[0001] The present invention relates to a vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail
for supporting an elderly or infirm person.
[0002] A drop down hand-rail for supporting an elderly or infirm person, for example during
toileting or showering, is known. However, the hand-rail extends a significant distance
once in the lowered or horizontal condition. When the hand-rail is gripped by a user,
side-to-side lateral stability of the hand-rail is poor, and thus the hand-rail tends
to sway. This leads to a sense of insecurity and anxiety when the hand-rail is being
used.
[0003] The hand-rail is also typically formed from dip-coated steel, and is thus heavy.
The hand-rail, once unlatched from its vertical storage position, is free to fall
to its horizontal condition under gravity, and this uninhibited movement can be hazardous
due to its weight and inertia.
[0004] The present invention seeks to overcome these problems.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vertically
pivotable surface-mountable hand rail for supporting an elderly or infirm person,
the hand rail comprising a surface-mountable base element, an elongate hand-rail member,
and a pivotable clamping knuckle which encloses the hand-rail member and which interconnects
the hand-rail member and the base element for in use vertical pivotable movement of
the hand-rail member, the clamping knuckle projecting laterally to a longitudinal
extent of the hand-rail member for preventing or limiting in use horizontal movement
of the hand-rail member.
[0006] Preferably, the knuckle is separate of the hand-rail member.
[0007] Beneficially, the knuckle may include two inter-engagable clamping elements between
which the hand-rail member is clampable. In this case, each clamping element includes
a channel complementarily shaped to receive at least part of the hand-rail member.
[0008] Preferably, the base element includes a channel in which the knuckle is pivotably
received.
[0009] Advantageously, the knuckle may include an axle element which engages the knuckle
with the hand-rail member, and the knuckle with the base element.
[0010] Preferably, the hand-rail member includes a hand-grip element and a supporting leg.
In this case, the supporting leg may be pivotably engaged with the hand-grip element.
[0011] More preferably, the vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail further comprises
damping means for damping a lowering movement of the hand-rail member. In this case,
the damping means may be included as part of the pivotable clamping knuckle.
[0012] Preferably, the damping means includes one or more frictional projections. In this
case, one or more said fi-ictional projections may be provided on the pivotable clamping
knuckle and frictionally engage with the base element
or vice versa.
[0013] Beneficially, the or each frictional projection may be spring-biased. In this case,
the said spring-biasing may be provided by a flexible beam on which the frictional
projection is provided.
[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a clampable toilet-roll
holder comprising a body element, clamping means for clamping the body element to
a supporting bar, and an elongate member for releasably supporting a toilet roll.
[0015] Preferably, the clamping means comprises a hinge provided on the body element, so
that the body element is foldable for clamping. In this case, the hinge is a live
hinge integrally formed as part of the body element.
[0016] Optionally, the clamping means may include non-screw-threaded fasteners for retaining
the body element around the bar.
[0017] Preferably, the elongate member comprises two elongate parts which are fastenable
together. In this case, the two elongate parts may extend in parallel with each other.
[0018] Beneficially, the two elongate parts may be integrally formed with the body element.
[0019] Preferably, the clampable toilet-roll holder is a one-piece toilet-roll holder.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a vertically pivotable
surface-mountable hand-rail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in
combination with a clampable toilet-roll holder in accordance with the second aspect
of the invention.
[0021] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :
Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a vertically pivotable surface-mountable
hand-rail, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and in a lowered support
condition;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hand-rail shown in Figure 1, in a raised storage
condition;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the hand-rail;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a pivotable clamping knuckle of the hand-rail;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through one part of the clamping knuckle;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the clamping knuckle, in a plane A-A shown
in Figure 1;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a vertically pivotable
surface-mountable hand-rail, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention
and having one embodiment of a clampable toilet roll holder in accordance with the
second aspect of the invention;
Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of the interior of the toilet-roll holder, shown in
an unfolded condition;
Figure 9 shows the exterior of the toilet-roll holder, shown in the unfolded condition;
and
Figure 10 shows the toilet-roll holder in a folded condition.
[0022] Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment
of a vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail 10 which comprises a base element
12, a hand-rail member 14, and a separate pivotable clamping knuckle 16 which interconnects
the hand-rail member 14 and the base element 12.
[0023] The base element 12 is typically formed from metal and is fixedly attachable to a
surface, such as a wall, via screw-threaded fastening devices, such as screws. The
base element 12 includes a base plate 18 and a knuckle-receiving channel 20, typically
welded to the base plate 18. Two series of corresponding pivot apertures 22, 24 are
formed in spaced-apart relationship in sides of the channel 20.
