1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to grip handles and more particularly to an easily replaced grip handle for mobility, support and seating devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of mobility, support and seating devices include grip handles. For example, walkers, crutches and canes employ grip handles. In previous devices, the grip handle is fixedly attached to the device and can not be removed by the consumer if damaged or soiled or for any other purposed. Instead, the device must be returned to the manufacturer if the grip handle needs to be replaced. Furthermore, if the walker is used by different people, sanitary issues arise. For example, if such devices are provided on a rental basis for temporary use, it is costly and time consuming to replace the grip handles for subsequent users.
Previously known grip apparatuses are for sanitary purposes and cover handles used by many individuals. The grips are disposable or reusable and provide protection against germs or other unsanitary conditions left by prior users. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,066 discloses a reusable cover for grocery cart handles. While such a device provides a sanitary grasp for a grocery cart handle, it does not provide a stable, non-slip gripping surface as such stability is not contemplated in such a use. Numerous other such covers are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,764, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,377, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,319 and many others. None of these devices provides a stable, non-slip grip handle.
Thus, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced easily when worn or when needed for sanitary reasons. Further, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced by the consumer. Finally, it is desired to make available a grip handle which attaches in a non-slip connection.
An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which can be replaced easily when worn or when needed for sanitary reasons.
An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which can be replaced by the consumer.
An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which attaches in a non-slip connection.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.
The present invention addresses these needs by providing a replaceable hand grip for a framed device or for use on a handle which includes a grip apparatus which can substantially surround a portion of the framed device or handle and which includes a mechanical means for removably attaching the grip apparatus to the framed device or handle such that the grip apparatus remains in a desired stable, non-slip orientation. The grip apparatus is preferably made from plastic, a rigid foam, spring steel or a molded composite. The grip apparatus is generally cylindrical and includes a lengthwise opening to allow placement of the grip apparatus around the framed device or handle. In one embodiment, the framed device or handle includes one or more holes formed in the framed device or handle and one or more protuberances formed on the internal surface of the grip apparatus extending inwardly from the inner surface of the grip apparatus. In this embodiment, the protuberance extends into the hole as the grip apparatus is installed on the framed device or handle in order to provide a releasable but slip free connection between the grip and the framed device or handle. For added stability, more than one protuberance and hole are used in a linear orientation or in a non-linear orientation. In the preferred embodiment, the framed device includes an additional hole directly opposite each of the first holes. The protuberance, which is preferably hollow in this embodiment, extends into the first hole, passes through the framed device or handle and exits through the second hole. A fastener, such as a screw, snap-in pin or pop rivet, can be used to removably secure the protuberance in the installed configuration. Alternatively, the protuberance may extend into the first hole and the fastener can extend into the second hole such that they connect within the framed device or handle. In alternate embodiments, the framed device or handle includes protuberances which mate with holes in the grip apparatus or the external surface of the framed device or handle and the internal surface of the grip apparatus are formed with mating geometric surfaces, such as mating teeth, to provide a slip-free, removable connection between the grip and the framed device or handle. Finally, if desired, for comfort and/or to provide additional grip strength, the outer surface of the grip may be coated with a deformable material.
A more complete description of the subject matter of the present invention and the advantages thereof, can be achieved by the reference to the following detailed description by which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:
a and 6b are side views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing 2 alternate embodiments of the ends of the grip handle;
a and 13b are end views of alternate embodiments of the present invention;
The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described as being for a walker, use with any mobility, support or seating device which includes a grip handle is contemplated.
As shown in the drawings, the present invention can be used on walkers. It can also be used on canes; crutches; wheel chairs; bed, bath, support and shower rails; foot stools; grab bars; commode, bath and shower chairs; as well as other devices employing a hand grip.
The grip handle 22 shown in the drawings is formed from a semi-rigid plastic. The grip handle can also be formed from a rigid foam, spring steel or a molded composite. The material must be fairly durable to withstand regular use and must have a memory characteristic which allows the grip handle 22 to be deformed for installation yet return to a configuration which is snug about the walker 24. If desired, the grip handle 22 can be coated with a deformable material for added comfort. The handle 22 is generally cylindrical in shape to fit around the cylindrical tubing commonly used for constructing mobility devices. If needed, the grip handle 22 can be formed in other shapes. The grip handle 22 can have either curved ends 30 or straight ends 32 as shown particularly in
In a further alternate embodiment as shown in
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows one specific geometric design for mating the grip handle 22 to a mobility device, other designs are considered within the scope of this invention. The design must prevent the grip handle 22 from slipping around the structure of the mobility device. One alternative is shown in
Many improvements, modifications, and additions will be apparent to the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein and defined in the following claims.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/569,468, filed May 7, 2005.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60569468 | May 2004 | US |