Self-help Support, Grip Or Handhold Patents (Class 5/662)
  • Patent number: 11672355
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a structure is detachably attached to a bed apparatus. The bed apparatus includes a holder and a first frame that includes a portion extending in a first direction. The structure includes: a first portion of a columnar shape extending in a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a second portion continuous to the first portion and including a portion extending in a third direction that intersects the second direction. The first portion is inserted in the holder so that the holder holds the structure. When the structure is attached to the bed apparatus, an angle between the first direction and the third direction is variable. The structure that can facilitate aid of bed departure can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11589715
    Abstract: A grab bar includes a continuous support bar extending between a first end and a second end vertically spaced apart from the first end. The continuous support bar has a top section extending away from the first end, a bottom section extending away from the second end and angling upward toward the top section, and a bend formed between and connecting the top section and the bottom section. A brace member is coupled to and extends between the top section and the bottom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Josh Meyers, Scott Kluck
  • Patent number: 11304861
    Abstract: Patient transport apparatus including a patient litter and a litter support apparatus for supporting the patient litter from a ground surface. The litter support apparatus includes a litter support frame including a pair of litter supports spaced a distance apart to define a loading gap for receiving the patient litter therethrough. A handle system is coupled to the pair of litter supports and includes a handle assembly that is positionable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The handle assembly extends across the loading gap defined between the pair of litter supports in the closed configuration and is positioned away from the loading gap in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Shaofei Wilson Xu, Kaitlin Konopacz, Gwynneth Cunningham, Alexander Christopher McDavid, Justin Thomas McLouth, Shawn Trimble, Neil Feliksa, Christopher Gentile, Jennifer Ryan, Erik P. Eagleman
  • Patent number: 10925446
    Abstract: A handle assembly and a method of installing the handle assembly are provided. The handle assembly has first and second mounts, and a handle with a handle portion extending between and connecting first and second end regions. The first and second end regions are received for translation along the longitudinal axis within the first and second mounts. First and second locking elements are connected to the first mount, and the handle, respectively. The handle has a first longitudinal position with the first and second locking elements engaged to retain the handle in one of a plurality of angular positions. The handle has a second longitudinal position with the first and second locking elements spaced apart from one another such that the handle and the second locking element are rotatable to change an angular position of the handle relative to the first and second mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Neil Edwards, Eddie Riddle, Matthew Klein, Ty Hagler, Seth Teeples
  • Patent number: 10842696
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include devices for increasing bed mobility. A mobility strap apparatus includes a bed-strap; a fastening end coupled to the bed-strap; and a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of the bed-strap. Rigid affixing of the bed-strap to a bed provides stable support to users when moving or stabilizing oneself on a bed. A mobility strap grid provides a bed-strap configured to be longitudinally aligned with a bed; a bed-strap configured to be laterally aligned with the bed, intersecting and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally aligned bed-strap; a fastening end coupled to a bed-strap; and a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of a bed-strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Toni Gay Davis Wolpe
  • Patent number: 9586077
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that may be used in a bed, primarily for stretching and resistance exercises. The exercise apparatus may be configured with a lower frame and an upper frame. The lower frame is disposed between and connected to a bed frame and a headboard. The upper frame is connected to the lower frame and has exercise equipment attachment couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: David Kabasso
  • Patent number: 8973192
    Abstract: A collapsible mobility assistance device which may be configured in an operable configuration and a storage configuration. The device may be configured such that each individual component is planar, which may allow the device to be packaged, stored, and/or shipped in minimally sized containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Stander Inc.