[0024] The hand-rail member 14 comprises an elongate tubular hand-grip element 26 which
has a through pivot opening 28 adjacent a first end 30 thereof and a looped-back second
end 32. A lateral cross-sectional shape of the hand-grip element 26 is preferably
circular, but maybe non-circular.
[0025] The hand-rail member 14 also comprises a height-adjustable supporting leg 34, pivotably
connected to the hand-grip element 26 partway therealong. An elongate brace 36 is
pivotably connected to the leg 34, intermediate the ends thereof. The brace 36 may
be of fixed or adjustable length.
[0026] The pivotable clamping knuckle 16 is preferably formed from moulded plastics. The
knuckle 16 comprises two inter-engagable clamping parts 38 and an axle 40 having a
head end 42 and a screw-threaded end 44, as best seen in Figures 3 and 4. Each clamping
part 38 is a thick circular disk with a hand-grip receiving channel 46 formed diametrically
across a first major surface 48, and a pivot hole 50 formed centrally therethrough.
Each channel 46 has a semi-circular or arcuate lateral cross-section, complementarily
shaped to receive an exterior surface of the hand-grip element 26. Inter-engagement
is typically provided by integrally formed lugs 52 which project from the first major
surface 48 of one or each clamping part 38, and which are receivable as an interference
fit in complementary openings 54 integrally formed in the first major surface 48 of
the or each other clamping part 38.
[0027] The hand rail 10 also includes damping means for damping a lowering movement of the
hand-rail member 14. The damping means is included as part of the clamping knuckle
16, and comprises a plurality of, in this case four, flexible beams 56 equi-angularly
spaced from each other and formed in or on a second major surface 58 of each clamping
part 38, opposite the said first major surface 48. Each beam 56 is integrally formed
as part of the respective clamping part 38 of the knuckle 16, and has an arcuate longitudinal
extent which extends in the plane of the second major surface 58. Although each beam
56 could be connected to the clamping part 38 at only one end, in this embodiment,
both ends are connected to the clamping part 38.
[0028] The damping means further comprises a frictional projection 60 integrally formed,
typically centrally, on each beam 56. Each frictional projection 60 projects perpendicularly
away from the second major surface 58 of the respective clamping part 38 of the knuckle
16.
[0029] To assemble the hand rail 10, the two clamping parts 38 of the pivotable clamping
knuckle 16 are located around the first end 30 of the hand-grip element 26, so that
the hand-grip element 26 is received and fully enclosed in the hand-grip receiving
channels 46, and push-fit engaged with each other. The pivot holes 50 of the clamping
parts 38 are aligned with the through pivot opening 28 of the hand-grip element 26.
The knuckle 16 and the first end 30 of the hand-grip element 26 are located in the
knuckle-receiving channel 20, in alignment with the first series of pivot apertures
22. The screw-threaded axle 40 is inserted through the first series of pivot apertures
22, the pivot holes 50 of the clamping parts 38 of the knuckle 16, and the through
pivot opening 28 of the hand-grip element 26. The axle 40 is fastened in place by
a mating screw-threaded fastening element, such as a nut 62, which is threadingly
engaged with the screw-threaded end 44. Protective rubber or plastics caps 64 are
push-fit engaged with the head end 42 and the fastening element 62 to cover the ends
of the axle 40 to prevent possible injury.
[0030] The brace 36, which is pivotably connected to the leg 34 of the hand-rail member
14, is pivotably engaged with the knuckle-receiving channel 20 via the second series
of pivot apertures 24. As shown in Figure 3, the brace 36 in the present embodiment
is a two part element, with the parts being connected to opposite sides of the leg
34 and opposing pivot apertures 24 via a single or two separate fastening devices
66, such as push-on 'star-lock' fasteners, screw-threaded fasteners, or any other
suitable fastener. As before, ends of the or each fastening device are coved by protective
caps 68.
[0031] The axle 40 is tightened sufficiently so that the sides of the knuckle-receiving
channel 20 press onto the second major surfaces 58 of the clamping parts 38 of the
knuckle 16. This causes the knuckle 16 to tightly clamp and support the hand-grip
element 26. Since the knuckle 16 both clamps and extends laterally to both sides of
the hand-grip element 26, side-to-side swaying movement of the hand-rail member 14
is significantly reduced and substantially eliminated.
