Patent Publication Number: US-6986177-B2

Title: Apparatus and system for supporting an individual during repositioning

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/491,387 entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING AN INDIVIDUAL DURING REPOSITIONING” and filed on Jul. 31, 2003 for Bart J. Thaxton, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to support devices and more particularly relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for supporting an individual during repositioning. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   For years many have tried to alleviate the physical hardships associated with age, disabilities, and infirmities by providing equipment to assist individuals of limited capacity to stand, to support their own weight, to change locations, and to sit down safely. Currently available support devices, however, often contain ropes, chains, pulleys, swinging gates, and/or complicated assemblies that may be unstable and may cause a user to feel insecure, scared or confused. In addition, the support devices may be limited in their application: the devices may be immobile and nonadjustable, may fail to completely support the weight of an individual, may restrict a user&#39;s range of uses, may require significant upper body strength, may support only an isolated movement or range of motion, and/or may require assistance from another person. Furthermore, the available devices may fail to support an individual while changing from one position to another. 
   Many rise assists offer support to an individual as they transition from a seated position, such as on a bed, to a standing position. However, the user typically must let go of the rise assist to reorient their position, such as to sit in a wheel chair. The assists generally do not provide continual support as the user transitions from a first position to a second position. The lack of constant support can cause an individual to panic or to lose their stability during repositioning. In addition, currently available rise assists fail to support the individual if the user&#39;s upper body strength fails during repositioning or if the user begins to fall. 
   From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system that fully and continually supports a user during repositioning. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would provide a user with a handle that supports the user and permits the user to move around the handle, or change positions, without completely letting go of the handle. Additionally, the apparatus and system would support the individual without requiring significant upper body strength and would provide support to the user&#39;s upper body to prevent the user from falling. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available rise assists. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for supporting an individual that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
   The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting an individual that is sturdy, simple, mobile and adjustable. The system and design of the present invention sufficiently supports an individual while changing positions in various situations and maybe used by an individual with minimal or no assistance. The apparatus may support the upper body of an individual without requiring significant upper body strength. 
   The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to provide a support device that supports an individual moving from a first position to a second position. The support device includes a handle that permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. The user may move around the handle without losing support. Preferably, the user can traverse the perimeter of the handle and maintain a grasp of the handle with at least one hand. Thus, the user can confidently use the support device without fear of falling during the transition from facing one direction to facing another. In one embodiment, the handle has a curvature that permits a user facing a first direction to traverse up to about 270 degrees of the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. The handle, in one embodiment, comprises a closed, circular bar. 
   The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to include a base. The base may position the handle at about waist level for the user such that the user can readily rest the upper body on the handle. Consequently, the user may lean their body against the handle for additional support. In one embodiment, the handle is positioned in a substantially horizontal support position. The support device may include an adjustable fastener or hinge to enable the user to adjust the orientation of the handle relative to the base. 
   In certain embodiments, the base comprises a telescoping horizontal member that allows the user to adjust the handle laterally. One or more extensions maybe attached to the telescoping horizontal member to provide additional support to the base. In one embodiment, a fastener securely connects the base to a support. 
   In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to include a telescoping vertical member. The telescoping vertical member may connect the handle to the base such that adjusting the height of the vertical member changes the height of the handle. The telescoping vertical member may include an inner wall, an outer wall to receive the inner wall, and a securing mechanism to secure the inner wall with respect to the outer wall. A drive member may be connected to the vertical telescoping member to extend and retract the telescoping member. 
   A securing mechanism may include a hollow inner wall that inserts into an outer wall, a pair of stops to engage the inner wall, and a center wedge between the stops that preferably comprises a threaded hole. The threaded hole may receive a threaded shaft such that rotation of the shaft in one direction drives the wedge between the stops. One or more studs may be attached to at least one stop. The stud may engage the outer wall through an opening in the inner wall. The securing mechanism secures an extended telescoping member. 
