Patent Publication Number: US-2021162290-A1

Title: Portable and expandable pre-gait parallel bars

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/655,620, filed Apr. 10, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is widely known that trauma patients can quickly lose muscle strength while in a hospital bed without periodic movement, such as daily walking. However, when patients are in an Intensive Care Unit, for example, they often have a variety of medical devices, monitor lines, ventilator hoses, IV lines, etc. attached to them (while in a large hospital bed). Such connections make it difficult or impossible to safely transport them to a rehabilitation center to begin pre-gait rehabilitation using standard pre-gait rehabilitation devices or equipment. Patients can also be quite disoriented and uncoordinated due to trauma, muscle atrophy, and/or medication while in intensive care. Thus, transporting such patients to another location for pre-gait rehabilitation can be complicated, time consuming, and dangerous. 
     SUMMARY 
     However, it has been recognized that these patients should begin pre-gait rehabilitation as soon as possible; otherwise, they risk prolonged rehabilitation or other possible complications. Early pre-gait rehabilitation without removing such patients from their location can substantially reduce rehabilitation times and improve patient outcomes. Accordingly, a portable rehabilitation assembly for pre-gait rehabilitation of a patient can comprise first and second lower support bars positioned substantially parallel to each other, and a cross-member coupling the first and second lower support bars to each other proximate back ends of the first and second lower support bars. Front ends of the first and second lower support bars can form a front region. A first pair of vertical frame members can be coupled to the first lower support bar, and a second pair of vertical frame members can be coupled to the second lower support bar. A first hand rail can be coupled to the first pair of vertical frame members, and a second hand rail can be coupled to the second pair of vertical frame members and positioned substantially parallel to the first hand rail, such that the first and second hand rails and the front region form an unobstructed walkway from the front region to a back region of the portable rehabilitation assembly. A first pair of wheels coupled to the first lower support bar, and a second pair of wheels coupled to the second lower support bar, such that the first and second pairs of wheels are situated within a lateral distance defined by a width between the first and second lower support bars. 
     The present disclosure sets forth a portable rehabilitation assembly for pre-gait rehabilitation of a patient comprising first and second arced supports positioned substantially parallel to each other and configured to contact a ground surface. An adjustable cross-member can couple the first and second arced supports to each other proximate back ends of the first and second arced supports to adjust a width of the portable rehabilitation device. Front ends of the first and second arced supports can form a front region. A first pair of vertical frame members can be coupled to the first arced support, and a second pair of vertical frame members can be coupled to the second arced support and opposing the first pair of vertical frame members. A first hand rail can be coupled to the first pair of vertical frame members, and a second hand rail can be coupled to the second pair of vertical frame members and positioned substantially parallel to the first hand rail to form an unobstructed walkway from a back region proximate the back ends to the front region. 
     A method of using and/or transporting a portable rehabilitation assembly is provided, including operating an actuation mechanism to move the portable rehabilitation assembly between a stationary rehabilitation position and a portable rehabilitation assembly. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a portable rehabilitation assembly in a first lateral position, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric view of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A  in a second lateral position, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  is a front view of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1B  in a second lateral position. 
         FIG. 1D  is a left side view of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 1E  is an isometric view of a portion of an actuation mechanism of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1F  is a side view of a cam of the actuation mechanism of  FIG. 1E . 
         FIG. 1G  is an isometric view of a portion of the actuation mechanism of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1H  is a side view of a cam of the actuation mechanism of  FIG. 1E . 
         FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a rehabilitation assembly portion usable with aspects of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is an isometric view of a portion of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of a portion of a rehabilitation assembly portion useable with aspects of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of the portion of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is an isometric view of a portion of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of a portion of an actuation mechanism that can replace the actuation mechanism of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is an isometric view of a portion of the actuation mechanism of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a rehabilitation assembly portion usable with aspects of the portable rehabilitation assembly of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of a portion of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a cross sectional view of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  is a front view of the rehabilitation assembly portion of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a portable rehabilitation assembly, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a portable rehabilitation assembly, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     These drawings are provided to illustrate various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope in terms of dimensions, materials, configurations, arrangements or proportions unless otherwise limited by the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims. 
     Definitions 
     In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used. 
     The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a vertical frame member” includes reference to one or more of such features and reference to “extending” refers to one or more such steps. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility and imprecision associated with a given term, metric or value. The degree of flexibility for a particular variable can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. However, unless otherwise enunciated, the term “about” generally connotes flexibility of less than 2%, and most often less than 1%, and in some cases less than 0.01%. 
     As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context. 
     As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. 
     As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, or combinations of each. 
     Numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also to include individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should be interpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges. Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described. 
     Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein. 
     Portable Pre-Gait Rehabilitation Device 
       FIGS. 1A-1H  illustrate various aspects and components of a portable rehabilitation assembly  100 , in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The portable rehabilitation assembly  100  can comprise first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  positioned substantially parallel to each other along their lengths, and a cross-member  104  coupling together the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  proximate their back ends. Front ends of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  can form a front region  106   a , and back ends of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  can form a back region  106   b  opposite the front region  106   a  along the length of the assembly  100 . A first pair of vertical frame members  108   a  can be coupled to the first lower support bar  102   a , and a second pair of vertical frame members  108   b  can be coupled to the second lower support bar  102   b  and opposing the first pair of vertical frame members  108   a  in a lateral direction. A first hand rail  110   a  can be coupled to the first pair of vertical frame members  108   a , and a second hand rail  110   b  can be coupled to the second pair of vertical frame members  108   b  and positioned substantially parallel to the first hand rail  110   a . Typically, the first and second hand rails  110   a  and  110   b  can be horizontally oriented parallel to the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b , and perpendicular to the vertical frame members  108   a  and  108   b . Thus, the first and second handrails  110   a  and  110   b , and the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b , can form or define an unobstructed walkway W from the front region  106   a  to the back region  106   b.    
