Modular safety support system

Abstract

A modular safety support system having a modular support structure mounted to a fixed surface and a modular support accessory mountable on the modular support structure. The modular support structure may include a vertical support pole, a support post, or a wall mount and the modular support accessory may include one or more of a plurality of structures configured to provide support means to a user. The support pole has upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively. The support post includes a base mountable to the floor and a post extending vertically from the base. The pole and the post may both include a bushing mounted along the length of the pole and the post such that an accessory mounting sleeve may be mountable onto the bushing for mounting the modular support accessories thereon. The wall mount includes a first and second rail mountable to a wall and a first and second mounting member mountable to the first and second rail such that modular support accessories may be mounted thereon.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,488,852 filed Dec. 29, 2004 entitled Modular Safety Support System which claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,465,572 filed Apr. 28, 2004 entitled Support Pole and Rail System.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of support structures such as posts, rails and like devices, and in particular, it relates to a modular system that provides ready and stable support to assist the elderly, the handicapped and persons suffering from physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the prior art to provide rails or poles such as described in Canadian Patent No. 1,291,470 which issued to Lunau et al on Oct. 29, 1991 for a Safety Support Structure, wherein a post having upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly against a ceiling and floor surface respectively is provided. Further, as taught by Lunau, an accessory mounting region is disposed between the upper end and the lower end. Further, the post has a length adjustment means and a pressure indicating means to indicate whether the pressure on the structure, when positioned between the floor and the ceiling, lies inside or outside a predetermined range of pressures so as to avoid inflicting damage on the floor or ceiling surface and so as to inhibit slippage of the post. Rails or like laterally extending support accessories are mountable onto the post at the accessory mounting region by clamping thereto so as to resist axial or rotational displacement of the rail or like support accessories relative to the post. The pressure indicating means is a viewing eye to view a colour indicator on a sleeve slidingly journalled behind the viewing eye such that the sleeve slides past the viewing eye as a compression spring is compressed.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent No. 2,096,681 which issued to Mardero et al. on Jun. 4, 1996 for a Safety Rail Attachment. The Mardero et al. Safety Rail Attachment discloses a security rail attachment for a bed having a post with an adjustable foot at a lower end, a rail portion mounted within the post and rotatable about the vertical axis of the post, and an attachment rail which extends across the end of the bed which includes clamping elements for clamping to angle irons along the sides of the bed. The rail portion may project outwardly from the bed, perpendicularly thereto, for assisting a user in standing or may lie along the side of a bed as a rail bed.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,121,731 which was filed Apr. 20, 1994 and laid open Oct. 24, 1994, for the Bathing Apparatus for the Infirm of Mardero et al. In his '731 application, Mardero teaches a modular system for conventional tub and shower enclosures where a pivotable support bar member may be positioned so as to project outwardly from a rear wall of the enclosure to assist the user standing in the enclosure.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent No. 2,148,521 which issued May 21, 2002 for a Support Pole with Pivoting and Locking Handrail for Elderly and Disabled Persons. What is disclosed is a telescopic pole adapted to be vertically fixed between a floor and ceiling of a room and having a horizontal handrail pivotally mounted thereon.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,100 which issued Jun. 10, 2003 to Faucher et al. for Support Structures, wherein a patient handling system including a telescopic track extending between a pair of telescopic masts is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The safety support poles and poles-and-rail system according to the present invention may include a pair of such poles supporting an elevated rail extending therebetween. Each pole has upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively. Length adjustment means are mounted into the end cooperating with a releasably mountable torque application means, and in one embodiment also torque indicating means, releasably mountable onto, so as to cooperate with, the length adjustment means. Resilient biasing means mounted in the upper end resiliently bias the upper end away from pressure distributing means for distributing pressure onto the ceiling surface along a longitudinal axis of the support pole. The base mounting of the pole and the mounting of the rigid rail between the poles resists rotational movement of the upper end relative to the pressure distributing means. The lower end of the pole is non-rotatably mountable to a base member releasably positionable on the floor surface in vertically opposed relation to the pressure distributing means. A torque may thus be applied by the torque application means at the upper end.

Advantageously, the pressure distributing means includes an upwardly concave resiliently bowed elongate pressure bearing member adapted to be mounted to the upper end medially along the length of the member and sufficiently long so that opposite end portions of said member bear upwardly against ceiling studs or joints or other rigid ceiling supporting members (collectively herein “studs”).

Advantageously, the length adjustment means is an elongate threaded member threadably mountable longitudinally within a cavity in the upper end of the pole, although mounting same within the lower end of the pole is intended within the ambit of the present invention. The threaded member is threadably mountable into threaded engagement within a threaded receiving means such as a threaded collar mounted on the upper end of a helical spring itself mounted on the upper end of the pole. The torque application means cooperates with the elongate threaded member so as to rotate in threaded engagement the elongate threaded member within the threaded receiving means when a torque is applied by the torque application means and to thereby extend the elongate threaded member from, or retract the elongate threaded member into, the upper end selectively according to opposite first or second directions of rotation of the elongate threaded member about the longitudinal axis. An upper end of the threaded member mates with, or mounts into or with, a non-rotatable coupler on the pressure bearing member so as to inhibit rotation of the threaded member relative to the pressure bearing member about the longitudinal axis of the pole.

Further advantageously, the torque application means is a torque rod or other lever or handle (collectively referred to herein as a torque rod) snugly releasably mountable into a corresponding socket mounted to the threaded collar so that the rod protrudes cantilevered generally perpendicularly from the threaded collar when the torque rod is releasably mounted in the socket, and wherein the upper end of the elongate threaded member extends journalled through the spring from the upper end of the pole when the elongate threaded member is in threaded engagement within the threaded collar.

In one aspect of the present invention, the means for resisting rotation of the upper end relative to the pressure distributing means is a means for rigidly non-rotatably mounting the lower end of the pole to the base member.

Yet further advantageously, the torque rod is adapted to be generally rigid below a first torque value and adapted to flexibly deform above the first torque value. The first torque value may correspond to a torque applied in the first or second rotational direction to the elongate threaded member so as to apply a corresponding first pressure against the ceiling surface by the pressure distributing means and against the floor surface by the base member, wherein the first pressure is sufficient to securely frictionally mount the pole vertically between the ceiling and floor surfaces without damaging either the ceiling surface or the floor surface, and in a preferred embodiment to also flatten the bowed pressure bearing members against the ceiling and the floor without damage to either the ceiling or floor.

In the prior art, poles may be made of smooth steel with an added foam grip, molded plastic handgrip ribs over the smooth steel poles or textured grit in or on top of surface paint. The support pole according to the present invention may have hand grip grooves greater than one eighth inch in depth which are crimped into the steel wall of the pole and which may be manufactured more efficiently than in the prior art while still providing a safe and durable hand grip surface.