    Inventor: F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 8904577
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person having a pulley secured above said bedridden person, a cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley, and a substantially “T” shaped member consisting of a first longitudinally arranged member having a first end and a second end, where the first end is removably secured to the cable, and a second laterally arranged member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, where the first longitudinally arranged member is arranged perpendicularly to the second laterally arranged member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Michael P. Osika
  • Patent number: 8769739
    Abstract: An easy-installable bracket for retaining a bed mattress is provided. The bracket is adapted to be disposed on a bed frame having a head portion and a feet portion. The bracket includes two seats and a bracket member. Each of the seats has a bottom plate for fixed at the feet portion of the bed frame, and an arcuate portion extended from the bottom plate. Two passages are respectively defined between the arcuate portions of the seats and the feet portion. The bracket member has a vertical portion, two front-extending sections respectively extended from two bottom ends of the vertical portion toward the head portion of the bed frame, and two parallel rear-extending sections respectively extended from distal ends of the front extending sections toward the feet portion. The rear-extending sections are slidably received in the passages respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Woods McCarty, Philip Reid Sherman, Chuan-Hang Shih, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8756735
    Abstract: A patient helper apparatus for use with a patient support is disclosed. The patient helper apparatus includes a first L-shaped support tube coupled to the patient support, a shaft coupled to the first L-shaped support tube and extending over the patient support, and an egress handle coupled to the first L-shaped support tube. The egress handle moves between a stowed position and an assist position. In the stowed position, the egress handle is situated inside a footprint of the patient support. In the assist position, the egress handle extends outside the footprint of the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 8739337
    Abstract: A system of belt and buckle components enable a handicapped person to achieve self-transfer between a bed and contiguous wheelchair. One extremity of the belt is secured to the wheelchair, and the other extremity of the belt is anchored to a panel inserted beneath the bed at a site transversely opposite the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: James R. Sanders, C. Duane Sanders
  • Patent number: 8732876
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a deck, and an upper body support assembly. The deck is coupled to the frame and configured to support a person. The deck includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured to pivot between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation with respect to the frame. The person is in a supine position when the first section is in the first angular orientation and is moved to a sitting position when the first section is moved to the second angular orientation. The upper body support assembly is movably coupled to the frame and includes a torso support. The torso support is configured to support a portion of the person's torso when the person is in a forward-leaning posture in the sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Rachel Williamson
  • Patent number: 8713727
    Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support frame coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a barrier coupled to the support frame and movable therewith. The siderail assembly further includes a handle coupled to the barrier to move between a first position and a second position relative to the barrier. The siderail assembly may include electronic controls to change the position or limit movement of various portions of a patient support apparatus on which the siderail assembly may be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Stephen E. Hutchison, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Brian T. Wiggins, Robert Mark Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 8689372
    Abstract: A perimeter panel for a person-support apparatus comprises a panel body and a handle. The panel body includes a perimeter edge. The handle is movably coupled to the panel body and configured to move between a storage position and a deployed position. The handle forms a portion of the perimeter edge of the panel body when the handle is in the storage position and extends from the panel body in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 8677535
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck supported by the frame and capable of moving relative to the frame. The patient support apparatus further includes an egress unit coupled to the deck to move between an egress position and a storage position relative to the barrier. The egress unit may include electronic controls to limit movement of various portions of the egress unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Turner
  • Patent number: 8607378
    Abstract: A caregiver assist device for use with a patient support apparatus is disclosed. The caregiver assist device including a support structure, a boom, a helper belt, and a constant force spring assembly. The boom extends from the support structure over the patient support apparatus. The helper belt is supported along the boom and has a first end and a second end. The constant force spring assembly includes a constant force spring coupled between the support structure and the first end of the helper belt so that a constant counterbalancing force is applied to the helper belt in response to a patient force being applied to the second end of the helper belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Moriarity, Thomas K. Skripps, Andrea L. Lewis, Peter A. Rankis
  • Patent number: 8607389
    Abstract: A bed frame attachable transfer bar preferably includes a rail attachment member, a lengthwise member, an adjustment member, a second rail attachment member, a second lengthwise member and at least one transfer bar. The first and second rail attachment members include a rail bracket, a lengthwise member receiver and a transfer bar receiver. A deck portion of a bed frame is retained by the first and second rail brackets. The lengthwise members are retained by the lengthwise member receivers. One end of the adjustment bar is retained by the other end of the lengthwise member with a first fastener. The other end of the adjustment bar is retained by the second lengthwise member with a second fastener. Each transfer bar preferably includes a hand ring and a support post. The support post is received by a single transfer bar receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michael F. Kunde
  • Patent number: 8590080
