Patent ID: 7559105
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for supporting an individual, and facilitating access to a user supporting structure, the apparatus comprising: a tubular handle having an arc member having a central angle of at least fifteen degrees, wherein the arc member has an arc length of at least three fisted hand widths of a user such that the arc member is sized to permit a user grasping the arc member to slide two hands along the arc member to pivot about the central angle to face another direction while retaining grasp of the arc member; a base configured to securely support the full weight of a user during movement around the handle, the base comprising an elongate member forming an angle with a horizontal plane, wherein the base is connectable to the user supporting structure; and a coupling coupled to the elongate member and configured to couple the handle to the elongate member such that the handle is extendable out away from the elongate member substantially within the horizontal plane; wherein the tubular handle, base, and coupling are configured to allow a user in a standing position to move freely within a space defined between the user supporting structure and the handle, base, and coupling when the base is connected to the user supporting structure.