Abstract:
The replaceable grip for mobility devices includes a cylindrical handle portion which includes an opening for installing the grip over the frame of the mobility device. The grip further includes a mechanical means such as mating holes and protuberances or mating teeth which removably fasten the handle to the mobility device such that the grip is prevented from slipping. The grip provides a replaceable, sanitary, stable grasping point for the user of the mobility device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/569,468, filed May 7, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to grip handles and more particularly to an easily replaced grip handle for mobility, support and seating devices.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Many types of mobility, support and seating devices include grip handles. For example, walkers, crutches and canes employ grip handles. In previous devices, the grip handle is fixedly attached to the device and can not be removed by the consumer if damaged or soiled or for any other purposed. Instead, the device must be returned to the manufacturer if the grip handle needs to be replaced. Furthermore, if the walker is used by different people, sanitary issues arise. For example, if such devices are provided on a rental basis for temporary use, it is costly and time consuming to replace the grip handles for subsequent users.  
         [0006]     Previously known grip apparatuses are for sanitary purposes and cover handles used by many individuals. The grips are disposable or reusable and provide protection against germs or other unsanitary conditions left by prior users. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,066 discloses a reusable cover for grocery cart handles. While such a device provides a sanitary grasp for a grocery cart handle, it does not provide a stable, non-slip gripping surface as such stability is not contemplated in such a use. Numerous other such covers are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,764, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,377, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,319 and many others. None of these devices provides a stable, non-slip grip handle.  
         [0007]     Thus, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced easily when worn or when needed for sanitary reasons. Further, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced by the consumer. Finally, it is desired to make available a grip handle which attaches in a non-slip connection.  
         [0008]     An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which can be replaced easily when worn or when needed for sanitary reasons.  
         [0009]     An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which can be replaced by the consumer.  
         [0010]     An object of the present invention is to provide a grip handle which attaches in a non-slip connection.  
         [0011]     Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention addresses these needs by providing a replaceable hand grip for a framed device or for use on a handle which includes a grip apparatus which can substantially surround a portion of the framed device or handle and which includes a mechanical means for removably attaching the grip apparatus to the framed device or handle such that the grip apparatus remains in a desired stable, non-slip orientation. The grip apparatus is preferably made from plastic, a rigid foam, spring steel or a molded composite. The grip apparatus is generally cylindrical and includes a lengthwise opening to allow placement of the grip apparatus around the framed device or handle. In one embodiment, the framed device or handle includes one or more holes formed in the framed device or handle and one or more protuberances formed on the internal surface of the grip apparatus extending inwardly from the inner surface of the grip apparatus. In this embodiment, the protuberance extends into the hole as the grip apparatus is installed on the framed device or handle in order to provide a releasable but slip free connection between the grip and the framed device or handle. For added stability, more than one protuberance and hole are used in a linear orientation or in a non-linear orientation. In the preferred embodiment, the framed device includes an additional hole directly opposite each of the first holes. The protuberance, which is preferably hollow in this embodiment, extends into the first hole, passes through the framed device or handle and exits through the second hole. A fastener, such as a screw, snap-in pin or pop rivet, can be used to removably secure the protuberance in the installed configuration. Alternatively, the protuberance may extend into the first hole and the fastener can extend into the second hole such that they connect within the framed device or handle. In alternate embodiments, the framed device or handle includes protuberances which mate with holes in the grip apparatus or the external surface of the framed device or handle and the internal surface of the grip apparatus are formed with mating geometric surfaces, such as mating teeth, to provide a slip-free, removable connection between the grip and the framed device or handle. Finally, if desired, for comfort and/or to provide additional grip strength, the outer surface of the grip may be coated with a deformable material. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     A more complete description of the subject matter of the present invention and the advantages thereof, can be achieved by the reference to the following detailed description by which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a walker showing a prior art grip handle and a grip handle according to the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the grip handle according to the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an end view of the grip handle;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are side views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing  2  alternate embodiments of the ends of the grip handle;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the grip handle;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention from below as seen in use;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention from below;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a view of a walker with the alternate embodiment of the present invention removed;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a view of the inner surface of the alternate embodiment of the present invention and the hand bar of a walker;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a view of the inner surface of the alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  are end views of alternate embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention showing 2 alternate embodiments of the ends;  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the inner surface of the grip handle;  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the hand bar of the walker;  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the inner surface of the grip handle; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the hand bar of the walker. 
     
    
     ELEMENT LIST  
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               20  prior art grip handle  
               22  grip handle  
               24  walker  
               26  hole  
               28  protuberance  
               29  fastener  
               30  end of grip  
               32  alternate embodiment of end of grip  
               34  teeth  
           
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]     The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. While the invention has been described as being for a walker, use with any mobility, support or seating device which includes a grip handle is contemplated.  