    Abstract: An arm rest bed attachment assembly supports an arm of a person while in bed. The assembly includes a support post and a cushion coupled to the support post. The cushion is configured for supporting an arm of a person while in bed. A support bracket is selectively insertable under a mattress on a bed. The support bracket is coupled to and extends from the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Larry M. Staresinic
  • Patent number: 8578531
    Abstract: Assist handle assemblies and beds with an assist handle assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, an assist handle assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching to a support platform. A first support arm is pivotably attached to the mounting frame to rotate about a first axis. A second support arm is pivotably attached to the mounting frame to rotate about a second axis, which is different from the first axis. The first and second support arms remain substantially parallel while rotating about respective axes between various positions. In another embodiment, a bed assembly includes a bed frame with a mounting frame attached thereto. First and second support arms are pivotably attached to the mounting frame at first and second locations, respectively, to rotate between raised and lowered positions. A handle with an arcuate body is pivotably attached to the first and second support arms, maintaining a constant concave-down orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan S. Abernathey, Vishwanath A. Bhave
  • Patent number: 8572774
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person, including a substantially “T” shaped member including a first member having a first end and a second end and a second member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, a pulley secured above the bedridden person, and, a cable secured to the first end of the first member, the cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael P. Osika
  • Patent number: 8510879
    Abstract: A bed includes a deck coupled to a frame (10) and having at least a head section which is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier (5?) element along the head section and moveable with the head end section as the head section pivots relative to the frame. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element (5) extending footwardly of and overlapping the head end barrier element when both barrier elements are in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom S.A.S.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Sebatien Gemeline, Yann Dollo
  • Patent number: 8474921
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes a patient assist bar that is coupled to a wall or to some other structure in a room of a healthcare facility, such as a headwall that is configured to be coupled to the room wall. The patient assist bar is pivotable a first axis that is substantially vertical and parallel to the headwall and a second axis that is substantially horizontal. The patient assist bar provides the patient with a stable support and guidance in moving about the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Dennis J. Gallant
  • Patent number: 8413274
    Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 8387181
    Abstract: A sheet system having a sheet with a top and bottom surface, a first, second, third and fourth side, the second side being opposite the first side, the sides are adapted to hug sides of a mattress, an elastic band lines a portion of bottom edges of each side, a first handle on the top surface of the sheet near the first side and near the third side, a second handle on the top surface of the sheet near the first side and about halfway between the third side and fourth side, a third handle on the top surface of the sheet near the second side and near the third side, and a fourth handle on the top surface of the sheet near the second side and about halfway between the third side and fourth side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Susan A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8381337
    Abstract: An endboard for a person-support apparatus comprises an endboard assembly including a first endboard body rotatably coupled to a frame and a second endboard body rotatably coupled to the first endboard body by a locking mechanism. The second endboard body is configured to be movable between a storage position and a deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the second endboard body in at least one of the storage position and the deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The second endboard body is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress to/from the frame when the second endboard body is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Jack Barney Sing
  • Patent number: 8370978
    Abstract: A hospital bed is equipped with a patient mobility aid device having at least one adjustable lateral grip that aids the patient in performing certain movements such as entering or exiting the bed. The patient mobility aid device includes a support crossmember having a length oriented along a width of the bed. Couplers at the ends of the crossmember attach to frame elements of the bed. The crossmember houses at least one arm to which the adjustable lateral grip is coupled. The at least one arm extends and retracts with respect to the crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Duvert
  • Publication number: 20130007960
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to hospital beds that are convertible to side egress chair beds and include a pair of spaced stand-assist supports pivotally attached to the base frame so that when the patient support surface is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to reside upwardly above and on opposing sides of the scat panel with a respective upper portion thereof providing a handle for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Nikou Manouchehri, Sohrab Soltani
  • Publication number: 20120198631
    Abstract: A patient helper apparatus for use with a patient support is disclosed. The patient helper apparatus includes a first L-shaped support tube coupled to the patient support, a shaft coupled to the first L-shaped support tube and extending over the patient support, and an egress handle coupled to the first L-shaped support tube. The egress handle moves between a stowed position and an assist position. In the stowed position, the egress handle is situated inside a footprint of the patient support. In the assist position, the egress handle extends outside the footprint of the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Edward J. Koors, Jonathan D. Turner, David W. Hornbach
  • Publication number: 20120137442
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a ceiling mount over-bed trapeze apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Lagana, Tabitha Campbell
  • Publication number: 20120117926
    Abstract: A collapsible mobility assistance device which may be configured in an operable configuration and a storage configuration. The device may be configured such that each individual component is planar, which may allow the device to be packaged, stored, and/or shipped in minimally sized containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: STANDER INC.