Prior art poles have an outer cover which slides up the outside of the pole to hide the adjustment threaded rod and which is not firmly attached to the pole during storage or transport. During cleaning, water or cleaning solutions may run down the pole and into the inside of this cover which then funnels it down the inside of the cover and then onto the floor plate. The fluid inside the outer cover cannot be removed and so may continue to weep out onto the floor plate and nearby flooring for a period of time after the cleaning, which in turn can lead to a slipping accident. The present pole has the outer cover inside the pole tube so as to keep any water or cleaning fluids flowing down the outside of the pole and outer cover. This design allows all of the cleaning fluid to be removed from the pole and floor plate thereby preventing a possible slipping accident. The outer cover remains attached to the pole so as not to become lost during transport or storage.

In the prior art, poles are mounted to ceiling channels which are less than twenty-four inches in length and which must be positioned directly under and at right angles to the ceiling support structure, the studs, to prevent damage to the ceiling. The pole of the present invention uses a channel which is greater than twenty-four inches in length so that when oriented on the diagonal across the ceiling, the longer span of the channel will result in the center of the channel (the pole attachment point and center of pressure) always being either under a ceiling support or will span between two adjoining ceiling support structures thereby preventing possible ceiling damage. This also eliminates the need and safety hazard in using a ladder and stud finder to locate the ceiling support structures above the ceiling and determine the orientation of these ceiling support structures. The design of having a ceiling channel with a longer length than that of any cantilevered accessory, such as a cantilevered arm, being mounted on the same pole results in a higher torque resistance for the ceiling channel than the torque generated by the accessory. This reduces the chance that the ceiling channel will slip when subjected to strong torque from a person using an accessory.

Prior art poles use floor plates and ceiling channels which are flat, that is un-bowed. The pole of the present invention mates to a pre-arched (bowed) floor plate and ceiling channel, which as it flattens against the floor/ceiling more evenly distributes the pressure on the floor/ceiling to prevent damage to the flooring or ceiling. Creating more pressure and thereby more grip on the outer ends of the channel and floor plates makes them less likely to slip on the floor or ceiling when subjected to twisting forces. Holding the pole more firmly in place reduces the likelihood that the pole will come free and fall down when subjected to a severe pull or twisting action by a user pulling on the pole or cantilevered accessory.

Prior art poles typically use set screws to attach their accessories. Such set screws may dig into or through the paint finish and then dent the steel pole in order to hold the accessory firmly in place. The pole of the present invention attaches all accessories using a protective sleeve which prevents damage to the paint finish. The attachment mechanism includes a clamping band which evenly distributes pressure over the plastic sleeve and underlying pole to inhibit distortion or denting of the pole. This allows the accessories to be securely attached anywhere along the length of the pole without incurring any damage to the pole. This design also incorporates a limited slip action between the protective sleeve and the surface of the pole. This safety feature limits the twisting torque exerted on the ceiling channel by an attached accessory and thereby prevents the ceiling channel from slipping on the ceiling, which might in turn cause the pole to fall down.

Prior art poles may have an accessory comprised of a single handrail bar or pivoted handle. The pole of the present invention may include an accessory such as a long handrail loop. This design provides a horizontal and vertical surface out from the pole, which offers more hand hold positions. The large radius foam covered end of the loop is less likely to inflict serious injuries and bruises caused by a fall against the end of the handrail. The loop design affords greater weight bearing without damage or structural failure. Unlike prior art which can be positioned to resist torsional rotation forces which has resulted in a rotational separation at either the floor or ceiling and a lateral shifting of the pole, this device uses a positioning collar which is cinched tightly over a plastic sleeve. The collar permits rapid positioning of the handle along the length of the pole while the handle is free to rotate about the collar.

Prior art poles may also have an accessory comprised of a trapeze handle suspended from a single support bar. The pole of the present invention may include a support bar having an attached diagonal suspension rod that provides additional strength, which in turn allows the support bar to be longer while still maintaining the same suspended weight. The longer reach of the support bar places a trapeze handle further out over the bed or chair where it is usually required by a patient.

Prior art poles may further have an accessory tray comprised of a simple hook-on attachment. The pole of the present invention may have a tray which includes a strong steel frame and bushing which allows the tray to be repeatedly moved back and forth or rotated around the pole without denting the pole or damaging the finish on the pole. The clamping design of the bushing allows the tray to remain at the desired height even when rotated back and forth or around the safety pole.

Safety poles of the present invention, when used in pairs or in tandem, with a connector rigidly mounted near the upper end, may support between them a rigid rail or track. This track is configured to accommodate a conventional patient hoist and associated harness well known in the art.

In summary, the modular safety support system according to the present invention includes a modular support structure rigidly mounted to a fixed surface and a modular support accessory mountable on the modular support structure. The modular support structure may be selected from a group consisting of a vertical support pole, a support post, and a wall mount and the modular support accessory may be selected from the group consisting of a rigid rail connector, a rigid loop, a trapeze handle, a tray, a retractable bar, a rigid bar, and a bed frame support. The modular support accessory includes a split accessory mounting sleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for mounting the modular support accessory on the modular support structure.

In an embodiment of the invention wherein the modular support structure is a vertical support pole, the vertical support pole of the present invention includes opposite upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively. Length adjustment means are mounted into the pole so as to cooperate with a releasably mountable torque application means releasably mountable onto, so as to cooperate with, the length adjustment means. A resilient biasing means is mounted in the pole resiliently biasing the opposite ends of the pole apart along a longitudinal axis of the pole. A pressure distributing means is mounted onto the upper end of the pole. The pressure distributing means is for distributing pressure onto the ceiling surface. The upper end is adapted, by releasable mounting means cooperating with the pressure distributing means, to resist rotational movement of the upper end relative to the pressure distributing means. The lower end is mountable to a base member on the floor surface. The base member is in vertically opposed relation to the pressure distributing means. The pole may further include a bushing mounted to the pole positioned along the length of the pole. The accessory mounting sleeve is mountable onto the bushing for mounting thereto the modular accessory. As the length of the pole is increased by the length adjusting means, the resilient biasing means increases a biasing force urging the ends of the pole apart.

In one embodiment, the base member may be curved concavely downwardly. It may be resilient so as to resiliently deform under the pressure exerted along the longitudinal axis of the pole by the resilient biasing means to thereby flatten against the floor surface, and to re-form into the concavity upon any compacting down of the floor surface.

The resilient biasing means may be a coil spring. The length adjustment means may be an elongate threaded member threadably mountable longitudinally within a cavity in the pole, wherein it is threadably mountable into threaded engagement within a threaded receiving means mounted on the spring. The upper end of the elongate threaded member extends journalled through the spring from the upper end of the pole when the elongate threaded member is in threaded engagement within the threaded collar. An upper end of the threaded member mates with a non-rotatable coupler on the pressure bearing member so as to inhibit rotation of the threaded member relative to the pressure bearing member about the longitudinal axis of the pole.