[0032] Furthermore, the damping means provides for frictional point contact between the
knuckle 16 and the sides of the knuckle-receiving channel 20. Consequently, lowering
of the hand-rail member 14 is retarded and thus occurs much more predictably and smoothly.
[0033] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the base element 12 can include an optional push-fit
retaining channel 70 for releasably holding the hand-grip element 26 when the hand-rail
member 14 is in a raised condition. Alternatively, the push-fit retaining channel
can be provided as a separate device which is surface-mountable, typically in spaced
relationship with the base element.
[0034] Referring now to Figures 7 to 10, there is shown a second embodiment of a vertically
pivotable surface-mountable hand rail 110. Parts of the hand rail 110 which are identical
to those described above have the same references, and further detailed description
is omitted.
[0035] The hand rail 110 of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in
that an attachable clampable toilet-roll holder 172 is provided. The toilet-roll holder
172 comprises a foldable body element 174, and a two part elongate member 176 for
rotatably supporting a toilet roll.
[0036] The body element 174 is formed from moulded plastics, and includes a live hinge 178
integrally formed midway between ends 180 of the body element 174. Two opposing open-ended
channels 182 are formed fully across the body element 174, from one side 184 to the
other and immediately adjacent the live hinge 178. Longitudinal extents of the channels
182 and the hinge 178 are parallel with each other. One or more locating projections
186 are included within one or both channels 182.
[0037] Snap fastening and locating lugs 188 and corresponding openings 190 are formed on
the interior 192 of the toilet-roll holder 172.
[0038] The live hinge 178, open-ended channels 182, and lugs 188 and openings 190 form clamping
means for clamping the toilet-roll holder 172 around a supporting bar.
[0039] Each part 194 of the elongate member 176 is itself elongate and is formed at one
end 180 of the body element 174 remote from the live hinge 178. Each part 194 is integral
with and projects from one side 184 of the body element 174, and thus extends in parallel
with the other part 194. A lateral cross-sectional shape of each part 194 is semi-circular,
providing a convex profile, and each part 194 has matching or substantially matching
lateral and longitudinal extents.
[0040] To prevent a toilet roll from being easily accidentally slidably removable, each
elongate part 194 of the elongate member 176 includes a flange or lip 196 at its free
distal end which extends generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the
elongate member 176.
[0041] To attach the toilet-roll holder 172 to the hand rail 110, one channel 182 of the
body element 174 is offered up to a portion of the hand-grip element 26 of the hand
rail 110, adjacent to the looped-back end 32. The portion of the hand-grip element
26 conveniently includes one or more corresponding openings 198, shown in Figure 2,
for accepting the or each locating projection 186, and each channel 182 is dimensioned
to complementarily receive a portion of the hand-grip element 26.
[0042] The body element 174 is then folded around the hand-grip element 26 via the live
hinge 178 so that the hand-grip element 26 is fully or substantially fully received
by both channels 182. The lugs 188 and corresponding openings 190 are interengaged
to retain the body element 174 clamped around the hand-grip element 26.
[0043] Once the body element 174 is folded, the two parts 194 of the elongate member 176
abut and interconnect to form a single spindle on which a toilet roll is slidably
receivable for rotation.
[0044] Due to the or each locating projection, the toilet-roll holder is prevented from
sliding along the hand-grip element.
[0045] It will be understood that, although it is advantageous to provide a live hinge so
that the body element is foldable for clamping, the live hinge is not essential, and
the body element can include a dedicated separate clamping plate as an alternative.
In this latter case, the body element is not foldable. The clamping plate could be
connected via independent threaded fasteners.
[0046] The elongate member can be formed as a single integral element, instead of two elongate
parts.
[0047] The interference push-fit fasteners can be replaced with independent screw-threaded
fasteners, or one or more snap-fit fasteners.
[0048] Although it is convenient to provide a live hinge, the hinge can be a separate element
attached or attachable to the body element. In this case, the body element includes
two parts instead of being a single unitarily formed element.
[0049] The toilet-roll holder described above is one-piece. However, it can be formed from
multiple parts. For example, the elongate member can be attachable to the body element,
and/or the body element can be two separate parts instead of a single unitary part.
[0050] The toilet-roll holder can be provided with the hand-rail, or can be provided as
a separate retro-fit device.
[0051] It is also envisaged that the toilet roll holder described above can also be used
with a fixed hand-rail, rather than pivotable hand-rail, and/or can be attachable
to a rung of a ladder-style towel radiator.The flexible beams of the damping means
described above are advantageous, since the spring-biasing of the frictional projections
accommodates wear and irregularities in the sides of the abutting knuckle-receiving
channel. However, the flexible beams could be dispensed with simply in favour of the
frictional projections.