    Inventor: F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 8171587
    Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Publication number: 20120102655
    Abstract: An endboard for a person-support apparatus comprises an endboard assembly including a first endboard body rotatably coupled to a frame and a second endboard body rotatably coupled to the first endboard body by a locking mechanism. The second endboard body is configured to be movable between a storage position and a deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the second endboard body in at least one of the storage position and the deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The second endboard body is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress to/from the frame when the second endboard body is in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, Jack Barney Sing
  • Patent number: 8166588
    Abstract: An adjustable swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a pole and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angle lift member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled lift member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled lift member may be braked or motorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 8122530
    Abstract: An adjustable hand rail has a wall-mountable base member and a bar member which mounts to the wall-mountable base member, an axis is defined by the bar member. The bar member is manually rotatable with respect to the wall-mountable base member. The bar member has means for being selectively locked into any one of a plurality of different axial positions with respect to the wall-mountable base member, including a vertical axial position, a horizontal axial position, and various intermediate axial positions between the vertical axial position and the horizontal axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: John W. Bailey, Steven H. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20110283456
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, an endboard, and a handle assembly. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The endboard includes a grip. The handle assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the endboard. The handle assembly includes a handle configured to rotate with respect to the endboard between a first position and a second position. The handle is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress from the person-support apparatus in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Fred Herman
  • Patent number: 8056162
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard H. Heimbrock, David W. Hornbach
  • Publication number: 20110185507
    Abstract: Assist handle assemblies and beds with an assist handle assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, an assist handle assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching to a support platform. A first support arm is pivotably attached to the mounting frame to rotate about a first axis. A second support arm is pivotably attached to the mounting frame to rotate about a second axis, which is different from the first axis. The first and second support arms remain substantially parallel while rotating about respective axes between various positions. In another embodiment, a bed assembly includes a bed frame with a mounting frame attached thereto. First and second support arms are pivotably attached to the mounting frame at first and second locations, respectively, to rotate between raised and lowered positions. A handle with an arcuate body is pivotably attached to the first and second support arms, maintaining a constant concave-down orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: ETHAN S. ABERNATHEY, Vishwanath A. Bhave
  • Patent number: 7987538
    Abstract: A bed support system may include first and second rails each including at least two legs connected at a top thereof by a handle. A first adjustable strap and a spaced apart second adjustable strap may be placed around the legs of the first and second rails. A method of installing a bed support system on a bed on a ground may include: positioning a first adjustable strap around first and second rails so that the first strap anchors around legs of the first and second rails; positioning a bed frame over the first strap to aid in anchoring the first strap to the first and second rails; positioning a box spring onto the bed frame; and positioning a second adjustable strap over the box spring and around the first and second rails so that the second strap anchors around the legs of the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kimball Care Products, LLC
    Inventor: Carol Burk Kimball
  • Patent number: 7984524
    Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member, a bottom leg and a top leg. Top and bottom pivot brackets are attached to a vertical surface. An end of the bottom leg is pivotally engaged with the bottom pivot bracket and an end of the top leg is pivotally engaged with the top pivot bracket. A double knee support is preferably attached to the bottom leg. The vertical surface may be replaced with a moveable support pole, a rigid support pole, a support post or a wall mounted support post. A second embodiment of the swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and a bottom leg. The angled lift member includes a lift channel, a lift bar, a lead screw and a drive motor. A set of controls are located on the lift bar to operate at least one motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 7913333
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A. Dusheck
