Abstract:
A hand rail assembly for assisting the ingress and egress of a recreational vehicle. The hand rail assembly has a banister and a support structure, one end of each pivotally attached to the exterior of a recreational vehicle adjacent to a door, and the other end of each pivotally connected to each other. The hand rail assembly may be retracted to a storage position and extended in an operating position. A release mechanism coupled to the support structure provides for movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions. The release mechanism is controlled by a trigger member to allow for one-handed movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions while keeping the operator&#39;s hand away from pinch points, thus eliminating chances of injury. A LED lighting system integral to the banister provides illumination of the banister and surrounding area for additional safety.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to hand rails for recreational vehicles, trailers, campers and other structures for assisting in the ingress and egress of the structure, specifically hand rails that can be moved between a retracted storage position wherein the hand rail rests against the structure and an extended operating position wherein the hand rail extends outwardly from the structure. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Recreational vehicles, both towed and self-contained, travel about the country and a typically parked in camp-grounds. When parked and occupied, ingress and egress of the recreational vehicle is generally through a door in the side of the vehicle. Stairs at the door are usually required because of the terrain on which the vehicle is parked and the height of the vehicle floor from the ground. Although stairs are usually provided with the recreational vehicle, hand rails are not, and those provided are often times a vertical handle attached to the exterior of the recreational vehicle. Such a vertical handle does not generally extend sufficiently far from the side of the recreational vehicle to provide assistance to a person using the stairs. Thus, a need exists for providing a hand rail assembly that extends the length of the stairs for use therewith. Such a hand rail assembly may be separate from the vehicle—requiring construction placement adjacent to the door of the vehicle before it can be used—or affixed to the exterior of the recreational vehicle. 
   An additional consideration regarding the use of a hand rail assembly affixed to a recreational vehicle is that the recreational vehicle must conform to the width requirements for vehicles traveling on highways. Many times, the recreational vehicles are near the width limit such that any equipment on the exterior of the vehicle must not protrude very far from the vehicle. Therefore, any hand rail assembly affixed to the recreational vehicle must be retractable from the extended position so that the hand rail assembly can be stored against the recreational vehicle during travel. Thus, a need exists for providing a hand rail assembly that is affixed to the recreational vehicle and that can be moved between a storage position, retracted against the exterior of the vehicle, and an operating position, extending from the vehicle. 
   Folding hand rails have been previously disclosed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,550 discloses a handrail structure mountable to the exterior of a trailer home. One end of the handrail is pivotally connected to the trailer and the opposite end of the handrail is free. A brace pivotally connected to the trailer fits into a channel integral to the handrail. The brace slides within the channel for movement of the free end of the handrail between a retracted position and an extended position. The brace is lockable within the slide by a wing screw to keep the handrail in the desired position. To position the handrail, the handrail must be held in position while the wing-screw is loosened. Then, the handrail is moved to a second position and again held, manually, in the desired position while the wing-screw is tightened. Thus, to operate the hand rail requires the use of both hands and/or two people and the persons&#39; fingers are placed in danger of being caught within “pinch-points” of the handrail structure. 
   Other foldable hand rails have been suggested, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,029,352 and 5,024,420, that disclose different types of adjustable braces for supporting the handrail in an extending position. These inventions also require manual manipulation of a locking system to place and lock the adjustable braces in the desired position. Such manipulation may not be easily performed by one person and, again, creates “pinchpoints” with which persons manipulating the hand rail assemblies may be injured. 
   Another foldable hand rail invention is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,934, which attaches a lower end of an expandable hand rail to foldable stairs. The hand rail expands as the stairs are extended and retracts when the stairs are retracted. The disadvantage of such an invention is that the angle of the hand rail may be too slight or too steep to be of use, especially for people with limited mobility. Further, the hand rail is dependent on the operation of stairs attached to the recreational vehicle. If the recreational vehicle does not include foldable stairs, or if the stairs are inoperable, then the hand rail cannot be expanded. 