     Accordingly, a user or patient can walk along a ground surface G through the front region  106   a  while holding the handrails  110   a  and  110   b , such that the patient&#39;s movement or gait is unobstructed by the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  from the front region  106   a  to proximate the back region  106   b . Said another way, the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  does not have a platform or other structure covering the ground surface G along the walkway W 1 , which could be considered an “obstructed walkway” because the patient would need to walk onto or step over such platform to use the assembly. This can be a safety hazard. Accordingly, using the assembly  100  (and the other assemblies disclosed herein), the patient can merely use the existing ground surface G as a walkway, because the ground surface G directly supports the assembly  100 . Moreover, not having a platform can dramatically reduce the weight of a particular portable rehabilitation assembly, which contributes to the portability of the assembly  100 , for instance. 
     In one example, a pairs or a plurality of wheels  112   a - d  can be movably supported by respective first and second lower bars  102   a  and  102   b  for facilitating transportation of the portable rehabilitation assembly  100 , such as between usage by patients. In one example, the wheels  112   a - d  can be retractable wheels oriented on an underside of the first and second lower bars  102   a  and  102   b . Thus, the wheels  112   a - d  can be configured to allow the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  to be movable when the wheels  112   a - d  are extended from the support bars  102   a  and  102   b  for transport. 
     Typically, the wheels  112   a - d  can be “in-line” with the respective first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b . For example, a first pair of wheels  112   a  and  112   b  can be coupled to the first lower support bar  102   a , and a second pair of wheels  112   c  and  112   d  can be coupled to the second lower support bar  102   b . The first and second pairs of wheels  112   a - d  can each be situated within a lateral support distance D 1  defined by a width W 1  ( FIGS. 1B and 1C ) defined by the respective first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  (i.e., the lateral support distance D 1  can be defined by outer side surfaces of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b ). Thus, the wheels  112   a - d  are each in-line within the width of the respective support bars  102   a  and  102   b , so that no portion (or very little portion) of the wheels  112   a - d  extend outwardly or inwardly from the support bars  102   a  and  102   b , which can obstruct the walkway W and cause safety concerns of patients tripping over the wheels when using the assembly  100 . 
     The portable rehabilitation assembly  100  can comprise first and second actuation mechanisms  114   a  and  114   b  operably coupled to respective first and second pairs of wheels  112   a - d , and supported by respective first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b . The first and second actuation mechanisms  114   a  and  114   b  can be operable by a user to move the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  from a stationary rehabilitation position ( FIG. 1A ) to a portable position ( FIG. 1D ) by engaging and operating the first and second actuation mechanisms  114   a  and  114   b  to move the first and second pairs of wheels  112   a - d  to extended positions to interface with the ground surface G. Such operation thereby lifts ground contact points  116   a - d  of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  away from the ground surface G, so that only the wheels  112   a - d  are touching the ground surface G for transporting the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  in the portable position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D . Note that the wheels  112   a - d  may be slightly contacting the ground surface G when the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  is in the stationary rehabilitation position, but the majority of the support would be provided by the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  contacting the ground. 
     The terms or phrase “stationary rehabilitation position” refer to the position shown in  FIG. 1A  in which the ground surface G supports the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  so that the assembly  100  is ready for pre-gait rehabilitation by a patient. Conversely, the phrase “portable position” can mean the position shown in  FIG. 1D , for instance, in which the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  are lifted or raised upwardly away from the ground surface G, so that only the wheels  112   a - d  are interfaced to the ground surface G for wheeled movement of the assembly  100  by a clinician for transporting the assembly  100 . 
       FIGS. 1E-1H  show various aspects of the first and second actuation mechanisms  114   a  and  114   b , which can be similarly constructed as each other, and can be arranged with the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  for lifting them from the ground surface G (and for lowering the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  to the ground surface G for use). More specifically, the first actuation mechanism  114   a  (for use with lower support bar  102   a ) can comprise first and second cam mechanisms  118   a  and  118   b  ( FIGS. 1E and 1G ) that are situated at opposing ends of the first lower support bar  102   a . Note that  FIGS. 1E and 1G  do not show the ends of the first lower support bar  102   a  for purposes of illustration clarity. However, it should be appreciated from the below discussion and the drawings that the lower support bar  102   a  supports the pair of vertical frames  108   a  and various aspects of the cam mechanisms  118   a  and  118   b.    
     In some examples, the at least one actuation mechanism comprises a first cam device operably coupled to the first pair of wheels and supported by the first lower support bar, and a second cam device operably coupled to the second pair of wheels and supported by the second lower support bar. Thus, the first cam mechanism  118  can comprise a first pair of foot levers  120   a  (i.e., cam bodies or devices), which can each comprise a lobed or cam profile  121   a  that extends about sides of the foot lever  120   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 1F . The cam profile  121   a  can be defined by a first cam surface  123   a  that extends generally horizontally, and a second cam surface  123   b  that extends generally vertically from the second cam surface  123   a . A stop portion  123   c  extends between the first and second cam surfaces  123   a  and  123   b , which can be a rounded or curved protrusion proximate the turn or corner of the cam profile  121   a.    
