled to the frame member, the fixed jaw including a fixed-jaw griping face configured to engage the handrail; and a pivot jaw pivotally coupled to the fixed jaw, the pivot jaw including a pivot-jaw griping face configured to pivotally engage the handrail when the operable grasping jaw is in the rail-grasping configuration.

8. The stairs assistance device of claim 7, wherein the hand grip comprises the manually-operated actuator.

9. The stairs assistance device of claim 8, further comprising a biasing spring configured to bias the operable grasping jaw toward the released configuration.

10. The stairs assistance device of claim 9, wherein the manually-operated actuator further comprises a user-operable actuation lever pivotally coupled to the hand grip, and a pull cable configured to operably couple the user-operable actuation lever and the pivot jaw; wherein the user-operable actuation lever is configured to adjust the operable grasping jaw to the rail-grasping configuration when manually depressed and is configured to adjust the operable grasping jaw to the released configuration when manually released.

11. The stairs assistance device of claim 5, wherein the operable grasping jaw is detachable from the frame member.

12. The stairs assistance device of claim 11, wherein the frame member further comprises a grasping-jaw coupler configured to removably couple the operable grasping jaw with the frame member.

13. The stairs assistance device of claim 12, wherein the frame member further comprises at least two of the grasping-jaw couplers, and at least two of the grasping-jaw couplers are located on opposing sides of the arm support.

14. The stairs assistance device of claim 7, wherein the fixed-jaw griping face comprises a resilient fixed-jaw griping pad, and the resilient fixed-jaw griping pad is detachable from the fixed jaw.

15. The stairs assistance device of claim 1, wherein the pivot-jaw griping face comprises a resilient pivot-jaw griping pad, and the resilient pivot-jaw griping pad is detachable from the pivot jaw.

16. The stairs assistance device of claim 10, wherein the frame member further comprises a cable-positioning channel configured position a portion of the pull cable extending between the user-operable actuation lever and the pivot jaw.

17. A stairs assistance device relating to assisting a user move up and down stairs, the stairs assistance device comprising: a frame member, the frame member including an operable grasping jaw adapted to operably grasp a handrail of the stairs, the operable grasping jaw comprising a rail-grasping configuration and a released configuration, the rail-grasping configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a fixed relationship with the handrail, the released configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a movable relationship with the handrail, a biasing spring configured to bias the operable grasping jaw toward the released configuration, projecting laterally from the frame member, a hand grip configured to assist the user grip the frame member during use, a manually-operated actuator configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw by the user, the manually-operated actuator adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration, and an arm support configured to support an arm portion of the user; wherein the frame member comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an elongated frame segment extending between the first end and the second end; wherein the elongated frame segment defines an elongated-frame axis the hand grip defines a hand grip axis; the hand grip is positioned adjacent the second end; and elongated-frame axis and the hand grip axis are orthogonal; wherein the arm support comprises a U-shaped member adapted to support a forearm of the user; wherein the elongated frame segment includes the arm support; wherein the arm support further comprises a retaining strap configured to retain the arm portion of the user within the arm support, the retaining strap adapted to extend over the arm portion of the user; wherein the operable grasping jaw comprises a fixed jaw rigidly coupled to the frame member, the fixed jaw including a fixed-jaw griping face configured to engage the handrail; and a pivot jaw pivotally coupled to the fixed jaw, the pivot jaw including a pivot-jaw griping face configured to pivotally engage the handrail when the operable grasping jaw is in the rail-grasping configuration; wherein the hand grip comprises the manually-operated actuator; wherein the manually-operated actuator further comprises a user-operable actuation lever pivotally coupled to the hand grip, and a pull cable configured to operably couple the user-operable actuation lever and the pivot jaw; wherein depressing the user-operable actuation lever adjusts the operable grasping jaw to the rail-grasping configuration and releasing the user-operable actuation lever adjusts the operable grasping jaw to the released configuration; wherein the operable grasping jaw is detachable from the frame member; wherein the frame member further comprises a grasping-jaw coupler configured to removably couple the operable grasping jaw with the frame member; wherein the fixed-jaw griping face comprises a resilient fixed-jaw griping pad, and the resilient fixed-jaw griping pad is detachable from the fixed jaw; and wherein the pivot-jaw griping face comprises a resilient pivot-jaw griping pad, and the resilient pivot-jaw griping pad is detachable from the pivot jaw.