   Another disadvantage of the inventions discussed above is that none of the previous hand rails are self-illuminated whenever the hand rail structure is extended to provide illumination of the hand rail and surrounding area, including the stairs and door, at times of reduced visibility. Thus, an external light source is required to safely traverse the stairs, either attachable to the recreational vehicle or hand held, which presents additional problems. Further, any external light source must be manually activated, which may not be possible if the actuator for the external light source is located inside the recreational vehicle and a person is trying to use the stairs and hand rail external to the recreational vehicle. 
   Thus, it is desirable to have a hand rail assembly that is retractable for placing into a storage position and extendible into an operating position and that overcomes the above discussed disadvantages. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A hand rail assembly of the present invention comprise a banister and a support assembly. One end of the banister is connected to the exterior of a recreational vehicle, adjacent to a door, in such a manner as to allow the banister to pivot about the connection. One end of the support assembly is similarly attached to the recreational vehicle exterior. The free end of the banister is pivotally connected to the free end of the support assembly. In this manner, the hand rail assembly is moveable between a retracted storage position—with the banister and support assembly located adjacent to the exterior of the recreational vehicle by the door—and an extended operating position—with the banister and support assembly extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism allows the hand rail assembly to move between the storage position and the operating position. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the release mechanism is coupled to the support structure and actuated by a trigger-style-member. The release mechanism provides for one-handed latching and unlatching of the hand rail in which the hand is kept away from pinch points at the hinged locations and between the support assembly and the banister, thus eliminating the danger of injury during movement of the hand rail assembly. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the banister of the hand rail is transparent. A lighting system comprising of a liquid emitting diode (LED) is coupled with the transparent banister to provide illumination of the banister and surrounding area, including the stairs and door, when the hand rail assembly is in the extended, operating position. In one embodiment, the LED lighting system is placed inside a portion of the banister. In an alternative embodiment, the LED lighting system is affixed to the banister. The LED lighting system is actuated by moving the hand rail assembly to the operating position. When the lighting system is actuated, the recreational vehicle occupants can easily find the banister and, subsequently the stairs and door, at night time or other times of limited external lighting. 
   The hand rail assembly of the present invention may be used in either the storage position—assisting in the ingress or egress of the recreational vehicle before the hand rail assembly has been deployed—or the operating position—when the hand rail assembly is extended. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the hand rail of the present invention located on a recreational vehicle; 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view illustrating the lighted hand rail of the present invention as attached to an exterior of a recreational vehicle; 
       FIG. 2B  is an exploded view showing a lighting system insertable in the hand rail of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the mechanical devices comprising the hand rail of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view illustrating the components of the support assembly of the hand rail; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the hand rail of the present invention, showing the hand rail in the operating position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the hand rail, illustrating the hand rail as an operator prepares to move the hand rail of the present invention from an extended, operating position to a retracted, storage position; 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the hand rail of the present invention, illustrating the hand rail in an intermediate position during movement between the operating position and the storage position; and 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the hand rail in a retracted, storage position; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the following description, and for purposes of this invention, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “inner” and “outer” are used to differentiate between components and in no way limits or otherwise restricts the relative positions of the components. Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a hand rail assembly  10  attaches to an exterior of a recreational vehicle  5  adjacent to an opening  7  for egress and ingress, for example a door, by lower mounting bracket  110  and upper mounting assembly  120 . The hand rail assembly  10  comprises a banister  20 , attached at one end to the upper mounting assembly  120 , and a support assembly  30  attached at one end to the lower mounting bracket  110 . A free end of the banister  20  is attached to a free end of the support assembly  30 . The support assembly  30  is collapsible for movement of the hand rail assembly  10  between a retracted storage position and an extended operating position (as illustrated in FIGS.  5 - 8 ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 3A , the banister  20  comprises a structural material having a generally rectangular cross section. The banister  20  has an upper end  25  and a lower end  23 . A yoke  24  is affixed to a bottom surface of the banister  20  near the lower end  23  for pivotal attachment to the support assembly  30 . An opening  28  extending between opposing sides of the banister  20  near the upper end  25  is used to attach the upper end  25  of the banister  20  to the upper mounting assembly  120 . Preferably, the structural material of the banister  20  is transparent. More preferably, the structural material of the banister  20  is acrylic. 