     The foot levers  120   a  can be vertically supported by, and movable relative to, a bracket  122   a  coupled to the wheel  112   a . The bracket  122   a  can have side apertures  125  that receive respective pins (not shown) that extend through side apertures of the lower support bar  102   a  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). In this configuration, the lower support bar  102   a  can pivot about these pins relative to the bracket  122   a  when moved between the stationary and portable positions. Each foot lever  120   a  can be pinned to the lower support bar  102   a  via pins  127  (one shown) that extend through side apertures  129   a  of the foot levers  120   a  and through respective side apertures of the lower support bar  102   a . In this configuration, the lower support bar  102   a  can pivot about the pins  127  relative to the foot levers  120   a  when moved between the stationary and portable positions. 
     The first actuation mechanism  114   a  can further comprise an actuation rod  124   a  coupling together the first and second cam mechanisms  118   a  and  118   b . Thus, one end of the rod  124   a  can be pivotally pinned through rod apertures  129   b  of both foot levers  120   a  via a pin  131 . In this configuration, the foot levers  120   a  can pivot about the rod  124   a  when moved between the stationary and portable positions. Accordingly, when a user pushes downwardly on the foot levers  120   a  (when the assembly  100  is in the stationary position), the foot levers  120   a  roll about a planar surface of the bracket  122   a , such that the first cam surface  123   a  rolls and extends upwardly while the third cam surface  123   c  also rolls along the bracket  122   a . Then, the second cam surface  123   b  is laid generally horizontally along the planar surface of the bracket  122   a . This movement causes an upward force to the front end of the first lower support bar  102   a  via loads transferred through the pins between the bracket  122   a  and the support bar  102   a , then transferred through the pins  127  between the foot levers  120   a  and the support bar  120   a . Thus, rotational movement of the foot levers  120   a  causes linear movement of the lower support bar  102   a  relative to the wheel  112   a , which lifts the support bar  102   a  off the ground. This is, in part, because of the geometry of the foot levers  102   a , whereby the height of the foot levers  120   a  is increased when actuated and moved to the portable position. Note that the foot levers  120   a  can be moveable through top slots formed through upper surfaces of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b , as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Concurrently while the foot levers  120   a  are actuated and rotated downwardly, the second cam mechanism  118   b  is actuated via the actuation rod  124   a . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1G , the second cam mechanism  118   a  can comprise a pair of cam devices  120   b  that are similarly formed and arranged parallel to each other for facilitating movement of the wheel  112   b  relative to the lower support bar  102   a . The end of the actuation rod  124   a  can be situated laterally between the cam devices  120   b  (similarly as the foot levers  120   a ), and can be pinned to both cam devices  120   a  via a pin  133  that extends through an aperture of the actuation rod  124   a  and through respective apertures  135   a  of the cam devices  120   b . A bracket  122   b , coupled to the wheel  112   b , can be pinned to the back end of the lower support bar  102   b  via side apertures  137  and pins (not shown, but see  FIGS. 1A and 1B  for reference). The cam devices  120   b  can also be pinned to the lower support bar  102   a  via respective side pins  139  (one shown) that extend through respective side apertures of the lower support bar  102   a  and through apertures  135   b  of each cam device  120   b.    
     With respect to  FIG. 1H , the cam devices  120   b  can each comprise a cam profile  121   b  including first and second cam surfaces  143   a  and  143   b , and a stop portion  143   c  (similarly shaped as cam profile  121   a  of the foot lever  120   a  of  FIG. 1F ). Thus, when a pulling force is applied to the actuation rod  124   a  via operation of the foot levers  120   a  (discussed above), the cam devices  120   b  are pulled toward the left and rotated counterclockwise, such that the cam profile  121   b  rolls along a planar surface of the bracket  122   b  until the cam surface  143   b  is interfaced to the bracket  122   b . Because of the profile of the cam device  120   b , this rotation of the cam device  120   b  causes a linear lifting force against the end of the lower support bar  102   a  relative to the wheel  112   b . Once the foot levers  120   a  and the cam devices  120   b  have been rotated and actuated, their stop portions  123   c  and  143   c  are biased against the respective brackets  122   a  and  122   b  to act as stops which holds the assembly  100  in the portable position by supporting the weight of the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  (and the components supported thereon). Note that the actuation mechanism  114   b  on the other side of the assembly  100  operates in the same manner. Thus, the assembly  100  can be moved back to the stationary position by rotating the foot levers  120   a  and  120   c , which lowers the support bars  102   a  and  102   b  to interface with the ground surface, thereby reducing or eliminating a load between all the wheels  112   a - d  and the ground surface G. Alternatively, the assembly  100  can be automatically moved back to the stationary position by applying sufficient force (e.g., 60 pounds or more) downwardly onto the handrails  110   a  and  110   b  to overcome the friction force or load at the stop portions  123   c  and  143   c , so that the foot levers  120   a  and the cam devices  120   b  automatically rotate back to the positions shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1G , thereby moving the assembly  100  back to the stationary position for use. 