   A system of the present invention is also presented to support an individual. The system may be embodied in a support device that includes a handle, a base, a telescoping vertical member, and a drive member. In particular, the system, in one embodiment, includes a handle that permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. The base securely supports the handle and the user during movement around the handle. The telescoping vertical member connects the base to the handle and enables the user to adjust the height of the handle. The drive member may comprise a hydraulic cylinder to extend and retract the telescoping vertical member. 
   Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
   Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
   These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a support device fastened to a bed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a support device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view illustrating movement of a user around one embodiment of a support device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a securing mechanism in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support device in a horizontal support position in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support device in a vertical storage position in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of one embodiment of a support device in a vertical storage position in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
   Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a support device  100  of the present invention fastened to a support such as a bed  102 . The support device  100 , as depicted, comprises a handle  104 , a telescoping vertical member  106 , a base  108 , a drive member  110 , and fasteners  112 . The base  108  includes a telescoping horizontal member  114  and an extension  116 . The support device  100  provides support to a user such that a user may confidently transition from a first position to a second position without losing contact or grip with the handle  104 . 
   The handle  104  may be circular or polygonal shaped to support a user as they traverse the perimeter of the handle  104 . The shape of the handle  104  preferably allows an individual to pull their body from a supine and/or seated position and then provides continued support once the user is standing, or vice versa. The user may then rely on the support device  100  for support as the user changes directions to enter a second position. If additional support is required during the transition, the user may rest their entire body against the handle  104  while grasping a different part of the handle  104  with one or both hands if desired. In certain embodiments, a closed handle  104  permits a user to move about within arm&#39;s reach of the support device  100  without losing support. The user may also traverse nearly the entire circumference of the handle  104  with support to achieve a desired position, because the handle  104  is positioned such that the surrounding space is free of bars, chains, corners, or similar interferences. In one embodiment, the handle has a curvature that permits a user facing a first direction to traverse up to about 270 degrees of the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. In certain embodiments, the handle  104  maybe located at about waist level of the user. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the handle  104  is circular or arcuate to eliminate protruding corners. The arcuate shape enables the user to continuously slide hands around the handle  104  without completely releasing the grip. A circular handle  104  also enables the user to comfortably traverse the circumference of the handle  104  at various degrees. For example, a user may slowly change position or direction one degree at a time, if desired, until the final resting position is achieved. 
   Those of skill in the art will recognize that the handle  104  may be configured in various shapes and forms, including, but not limited to, open or closed polygonal shapes. In one embodiment, the handle  104  is made of stainless steel and has a circular shape. The handle  104 , however, may be made of any suitable material, including wood, plastic, aluminum, and the like, and may include a covering such as foam, leather, or synthetic materials to enhance the gripping qualities and/or aesthetic qualities of the handle  104 . 
   The support device  100  may further include a telescoping vertical member  106  configured to adjust the height of the handle  104  according to the needs of the user. Because the position of the handle  104  may be customized, the support device  100  may be used in numerous applications and by various users. For example, a handle  104  may be positioned higher to support a user pulling him/herself up from a bed and positioned lower to assist a user transferring from a sofa to a wheel chair. In addition, the device  100  may be adjusted to suit the height and weight of an individual. Thus, multiple users may benefit from a single support device  100 . 
   In certain embodiments, the telescoping vertical member  106  comprises an inner wall  118  and an outer wall  120 . The handle  104  may be connected to the inner wall  118 . In one embodiment, the handle  104  is welded to the inner wall  118 . In the depicted embodiment, the telescoping vertical member  106  is adjusted by a drive mechanism  110  that extends and retracts the inner wall  118  with respect to the outer wall  120 . A drive mechanism  110  may include a hydraulic cylinder, an electrically powered motor, or the like. Alternatively, an individual may manually adjust the height of the telescoping vertical member  106  as will be discussed in relation to  FIG. 2 . 
   The drive mechanism  110  may be any system suitable for adjusting the height of the telescoping vertical member  106 . In certain embodiments, an automated, height-adjustment system is controlled remotely. A remote controlled automated system permits a user to adjust the support device  100  according to personal needs without requiring the assistance of another person. 