   The support assembly  30  has an outer arm  35  and an inner arm  55  pivotally attached to the outer arm  35 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the outer arm  35  comprises a trough having a surface and opposing sides. The trough has an upper end  37  and a lower end  39 . Attachment ears  41  extend beyond the surface of the trough and are aligned with the opposing sides of the trough at the upper end  37  of the trough. Holes  43  within the attachment ears  41  provide pivotal attachment of the outer arm  35  to the lower mounting bracket  110 . Lower connection holes  45 , formed in opposing sides of the trough near the lower end  39  are used to pivotally connect the outer arm  35  to the inner arm  55 . A first set of cutouts  47  formed in opposing sides of the trough at the lower end  39  of the outer arm  35  provide a first locking position. A second set of cutouts  51  formed in opposing sides of the trough of the outer arm  35  near the upper end  37  provide a second locking position. Indentations  49  are cut in opposing sides of the trough intermediate the lower attachment holes  45  and the second set of cutouts  51 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner arm  55  comprises a ‘C’ shaped channel with two opposing sides, an upper end  57  and a lower end  59 . The inner arm  55  is of a size to be nestable within the trough of the outer arm  35  when the hand rail assembly  10  is retracted in the storage position. Upper connection holes  61  formed in the opposing sides of the channel near the upper end  57  for connecting the inner arm  55  to the outer arm  35 . Lower connection holes  63  formed in the opposing sides of the channel near the lower end  59  are used to connect the inner arm  55  to the banister  20 . At least one set of aligned slots  65  are formed in the opposing sides of the channel. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a preferred embodiment of the invention includes two sets of aligned slots  65 ,  65 ′ formed in the opposing sides of the channel intermediate the upper and lower connection holes  61 ,  63 . At least one tab  67  is created by a C-shaped cutout in one of the opposing sides of the channel intermediate the slots  65 ,  65 ′. In the preferred embodiment, two tabs are aligned on the opposing sides of the channel of the inner arm  55 . 
   Movement of the support system  30  between the storage and operating positions is accomplished by a release mechanism  70  coupled to the support system  30 . The release mechanism  70  comprises a rod  72  having a first end  74  and a second end  76 . The first end  74  of the rod  72  is insertable into the channel of the inner arm  55 . The rod  72  is of sufficient length such that when fully inserted into the inner arm  55 , the second end  76  of the rod  72  extends beyond the lower end  59  of the inner arm  55  to form an actuating member  78 . A first set of drive pins  80  is affixable to opposing sides of the rod  72  at the first end  74 . In a preferred embodiment, a second set of drive pins  82  is affixable to opposing sides of the rod intermediate the first set of drive pins  80  and the second end  76  of the rod  72 , the second set of drive pins  82  being aligned with the first set of drive pins  80 . Opening  84  extends through opposing sides of the rod  72  near the second end  76  for slidable attachment of the release mechanism  70  to the inner arm  55  and the banister  20 . At least one cavity  86  is formed in a side of the rod  72  intermediate the first and second set of drive pins  80 ,  82 . Preferably, two cavities  86 ,  86 ′ are formed on opposing sides of the rod  72 . The cavities  86 ,  86 ′ are of sufficient size to accommodate recovery elements  88  disposed therein. The recovery elements  88  are used to return the release mechanism  70  to its initial position after being actuated. The recovery elements  88  may be comprises of springs, compressible elements, elastic material or other flexible, resilient material. 