     With reference back to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the cross member  104  can comprise a lateral adjustment mechanism  128  that is operable to adjust (e.g., expand) a distance between the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b , thereby adjusting a distance between the first and second hand rails  110   a  and  110   b  and adjusting a width of the walkway W. The lateral adjustment mechanism  128  can comprise first and second telescopic support members or tubes  130   a  and  130   b  operate to telescope with each other to adjust a distance between the first and second lower support bars, and a distance between the first and second hand rails. The first tube  130   a  can be a square tube (or other shape) that slidably receives the second tube  130   b  bi-directionally. The second tube  130   b  can have upper holes for receiving a pin lock device  141  operable by a user to lock the first and second tubes  130   a  and  130   b  to each other by engaging a pin into one of the upper holes. Therefore, in this example the width between the hand rails  110   a  and  110   b  is only adjusted by operation of the lateral adjustment mechanism  128 , which also defines the width between the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  to accommodate for different sizes of patients and different gaits. This functionality is illustrated by comparing the wide or expanded position of  FIG. 1A  as compared to the narrow or collapsed position of  FIG. 1B . Note that the cross member  104  may alternatively comprise a single cross bar that is fixedly attached to the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b , so that the width of the assembly  100  is not adjustable. 
     Note that many existing hand rails are adjusted locally at the hand rail (i.e., not being adjustable by adjusting the width between lower support bars), which is disadvantageous because the entire lower profile or width of such prior systems remains the same (e.g., wide) while only the hand rails are adjusted laterally to be more narrow, for instance. Such traditional rehabilitation assembly can consume excessive floor space because the width of the base area remains the same regardless of the distance between the handrails, which can limit the areas that such traditional rehabilitation assembly can be transported around a facility and used by a patient. However, the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  of the present disclosure provides a configuration where the width of the assembly  100  can be adjusted by only operating the lateral adjustment mechanism  128 , which minimizes the floor space used by the assembly  100 , and maximizes the areas/easements that the assembly  100  can be transported through in a hospital or clinic environment without having to disassemble or reorient the assembly just to enter through a narrow doorway, for instance. 
     In some examples, first and second cross bars or tubes can each be hinged or pivotally coupled to respective first and second lower support bars (e.g.,  102   a  and  102   b ), and operated to be removably coupled to each other when in the stationary position. Thus, when such pivotable first and second cross bars or tubes are uncoupled from each other, they can each be pivoted inwardly toward respective first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  for a compact storage and transportation. In another example, hinges can be used to pivotally couple such the first and second tubes in an alternating manner so that the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  is collapsible on itself while the first and second telescopic support members remain engaged to each other (i.e., in a Z-shaped collapsible manner). 
     The first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  can comprise an arced or concave profile that extends from the back region to the front region of the portable rehabilitation assembly  100 . More specifically, each support bar  102   a  can comprise an upper convex portion  144   a  ( FIG. 1D ) that supports respective first and second pairs of vertical frames  108   a  and  10   b , and a lower concave portion  144   b  that supports respective first and second pairs of wheels. The arced profile of each lower support bar  102   a  and  102   b  can define a void  132  underneath the lower concave portion  144   b , such that the respective wheels  112   a - d  can be at least be partially (or wholly) situated within the void  132  of each lower support bar  102   a  and  102   b . Positioning the wheels  112   a - d  in this manner prevents the wheels  112   a - d  from extending outwardly beyond outer surfaces  134   a  and  134   b  of the respective first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  (see  FIG. 1C ). These outer surfaces  134   a  and  134   b  can define an overall or general lateral profile of the portable rehabilitation assembly  100 , because no other feature or portion extends outwardly beyond the outer surfaces  134   a  and  134   b . Thus, outer surfaces of each of the first and second lower support bars can define an overall lateral profile of the portable rehabilitation assembly, and the first and second pairs of wheels can be situated within the overall lateral profile. 
     The arced profiles of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  can define a lower perimeter boundary (e.g., a rectangular plane parallel to the ground) of the portable rehabilitation assembly  100 . Because of the aforementioned features, the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  is relatively narrow and streamlined along the lower sides of the assembly  100 , which helps to reduce the likelihood of individuals tripping on the wheels or other features that may typically extend outwardly along the floor area, as with prior assemblies. This streamlined side-to-side profile further prevents damage to walls and doorjambs when the rehabilitation assembly  100  is transported through hallways and doorways. Note that, because the wheels  112   a - d  may be omni-directional casters, when in use, a portion of the wheel(s) may pivot outwardly beyond the lower support bars, such as when turning the device around corners. Further, in some cases, the first and second wheels do not extend outwardly beyond the lower perimeter boundary defined by the first and second lower support bars. 
     The portable rehabilitation assembly  100  can comprises or define the unobstructed walkway W (e.g., a generally rectangular cuboid region) between the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  and the handrails  110   a  and  110   b , because the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  is devoid of a walkway or platform on which an individual/patient could walk along the ground surface G between the lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b . Thus, the patient is permitted to walk along the ground surface, not a platform, which reduces the likelihood of the patient tripping when ingressing or egressing the walkway. By not having a platform (like prior assemblies), this also reduces the likelihood of an uneven platform due to variations in the ground surface that may cause such platform to be skewed, which can make it difficult for effective pre-gait rehabilitation purposes, particularly if the platform and hand rails are unstable due to the uneven floor surface. Further to this concept and advantage, the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  can accommodate an uneven ground surface because the device  100  has only four ground contact points  116   a - d  (a four-surface contact point configuration) that can contact the ground surface at different heights along the ground surface. Because the lower support bars are only coupled to each other by the cross-member  104 , there may be some slight amount of permissible bending of the first and second lower support bars  102   a  and  102   b  relative to each other about the cross member, so that the four ground contact points  116   a - d  accommodate for an uneven ground surface because each ground contact point can rest on a different plane than other ground contact points. This configuration provides stability for the hand rails when in use because movement of the hand rails will be minimized (as opposed to a more unstable circumstance when supported by a flat platform on the ground that may wiggle on an uneven ground surface when in use). Such stability of the present assembly can be very important when a patient may be placing all of their weight on the hand rails when using the rehabilitation device while re-learning walking, for instance. 