  • Publication number: 20110010864
    Abstract: A hospital bed is equipped with a patient mobility aid device having at least one adjustable lateral grip that aids the patient in performing certain movements such as entering or exiting the bed. The patient mobility aid device includes a support crossmember having a length oriented along a width of the bed. Couplers at the ends of the crossmember attach to frame elements of the bed. The crossmember houses at least one arm to which the adjustable lateral grip is coupled. The at least one arm extends and retracts with respect to the crossmember.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Duvert
  • Publication number: 20100325805
    Abstract: A foot brace for use with a bed includes a rear wall configured to extend adjacent a footboard of the bed and a front wall configured to extend from generally adjacent one side of the bed to generally adjacent an opposed side of the bed. The foot brace includes at least two telescopic rods each extending from the front wall to the rear wall. The telescopic rods are each lockable at a first extension configuration that separates the front wall from the rear wall and a second extension configuration that separates the front wall from the rear wall such that the front and rear walls are separated by one distance when the telescopic rods are at the first extension configuration and another distance when the telescopic rods are at the second extension configuration. An adjustable fastener removably couples one of the rear wall and the front wall to the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Kraus, Joyce Kraus
  • Patent number: 7845033
    Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant, Mark E. Jensen, Michael Bargiel, Michael F. Hoft, Richard Walters
  • Patent number: 7805789
    Abstract: An apparatus to assist users in getting in and out of bed is herein disclosed, comprising a handle assembly approximately three (3) feet long and positioned in a horizontal configuration along the frame of the bed. During use, it pivots upward to a vertical configuration at the midpoint of the side of the bed by use of a spring-loaded pivot point. A small release button at the top of the handle allows it to move from its horizontal position to its vertical position and back again. Thus it can aid someone in getting in or out of bed, yet fold away so as to not be noticeable under a bed spread or comforter when not in use. The apparatus is viewed as being ideal for those who may be suffering from back pain or who are unable to lie down or get up without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Ronald Dean
  • Patent number: 7805788
    Abstract: A device to enable a bedridden patient to adjust their position in a bed without additional aid is herein disclosed. The device comprises two (2) “L”-shaped parts connected along a long axis. A first section is placed in between a mattress and footboard, while a second section is laid upon a top of the bed. The overall length would vary to suit individual users of all sizes. A locking handle permits quick adjustments to the length. A baseplate has a non-slip surface for safety. A foot support is contoured for comfort. In use, the device is placed upon the bed and the user pushes with their foot against the foot support which transfers the force down the shaft of the device to the foot board, permitting a patient to adjust their position in the bed. The device can be permanently mounted or be removable therefrom the bed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Melinda Proctor, Vernon P. Proctor
  • Patent number: 7797775
    Abstract: An mobility assistance device providing support for a user on a bed or similar furniture is disclosed. The mobility assistance device may include a support member that can be coupled to a piece of furniture and a support handle that is movable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the support member. The support handle is movable from an operating position to a stowed position. A locking mechanism may secure the support handle in the raised operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Stander, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 7775228
    Abstract: A personal easy lifting device has mounting units with adjustable legs forward of handle members and supports to facilitate positioning forward aspects of the supports in close proximity to a firm edge of an article of furniture with which the device is to be used to assist a person in rising, such as from a sitting position, from an article of furniture to a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Michael W. Clark
  • Publication number: 20100064442
    Abstract: A patient load support for use with elongate beds comprises a frame, and a grip supported relative to the frame. The grip is supported for longitudinal movement, and independent lateral movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: JOERNS HEALTHCARE, INC.
    Inventors: George E. Riehm, Douglas B. Winner
  • Patent number: 7640606
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark A Flannery, Nathan A Dusheck
  • Publication number: 20090235463
    Abstract: A climbing bar is disclosed which may be affixed to a medical examination table to assist patients in getting on or off of the table or rotating to sit upon the table. The climbing bar of the instant invention may be adjusted such that the handle of the climbing bar is either secured in a horizontal position when not in use or in a vertical position when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Daren Garb, George Kenneth Bushek, JR.