The torque application means cooperates with the elongate threaded member so as to rotate in threaded engagement the elongate threaded member within the threaded receiving means, which may be a threaded collar, when a torque is applied by the torque application means. The elongate threaded member is thereby extended selectively from, or retracted into, the upper end according to opposite first or second directions of rotation of the elongate threaded member about the longitudinal axis of the pole. The torque application means may be a torque rod snugly releasably mountable into a corresponding socket mounted to or in the threaded collar so that the rod protrudes cantilevered generally perpendicularly from the threaded collar when the torque rod is releasably mounted in the socket.

The torque rod may be adapted to be generally rigid below a first torque value and adapted to flexibly deform above the first torque value. The first torque value corresponds to a torque applied in the first or second rotational direction to the elongate threaded member so as to apply a corresponding first pressure against the ceiling surface by the pressure distributing means and against the floor surface by the base member, wherein the first pressure securely frictionally mounts the pole vertically between the ceiling and floor surfaces without damaging either the ceiling surface or the floor surface.

The upper end may advantageously be mounted to the pressure distributing means by a universal joint means. The pressure distributing means may include an upwardly concave resiliently bowed elongate pressure bearing member adapted to mount to the upper end generally medially along the length of the member and elongate a sufficient length so that opposite end portions of the pressure bearing member may be brought to bear upwardly against ceiling studs supporting the ceiling surface. The pressure bearing member may be deformable under the pressure exerted along the longitudinal axis by the resilient biasing means. The first torque value may also be sufficient to flatten the bowed pressure bearing member.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is a split bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a split sleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping the sleeve onto the bushing.

In one embodiment, the lower end of the pole is mounted onto the base member by means of a male member in mating engagement with a female receiver. The male member may have at least one ridge along its length for snug frictional mating with the female receiver. The male member may be mounted to the base member. The female receiver may be a cavity in the lower end of the pole. Crimped handgrip grooves may be formed on an outer cylindrical surface of the pole.

A pressure-level indicating means may cooperate between the coil spring and the threaded member so that, as the spring is compressed with the rotation of the threaded member in threaded engagement with the threaded receiving means, a pressure indicating marker signals excessive force at a damage threshold for the ceiling or floor. The marker may be a contrasting band on a tube extending along the spring.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the modular support structure is a support post, the support post includes a base mountable on a floor surface and a rigid post extending vertically from the base. A bushing is mountable on the post such that the bushing is positioned along a length of the post and the accessory mounting sleeve is mountable onto the bushing for mounting thereto the modular support accessory.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is a split bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a split sleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping the sleeve onto the bushing.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the modular support structure is a wall mount, the wall mount comprises a first and a second rail each having a mounting means for mounting the first and second rail on a wall. A first and a second mounting member is mountable on the first and second rail, respectively. The first and said second mounting members are configured to be insertable in opposing ends of the mounting sleeve for mounting thereto the modular accessory. The first and second rail may be generally horizontally or generally vertically mounted on the wall in a parallel and spaced apart orientation. A bushing is disposed within the mounting sleeve.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is a split bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a split sleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping the sleeve onto the bushing.

The modular support accessory for mounting on the pole, the post, and the wall mount of the present invention may include a rigid loop which, when mounted to the pole, the post, or the wall mount, is cantilevered outwardly of the pole, the post, or the wall mount by the length of the loop, the loop being elongate along its length. The modular support accessory may also include a rigid rail connector for the mounting of a rigid rail extending between a pair of the poles, posts, or wall mounts. The modular support accessory may also include a trapeze handle attached to a flexible strap, the flexible strap attached to a distal end of a cantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from the pole, the post, or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Another accessory may include a tray having a frame and a removable tray top wherein the frame extends generally perpendicularly from the pole, the post, or the wall mount when mounted thereon. A further support accessory may include a retractable bar pivotably mounted on a bracket such that the retractable bar may displace between a first position and a second position wherein when in the first position, the retractable bar extends generally perpendicularly from the pole, post, or wall mount and when in a second position, the retractable bar extends generally parallel to the pole, the post, or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Another accessory may include a rigid bar which extends generally perpendicularly from the pole, the post or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Yet another accessory includes a bed frame support having an elongate L-shaped support for engaging a first side of a bed frame in a generally parallel orientation and an elongate member for engaging a second opposing side of the bed frame in a generally perpendicular orientation when the bed frame support is mounted on the pole or the post. The bed frame support anchor provides additional stability to the pole or the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is, in perspective view, a prior art pole mounted between a ceiling and floor.

FIG. 2 is, in side elevation cross sectional view, one form of support pole of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective view of an alternative form of support pole.

FIG. 3a is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4a is, a perspective view taken from FIG. 4.

FIG. 4b is a side elevation view of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 is, in perspective view an alternative support pole.

FIG. 6 is, in perspective view, a pair of poles supporting a rail mounted therebetween according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially exploded, portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates in elevation view, one embodiment of an accessory bar mountable to a support pole according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9a is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is in elevation view, one embodiment of a grab rail mountable to a support pole according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10a is in enlarged perspective view a portion of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is, in elevation view, one embodiment of a swing-arm tray mountable to a support pole according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11a is a sectional view taken on line 11a-11a of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is, in partially cut-away perspective view a portion of the swing arm tray of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular safety support system according to the present invention having a liftable arm support accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 13b is a plan view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 13a.

FIG. 13c is an exploded perspective view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 13a.

FIG. 14a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a hand or grab rail support accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 14b is a front elevation view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 14a.

FIG. 14c is a side elevation view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 14a.

FIG. 15a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a rigid bar support accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 15b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 15a.

FIG. 15c is a rear view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 15a.

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a liftable arm support accessory mountable on a wall mount support structure.

FIG. 16b is a rear view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16d is a plan view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16e is an exploded perspective view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 17a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a hand rail support accessory mountable on a wall mount support structure.

FIG. 17b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 17a.

FIG. 17c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 17a.

FIG. 18a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a rigid bar support accessory mountable on a wall mount support structure.

FIG. 18b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 18a.

FIG. 18c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 18a.

FIG. 19a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the modular safety support system according to the present invention, having a rigid bar support accessory and a bed frame support accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 19b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 19a.

FIG. 19c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 19a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIG. 1, it is known in the prior art to provide poles having an adjustable length and which are mountable between ceiling and floor surfaces where a pressure indicating means is provided along the length of the pole such as described above in relation to Canadian Patent No. 1,291,470 from which the illustration of FIG. 1 is taken. Within that illustration an adjustment means is generally indicated by reference numeral 2. Adjustment means 2 incorporates an adjustment nut (not shown) which may be longitudinally translated along a threaded piston by rotation of the outwardly disposed collar 4. Translation of the adjustment nut compresses a spring (not shown) as the adjustment nut is translated along a viewing slot or window 6. The amount by which the adjustment nut is translated relative to the viewing slot or window against the return biasing force of the spring indicates the pressure exerted longitudinally along the length of the pole and against the ceiling and floor support surfaces. It is one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a simplified mechanism for indicating proper pressure adjustment when installing a safety pole and maintaining the pressure exerted by a safety pole to account for compaction of a carpet or underlay on the floor surface or movement of ceiling joists.

