Abstract:
A removable handrail system for recreational vehicles and similar vehicles is herein disclosed, located and installed along side steps of said vehicles and used to access the door or other similar location. It is intended for use on motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, truck campers and virtually any vehicle which utilizes one (1) or more steps for access and comprises a hitch-like receiver assembly that mounts on the side of the step assembly directly underneath the door or upper platform. The handrail slides into the receiver and is secured via a locking bolt. The handrail is adjustable to compensate for varying grades. When fully installed, the device is supported at two (2) points and forms a very stable handrail for entering and exiting the vehicle. It is quickly installed and removed with a minimum of tools and can be stored in a narrow storage compartment when not in use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention filed on Mar. 24, 2008 at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design in Washington, Pa. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to handrail assemblies for stairs and steps and, more particularly, to an attachable hand rail and bracket assembly for use with vehicle entryway steps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Millions of Americans enjoy camping and traveling as their preferred leisure time activity. A great number of these people choose to do so in recreational vehicles (RV&#39;s) that range in size from small pop-up campers that are designed to be towed behind a car or truck to large motorized RV&#39;s with integral engines. Most of these vehicles have a floor system that is several feet about ground level. As such, they must be accessed with a step system that provides at least one (1) step depending on the height of the vehicle entryway. However, hand rails are typically not provided. When hand rails are provided, they are typically only a small collapsible handle that may extend outward only a short distance. One (1) solution to this problem has been the use of attachable hand rails that adjacently mount to the steps of the vehicle. Typically these attachable hand rails also swing out when in use and fold away when not in use and are ordinarily unstable and come no where near the bottom of the steps, at grade level, where a conventional permanent stairway hand rail would be located. Thus, access for the elderly, disabled, and the like is extremely difficult and often times hazardous. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome these problems and provide hand rail assemblies. These attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,352, issued in the name of Evans, describes a foldable hand rail for a side entrance of a camper trailer. The Evans hand rail comprises a top end that is pivotally carried within a bracket that is mounted to the side of the camper. The hand rail swings up from a downwardly-hanging position to an outwardly inclined position during use and is supported by a pivotally mounted strut which is connected through the use of a throw arm. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,547, issued in the name of Osterholm, describes an apparatus and method for a collapsible hand rail for mounting on a wall structure adjacent to a doorway. The Osterholm apparatus comprises a plurality of mounting fixtures to which a hand rail structure is pivotally connected and a bracing bar that is connected between the wall structure and a post member of the hand rail structure and further comprises a collapsed position and an extended position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,572, issued in the name of Lehr, describes a retractable, telescoping hand rail for recreational vehicles that extends or retracts for use with the retractable stairs of the vehicle are extended or retracted. The Lehr hand rail comprises an upper rail that is pivotally attached to an outer wall of the vehicle on one end and a lower rail that is pivotally attached to the stairs of the vehicle on one (1) end. The unattached ends of the upper rail and the lower rail are telescopingly engaged enabling the lower rail to extend downward and outward from the upper rail for use by a person entering the vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,468, issued in the name of Marshall et al., describes a hand rail and bracket assembly that comprises a pair of wall-mounted brackets having two (2) off-set channels that receive the hand rail. 
     Additional relevant attempts to address these problems can be seen by reference to several other U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,261,550, issued in the name of Gregory, which describes a foldable hand rail structure; 5,024,420, issued in the name of Downing, which describes a foldable hand rail assembly; 5,116,025, issued in the name of Kiniry, which describes a cantilevered, retractable hand rail; and 7,007,366, issued in the name of Eby, which describes a method for installing a foldaway hand rail to a vehicle. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for hand rails exist, particularly, U.S. Pat. Nos. D 374,581 and D 509,905. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from the one (1) or more of the common disadvantages of most attachable hand rails, which includes complex mechanical mounting assemblies, a lack of suitable stability to a user, and a deficiency in size to provide support to and from ground level. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which safe and easy hand rail support for recreational vehicle steps can be provided. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an adjustable hand rail which is adaptable to various vehicle configuration and is easily installed, removed, and stored that is ideal for elderly or disabled users when entering and exiting a raised vehicle and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle that provides a means for easily attaching and detaching a rail assembly along a set of access steps that is intended to be used with motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, campers, and any similar vehicle which have one (1) or more access steps. 
     Another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a device comprising a rail assembly further comprising an upper and a lower rail that are angled downwardly and away from the existing recreational vehicle, at least a first and a receiving paling which are attached to the upper and lower rails such that the upper and lower rails remain aligned parallel to each other during operating conditions, and a mounting assembly that is removably attached to a lower end of the rail assembly that comprises a receiving bracket having a first receiving end. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a lower rail comprising a first insertion end is located at a proximal end that is insertingly connected to the first receiving end. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a mounting assembly that is adapted to be attached to a mounting surface of the recreational vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle it to provide a receiving bracket comprising an internally threaded fastening aperture through an outside surface and a first fastener which is threadably positioned into the fastening aperture. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a device comprising a leg having a second insertion end disposed at an upper portion which is inserted into a second receiving end of the receiving paling. The leg further comprises a foot disposed at a distal end which is adapted to be supported on a ground surface. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a lower rail that is located subjacent to the upper rail which provides a means to stabilize the rail assembly during operating conditions. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a device comprising the first insertion end which is inserted into the first receiving end of the receiving bracket and the first fastener which is threadably tightened, such that the first insertion end is clamped within the receiving bracket for statically maintaining the lower rail within the receiving bracket. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a device comprising a rib located around an entire perimeter of the first insertion end having an outer dimension larger than an outer dimension of the first receiving end which prevents the first insertion end from penetrating beyond a predetermined limit within the first receiving end of the receiving bracket. 
     Yet still another object of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides access to recreational vehicle interiors in a manner which is not only quick, easy and effective, but safe as well. 
     Further objects and advantages of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first mounting assembly  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a close up view of the detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle  10  depicting a first insertion end  24  and a first receiving end  33 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the first mounting assembly  30 , depicting an alternate method of installation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first mounting assembly  30 , depicting yet another method of installation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 detachable hand rail for recreational vehicles 
               