[0052] As an alternative to the integrally formed flexible beams, separate springs, such
as coil or leaf springs, could be utilised.
[0053] The damping means is a preferred option, but is not essential. Furthermore, as part
of the damping means, only the or each frictional projection is an essential part
and need not necessarily be spring-biased.
[0054] Although a pivotable leg is described above, the leg can be fixed. Consequently,
the brace could be dispensed with.
[0055] Alternatively, the leg, and thus the brace also, can be dispensed with altogether.
[0056] Although a two part pivotable clamping knuckle, which is separate of the hand-rail
member, is suggested, the knuckle could be a one part device which clamps the hand-grip
element against one side of the knuckle receiving channel.
[0057] The frictional projections of the damping means can be provided on the base element
instead of the knuckle.
[0058] It is thus possible to dramatically reduce or eliminate side to side sway of the
hand-rail member by use of the pivotable clamping knuckle which projects laterally
to a longitudinal extent of the hand-rail member. It is further possible to damp a
previously uninhibited lowering movement of the hand-rail member, to allow a more
controlled descent or drop. Additionally, it is possible to provide an extremely easy
to fit and cost-effective optional toilet-roll holder, without requiring drilling
for mounting purposes.
[0059] The embodiments described above are given by way of examples only, and various other
modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from
the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
1. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail for supporting an elderly or infirm
person, the hand rail (10; 110) comprising a surface-mountable base element (12),
an elongate hand-rail member (14), and a pivotable clamping knuckle (16) which encloses
the hand-rail member (14) and which interconnects the hand-rail member (14) and the
base element (12) for in use vertical pivotable movement of the hand-rail member (14),
the clamping knuckle (16) projecting laterally to a longitudinal extent of the hand-rail
member (14) for preventing or limiting in use horizontal movement of the hand-rail
member (14).
2. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the knuckle (16) is separate of the hand-rail member (14).
3. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 1 or claim
2, wherein the knuckle (16) includes two inter-engagable clamping elements (38) between
which the hand-rail member (14) is clampable.
4. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 3, wherein
each clamping element (38) includes a channel (46) complementarily shaped to receive
at least part of the hand-rail member (14).
5. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the base element (12) includes a channel (20) in which the knuckle
(16) is pivotably received.
6. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the knuckle (16) includes an axle element (40) which engages the knuckle
(16) with the hand-rail member (14), and the knuckle (16) with the base element (12).
7. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the hand-rail member (14) includes a hand-grip element (26) and a
supporting leg (34).
8. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the supporting leg (34) is pivotably engaged with the hand-grip element (26).
9. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, further comprising damping means (60) for damping a lowering movement of the
hand-rail member (14).
10. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the damping means (60) is included as part of the pivotable clamping knuckle (16).
11. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 9 or claim
10, wherein the damping means includes one or more frictional projections (60).
12. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 11, wherein
one or more said frictional projections (60) are provided on the pivotable clamping
knuckle (16) and frictionally engage with the base element (12), or vice versa.
13. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 11 or claim
12, wherein the or each frictional projection (60) is spring-biased.
14. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand rail as claimed in claim 13, wherein
the said spring-biasing is provided by a flexible beam (56) on which the frictional
projection (60) is provided.
15. A clampable toilet-roll holder (172) comprising a body element (174), clamping means
(178, 182, 188, 190) for clamping the body element (174) to a supporting bar, and
an elongate member (176) for releasably supporting a toilet roll.
16. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in claim 15, wherein the clamping means
(178, 182, 188, 190) comprises a hinge (178) provided on the body element (174), so
that the body element (174) is foldable for clamping.
17. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hinge (178) is
a live hinge integrally formed as part of the body element (174).
18. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the
clamping means (178, 182, 188, 190) includes non-screw-threaded fasteners (188) for
retaining the body element (174) around the bar.
19. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the
elongate member (176) comprises two elongate parts (194) which are fastenable together.
20. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in claim 19, wherein the two elongate parts
(194) extend in parallel with each other.
21. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the two
elongate parts (194) are integrally formed with the body element (174).
22. A clampable toilet-roll holder as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21, which is
a one-piece toilet-roll holder.
23. A vertically pivotable surface-mountable hand-rail (10; 110) as claimed in any one
of claims 1 to 14 in combination with a clampable toilet-roll holder (172) as claimed
in any one of claims 15 to 22.