         [0043]     As shown in the drawings, the present invention can be used on walkers. It can also be used on canes; crutches; wheel chairs; bed, bath, support and shower rails; foot stools; grab bars; commode, bath and shower chairs; as well as other devices employing a hand grip.  
         [0044]      FIG. 1  shows an example of a commonly used grip handle  20 . This handle  20  is not removable by the consumer. Instead, the walker must be returned to the manufacturer if the handle needs to be replaced. Furthermore, if the walker is used by different people, sanitary issues arise. Thus, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced easily when worn or when needed for sanitary reasons. Further, it is desired to make available a grip handle which can be replaced by the consumer. Finally, it is desired to make available a grip handle which attaches in a non-slip connection.  
         [0045]      FIG. 1  also shows one embodiment of the present invention in the form of a replaceable grip handle  22 . A walker  24  is commonly made from cylindrical metal tubing which is bent and welded, screwed or riveted into the desired frame which normally includes vertical legs, horizontal hand grip portions and other structural components. The present invention can be used with devices made from metal tubing as shown, as well as with devices made from other materials such as wood, plastic or a composite. The present invention is functional with any material from which walkers and other mobility devices can be manufactured.  FIG. 2  shows another view of the present invention installed on a walker  24 .  
         [0046]     The grip handle  22  shown in the drawings is formed from a semi-rigid plastic. The grip handle can also be formed from a rigid foam, spring steel or a molded composite. The material must be fairly durable to withstand regular use and must have a memory characteristic which allows the grip handle  22  to be deformed for installation yet return to a configuration which is snug about the walker  24 . If desired, the grip handle  22  can be coated with a deformable material for added comfort. The handle  22  is generally cylindrical in shape to fit around the cylindrical tubing commonly used for constructing mobility devices. If needed, the grip handle  22  can be formed in other shapes. The grip handle  22  can have either curved ends  30  or straight ends  32  as shown particularly in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ,  14  and  15 .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 3-8  show the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, opposing holes  26  are formed on either side of the frame of the walker  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , on the inner surface of the grip handle  22 , a protuberance  28  is formed which mates with the opposing holes  26  on the walker  24 . The grip handle is prevented from moving about the frame of the walker  24  by having the protuberance  28  extend into the first hole  26 , passing through the frame of the walker  24  and then exiting through the second hole  26  (see  FIG. 8 ). This embodiment provides additional stability for the grip handle  22 . The protuberance  28  may be formed from the same material as the grip handle  22 , as shown. Alternatively, the protuberance  28  may be metal, molded to a plastic, or other material, grip. If desired, the protuberance  28  can be hollow to allow for a fastener  29  to connect to the protuberance  28  through the opposing hole. The fastener  29  can be a screw, plastic snap-in pin, pop rivet or other such device. If desired, instead of extending through the second hole  26 , the protuberance  28  can extend into the first hole  26  and the fastener  29  can enter the second hole to connect to the protuberance  28  within the frame of the walker  24 .  
         [0048]      FIGS. 9-13  show an alternate embodiment of the invention in which one or more holes are formed in the frame of the walker  24 . In this embodiment, the protuberance  28  extends into each hole  26  but does not exit the frame of the walker  24 .  FIG. 9  shows this embodiment which does not include holes opposite from the entrance holes  26 . As described previously, each protuberance  28  formed on the inner surface of the grip handle  22  mates with a hole  26  on the walker  24 . The protuberances  28  may be formed from the same material as the grip handle  22 , as shown. Alternatively, the protuberances  28  may be metal, molded to a plastic, or other material, grip. By using more than one hole  26  and protuberance  28 , additional stability is provided. Furthermore, the protuberances  28  need not be located along the center of the grip handle  22  as shown in  FIG. 13   a . The protuberances  28  can be located on the sides of the grip handle  22  as shown in  FIG. 13   b . Furthermore, the protuberances  28  and holes  26  need not be in a straight line or directly opposite each other.  
         [0049]     In a further alternate embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the walker  24  may be formed with a plurality of protuberances  28  extending therefrom. One or more holes  26  are formed in the inner surface of the grip handle  22  to mate with the protuberances  28  on the walker  24 .  
         [0050]     While the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows one specific geometric design for mating the grip handle  22  to a mobility device, other designs are considered within the scope of this invention. The design must prevent the grip handle  22  from slipping around the structure of the mobility device. One alternative is shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . In this design, teeth  34  are formed along the length of the inner surface of the grip handle  22 . Additional teeth  34  are formed on the outer surface of the mobility device  24  which mate with the teeth  34  on the grip handle.  
         [0051]     Many improvements, modifications, and additions will be apparent to the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein and defined in the following claims.