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The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/569,468, filed May 7, 2005.
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:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a walker showing a prior art grip handle and a grip handle according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the grip handle according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an end view of the grip handle;
FIGS. 6a and 6b are side views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing 2 alternate embodiments of the ends of the grip handle;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the grip handle;
FIG. 8 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention from below as seen in use;
FIG. 9 is a view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention from below;
FIG. 10 is a view of a walker with the alternate embodiment of the present invention removed;
FIG. 11 is a view of the inner surface of the alternate embodiment of the present invention and the hand bar of a walker;
FIG. 12 is a view of the inner surface of the alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 13a and 13b are end views of alternate embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention showing 2 alternate embodiments of the ends;
FIG. 15 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the inner surface of the grip handle;
FIG. 17 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the hand bar of the walker;
FIG. 18 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the inner surface of the grip handle; and
FIG. 19 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the hand bar of the walker.
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.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a commonly used grip handle 20. This handle 20 is not removable by the consumer. Instead, the walker must be returned to the manufacturer if the handle needs to be replaced. Furthermore, if the walker is used by different people, sanitary issues arise. 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.
FIG. 1 also shows one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a replaceable grip handle 22. A walker 24 is commonly made from cylindrical metal tubing which is bent and welded, screwed or riveted into the desired frame which normally includes vertical legs, horizontal hand grip portions and other structural components. The present invention can be used with devices made from metal tubing as shown, as well as with devices made from other materials such as wood, plastic or a composite. The present invention is functional with any material from which walkers and other mobility devices can be manufactured. FIG. 2 shows another view of the present invention installed on a walker 24.
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 FIGS. 6a, 6b, 14 and 15.
FIGS. 3-8 show the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, opposing holes 26 are formed on either side of the frame of the walker 24. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, on the inner surface of the grip handle 22, a protuberance 28 is formed which mates with the opposing holes 26 on the walker 24. The grip handle is prevented from moving about the frame of the walker 24 by having the protuberance 28 extend into the first hole 26, passing through the frame of the walker 24 and then exiting through the second hole 26 (see FIG. 8). This embodiment provides additional stability for the grip handle 22. The protuberance 28 may be formed from the same material as the grip handle 22, as shown. Alternatively, the protuberance 28 may be metal, molded to a plastic, or other material, grip. If desired, the protuberance 28 can be hollow to allow for a fastener 29 to connect to the protuberance 28 through the opposing hole. The fastener 29 can be a screw, plastic snap-in pin, pop rivet or other such device. If desired, instead of extending through the second hole 26, the protuberance 28 can extend into the first hole 26 and the fastener 29 can enter the second hole to connect to the protuberance 28 within the frame of the walker 24.
FIGS. 9-13 show an alternate embodiment of the invention in which one or more holes are formed in the frame of the walker 24. In this embodiment, the protuberance 28 extends into each hole 26 but does not exit the frame of the walker 24. FIG. 9 shows this embodiment which does not include holes opposite from the entrance holes 26. As described previously, each protuberance 28 formed on the inner surface of the grip handle 22 mates with a hole 26 on the walker 24. The protuberances 28 may be formed from the same material as the grip handle 22, as shown. Alternatively, the protuberances 28 may be metal, molded to a plastic, or other material, grip. By using more than one hole 26 and protuberance 28, additional stability is provided. Furthermore, the protuberances 28 need not be located along the center of the grip handle 22 as shown in FIG. 13a. The protuberances 28 can be located on the sides of the grip handle 22 as shown in FIG. 13b. Furthermore, the protuberances 28 and holes 26 need not be in a straight line or directly opposite each other.
In a further alternate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the walker 24 may be formed with a plurality of protuberances 28 extending therefrom. One or more holes 26 are formed in the inner surface of the grip handle 22 to mate with the protuberances 28 on the walker 24.
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 FIGS. 18 and 19. In this design, teeth 34 are formed along the length of the inner surface of the grip handle 22. Additional teeth 34 are formed on the outer surface of the mobility device 24 which mate with the teeth 34 on the grip handle.
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.