   In certain embodiments, the telescoping vertical member  106  connects to an adjustable base  108 . The base  108  of the present invention may have a variety of forms and functions to meet the needs of the user. In certain embodiments, for instance, the base  108  may be adjustable to position the handle  104  in close proximity to a user, bed  102  or other device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  108  may comprise a telescoping horizontal member  114  to adjust the vertical position of the handle  104 . Similar to the height-adjusting system mentioned earlier, the base  108  may include an automated adjustment system that may be controlled remotely. 
   Adjustable apparatus, especially apparatus configured with an automated system, allow a user to quickly change the vertical and horizontal position of a handle  104  to provide the best possible support for an individual at any particular moment. Thus, the user may be confident that the support device  100  adequately supports a particular individual, because the apparatus may be customized to their needs and various positions. Nevertheless, a stationary support device  100  without telescoping members  106 ,  114  is within the scope of certain embodiments of the invention. 
   In the depicted embodiment, the base  108  further includes an extension  116  that affords additional support to stabilize the support device  100 . In certain embodiments, the extension  116  comprises a hollow metal beam perpendicularly coupled to a telescoping horizontal member  114 . In alternative embodiments, an extension  116  may acutely protrude from the horizontal member  114  forming a “Y” shape or other shape to provide more room for movement of the user. The horizontal telescoping member  114  may also be configured to provide additional space for the user. The base  108  of the support device  100  may have many forms. In certain embodiments, the base  108  may include a plurality of extensions  116 . Further still, the base  108  may comprise circular extensions  116 . Also, based on the need for the support device  100 , the base  108  may have extensions  116  of varying lengths and sizes. 
   Certain embodiments of the base  108  may be configured to securely attach the support device  100  to the frame  122  of a bed  102 , the floor, or other support, to provide a more stable support system. The base  108  in the depicted embodiment includes a plurality of fasteners  112  to secure the support device  100  to the bed  102 . The fasteners  112  may comprise a latch, clamp, cam lock or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener  112  comprises a clevis attachment welded to the extension  116 . The open end of the clevis may then be bolted or fastened to the frame  122  to prevent movement of the base  108 . One or more fasteners  112  may be attached to various components of the base  108 . 
   In the depicted embodiment, the base  108  is designed to fit under a typical bed  102 , thereby placing the handle  104  in a suitable position to assist a user in climbing into and out of the bed  102 . The configuration of the base  108 , however, and the use of fasteners  112  may be selected to function with various types of beds  102 , bed frames  122 , or other support structures as desired. 
   As depicted, the telescoping vertical member  106  and the telescoping horizontal member  114  may be extended or retracted in order to position the handle  104  according to the desires of an individual. For example, an individual lying on a bed  102  may decrease the length of the telescoping horizontal member  114  to position the handle  102  in close proximity to the bed  102 . Then by decreasing or increasing the height of the telescoping vertical member  104 , the user may bring the handle  104  into a convenient position to pull him/herself into a sitting position on the bed  102 . If, for instance, the user wishes to move from the bed  102  to a wheel chair, the user may then choose to readjust the position of the handle  104 . The user may then grip the handle  104  to rise to a standing position, use the handle  104  to regain their balance, move their body around the handle  104  to a desired direction or location, and then use the handle  104  for support while sitting down in the wheel chair. If perhaps, more support is needed, the individual may rest their body against the handle  104  until they are ready to sit down safely in the wheel chair. 
   The support device  100  supports the user throughout the entire process without requiring the user to release the handle  104 . Consequently, the user may change positions without being afraid of losing their balance. The shape of the handle  104  provides continuous support as a user moves from one location or direction to another, such as from a couch to a handrail, from a bed to a chair, or from a bed to a dresser, etc. Hence, the support device  100  may be used to support an individual in many situations; for example, while moving to or from an automobile, bathtub, sofa, toilet, or any other appropriate application. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support device  200 . The support device  200  includes a coupling  202 , an adjustable fastener  203 , a handle  204 , a telescoping vertical member  206 , a base  208 , feet  222 , and securing mechanisms  224 . The support device  200  is simple and may be manually adjusted. 