As seen in FIGS. 2-12, wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in each view, one embodiment of the modular safety system according to the present invention includes a safety support structure such as a support pole 10 having an upper end 12 and a lower end 14 and a mid-section 16 therebetween. Safety support pole 10 may be hollow along its entire length or merely hollow at its upper and lower ends.

As seen in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a length adjusting device 17 is mounted into the hollow end of lower end 14. The length adjusting device includes an elongate threaded member 18 threadably mounted into threaded cooperating engagement within threaded nut or collar 20. Threaded nut or collar 20 may be rigidly mounted within lower end 14 or may be a snug fitment so long as threaded nut or collar 20 is held rigid relative to lower end 14 when elongate threaded member 18 is rotated about a longitudinal axis A of pole 10 by rotation of elongate threaded member 18 in direction B. Elongate threaded member 18 is rotated about longitudinal axis A in direction B by means of a rotational torque applied by torque rod 22 when releasably mounted into bore hole 24 along axis C.

The lowermost end of elongate threaded member 18 may be rigidly mounted into a safety cover or sleeve 26, in which case, aperture 29 is provided in sleeve 26 so as to journal torque rod 22 therethrough when releasably mounting torque-rod 22 into bore hole 24.

Bore hole 24 is oriented so that torque rod 22 extends generally perpendicularly or is otherwise cantilevered from elongate threaded member 18 and sleeve 26 when torque rod 22 is journalled within bore hole 24.

Torque rod 22 is conveniently mountable into elongate threaded member 18 at lower end 14 so that a user may merely bend down, insert torque rod 22 into bore hole 24 and rotate elongate threaded member 18 and sleeve 26 by using torque rod 22 as a lever so as to adjust the length of pole 10 and the pressure exerted by upper end 12 and lower end 14 against floor 28 and ceiling 30 respectively. Torque rod 22, which may be steel or bronze or like malleable or ductile material or otherwise as in the manner of torque wrenches known in the art, is calibrated so that a desired torque may be applied when rotating shaft 18 as top and bottom bearing plates flatten out so that a calibrated known pressure is then applied to ceiling 30 and floor 28 along axis A so as to prevent damage to the ceiling and floor.

Barrel 32 may be rigidly mounted to threaded nut or collar 20 and is rigidly mounted within lower end 14 by means of spacer 36 welded into place by means of plug or spot welds 36a. The purpose of barrel 32 is to assist in longitudinally stabilizing elongate threaded member 18 along longitudinal axis A. Thus, barrel is sized so as to snugly fit over elongate member 18 at an end of barrel 32 distal from threaded nut or collar 20 so as to snugly stabilize elongate threaded member 18 therein.

The lowermost end of elongate threaded member 18 or of sleeve 26 may extend as a nipple 40. Nipple 40 may be encased in a friction reducing collar 42 which may be of Teflon, plastic or other friction reducing material sized to be snugly inserted into corresponding aperture 44 in base plate 46. Base plate 46 may have resilient or otherwise cushioned pad 48 mounted to an underside thereof so as not to mark or damage floor 28. Thrust washer 50 may provide a bearing surface between a lowermost end of elongate member 18 or sleeve 26 and the upper surface of base plate 46.

Upper end 12 has collar 52 rigidly mounted therein as by bolt 54 or other method of rigidly securing collar 52 within upper end 12. Helical spring 56 may be mounted to, or bear against, collar 52 at the lowermost end of the spring, and may be mounted to or bear against bearing disc 58 at its uppermost end.

Bearing plate 60, which may be an elongate channel member 60a or a plate 60b (as may be seen in FIG. 1) or like means for distributing pressure against ceiling 30 cooperates with pole 10 by splines 62a and 62b rigidly extending between bearing plate 60 and bearing disc 58. Crimped handgrip grooves 161 may be provided along the outer surface of the pole.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2,3 and 3a, splines 62a and 62b may be a generally parallel spaced apart pair of planar flanges rigidly mounted to a base 64, spaced apart so as to receive therein in sliding engagement along longitudinal axis A, a laterally extending rigid member such as bolt 66. Bolt 66 slides between splines 62a and 62b as relative movement between upper end 12 and bearing plate 60 causes splines 62a and 62b to compress helical spring 56. The spacing between splines 62a and 62b is such that, although bolt 66 is free to slide along longitudinal axis A it may not rotate a significant distance in a radial arc about longitudinal axis A, being constrained between splines 62a and 62b. The combined effect at the upper end of the pole is that of a universal joint which provides for flexing of the pole, during use for example, without tilting of the bearing surfaces bearing against the ceiling. The channel thus remains flush against the ceiling, in full frictional engagement thereagainst. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, nut 34 is free to tilt within splines 62a and 62b, which act as an end cap over nut 34.

Thus, because bolt 66 is mounted rigidly to upper end 12, pole 10 is not free to rotate about longitudinal axis A when a torque is applied by torque rod 22 so as to rotate elongate threaded member 18 in direction A. Thus relative rotational movement is achieved between elongate threaded member 18 and threaded nut or collar 20 so that, depending on whether elongate threaded member 18 and threaded nut or collar 20 are left or right hand threaded and depending on the direction of rotation oh elongate threaded member 18 relative to threaded nut or collar 20, elongate threaded member 18 is either extended from or retracted into lower end 14.

Extending elongate threaded member 18 from lower end 14 so as to bear against base plate 46 positioned on floor 28, translates upper end 12 along longitudinal axis A towards ceiling 30. The upwards force is transferred through bolt 54 so as to compress helical spring 56 against bearing disc 58 as splines 62a and 62b are engaged against bearing plate 64.

Once initially snugged against ceiling 30, bearing plate 60 provides sufficient friction between ceiling 30 and bearing plate 60 so as to resist relative movement therebetween. Thus, rotation of torque rod 22 does not have to be countered by hand applied torque to pole 10 once bearing plate 60 has been snugged against ceiling 30 and nipple 40 snugly inserted into aperture 44 so that sleeve 26 bears against thrust washer 50.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 4a, 4b and 5-8, nipple 40 may be alternatively formed as an upstanding ring 40′ secured to the upper surface of base plate 46. Raised ridges 40a′ on the outer surface of ring 40′ allows end 14 of pole 10 when firmly seated over ring 40′ to resist torsional forces while allowing some flexure of the pole.