     The first and second pairs of vertical frame members  108   a  and  108   b  can be selectively adjustable (vertically) to set a height of the first and second hand rails  110   a  and  110   b  relative to the ground surface G, which can be achieved with a spring/pin combination that locks and unlocks telescoping support members of the vertical frame members  108   a  and  108   b.    
     A length L 1  ( FIG. 1D ) of the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  can be less than five feet from the front region to the rear region. At least one of the front region  106   a  or the rear region  106   b  comprises a walkway opening  140  ( FIG. 1A ) that leads into the unobstructed walkway W, such that portable rehabilitation assembly  100  is transportable to be adjacent a hospital bed so that a patient can ingress or egress about the walkway opening  140  for pre-gait rehabilitation. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate various aspects of a rehabilitation assembly portion  200  of a portable rehabilitation assembly in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The rehabilitation assembly portion  200  shown in  FIG. 2A  can be a right-side assembly of a portable rehabilitation assembly having similarly construction and shape as shown in  FIG. 1A . As will be appreciated, the assembly portion  200  can be mirrored and duplicated, and coupled together by a cross member (e.g.,  104 ) to form a useable portable rehabilitation assembly. The assembly portion  200  can comprise a lower support bar  202   a  having a similar arced profile as support bar  102   a . A pair of wheels  212   a  and  212   b  can be movably coupled to the lower support bar  202   a , such that the wheels  212   a  and  212   b  are situated underneath the lower support bar  202   a  and within a void  232  defined by the arced profile of the lower support bar  202   a.    
     The rehabilitation assembly portion  200  can comprise an actuation mechanism  214   a  operably coupled or linked to the wheels  212   a  and  212   b , and supported by the lower support bar  202   a . The actuation mechanisms  214   a  can be operable to move the portable rehabilitation assembly (including the assembly portion  200 ) from a stationary rehabilitation position to a portable position by engaging and operating the actuation mechanism  214   a  (and also by engaging another actuation mechanism of an opposing rehabilitation assembly portion of an assembly like assembly  100 ). Operating the actuation mechanism  214   a  engages the pair of wheels  212   a  and  212   b  to the ground surface, which lifts ground contact points  216   a  and  216   b  of the lower support bar  202   a  away from the ground surface for transporting the portable rehabilitation assembly in the portable position. 
     The actuation mechanism  214   a  can comprise a pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  218   a  linked to both wheels  212   a  and  212   b  for moving the wheels  212   a  and  212   b  relative to the lower support bar  202   a . The pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  218   a  can comprise a foot or hand lever  220   a  that can be pulled in an upward manner (i.e., counterclockwise) to pivot first and second linkage devices  211   a  and  211   b , which are each pivotally coupled to each other on either ends of an actuation rod  224   a . Pulling upwardly on the lever  220   a  causes downward, linear movement of the wheels  212   a  and  212   b  relative to the support bar  202   a  to interface with the ground and lift the support bar  202   a . More specifically, the wheels  212   a  and  212   b  can translate vertically via telescopic rods  213   a  and  213   b  ( FIG. 2C ) that are slidably disposed through lower openings of respective wheel support portions  215   a  and  215   b  of the lower support bar  202   a . Such slidable movement of the rods  213   a  and  213   b , which are secured to respective wheels  212   a  and  212   b , upwardly lifts the lower support bar  202   a  from the ground surface G. 
     More particularly, the first and second linkage devices  211   a  and  211   b  can each be a 3-point or 3-bar linkage having a plurality of links pivotally coupled together by fasteners or pins  217   a - c , such that the linkage device  211   b , for instance, has a first axis of rotation about upper pin  217   a , a second axis of rotation about middle pin  217   b , and a third axis of rotation about lower pin  217   c . The links are arranged and configured to pivot relative to each other about the pins  217   a - c , so that when the lever  220   a  is pulled and rotated counterclockwise, the actuation rod  224   a  linearly moves to toward the right, which causes a torque or force to the links to eventually cause translation of the rods  213   a  and  213   b  linearly and upwardly into the support portions  215   a  and  215   b . This causes a lifting force to the support portions  215   a  and  215   b  of the lower support bar  202   a , thereby lifting the lower support bar  202   a  away from the ground. 
     The pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  218   a  is configured to remain in the actuated positon (i.e., the portable position) while a user pushes/rolls the device around the ground surface, and until such time that the user downwardly pushes the lever  220   a  to re-actuate the pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  218   a  in the opposite direction, thereby upwardly lifting the wheels  212   a  and  212   b , thereby causing the lower support bar  202   a  to contact the ground surface to return to the stationary rehabilitation position for use by a patient. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate respective front end and rear end sections of a rehabilitation assembly portion  300  in a portable position, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The rehabilitation assembly portion  300  can be similarly configured as the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  (e.g., having cross member, vertical frame members, hand rails, wheels, etc.). One noticeable difference is that a hand or foot lever  320   a  of a first actuation mechanism  318   a  (supported by a lower support bar  302   a ) can be actuated by a user to move between the portable and stationary positions. In this manner, a user can push down or pull up the foot lever  320   a  to move a portable rehabilitation assembly, including the assembly portion  300 , between the stationary rehabilitation positon and the portable position. 