18. The stairs assistance device of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the stairs assistance device is arranged as a kit.

19. A method of providing a stairs assistance device to assist a user move up and down stairs, the method comprising the steps of: providing an operable grasping jaw adapted to operably grasp a handrail of the stairs, the operable grasping jaw comprising a rail-grasping configuration and a released configuration, the rail-grasping configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a fixed relationship with the handrail, the released configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a movable relationship with the handrail; providing a frame member containing a hand grip projecting laterally from the frame member, the hand grip configured to assist the user grip the frame member during use, the hand grip including a manually-operated actuator configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw by the user, the manually-operated actuator adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration, an arm support configured to support an arm portion of the user, and a grasping-jaw coupler configured to removably couple the operable grasping jaw with the frame member; coupling the operable grasping jaw to the grasping-jaw coupler; and operably coupling the manually-operated actuator and the operable grasping jaw.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: placing an arm of the user adjacent the an arm support; gripping the frame member using the hand grip; grasping the stair rail by manually depressing the manually-operated actuator to place the operable grasping jaw in the rail-grasping configuration; and releasing the stair rail by releasing the manually-operated actuator to place the operable grasping jaw in the released configuration; whereby the stairs assistance device assists the user move up and down the stairs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a stairs assistance device and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of the stairs assistance device during an in-use condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a detail view, enlarged for clarity of description, of a hand grip of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic depiction of an operable grasping jaw of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the operable grasping jaw of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method relating to assisting a user move up and down stairs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is as diagrammatic depiction of an electrically-operated actuator assembly, according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hand tool having a surface adapted to engage a structure or component of a stair and more particularly to a stairs assistance device and method as used to improve the assisting a user move up and down stairs.

[0030] Generally, there is disclosed a device to assist a user move up and down stairs. The device has a gutter arm that a patient can lean into with his/her arm, a grip handle that the patient can hold during use, and a grip lever located directly in front of the handle. The grip lever is adapted to operate a clamping jaw that may be used to clamp on to the rail of the stairs. The patient can lean on the stairs assist device to take weight away from the legs. This assists the user to step on to the stairs. The operating the grip lever pulls a cable coupled to the clamping jaw. The device helps the patient to off-load weight from the legs by shifting weight to the arms so the patient can step up and down the stairs. The device makes going up and down the stairs safe and improves user mobility and independence.

[0031] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-9, various views of a stairs assistance device 100.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a stairs assistance device 100 during an in-use condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the stairs assistance device may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to assist the user 40 move up and down stairs 103. FIG. 2 is a detail view, enlarged for clarity of description, of a hand grip 114 of the stairs assistance device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stairs assistance device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of the stairs assistance device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic depiction of an operable grasping jaw 104 of the stairs assistance device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the operable grasping jaw 104 of the stairs assistance device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, the stairs assistance device 100 may include a frame member 102, the frame member 102 including the operable grasping jaw 104 adapted to operably grasp a handrail 101 of the stairs 103. The operable grasping jaw 104 may include a rail-grasping configuration 106 and a released configuration 108, as illustrated by the dashed-line depiction of FIG. 5. The rail-grasping configuration 106 places the operable grasping jaw 104 in a fixed relationship with the handrail 101, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The released configuration 108 places the operable grasping jaw 104 in a movable relationship with the handrail 101, as suggested by the dashed lines of FIG. 5.

[0034] The hand grip 114 is configured to assist the user 40 grip the frame member 102 during use and projects laterally from the frame member 102, as shown. A manually-operated actuator 138 configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw 104 by the user 40 is adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw 104 between the rail-grasping configuration 106 and the released configuration 108. An arm support 116 configured to support an arm portion 109 of the user 40 is also provided.

[0035] The frame of the stairs assistance device 100 may include a first end 118, a second end 120 (opposite the first end 118), and an elongated frame segment 122 extending between the first end 118 and the second end 120, as shown. Additionally, the elongated frame segment 122 may define an elongated-frame axis 126, the hand grip 114 may define a hand grip axis 124, the hand grip 114 may be positioned adjacent the second end 120, and an elongated-frame axis 126 and the hand grip axis 124 may be in a generally orthogonal orientation, as shown.