Length adjusting device 17 may in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 be mounted on or into the upper end 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the length adjusting device includes an elongate threaded shaft or member 18 threadably mounted into threaded cooperating engagement within threaded nut or collar 24. Threaded nut or collar 24 may be rigidly mounted within upper end 12 or may be a snug fitment so long as threaded nut or collar 24 is held rigid relative to upper end 12 when elongate threaded member 18 is rotated about a longitudinal axis A of pole 10 by rotation of nut 24 in direction B. A threaded coupler such as hexagonal nut 24a is rigidly mounted to nut 24. Nut 24 is rotated about longitudinal axis A in direction B by means of a rotational torque applied by torque rod or handle (collectively a rod) 22 when releasably mounted into the threaded bore of nut 24a along axis C. Nut 24a is oriented so that torque rod 22 extends generally perpendicularly from elongate threaded member 18 when torque rod 22 is journalled within nut 24a. Torque rod 22 allows a user to rotate elongate threaded member 18 and sleeve 26 by using torque rod 22 to adjust the length of pole 10 and thereby adjust the pressure exerted by upper end 12 and lower end 14 against ceiling 30 and floor 28 respectively. Threaded member 18 may be painted or otherwise adapted with colored bands so that, for example, a red band 32c becomes visible when threaded member 18 has extended to a point where damage or injury could result, or more simply indicates that an extension tube is required. Should the safety pole be installed upon a carpeted floor and compaction of the carpet and underlay occur over time, the spring will push the pole down into the carpet and underlay and the red band will become visible indicating that threaded member 18 must be lengthened until the red band is no longer visible.

Collar 32a may be rigidly mounted to threaded nut or collar 24. Collar 32b is a snug sliding fit within upper end 12. The purpose of both collars 32a and 32b is to assist in longitudinally stabilizing elongate threaded member 18 along longitudinal axis A. Collar 32b is mounted on member 18 and also provides for visual pressure indication by the presence of red band 32c thereon.

Bearing plate 60, which may be an elongate channel member or an oval plate (not shown) or like means for distributing pressure against ceiling 30 cooperates with pole 10 by flanges 62a and 62b, which are rigidly mounted in the channel to form a locking cap, releasably mounting onto hexagonal-head nut 34 so as to prevent its rotation.

Thus, because threaded shaft 18 is rigidly mounted at its upper end to nut 34, shaft 18 is not free to rotate about longitudinal axis A when a torque is applied by torque rod 22 so as to rotate threaded shaft 18 in direction B. Thus relative rotational movement is achieved between shaft 18 and collar 20 so that, depending on whether shaft 18 and collar 20 are left or right hand threaded and depending on the direction of rotation on shaft 18 relative to collar 20, shaft 18 is either extended from or retracted into upper end 12 of pole 10. Extending shaft 18 from upper end 12 so as to bear against bearing plate 60 sandwiched against ceiling 30, translates bearing disc 58 downwardly along longitudinal axis A away from ceiling 30 so as to compress helical spring 56 between collars 32a and 32b. The return biasing force of helical spring 56 and the weight of pole 10 bear lower end 14 down onto foot 36. Foot 46 is releasably mounted to lower end 14 for example by hollow ring 40 on the base plate of foot 46 which may have raised ridges mating into the hollow end of the tube at lower end 14. Base plate of foot 46 may be bowed so as to be concave downwardly to equalize, distribute and maintain the downward pressure to the floor 28.

Once initially snugged against ceiling 30, bearing plate 60 provides sufficient friction between ceiling 30 and bearing plate 60 so as to resist relative movement therebetween. Thus, rotation of torque rod 22 does not have to be countered by hand applied torque to pole 10 once bearing plate 60 has been snugged against ceiling 30 and nut 34 snugly mated between flanges 62a and 62b. Advantageously, in one embodiment bearing plate 60 is both sufficiently long so that it will extend under ceiling studs 61 even if not aligned perpendicular to the studs, and is bowed so as to be concave upwardly (shown exaggerated by arrow D) to equalize, distribute and maintain the upward pressure to the studs 61 when the pole pushes up between the studs.

In another embodiment of the invention, the safety support structure may be a support post 210 having a base 212 and a rigid post 214 extending vertically and centrally from base 212, as seen in FIGS. 13a-13c, 14a-14c, and 15a-15c. Base 212 and post 214 may be made of any high strength material such as steel such that support post 210 may for example advantageously bear a use weighing up to three hundred pounds lifting them-selves from a sitting to a standing position by pulling on one of the accessories described herein. Base 212 may be a square mounting plate measuring between eight inches by eight inches and ten inches by ten inches, although different geometric configurations of base 212 is intended within the ambit of the present invention. In an embodiment of the invention, base 212 includes at least two apertures 216, wherein conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts may be inserted through apertures 216 to fixedly mount base 212, and hence support post 210, to a permanent surface such as a floor. Preferably, base 212 includes four apertures such that support post 210 may be securely mounted to the floor. Support post 210 may be used as an alternative to pole 10 where a floor to ceiling mount is not suitable for aesthetic, practical, and/or structural reasons. For example, the ceiling and/or floor of a mobile home may not be structurally suitable for supporting pole 10 or a user may consider a floor to ceiling pole unsightly.

Preferably, in one embodiment post 214 measures approximately thirty six inches in length and has a round cross section, although it should be appreciated that post 214 may comprise various other geometric configurations including square, rectangular, and oval cross-sections. The length of post 214 may range from twenty four inches to sixty inches or the length of post 214 may be adjustable by conventional adjustment means. For example, an upper end of post 214 may be telescopic such that post 214 may be adjusted to extend various lengths. Alternatively, additional post segments may be attached to an upper end of post 214 to extend the length of post 214 for different applications. Post 214 may be hollow along its entire length or at least partially hollow at its upper end wherein an end cap 215 or plug may be inserted to seal post 214.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the safety support structure may be a wall mount structure 220, as seen in FIGS. 16a-16e, 17a-17c, and 18a-18c. The wall mount structure 220 may include a first and a second rail 222 and 224 respectively, each having a mounting means such as for example a mounting bracket 226 at each end of first and second rails 222 and 224 such that first and second rails 222 and 224 may be fixedly mounted to a wall by conventional fasteners, such as for example those described above. First and second rails 222 and 224 may be made of any high strength material such as steel such that wall mount structure 220 may, again, bear a user weighing for example up to three hundred pounds. Mounting members 228 are adapted to secure a plurality of support accessories 230 (described below) in between first and second rails 222 and 224 may be detachably mounted to a first end of first and second rails 222 and 224. In an embodiment of the invention, mounting members 228 are structures including for example the illustrated flanges for mounting to the rails and stub axles or shafts which are sized to be inserted in opposite ends of a mounting sleeve 264. Support accessories 230 may be mounted to sleeve 264, between first and second rails 222 and 224.

Support accessories 230 include a plurality of structures mountable on pole 10, support post 210, and wall mount 220. Each support accessory 230 is configured to provide means for support to a user, as better described below. First and second rails 222 and 224 may be horizontally or vertically mounted on the wall in a parallel and spaced apart orientation. Similarly, the wall mount structure 220 may be used as an alternative to pole 10 or support post 210 where a floor to ceiling mount or floor mount is not suitable for aesthetic, structural, or practical reasons. For example, pole 10 and support post 210 may not be installed in or near a bathtub or shower stall for aesthetic, structural, safety and/or practical reasons, but wall mount structure 220 may be mounted to a wall beside the bathtub or shower to assist a user.

