Hand railings have been in the public domain for decades or longer. Architectural and aesthetic railing/balustrade assemblies have been adapted with little or no related attention for folks with physically impaired strength. This invention is not the result of any federally sponsored research or development; no parties are named jointly. A compact disc is provided to demonstrate the utility of prototypes.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns embodiments to assist persons with traverse on and along surfaces that may be difficult to maintain balance by providing locations for hand placement that prevent slipping or falling. Hand Railings are commonly found architecturally on stairways and balconies, on mobile surfaces such as boats, public transporters, and specifically emplaced for body locations such as ladders and queues.
2. Background Art
Hand railings are provided with various continuous configurations for gripping to maintain human physical balance Gripping strains and fatigues muscle groups in the forearm (Brachia Radials, Pronator Teres, Pulmaris Longus, Flexor/Extensor Radialis, Flexor Digitorum Superficalis), the wrist (Flexor Retinaculum) and the hand (Flexor Digiti minimi, abductor/adductor Pollicis Brevis, Digitorum Tendons, lateral bands, inner tendinous bands). These muscle groups are repeatedly strained and relaxed to apply fiber torsion force in a normal direction to grip the embodiment radially, preventing hand slipping axially. Slipping (friction) forces must be overcome resulting in repeated exertion of physical grip strain to maintain stabilization and support.
3. Brief Summary of the Invention
Hand railings with nodal configurations along the embodiment are provided for gripping with less physical strength to maintain human structure balance. The advantage of the non-continuous nodal placements along the railings is muscle strength is applied in the direction of the required force, a considerable reduction in physical strength; far less muscle strain and fatigue are required to retain position on the hand rail. A primary object of the invention is to provide stability during traverse for physically handicapped folks.