     More specifically, the first actuation mechanism  318   a  can have an actuation rod  324   a  coupling together the foot lever  320   a  and a cam device  320   b  supported on either ends of the lower support bar  302   a . The foot lever  320   a  can be oriented orthogonally or transverse relative to the actuation rod  324   a , and can have a cam surface  313  that rolls about a planar surface of a bracket  322   a  supported by the first wheel  312   a  in response to operating the foot lever  320   a . The cam device  320   b  ( FIG. 3C ) can have a similar cam surface  313   b  that rolls about a planar surface of a bracket  322   b  supported by the wheel  312   b  when the foot lever  320   a  is actuated. The brackets  322   a  and  322   b  can be pivotally coupled to respective wheel support portions  315   a  and  315   b  via pins (not shown) through side apertures of the brackets  322   a  and  322   b . The wheel support portions  315   a  and  315   b  can be lower ends of vertical frame supports, or can be separate support structures attached below the lower support bar  302   a . Opposing ends of the actuation rod  324   a  can be biased to a respective lower side surface of each support portion  315   a  and  315   b  ( FIGS. 3B and 3C ). Thus, downward rotation of the foot lever  320   a  causes its cam surface  313  to roll about the bracket  322   a , which causes the actuation rod  324   a  to translate upwardly which applies a load to the support portion  315   a . Concurrently, the actuation rod  324   a  rotates about its central longitudinal axis to rotate the cam device  320   b , which roll about a planar surface of the bracket  322   b , which causes the other end of the actuation rod  324   a  to translate upwardly to apply a load to the support portion  315   b . The loads applied to the support portions  315   a  and  315   b  via the ends of the actuation rod  324   a  causes the lower support bar  302   a  to be lifted off from the ground surface while causing pivoting movement of the brackets  322   a  and  322   b  about the lower support bar  302   a , which causes the wheels  312   a  and  312   b  to interface to the ground to lift the lower support bar  302   a  from the ground. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another example of an actuation mechanism  418   a  of a portable rehabilitation assembly, and in a portable position, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. A particular portable rehabilitation assembly having the actuation mechanism  418   a  can be similarly configured as the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  (e.g., having a cross member, vertical frame members, hand rails, wheels, etc.). One noticeable difference is that a single foot lever  420   a  of the actuation mechanism  418   a  (supported by a lower support bar) can extend linearly and in a direction along a length of the support bar (so that the foot lever  420   a  does not extend from either side, like the foot lever of  FIG. 3A ). The foot lever  420   a  can be pushed down or pulled up to move the portable rehabilitation assembly between the stationary rehabilitation positon and the portable position. Note that  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show that actuation mechanism  418   a  in the actuated position, which would interface the wheels  412   a  and  412   b  to the ground to be in the portable position. 
     More specifically, the foot lever  420   a  can have a cam surface  413  (e.g., curved elbow) that rolls along a planar surface of a bracket  422   a  supported by a wheel  412   a . The bracket  422   a  can be pivotally coupled to the lower support bar via side apertures of the bracket, similarly as bracket  322   a  above. The actuation mechanism  418   a  can further comprise an actuation rod  424   a  that couples the foot lever  420   a  to a linkage  419  ( FIG. 4B ) of the actuation mechanism  418   a . The foot lever  420   a  can be pinned to the lower support bar via aperture  421 , and the linkage  419  can be pinned to the lower support bar via aperture  423 . Thus, actuation of the foot lever  420   a  causes a downward pushing force onto the bracket  422   a , which causes a lifting force to the lower support bar via the end of the foot lever  420   a  that is pivotally pinned to the lower support bar. Concurrently, the actuation rod  424   a  is pulled to the left, which pulls on the linkage  419 , which causes a downward force on the bracket  422   b , which causing a lifting force to the lower support bar to lift it off the ground while interfacing the wheels  412   a  and  412   b  to the ground for transportation. 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate various aspects of a rehabilitation assembly portion  500  in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The rehabilitation assembly portion  500  shown in  FIG. 5A  can be a right-side or left-side assembly of a portable rehabilitation assembly having similarly construction and shape as shown in  FIG. 1A  (e.g., cross bar, vertical frames, hand rails). As will be appreciated, the assembly portion  500  can be mirrored and duplicated, and coupled together by a cross member (e.g.,  104 ) to form a useable portable rehabilitation assembly. 
     The rehabilitation assembly portion  500  can comprise a lower support bar  502   a , and a pair of wheels  512   a  and  512   b  movably coupled to the lower support bar  502   a . The wheels  512   a  and  512   b  can be situated underneath the lower support bar  502   a  and within a void  532  defined by an arced profile of the lower support bar  502   a , similarly as described above. The rehabilitation assembly portion  500  can further comprise an actuation mechanism  514   a  operably coupled or linked to the wheels  512   a  and  512   b , and supported by the lower support bar  502   a . The actuation mechanisms  514   a  can be operable to move the portable rehabilitation assembly (including one or two of the assembly portions  500 ) from a stationary rehabilitation position to a portable position by engaging and operating the actuation mechanism  514   a . Operating the actuation mechanism  514   a  engages the pair of wheels  512   a  and  512   b  to the ground surface, which lifts ground contact points  516   a  and  516   b  of the lower support bar  502   a  away from the ground surface G for transporting the portable rehabilitation assembly in the portable position ( FIGS. 5A, 5C, and 5D ). 