As seen in FIGS. 6 through 8, which are not intended to be limiting, a first support accessory 230 includes connector 84 which may be rigidly mounted near the upper end 12 of pole 10. Alternatively, connector 84 may be rigidly mounted near the upper end of support post 210 or on mounting members 228 of wall mount structure 220 positioned at a convenient height on the wall. Connector 84 provides, when used in pairs or tandem on a corresponding pair of poles 10, pair of support posts 210, or pair of wall mount structures 220 support between the poles, posts, or wall mount structures such that a rigid rail or track 86 may be supported therebetween. Track 86 is configured to accommodate a conventional patient hoist 90 well known in the art. Hoist 90 has an associated harness or sling 92 or the like, which supports patient 94 and provides for patient mobility through translation of hoist 90 along slot 88 defined by the channel of track 86.

Connector 84 includes a lower supporting channel bracket 102. Bracket 102 may be fastened to the pole 10 or support post 210 for example by its welding onto a sleeve 232 which is mounted over the top end of pole 10 or support post 210 by fastening means. Bracket 102 may also be fastened to wall mount 220 by mounting sleeve 232 on mounting members 228. In an embodiment of the invention, sleeve 232 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 232. Sleeve 232 includes opposite open ends 240 and 242 wherein pole 10 or post 214 may be removably inserted in sleeve 232 such that pole 10 or post 214 journals through central bore 238 and open ends 240 and 242. Alternatively, mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in open ends 240 and 242 of sleeve 232 such that mounting members 228 are wholly or at least substantially disposed and journalled therein. Sleeve 232 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 232 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners are tightened to secure sleeve 232 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. When the fasteners are released, sleeve 232 may be released from pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 such that sleeve 232 may be removed. The fasteners may be conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts that may be releaseably secured such that the split portion of sleeve 232 may releaseably clamp onto pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned and sandwiched between pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 232 which defines bore 238′. Split protective bushing 244 may be made from plastic or any other resilient protective material such that bushing 244 inhibits damage to the exterior finish of pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228. Bushing 244 may also inhibit downward slippage of sleeve 232 when sleeve 232 is clamped or cinched onto pole 10 or post 214. Connector 84 is cantilevered perpendicular to axis A. A vertical gusset 104 reinforces supporting bracket 102.

Track 86 is a generally inverted U-shaped channel having a solid top web 112 and downwardly depending sidewalls 114. Inturned flanges 114a are spaced apart by slot 88 at the distal ends of sidewalls 114 so that hoist 90 may be firmly supported on the flanges and yet be free to longitudinally travel the length of slot 88. Aperture 118 formed in top web 112 near each end 86a is aligned with corresponding hole 108 in bracket 102 as end 86a is seated on bracket 102. Threaded bolt 120 is passed vertically through hole 108 and aperture 118 in top web 112 to releasably mount end 86a to pole 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9a, a second support accessory 230 includes cantilevered arm 130 positioned at a convenient height on pole 10 by means of vertical mounting sleeve 132, which may be of the same construction as sleeve 232. Alternatively, cantilevered arm 130 may be positioned at a convenient height on support post 210 or on wall mount 220 by vertical mounting sleeve 132. A flexible strap and trapeze handle 134 may be attached at a distal end of arm 130. Rigid gusset 136 is connected at one end to sleeve 132 and to arm 130 at its other end to resist vertically downward bending torque when in use by a patient. Sleeve 132 is split near its lower end 132a to permit cinching on a desired position on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 of wall mount structure 220 by bolts 138. An elongate split bushing 140 similar to bushing 244 manufactured from P.V.C. or other suitable plastic or resilient or otherwise gripping/protective material is positioned between pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 and mounting sleeve 132. Split bushing 140 allows arm 130 to be cinched firmly to pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by tightening of sleeve 132 onto the bushing so as to prevent either marring of the exterior finish of pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 as in the use of marring screws in the prior art, or downward slippage of arm 130 during use while allowing some rotational repositioning of arm 130 around the pole 10 or post 214 by a patient. It acts as a non-marking limited-slip clamp for any mounted cantilevered attachments such as arm 130.

As may be seen in FIGS. 10 and 10a, a third support accessory 230 includes a support collar 68 mountable to pole midsection 16 so as to releasably support thereon hand rail 70. Alternatively, support collar 68 may be mountable to post 214 or mounting members 228 so as to releasably support thereon hand rail 70. Hand rail 70 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 72 so as to depend generally perpendicularly from pole 10, support post 210 or wall mount 220 and in particular so as to extend generally perpendicularly from pole midsection 16, post 214 or mounting members 228 when mounted thereon. Handrail 70 may be formed as a large radius loop for safety and strength. As stated above, the long handrail loop according to the present invention offers more handhold positions and the large radius foam covered end of the loop is less likely to inflict serious injuries and bruises caused by a fall against the end of the handrail. The loop design affords greater weight bearing without damage or structural failure. Unlike prior art which can be positioned to resist torsional rotation forces which has resulted in a rotational separation at either the floor or ceiling and a lateral shifting of the pole, this device uses a positioning collar which is cinched tightly over a plastic sleeve. The collar permits rapid positioning of the handle along the length of the pole or post 214 while the handle is free to rotate about the collar. Sleeve 72 has upper and lower rings 74 and 74a, which prohibit vertical displacement of handrail 70 relative to mounting collar 68. Thus hand rail 70 with upper ring 74 secured in place by screws or the like to sleeve 72 may be lowered over collar 68 and then lower ring 74a fastened in a like manner to sleeve 72. Hand rail 70 may then be rotated to different and more convenient positions. Support collar 68 may be releasably mounted onto pole midsection 16, post 214, or mounting member 228 by means of clamping bolts 78 or other clamping means known in the art. Alternatively, sleeve 72 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 72 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 72, as seen in FIGS. 14a to 14c and 17a to 17c. Sleeve 72 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 72 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners 234 are tightened to secure sleeve 72 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 72.

FIGS. 11 through 12 illustrate a fourth support accessory 230 wherein an accessory tray 150 may be mountable to pole 10. Alternatively, accessory tray 150 may be mountable to post 214 or mounting members 228. Tray 150 includes a steel frame 152 and a removable tray top 152a which is rigidly mounted to sleeve 154, by welding or the like, so as to depend generally perpendicularly from pole 10, support post 210, or wall mount structure 220. A bushing 156 and clamping collar 158 are releasably cinched at the desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by means of bolts 160 on collar 158. Sleeve 154 slips downwardly over bushing 156 and is supported at the desired height on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by resting on collar 158. Bushing 156 allows tightening of collar 158 and the rotation of tray 150 on pole 10 without marring the finish on pole 10. Alternatively, sleeve 154 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 154 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 154. Sleeve 154 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 154 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners are tightened to secure sleeve 154 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, bushing 156 is a split protective bushing is disposed within central bore 238 such that bushing 156 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 154.