   The handle  204  allows an individual to grip the supporting device  200 . The handle  204  may be connected to the telescoping vertical member  206  by a coupling  202  configured to allow replacement of one handle  204  with a different handle  204 . In one embodiment, the handle  204  may be interchangeable, allowing a user to select the size and shape of a handle  204  for a particular application. In addition, the coupling  202  may allow the user to secure the handle  204  in a selected direction, for example, facing parallel to a bed  102  ( FIG. 1 ) or facing perpendicular to the bed  102 . In certain embodiments, the angle of the handle  204  may also be adjustable according to the desires of an individual. The handle may include an adjustable fastener  203  to adjust the angle of the handle  204  with respect to the floor. In one embodiment, a hand knob enables or restricts movement of the handle  204  as necessary for adjustment. 
   Similarly, the securing mechanism  224  may comprise a hand knob with a threaded post that can be screwed into tapped holes in the inner wall  218 . In certain embodiments, the outer wall  220  may include slots (not shown) on the side to receive the hand knob or securing mechanism  224 . The slots enable the inner wall  218  to be adjusted with respect to the outer wall  220  and then secured with the securing mechanism  224 . Alternatively, a securing mechanism  224 , such as a pin, bolt, or other fastener, may be inserted through aligned holes in the inner wall  218  and outer wall  220 . In a further embodiment, a securing member  224 , such as a spring pin, may be attached to the inner wall  218  to releasably secure the telescoping members. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of securing mechanisms  224  may be implemented to secure and/or adjust the telescoping members. 
   In addition, the inner wall  218  and the outer wall  220  of the telescoping vertical member  206  may vary in length, form, and number. In an alternative embodiment, rather than extending the length of the vertical member  206 , the outer wall  220  may comprise a relatively short C-shaped channel  221  connected to the base  208 . The channel  221  is configured to receive the inner wall  218 . To secure the inner wall  218  to the outer wall  220 , the outer wall  220  of the channel may include holes that align with tapped holes in the inner wall  218 . A bolt may then be inserted through the holes to secure the telescoping vertical member  206 . 
   The base  208 , as mentioned, may have a variety of configurations. In certain embodiments, the base  208  may include feet  222 . In another embodiment, the base  208  may include wheels to mobilize the support device  200 . Although, in a preferred embodiment, the support device  200  rests on a sturdy structure, such as feet  222 , when in use. 
     FIG. 3  is a plan view of one embodiment of a support device  100  used in conjunction with a bed  102 . As illustrated, a vertical member  106  connected to a horizontal member  108  positions the handle  104  a distance away from the bed  102 . Consequently, a user  300  may use the handle  104  for support to change positions or direction. 
   Suppose a user  300  is seated in a wheel chair facing direction B. First, the user  300  may use the handle  104  for support to rise to a standing position. Next, the user may slide  302  around the circumference of the handle  104  until they are positioned in the space between the bed  102  and the support device  100  facing direction A. The arcuate shape of the handle  104  allows the user  300  to slide one hand along the perimeter without releasing the grip. Then the user may use the support device  100  to sit safely on the bed  102 . 
   As stated previously, the support device  100  supports the individual throughout the entire process without requiring the individual to release the handle  104 . Alternatively, the user  300  may use the support device  100  to change from facing a first direction A by moving around the handle  104  to face a second direction B. If desired, the user  300  may proceed  303  around the handle  104  to face a third direction C. In certain instances, the user  300  may use the support device  100  to position themselves in a chair  304  (for example, when facing directions B or C) or to access a dresser or the like. Of course, the examples given are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a securing mechanism  400  for securing corresponding telescoping members within an apparatus. The securing mechanism  400  may be contained within a hollow inner wall  402  configured to be inserted into an outer wall  404 . The walls  402 ,  404  may comprise hollow beams or tubes having a polygonal or circular cross section. The securing mechanism  400  may include a pair of stops  406 , a center wedge  408 , and studs  414 . In one embodiment, the center wedge  408  may include a hole  410  with threads to engage a threaded shaft (not shown). A threaded shaft, which may be controlled by a hand knob, may then pull the center wedge  408  inward between the two stops  406  as the shaft is rotated. Tapered sides  412  of the wedge  408  permit the center wedge  408  to slide snugly between the two stops  406  like a wedge; thereby creating an outward force  418  that presses the stops  406  towards the outer wall  404 . In one embodiment, this outward force  418  creates a friction fit connection between the inner wall  402  and the outer wall  404 . 
