Patent Application
20110283456
This disclosure relates generally to ingress/egress handles. More particularly, but not exclusively, one illustrative embodiment relates to a handle assembly configured to assist a person during ingress/egress to/from a person-support apparatus.
People occasionally need assistance during ingress/egress to/from person-support apparatuses. While various devices have been developed, there is still room for improvement. Thus a need persists for further contributions in this area of technology.
The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.
One illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure can include an endboard with a handle assembly removably coupled thereto having a base and a handle pivotably coupled to the base and configured to move between a first position and second position with respect to the base.
Additional features alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims and those described in detail below, can comprise patentable subject matter. Others will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
Referring now to the illustrative examples in the drawings, wherein like numerals represent the same or similar elements throughout:
While the present disclosure can take many different forms, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. No limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Various alterations, further modifications of the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure, as described herein, are contemplated.
One illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure can include an endboard with a handle assembly removably coupled thereto having a base and a handle pivotably coupled to the base and configured to move between a first position and second position with respect to the base.
A person-support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure is shown in
The person-support apparatus 10 can include a lower frame 12, a plurality of supports 14 coupled with the lower frame 12, and an upper frame 16 movably supported above the lower frame 12 by the supports 14 as shown in
The handle assembly 24 can be configured to be removably coupled to the endboard 22 as shown in
The handle 38 can be connected to the base 36 at a pivot point 40 as shown in
The base 36 can include a first base portion 42 and a second base portion 44 that can be removably coupled together to couple the base 36 to the endboard grip 34 as shown in
The first base portion 42 can include a first curved portion C1 that can be configured to engage a portion of the endboard grip portion 28 as shown in
The second base portion 44 can include a support portion 48 and a second curved portion C2 as shown in
The second curved portion C2 can be recessed into the second base portion 44 and can be configured to engage a portion of the endboard grip portion 28 as shown in
The handle 38 can include a handle base portion 52 and a handle grip portion 54 as shown in
The handle base portion 52 can include a first sloped surface 56, a second sloped surface 58, and a pivot bore 60 as shown in
The pivot bore 60 can be configured to receive a fastener 68 configured to rotatably couple the handle 38 to the base 36 such that the handle 38 is able to rotate between the first position and the second position with respect to the base 36 as shown in
Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a person-support apparatus comprises a frame, an endboard, and a handle assembly. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The endboard includes a grip. The handle assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the endboard. The handle assembly includes a handle configured to rotate with respect to the endboard between a first position and a second position. The handle is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress from the person-support apparatus in the first position.
In another example, an endboard assembly comprises an endboard and a handle assembly. The endboard includes a body with a perimeter edge and an opening through the body. The opening cooperates with the perimeter edge to define a grip. The handle assembly is coupled to the endboard. The handle assembly includes a base and a handle coupled to the base. The handle is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress from a person-support apparatus.
In another example, a handle assembly comprises a base and a handle. The base is configured to be removably coupled a grip portion of an endboard. The handle is pivotably coupled to the base. The handle is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the base. The handle is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress from a person-support apparatus in the first position.
Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless can not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.
In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles can have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and various combinations of inventive aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.