[0036] The arm support 116 may be a U-shaped member adapted to support the forearm of the user 40, as shown in FIG. 1. The elongated frame segment 122 may include the arm support 116, as shown. Additionally, the arm support 116 may include a retaining strap 152 configured to retain the arm portion 109 of the user 40 within the arm support 116, as shown. The retaining strap 152 may be adapted to extend over the arm portion 109 of the user 40, as shown.

[0037] Further, the operable grasping jaw 104 of the stairs assistance device 100 may include a fixed jaw 130 rigidly coupled to the frame member 102. The fixed jaw 130 may include a fixed-jaw griping face 132 configured to engage the handrail 101. A pivot jaw 134 may be provided, which may be pivotally coupled to the fixed jaw 130, as shown. The pivot jaw 134 may secured to the fixed jaw 130 by a threaded pivot pin 117. In one embodiment of the system, a pivot pin 117 having fine left-hand threads may be used. The pivot jaw 134 may include a pivot-jaw griping face 136 configured to pivotally engage the handrail 101 when the operable grasping jaw 104 is in the rail-grasping configuration 106.

[0038] The hand grip 114 may include the manually-operated actuator 138, as shown. Referring to FIG. 6, a biasing spring 140 configured to bias the operable grasping jaw 104 toward the released configuration 108 may also be provided. Additionally, the manually-operated actuator 138 may include a user-operable actuation lever 144 pivotally coupled to the hand grip 114, as shown. The user-operable actuation lever 144 may be secured to the hand grip 114 by a pivot pin 158, as shown.

[0039] A pull cable 142 may be provided, the pull cable 142 configured to operably couple the user-operable actuation lever 144 and the pivot jaw 134. The pull cable 142 may be a Bowden-type cable, with an inner wire and an outer housing. The wire slides inside the housing and actuates the pivot jaw 134, while the housing stays stationary. Such Bowden-type cables are often used to actuate bicycle brakes. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of actuator cables as described herein, the customary methods of attaching the ends of pull cables will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. The frame member 102 may further include a cable-positioning channel 150 configured position a portion of the pull cable 142 extending between the user-operable actuation lever 144 and the pivot jaw 134. The cable-positioning channel 150 may be a hollow channel formed within a portion of the frame member 102, as shown.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the user-operable actuation lever 144 may be configured to adjust the operable grasping jaw 104 to the rail-grasping configuration 106 when manually depressed and may be further configured to adjust the operable grasping jaw 104 to the released configuration 108 when manually released.

[0041] Further, the fixed-jaw griping face 132 may include a resilient fixed-jaw griping pad 154 that may be detachable from the fixed jaw 130, as shown. Even further, the pivot-jaw griping face 136 may also include a resilient pivot-jaw griping pad 148, which may be similarly detachable from the pivot jaw 134. The surface of the pads may be textured to assist gripping. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other pad arrangements such as, for example, providing griping pads having a curving shape to further assist in gripping a stair rail, pads having alternate attachment couplers, etc., may be sufficient.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the stairs assistance device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments of the system, the operable grasping jaw 104 may be detachable from the frame member 102, as shown. In this regard, the frame member 102 may further include one or more grasping-jaw couplers 146 configured to removably couple the operable grasping jaw 104 with the frame member 102. In one embodiment, the grasping-jaw coupler 146 may be a slide-on groove adapted to engage a corresponding projection of the frame. In some embodiments of the stairs assistance device 100, the frame member 102 may include at least two of the grasping-jaw couplers 146, as shown. The grasping-jaw couplers 146 may be located on opposing sides of the arm support 116, as shown. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other coupler arrangements such as, for example, linear couplers allowing the user to place a grasping-jaw at any selected position along the frame, grasping-jaw configured to be attached to the bottom of the frame, etc., may be sufficient.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the stairs assistance device 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the stairs assistance device 100 may further include a set of instructions 107. The instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the stairs assistance device 100 such that the stairs assistance device 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for assisting a user move up and down stairs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 500 for assisting a user move up and down stairs may include one or more components or features of the stairs assistance device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing an operable grasping jaw adapted to operably grasp a handrail of the stairs, the operable grasping jaw including a rail-grasping configuration and a released configuration, the rail-grasping configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a fixed relationship with the handrail, the released configuration placing the operable grasping jaw in a movable relationship with the handrail; step two 502, providing a frame member containing a hand grip projecting laterally from the frame member, the hand grip configured to assist the user grip the frame member during use, the hand grip including a manually-operated actuator configured to assist actuation of the operable grasping jaw by the user, the manually-operated actuator adapted to adjust the operable grasping jaw between the rail-grasping configuration and the released configuration, an arm support configured to support an arm portion of the user, and a grasping-jaw coupler configured to removably couple the operable grasping jaw with the frame member; coupling the operable grasping jaw to the grasping-jaw coupler; and operably coupling the manually-operated actuator and the operable grasping jaw.