   The assembly of the support assembly  30  is accomplished by the following. Recovery elements  88  are inserted into the cavities  86 ,  86 ′ of the rod  72 . The rod  72  is then inserted into the inner arm  55  such that the first end  74  of the rod  72  is near the upper end  57  of the inner arm  55 . The actuating member  78  of the release mechanism  70  protrudes from the lower end  59  of the inner arm  55 . The rod  72  is aligned with the slots  65 ,  65 ′ formed in the opposing sides of the inner arm  55  and the first and second sets of drive pins  80 ,  82  are inserted through the slots of the inner arm and affixed to the rod  72 . One end of each of the recovery elements  88  is affixed to the tabs  67 ,  67 ′ formed in the opposing sides of the inner arm  55 . Finally, the lower attachment holes  45  of the outer arm  35  are aligned with the upper attachment holes  61  of the inner arm  55 . A fastener  136  is inserted through the attachment holes  45 ,  61 , pivotally connecting the outer arm  35  to the inner arm  55 . The fastener  136  comprises a rivet, a pin, a bolt, or other similar fastening component. 
   The opening  84  in the rod  72  of the release mechanism  70  is aligned with the lower attachment holes  63  in the lower end  59  of the inner arm  55  and with holes in the yoke  24  affixed to the banister  20 . A fastener  139  is inserted-through the holes in the yoke  24 , the inner arm  55  and the opening  84 , pivotally connecting the inner arm  55  and the banister  20 . The opening  84  of the rod  72  is shaped such that the rod  72  is pivotally connected the banister  20  along with the inner arm  55 , but also is slidably connected to the inner arm  55  independent of the pivotal movement afforded thereof. The actuating member  78  of the release mechanism  70  extends from the lower end  59  of the inner arm  55  and is oriented away from the banister  20  to allow access to the actuating member  78  for movement of the hand rail assembly  10  between the storage and operating positions 
   In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the actuating member  78  of the release mechanism  70  is a trigger-style handle capable of being manipulated by one or more fingers of an operator. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2B , a lighting system  90  is attached to the upper end  25  of the banister  20  for illumination of the banister  20  and surrounding area when the hand rail assembly  10  is in the operating position. The lighting system  90  comprises an end cap  92 , a light emitting diode (LED)  94 , a circuit board  96 , and a cover  99 . The end cap  92  fits over and covers the upper end  25  of the banister  20 . The LED  94  is mounted on one surface of the circuit board  96 . The circuit board  96  and LED  94  are inserted into the end cap  92  such that the LED  94  is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the banister  20  for illumination thereof. Wires  98  are connected to a surface of the circuit board  96  opposite the LED  94  and extend between the circuit board  96  and an electrical power source (not shown) within the recreational vehicle  5 . The circuit board  96  also includes an actuating switch which operates the LED  94 . The cover  99 , is attached to the end cap  92  opposite the upper end  25  of the banister  20 , thereby enclosing the circuit board  96  and LED  94  within the end cap  92 . Electrical power from the recreational vehicle  5  flows through the wires  98  to the circuit board  96  and continues to the LED  94  when the hand rail assembly  10  is in the operating position, thus providing illumination of the banister  20  and surrounding area. The lighting system  90  is enclosed by the upper mounting assembly  120  when the upper end  25  of the banister  20  is attached to the upper mounting assembly  120 , thereby protecting the lighting system  90  from impact and environmental damage. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the hand rail assembly  10  as disclosed above can be attached to a recreational vehicle  5  during manufacture (factory installed) or after the purchase thereof (after market installation). The upper mounting assembly  120  and the lower mounting bracket  110  are attached to the exterior of the recreational vehicle  5 . The tabs  41  of the outer arm  35  of the support assembly  30  are aligned with the lower mounting bracket  110 . A fastener  133  is inserted through holes in the tabs  41  and the lower mounting bracket  110 , pivotally attaching the support assembly  30  to the recreational vehicle  5 . The opening  28  in the upper end  25  of the banister  20  is aligned with the upper mounting assembly  120 . A fastener  130  is inserted through holes in the upper mounting assembly  120  and the opening  28  of the banister  20 , pivotally attaching the upper end  25  of the banister  20  to the recreational vehicle  5 . Fasteners  130 ,  133  comprise rivets, pins, bolts, or other similar fastening components. Wires  98  from the lighting system  90  disposed between the upper end  25  of the banister  20  and the upper mounting assembly  120  are attached to an electrical power source within the recreational vehicle  5 . The banister  20 , inner arm  55  of the support assembly  30 , and the release mechanism  70  are pivotally connected as described above. Thus, the hand rail assembly  10  is ready for use. 