     More particularly, the actuation mechanism  514   a  can comprise a pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  518   a  linked to or operably coupled to both wheels  512   a  and  512   b . The pivoting linkage actuation mechanism  518   a  can comprise a foot or hand lever  520   a  that can be pulled in an upward manner (the position shown in  FIG. 5A ) to operate or actuate first and second linkage devices  511   a  and  511   b . The first and second linkage devices  511   a  and  511   b  are coupled together on either ends of an actuation rod  524   a , so that operating the actuation mechanism  518   a  causes downward, linear movement of the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  relative to the support bar  502   a  to interface with the ground and lift the support bar  502   a . In this manner, the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  can translate vertically via telescopic rods  513   a  and  513   b  ( FIGS. 5A and 5C ) that are slidably disposed through lower openings of wheel support portions  515   a  and  515   b  of the lower support bar  502   a . Such slidable movement of the rods  513   a  and  513   b  (secured to the wheels) upwardly lifts the lower support bar  502   a  from the ground surface G. 
     More specifically regarding operation of the actuation mechanism  518   a , opposing pairs of linkage support plates  509   a  and  509   b  can be attached to or supported by the lower support bar  502   a , such that each plate of each pair of linkage support plates  509   a  and  509   b  are spatially separated and parallel to each other. The first and second linkage devices  511   a  and  511   b  can be supported by the respective pairs of linkage support plates  509   a  and  509   b . Each linkage device  511   a  and  511   b  can be a 3-bar or 3-point linkage system having a plurality of links or support members pivotally coupled together by fastener assemblies  517   a - c  ( FIG. 5B ). Note that the fastener assemblies  517   a - c  can each be an assembly of spacer(s), washer(s), bolt(s), and/or nut(s) arranged and configured to facilitate pivotal rotation of adjacent links coupled together by the particular fastener assembly. 
     In this configuration, the lever  520   a  can be pivotally coupled to upper ends of the pair of linkage support plates  509   a  via fastener assembly  517   a  through an upper aperture of the lever  520   a , and further pivotally coupled to the actuation rod  524   a  and to an intermediate linkage  525  via fastener assembly  517   b  that extends through apertures of the rod  524   a , the intermediate linkage  525 , and the lever  520   a . The other end of the intermediate linkage  525  can be pivotally coupled to a wheel support body  527  by fastener assembly  517   c . The wheel support body  527  comprises or supports the telescopic rod  513   a  that extends through the lower support bar  502   a  and that is coupled to or supported by the wheel  512   a . Note that, the second linkage device  511   b  (supported by linkage support plates  509   b ) can operate and be configured in a similar manner as the first linkage device  511   a , except that the second linkage device  511   b  does not require a lever, because the actuation rod  524   a  applies the force required to operate the second linkage device  511   b . Accordingly, when the lever  520   a  is pushed downwardly from the position shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the actuation rod  524   a  is caused linearly move toward the right ( FIG. 5A ) due to the pivoting movement of the intermediate linkage  525  and the fastener assembly  517   b  pivoting and moving relative to fastener assembly  517   a  (which is fixed to the support plates  509   a ). This movement of the intermediate linkage  525  causes an upward pulling force on the wheel support body  527 , which causes the telescopic rod  513   a  to linearly move upwardly, which draws or lifts upwardly the wheel  512   a  relative to the lower support bar  502   a  to interface the lower support bar  502   a  to the ground. Concurrently, a similar movement of the second linkage device  511   b  is effectuated via a pulling force or load translated from the actuation rod  524   a  to the second linkage device in a direction toward the first linkage device  511   a , which (similarly) causes the wheel  512   b  to move upwardly relative to the lower support bar  502   a  while the other wheel  512   a  moves. As expected, pulling upward on the lever  520   a  to the position shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D  causes the opposite or inverse effect of engaging the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  to the ground surface G to lift the lower support bar  502   a  from the ground surface G to be in the portable transport position shown. 