               
                 20 
                 rail assembly 
               
               
                 21 
                 upper rail 
               
               
                 22 
                 lower rail 
               
               
                 23 
                 paling 
               
               
                 24 
                 first insertion end 
               
               
                 25 
                 rib 
               
               
                 26 
                 contact end 
               
               
                 27 
                 second receiving end 
               
               
                 28 
                 receiving paling 
               
               
                 29 
                 end cover 
               
               
                 30 
                 mounting assembly 
               
               
                 31 
                 mounting tab 
               
               
                 32 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                 33 
                 first receiving end 
               
               
                 34 
                 mounting aperture 
               
               
                 50 
                 leg 
               
               
                 51 
                 second insertion end 
               
               
                 55 
                 foot 
               
               
                 60 
                 first fastener 
               
               
                 62 
                 first fastener aperture 
               
               
                 64 
                 second fastener 
               
               
                 100 
                 vehicle 
               
               
                 105 
                 access steps 
               
               
                 110 
                 mounting surface 
               
               
                 115 
                 contact surface 
               
               
                 120 
                 access door 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a detachable hand rail for a recreational vehicle (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for easily attaching and removing a rail assembly  20  therealong a set of access steps  105  of a recreational vehicle  100  or a similar vehicle. The device  10  is intended to be used with motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, campers, and any similar vehicle  100  which comprises one (1) or more access steps  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  preferably comprises square or round channel made of a durable, light-weight weather resistant material such as metal, thermoplastic, or the like and fabricated using standard manufacturing techniques. The device  10  generally comprises a rail assembly  20  and a mounting assembly  30 . The rail assembly  20  removably attaches thereto the mounting assembly  20  thereat a lower end. The mounting assembly  30  is attached thereto a mounting surface  110  which is preferably a lower frame member of the vehicle  100  or a side frame portion of the access steps  105 . The mounting assembly  30  is attached thereto the mounting surface  110  in such a manner as to not interfere with the deployment and operation of the access steps  105  or the operation of the vehicle  100 . The rail assembly  20  is removably connected thereto the mounting assembly  30  when in an in-use state as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The rail assembly  20  is further intended to be laid flat or hung when in a stowed state. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The rail assembly  20  comprises an upper rail  21 , a lower rail  22 , at least one (1) paling  23 , and a receiving paling  28 . The upper rail  21  provides a gripping and support member to a user of the device  10  and comprises a generally downward angle therefrom a contact surface  115  which approximates a slope of the access steps  105 . The upper rail  21  further comprises an end cover  29  which is located thereon an outside vertical surface of the contact end  26  of said upper rail  21 . The end cover  29  comprises a material such as rubber or the like and provides a means of protection to the contact surface  115  when the contact end  26  of the upper rail  23  rubs against said contact surface  115 , thus preventing damage to the outer wall of the vehicle  100 . The lower rail  22  is subjacent thereto the upper rail  21  and provides a means of support and stability thereto the rail assembly  20 . The rail assembly  20  further comprises at least one (1) paling  23  and a receiving paling  28  which are attached therebetween the upper rail  21  and the lower rail  22  and provide a means of stability and support thereto the same. The rail assembly  20  may further comprise any plurality of palings  23  spread throughout the length of the upper and lower rails  21 ,  22  to provide appropriate support depending upon the size of device  10 . A first insertion end  24  is located thereon a proximal end of the lower rail  22  and is insertingly connected thereinto a first receiving end  33  which is located thereon the mounting assembly  30 . The first insertion end  24  comprises a generally horizontal length which is appropriately sized as to be inserted thereinto a receiving bracket  32  of the mounting assembly  30 . The mounting assembly  30  comprises an internally threaded fastening aperture  62  located therethrough an outside surface of the mounting bracket  32  which accepts a first fastener  60 . The first fastener  60  comprises a clamping bolt or the like which makes contact therewith the inserted first insertion end  24  and locks the same. 