[0045] Method 500 may further include the steps of: step three 503, placing an arm of the user adjacent the an arm support; step four 504, gripping the frame member using the hand grip; step five 505, grasping the stair rail by manually depressing the manually-operated actuator to place the operable grasping jaw in the rail-grasping configuration; and step six 506, releasing the stair rail by releasing the manually-operated actuator to place the operable grasping jaw in the released configuration; whereby the stairs assistance device assists the user move up and down the stairs.

[0046] It should be noted that steps 503 through 506 are an optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 8 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of step of should not be interpreted as step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for assisting a user move up and down stairs are taught herein.

[0047] FIG. 9 is as diagrammatic depiction of an electrically-operated actuator assembly 600, according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9, the manually-operated actuator 138 may be arranged to include an electrically-operated actuator assembly 600, as shown. The electrically-operated actuator assembly 600 may be useful to users 40 who have difficulty manipulating the user-operable actuation lever 144 due to weakness of the fingers or other physical limitations associated with their hands. The electrically-operated actuator assembly 600 is configured to provide a power-assisted means for operating the operable grasping jaw 104. The electrically-operated version of the stairs assistance device 100 may include a powered actuator, such as, for example, a direct current (DC) liner actuator 602. Such a liner actuator 602 may include an actuator rod 604 configured for reciprocal motion and connected to the pull cable 142, as shown. Electrical power to operate liner actuator 602 may be supplied by an onboard DC electrical battery 610. Power transfer between the electrical battery 610 and the liner actuator 602 may be controlled by a manually-operated actuator switch 606 located for easy access by the user 40. In the device of FIG. 9, the manually-operated actuator switch 606 is supplied as a depressible button 608 (a thumb switch) located in the hand grip 114, as shown. During operation, the user 40 depresses button 608 to close the manually-operated actuator switch 606, which activates the liner actuator 602. The actuator rod 604 of the activated liner actuator 602 retracts pulling the pull cable 142, which in turn moves the operable grasping jaw 104 to the rail-grasping configuration 106 (see FIG. 5). Releasing the button 608 opens the manually-operated actuator switch 606, which deactivates the liner actuator 602 to release the pull cable 142, thereby allowing the operable grasping jaw 104 to return to the released configuration 108.

[0048] In another embodiment, the fixed jaw of the operable grasping jaw 104 may fitted with an electromagnetic pad that can be energized by engaging electrical terminals (contacts) within the slide-on groove of the grasping-jaw coupler 146. Electrically-conductive wires may be imbedded in the frame housing and may exit as external links on the slide-on pads of the fixed jaw 130. The slide-on pad may be located on either side of the device for left or right-hand applications. In this alternate arrangement, the movable jaw (pivot jaw 134) works on the principle of an iron magnetized to the electromagnet of the fixed jaw 130.

[0049] A battery compartment may be provided within the assembly to hold the battery or other power source. The electrical battery 610 may be of a rechargeable configuration and may include a charge controller 613 configured to allow the electrical battery 610 to be recharged from an eternal electrical power source 611. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other actuator arrangements such as, for example, providing battery-charge monitoring and one or more indicators alerting a user of a low-charge state, providing alternate control-circuit arrangements, using replaceable/disposable batteries, using other actuator devices/configurations, configuring the grasping jaw to comprise a normally closed rail-grasping configuration, etc., may be sufficient.

[0050] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.