     Notably, the actuation mechanism  514   a  is almost entirely, or entirely, situated within a lateral distance or width W 2  of the assembly portion  500 , as shown in  FIG. 5D . That is, the lever  520   a  and the linkage devices  511   a  and  511   b  do not extend outwardly from either side of parallel, vertical planes defined by the lower support bar  502   a . This contributes to the compact nature of the assembly portion  500 , and also helps to keep clear an unobstructed walkway (e.g., see walkway W of  FIG. 1A ) from components that might extend inwardly into the walkway, so that a patient can ingress or egress without obstruction. Moreover, because the actuation mechanism  514   a  is centered relative to, or positioned directly above, the lower support bar  502   a , loads are more evenly distributed when moved and operated in the portable position, which reduces stresses on components of the assembly. That is, the lifting force or loads exerted onto the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  from pulling up on the lever  520   a  are acting generally vertically downward on the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  through the telescopic rods  513   a  and  513   b . This causes a symmetrical lifting force on the assembly portion  500  via the wheels  512   a  and  512   b  interfacing to the ground surface G. Reducing stresses and distributing loads in this manner contributes to the portability and light-weight features of the assembly. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a portable rehabilitation assembly  600  in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The portable rehabilitation assembly  600  can comprise first and second lower support bars  602   a  and  602   b  coupled together by a cross bar  604 , and that support respective first and second pairs of vertical frames  608   a  and  608   b , and which support hand rails  610   a  and  610   b  to form an unobstructed walkway W from a front region  606   a  to a rear or back region  606   b . One noticeable difference is that the first and second lower support bars  602   a  and  602   b  are each generally flat or linear square bars that support respective wheels  612   a - d . The wheels  612   a - d  are each situated outwardly from end portions of respective first and second lower support bars  602   a  and  602   b . In this manner, compliant members or brackets  622   a - d  are secured to respective ends of respective first and second support bars  602   a  and  602   b . Each compliant bracket  622   a - d  can be secured to an underneath side of the respective support bar  602   a  and  602   b , and then can extend upwardly at an angle to define an angled flexed portion  613   a - d , respectively, and then extend horizontally above the respective wheel  612   a - d  for coupling to the wheel. Each compliant bracket  622   a - d  can be a thin sheet or panel of steel (or other semi-rigid or rigid material) that, when combined together, are rigid enough to resist and support the weight of the assembly  600  when not in use. That is, the assembly  600  defaults to the portable position (when not in use) because the brackets  622   a - d  cooperate bias the wheels  612   a - d  against the ground, which causes a lifting force to slightly lift the support bars  602   a  and  602   b  off the ground surface. Accordingly, in response to a load or weight being pushed down onto the support bars  602   a  and  602   b  via the hand rails  610   a  and  610   b  from a patient, the compliant brackets  622   a - d  flex or bend until the lower support bars  602   a  and  602   b  interface to the ground surface, so that the patient can use the assembly  600 . In one example, the brackets  622   a - d  can be actuated by horizontal motion through the lower support bars  602   a  and  602   b , which would be translated by the brackets  622   a - d  into a vertical motion. 
       FIG. 7  shows a portable rehabilitation assembly  700  in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The portable rehabilitation assembly  700  can be similarly configured as the portable rehabilitation assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  (e.g., having a cross member, vertical frame members, hand rails, wheels, etc.). In one example, the assembly  700  may be fabricated without wheels. 
     One noticeable difference in this example is that first and second hand rails  710   a  and  710   b  can be inwardly offset relative to respective first and second lower support bars  702   a  and  702   b . More specifically, pairs of off-set support bars  713   a  and  713   b  can be attached to respective vertical frames  708   a  and  708   b , and can support the hand rails  710   a  and  710   b  to position them inwardly toward each other and into an area defined by an unobstructed walkway W. This configuration can allow for some amount of clearance for the patient to walk along the assembly  700  without contacting the lower support bars  702   a  and  702   b  with his or her feet, which may be a safety concern. 
     The vertical frame members of the examples discussed herein can be selectively adjustable with a motor, such an electric motor coupled to each pair of vertical frame members (being telescopic supports). In a simplified version, the vertical frame members can be vertically adjustable using manual adjustment mechanisms, such as detents or movable pins (e.g.,  FIG. 1A ), which secure a telescoping portion to a base portion of each vertical frame member. The manual adjustment mechanism can be threaded bolts that compress/secure the telescoping portion when tightened by an individual, and release the telescoping portion when loosened. Alternatively, the manual adjustment mechanism can be a pin/spring configuration that is actuated by an individual when adjusting the height of a telescoping member. 
     In one example, the first and second hand rails each comprise a telescoping hand rail (not shown) to vary a length of each hand rail. In this way, the hand rails can extend a couple feet or more (for example) beyond the end of the front region. This can provide extended support for a patient to grasp the hand rails before walking into the area between the lower support bars, which can be useful when the assembly is positioned toward a hospital bed that vertically positions a patient near a standing position. 
     Although dimensions can vary for the various examples discussed herein, generally a length of the walkway defined from a front region to a back region of the lower support bars can range from about 3 feet to 5.5 feet, and often from about 4 feet to about 5 feet. In one example, the length of the walkway is less than 5 feet from the front region to the rear region. Existing rehabilitation parallel bar devices are at least 7 feet. A total length of less than 5 feet contributes to the “compact” nature of the portable rehabilitation assembly because the portable rehabilitation assembly is shorter than existing rehabilitation parallel bar devices. Similarly, the walkway can have a width (between first and second lower support bars) from about 2.2 feet to 4 feet, in some case from about 2.7 feet to 3.5 feet, and often about 3 feet. This compact configuration allows an individual to turn around corners and enter doorways when transporting the device around a hospital, for example. 
     In one example, the unobstructed walkway is approximately 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. A width between adjacent vertical frame members can be approximately 30 inches (or it can vary in width), but generally can vary from about 24 to 40 inches. The vertical frame members can generally result in a hand rail height from the ground surface from about 2.5 feet to about 4 feet, although the height can be adjustable for varying patients. The casters can be rubber wheels approximately 3 inches (or more) in diameter. The entire assembly can weigh approximately 75 pounds or less. 
     In yet another alternative, the wheels can be operated by a single lever that translates lever motion to all four wheels through a telescoping linkage within the cross member and horizontal linkages previously described. 
     The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.