     The device  10  further comprises a leg  50  which provides an adjustable means of support to a distal end of the rail assembly  20 . The leg  50  is preferably made of a similar material as that of the rail assembly  20  and comprises an outer dimension which is appropriately sized as to be insertingly connected thereinto a second receiving end  27  of the receiving paling  28 . The receiving paling  28  comprises the last and outer paling  23  of the rail assembly  20  and receivingly accepts a second insertion end  51  which comprises an upper portion of the leg  50 . A foot  55  is located thereon a distal end of the leg  50  and comprises a large base which provides additional ground contact surface area. The second receiving end  27  is located thereon a lower end of the receiving paling  28  and comprises a receiving aperture  62  which threadingly accepts a first fastener  60  which locks the leg  50  into a desired position and height. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the mounting assembly  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The mounting bracket  32  comprises a tubular member and a first receiving end  33 . The mounting assembly  30  further comprises a plurality of vertical mounting tabs  31 . The mounting tab  31  comprises at least one (1) mounting aperture  34  therethrough. The mounting apertures  34  align therewith corresponding apertures which are drilled therein the mounting surface  110  during the preparation and installation process. The mounting assembly  30  is attached thereto the mounting surface  100  via a plurality of second fasteners  64  which are preferably standard mechanical hardware such as nuts, bolts, screws, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a close up view of the device  10  depicting a first insertion end  24  and a first receiving end  33 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The rail assembly  20  further comprises a rib  25  located therearound the first insertion end  24  which comprises an outer dimension larger than that of the first receiving end  33 , thus providing a means of maximum insertion thereto said rail assembly  20 . The first insertion end  24  is inserted thereinto the first receiving end  33  of the mounting assembly  30  and the first fastener  60  is threadingly tightened such that said first insertion end  24  is clamped therewithin the mounting bracket  32 , thus locking the same into position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the mounting assembly  30  depicting an alternate method of installation, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The mounting assembly  30  may alternatively be attached thereto the mounting surface  110  via welding or the like and alternatively introduced comprising a plurality of mounting tabs  31  lacking the mounting apertures  34 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the mounting assembly  30  depicting yet another alternate method of installation, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The mounting assembly  30  provides a means for removing any one (1) or more mounting tabs  31  as needed due to structural interferences thereon the mounting surface  110 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4  and alternatively in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: preparing the vehicle  100  for attachment of the mounting assembly  30  by pre-drilling apertures therein the mounting surface  110  which align therewith the mounting apertures  34  therein the mounting tabs  31 ; attaching said mounting assembly  30  thereto said mounting surface  110  via the second fasteners  64 ; connecting the rail assembly  20  thereto said mounting assembly  30  by insertingly connecting the first insertion end  24  thereinto the first receiving end  33 ; engaging the first fasteners  60 , thereby locking said rail assembly  20  thereto said mounting assembly  30 ; extending the leg  50  to an appropriate height such that the foot  55  is in contact with the outside ground surface; locking the leg  50  into position by engaging and tightening the first fastener  60 ; entering and exiting the access door  120  in a normal manner utilizing the access steps  105  and said device  10  for additional support; removing said rail assembly  20  therefrom said mounting assembly  30  when not in use; stowing said rail assembly  20  in a flat location, hanging from a hook, or the like for transport and during vehicle  100  operation; and, benefiting from the increased safety and additional support afforded a user of the present device  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.