FIGS. 13a to 13c and FIGS. 16a to 16e illustrate a fifth support accessory 230 wherein a retractable horizontal bar 250 may be mountable to post 214, or mounting members 228. Alternatively, retractable horizontal bar 250 may be mountable to pole midsection 16. Retractable bat 250 includes a supporting bracket 252 which may be rigidly mounted to a sleeve 254 for example by its welding onto sleeve 254 such that sleeve 254 may be mounted over top end of pole 10 or post 214 and secured by fastening means 256 so as to releasably support thereon retractable bar 250. Retractable bar 250 may also be mountable to wall mount 220 by mounting sleeve 254 on mounting members 228. Retractable bar 250 is pivotally mounted to bracket 252, for example by way of a pivot pin 258, so as to extend generally perpendicularly from pole midsection 16, post 214 or mounting members 228 when in a first or lowered position. Retractable bar 250 may be elevated, rotated or otherwise displaced into a second or retracted position, in the illustrated embodiment by upwardly pivoting retractable bar 250 about pivot pin 258 such that retractable bar 250 is generally parallel to pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228. Sleeve 254 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 254 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 254. Sleeve 254 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 254 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners 256 are tightened to secure sleeve 254 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 254. Alternatively, retractable bar 250 may be mounted to pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 in a manner similar to the mounting of accessory tray 150 wherein a bushing and clamping collar are releasably cinched at a desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by means of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 254 may slip downwardly over the bushing and be supported at the desired height on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by resting on the collar.

FIGS. 15a through 15c and FIGS. 18a to 18c illustrate a sixth support accessory 230 wherein a rigid horizontal bar 260 may be mountable to post 214 or mounting members 228. Alternatively, rigid horizontal bar 260 may be mountable to pole midsection 16. Rigid bar 260 includes a supporting bracket 262 rigidly mounted to a sleeve 264 and rigid bar 260 to reinforce rigid bar 260. Rigid bar 260 may be mountable on pole 10 or post 214 by mounting sleeve 264 over top end of pole 10 or post 214 and securing fastening means 266 so as to releasably support thereon rigid bar 260. Rigid bar 260 may also be mountable to wall mount 220 by mounting sleeve 264 on mounting members 228. Rigid bar 260 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 254 by welding or the like, so as to extend generally perpendicularly from pole midsection 16, post 214 or mounting members 228 when mounted thereon. Sleeve 264 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 264 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 264. Sleeve 264 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 264 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners 266 are tightened to secure sleeve 264 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 264. Alternatively, rigid bar 260 may be mounted to pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 in a manner similar to the mounting of accessory tray 150 wherein a bushing and clamping collar are releasably cinched at a desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by means of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 264 may slip downwardly over the bushing and be supported at the desired height on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by resting on the collar.

FIGS. 19a to 19c illustrate a seventh support accessory wherein a bed frame support 270 may be mountable to a lower end of support post 210. Alternatively, bed frame support 270 may also be mountable to lower end 14 of pole 10. Bed frame support 270 includes a hollow arm 272 rigidly mounted to a sleeve 274 and an elongate L-shaped support 276 rigidly mounted to hollow arm 272 and sleeve 274. A vertical side 276a of elongate L-shaped support 276 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 274 and a horizontal side 276b of elongate L-shaped support 276 is rigidly mounted to an upper surface of hollow arm 272. Bed frame support 270 may be mountable at a convenient height on pole 10 or post 214 by mounting sleeve 274 over an end of pole 10 or post 214 and securing fastening means 278 such that elongate L-shaped support 276, which is in generally parallel orientation with a bed frame, may engage and mate with a first side of the bed frame. L-shaped support 276 may be secured onto the first side of the bed frame by conventional securing means such as fasteners including screws and bolts such that bed frame support 270 may be anchored to the bed frame. An elongate member 279 may be adjustably and detachably received in the bore defined by hollow arm 272 such that a distal end of elongate member 279 may engage a second side of the bed frame, opposite to the first side of the bed frame L-shaped support 276 engages. In an embodiment of the invention, distal end of elongate member 279 defines a slot configured to slidably receive an edge of the bed frame such that the slot frictionally engages the edge of the bed frame. Sleeve 274 may be mounted over top end of pole 10 or post 214 by fastening means so as to releasably support thereon L-shaped support 276. Hollow arm 272 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 274 by welding or the like, so as to extend generally perpendicularly from pole lower end 14 or post 214 when mounted thereon. Sleeve 274 provides additional support to pole 10 or post 214 when using any of the support accessories 230 in association with the bed and elongate L-shaped support, hollow arm 272, and elongate member 279 anchors the bed frame to the bed frame support 270. Sleeve 274 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 274 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10 or post 214 within bore 238 such that pole 10 or post 214 may be removably inserted in sleeve 274. Sleeve 274 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 274 may detachably clamp around pole 10 or post 214 when fasteners 278 are tightened to secure sleeve 274 on pole 10 or post 214. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10 or post 214 and the interior surface of sleeve 232. Alternatively, bed frame support 270 may be mounted to pole 10 or post 214 in a manner similar to the mounting of accessory tray 150 wherein a bushing and clamping collar are releasably cinched at a desired position on pole 10 or post 214 by means of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 274 may slip downwardly over the bushing and be supported at the desired height on pole 10 or post 214 by resting on the collar.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular safety support system comprising:

a modular support structure rigidly mountable to a fixed surface, said modular support structure including a vertical support pole, a support post, or a wall mount; and

a modular support accessory mountable on said modular support structure, said modular support accessory including a rigid rail connector, a rigid loop, a trapeze handle, a tray, a retractable bar, a rigid bar, or a bed frame support;

wherein said modular support accessory includes an accessory mounting sleeve having a split therealong and a clamp mounted thereon for clamping said split to thereby releasably rigidly mount said modular support accessory on said modular support structure; and

wherein said modular accessory is interchangeably mountable on said support structure.

2. The modular safety support system of claim 1 wherein said vertical support pole comprises:

opposite upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively, wherein length adjustment means are mounted into said pole so as to cooperate with a releasably mountable torque application means releasably mountable onto, so as to cooperate with, said length adjustment means,

resilient biasing means mounted in said pole, said resilient biasing means resiliently biasing said opposite ends of said pole apart along a longitudinal axis of said pole,

a pressure distributing means mounted onto said upper end of said pole, said pressure distributing means for distributing pressure onto the ceiling surface, said upper end adapted by releasable mounting means cooperating with said pressure distributing means to resist rotational movement of said upper end relative to said pressure distributing means, said lower end mountable to a base member on the floor surface, said base member in vertically opposed relation to said pressure distributing means wherein said pole further comprises a bushing mounted to said pole positioned along the length of the pole, said accessory mounting sleeve mountable onto said bushing for mounting thereto said modular accessory,

wherein, as the length of the pole is increased by said length adjusting means, said resilient biasing means increases a biasing force urging said ends of said pole apart.

3. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said base member is curved concavely downwardly and is resilient so as to resiliently deform under pressure exerted along said longitudinal axis by said resilient biasing means to thereby flatten against the floor surface and re-form into said concavity upon any compacting down of the floor surface.

4. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said resilient biasing means is a coil spring and said length adjustment means is an elongate threaded member threadably mountable longitudinally within a cavity in said pole, threadably mountable into threaded engagement within a threaded receiving means mounted on said spring.

5. The modular safety support system of claim 4 wherein said torque application means cooperates with said elongate threaded member so as to rotate in threaded engagement said elongate threaded member within said threaded receiving means when a torque is applied by said torque application means to thereby extend said elongate threaded member from, or retract said elongate threaded member into, said upper end selectively according to opposite first or second directions of rotation of said elongate threaded member about said longitudinal axis.

6. The modular safety support system of claim 5 wherein an upper end of said threaded member mates with a non-rotatable coupler on said pressure bearing member so as to inhibit rotation of said threaded member relative to said pressure bearing member about said longitudinal axis of said pole.

7. The modular safety support system of claim 6 wherein said threaded receiving means is a threaded collar and said torque application means is a torque rod snugly releasably mountable into a corresponding socket mounted to said threaded collar so that said rod protrudes cantilevered generally perpendicularly from said threaded collar when said torque rod is releasably mounted in said socket, and wherein said upper end of said elongate threaded member extends journalled through said spring from said upper end of said pole when said elongate threaded member is in threaded engagement within said threaded collar.

8. The modular safety support system of claim 9 wherein said torque rod is adapted to be generally rigid below a first torque value and adapted to flexibly deform above said first torque value wherein said first torque value corresponds to a torque applied in said first or second rotational direction to said elongate threaded member so as to apply a corresponding first pressure against said ceiling surface by the pressure distributing means and against said floor surface by said base member, wherein said first pressure securely frictionally mounts said pole vertically between said ceiling and floor surfaces without damaging either the ceiling surface or the floor surface, and so as to flatten the bowed pressure bearing member.

9. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said upper end is mounted to said pressure distributing means by a universal joint means, said pressure distributing means including an upwardly concave resiliently bowed elongate pressure bearing member adapted to mount to said upper end generally medially along the length of said member and elongate a sufficient length so that opposite end portions of said pressure bearing member may be brought to bear upwardly against ceiling studs supporting the ceiling surface, said pressure bearing member deformable under the pressure exerted along said longitudinal axis by said resilient biasing means.

10. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said bushing is a resilient split bushing, said clamp of said mounting sleeve releasably clamping said sleeve onto said resilient split bushing.

11. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said lower end is mounted onto said base member by means of a male member in mating engagement with a female receiver, said male member mounted to said base member and having at least one ridge along its length for snug frictional mating with said female receiver in said lower end.

12. The modular safety support system of claim 4 further comprising a pressure-level indicating means cooperating between said coil spring and said threaded member so that as said spring is compressed with the rotation of said threaded member in threaded engagement with said threaded receiving means, a pressure indicating marker signals excessive force at a damage threshold for the ceiling or floor.

13. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein a rigid rail is mountable to said rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extending between a pair of said poles.

14. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said rigid loop when mounted to said pole is cantilevered outwardly of said pole by the length of said loop, said loop being elongate along its length.

15. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said trapeze handle is attached to a flexible strap, said flexible strap attached to a distal end of a cantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from said pole when mounted thereon.

16. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said tray comprises a frame and a removable tray top, said frame extending generally perpendicularly from said pole when mounted thereon.

17. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said retractable bar is pivotably mounted on a bracket such that said retractable bar may displace between a first position and a second position wherein when in said first position, said retractable bar extends generally perpendicularly from said pole and when in said second position, said retractable bar extends generally parallel to said pole when mounted thereon.

18. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said rigid bar extends generally perpendicularly from said pole when mounted thereon.

19. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said bed frame support comprises an elongate L-shaped support for engaging a first side of a bed frame in a generally parallel orientation and an elongate member for engaging a second opposing side of said bed frame in a generally perpendicular orientation such that said bed frame support provides additional stability to said pole and anchors said bed frame to said bed frame support when said bed frame support is mounted on said pole.

20. The modular safety support system of claim 1 wherein said support post comprises:

a base mountable on a floor surface; and

a rigid post extending vertically from said base;

wherein a bushing is mountable on said post, said bushing positioned along a length of said post; and

wherein said accessory mounting sleeve is mountable onto said bushing for mounting thereto said modular accessory.

21. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said bushing is a resilient split bushing, said clamp releasably clamping said sleeve onto said bushing.

22. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein a rigid rail is mountable to said rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extending between a pair of said posts.

23. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said rigid loop when mounted to said post is cantilevered outwardly of said post by the length of said loop, said loop being elongate along its length.

24. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said trapeze handle is attached to a flexible strap, said flexible strap attached to a distal end of a cantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from said post when mounted thereon.

25. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said tray comprises a frame and a removable tray top, said frame extending generally perpendicularly from said post when mounted thereon.

26. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said retractable bar is pivotably mounted on a bracket such that said retractable bar may displace between a first position and a second position wherein when in said first position, said retractable bar extends generally perpendicularly from said post and when in said second position, said retractable bar extends generally parallel to said post when mounted thereon.

27. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said rigid bar extends generally perpendicularly from said post when mounted thereon.

28. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said bed frame support comprises an elongate L-shaped support for engaging a first side of a bed frame in a generally parallel orientation and an elongate member for engaging a second opposing side of said bed frame in a generally perpendicular orientation such that said bed frame support provides additional stability to said post and anchors said bed frame to said bed frame support when said bed frame support is mounted on said post.

29. The modular safety support system of claim 1 wherein said wall mount comprises:

a first and a second rail, each of said first and second rail having a mounting means for mounting said first and second rail on a wall; and

a first and a second mounting member mountable on said first and said second rail, respectively;

wherein said first and said second mounting members are configured to be insertable in opposing ends of said mounting sleeve for mounting thereto said modular accessory.

30. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said first and said second rail may be generally horizontally or generally vertically mounted on said wall in a parallel and spaced apart orientation.

31. The modular safety support system of claim 30 wherein a resilient split bushing is disposed within said mounting sleeve.

32. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein a rigid rail is mountable to said rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extending between a pair of wall mounts.

33. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said rigid loop when mounted to said wall mount is cantilevered outwardly of said wall mount by the length of said loop, said loop being elongate along its length.

34. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said trapeze handle is attached to a flexible strap, said flexible strap attached to a distal end of a cantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from said wall mount when mounted thereon.

35. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said tray comprises a frame and a removable tray top, said frame extending generally perpendicularly from said wall mount when mounted thereon.

36. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said retractable bar is pivotably mounted on a bracket such that said retractable bar may displace between a first position and a second position wherein when in said first position, said retractable bar extends generally perpendicularly from said wall mount and when in said second position, said retractable bar extends generally parallel to said first and second mounting members when mounted thereon.

37. The modular safety support system of claim 29 wherein said rigid bar extends generally perpendicularly from said wall mount when mounted thereon.