   The operation of the hand rail assembly  10  by a person (hereinafter referred to as “operator”  100 ) is disclosed below and shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . The hand rail assembly  10  is in the retracted, storage position against the exterior of the recreational vehicle  5  while traveling. In the storage position, as illustrated by  FIG. 8 , the second set of cutouts  51  in the outer arm  35  are engaged by the second set of drive pins  82  of the release mechanism  70 , locking the hand rail assembly  10  in the retracted, storage, position. The first set of drive pins  80  are disposed within the indentations  49  formed in the outer arm  35 . Upon stopping and preparing the recreational vehicle  5  for occupation, the operator  100 , stands before in front of the door  7  of the recreational vehicle  5 , facing the hand rail assembly  10  adjacent thereto. The operator  100  grasps the lower end  23  of the banister  20 , where the banister  20 , the support assembly  30  and the actuating member  78  of the release mechanism  70  are located. Using one finger (or more if desired), the operator  100  “squeezes” the trigger-style handle of the actuating member  78 , disengaging the second set of drive pins  82  from the second set of cutouts  51  in the outer arm  35  of the support assembly  30 . Upon disengagement, the hand rail assembly  10  is released for movement from the retracted storage position to the extended operating position (illustrated in FIGS.  6  and  7 ). When the hand rail assembly  10  reaches the operating position, the operator  100  releases the trigger-style handle of the actuating member  78 , thereby engaging the first set of drive pins  80  in the first set of cutouts  47  in the outer arm  35  of the support assembly  30 , thus locking the hand rail assembly  10  in the operating position (illustrated in FIG.  5 ). With the extension of the hand rail assembly  10  to the operating position, the LED  94  of the lighting system  90  at the upper end  25  of the banister  20  is activated, providing illumination of the banister  20  and the surrounding area. When the recreational vehicle  5  is being prepared for travel, the operator  100  “squeezes” the trigger-style handle of the actuating member  78 , disengaging the first set of drive pins  80  from the first set of cutouts  47  in the outer arm  35  of the support assembly  30 . The operator  100  then retracts the hand rail assembly  10  until the hand rail assembly  10  is adjacent the door  7  of the recreational vehicle  5 . Once the storage position is reached, the operator  100  releases the trigger-style handle of the actuating member  78 , engaging the second set of drive pins  82  in the second set of cutouts  51  in the outer arm  35  of the support assembly  30 , thus locking the hand rail assembly  10  in the storage position and ready for travel. The first and second sets of drive pins  80 ,  82  slide within the slots  65 ,  65 ′ in the inner arm  55  during engagement and disengagement, as does the rod  72  relative to the inner arm  55  and the banister  20  by the fastener  139  moving within the opening  84  of the rod  72 . Because the hand rail assembly  10  securely locks in the storage position, the hand rail assembly  10  can also be used in the storage position to enter or exit the recreational vehicle  5  if desired. Throughout the movements of the hand rail assembly  10  as discussed above, the operator  100  is kept well clear of any “pinch points” of the hand rail assembly  10 , thus significantly reducing the risk of being injured during movement thereof. Further, movement of the hand rail assembly  10  may be accomplished by the operator  100  without additional assistance. 
   It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.