   The inner wall  402 , in one embodiment, may contain one or more openings  416  configured to receive studs  414  coupled to the stops  406 . The studs  414  securely anchor the stops  406  relative to the inner wall  402  so that the center wedge  408  may slide into position without affecting the position of the stops  406  relative to the inner wall  402 . As the center wedge  408  is pulled between the stops  406 , an outward force  418  is created that pushes the studs  414  against the outer wall  404 . When implemented in a support device  100 , the inner wall  402  may comprise an inner wall  118  of a telescoping member  106 ,  114 , and the outer wall  404  may comprise an outer wall  120  of a telescoping member  106 ,  114 . The studs  414  pressing against the outer wall  120  form a securing mechanism  400  that prevents movement of the telescoping members  106 ,  114 , thus creating a stable, secure support device  100 . Consequently, an individual may confidently use the support device  100  without fear or reservation. 
   In one embodiment of the securing mechanism  400  may be placed within the telescoping members  106 ,  114  of the base  108  or vertical member  106  of the support device  100  to lock the adjusted position and to stabilize the support device  100 . The securing mechanism  400  prevents the inner wall  402  from sliding or wobbling. Of course, the securing mechanism  400  may be incorporated into any other appropriate application. 
     FIGS. 5A–5B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a support device  500 . The support device  500  in the depicted embodiment includes a handle  502 , a base  504 , a hinge  506 , and a bar  508 . The handle  502  in  FIG. 5A  is shown in a horizontal support position  510 . In the horizontal support position  510 , the user can grasp the handle  502  for support to change from a first position to a second position. Similar to the support device  100 , the support device  500  permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. The handle  502  accordingly provides continual support such that the user may maintain grasp the handle  502  with at least one hand during the transition. Additionally, the user may lean against the handle  502  for support of the upper body if needed. 
   The base  504 , in a preferred embodiment, is mounted to a sturdy support, such as a wall. The base  504  may be sufficiently wide to fasten the support device  500  to the studs of a wall. In one embodiment, the base is about eighteen inches by about thirteen inches and includes holes  512  to receive a plurality of fasteners, such as screws  514 , to fasten the base  504  to the studs of a wall. The centers of the studs in a wall are typically spaced about sixteen inches apart. Preferably, a plurality of fasteners, or screws  514 , are secured above the handle  502  to increase the stability of the support device  500 . Thus, the multiple fasteners  514  reinforce the connection between the base  504  and the wall, or other support structure. A single fastener or fastening device to secure the support device  500  to a support structure, however, is also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the support device  500  is mounted at about waist level for the user. 
   The hinge  506  may attach the handle  502  to a bar  508  mounted to the base  504 . The hinge  506  enables the user to store the handle  502  in a vertical position.  FIG. 5B  illustrates the handle  502  rotated to a vertical storage position  512 . In one embodiment, the handle  502  rests against the wall or support in the vertical storage position  512 . Consequently, the handle  502  may be stored in a compact area when not in use. Gravity preferably maintains the handle  502  against the wall, though latches or other securing devices may be used to secure the handle  502  in a vertical storage position  512 . 
   The support device  500  may be particularly useful in a bathroom where space may be limited. The user may rotate the handle  502  from a vertical storage position  512  to a horizontal support position  510  to use the support device  500 . Then, the user may grasp the handle  502  for support to stand from a wheel chair or the like, use the handle  502  for support to change directions, and then position themselves on a toilet or the like. As a result, the user may safely use the bathroom facilities without assistance. The support device  500  may then be used to transfer from the toilet back to the wheel chair. When the support device  500  is no longer needed, the user may return the handle  502  to a vertical storage position  512 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a support device  500  in a vertical storage position  512 . The support device  500  in the depicted embodiment illustrates in greater detail bolts  602 , stops  604 , and tabs  606  that may be used to secure the support device  500 . The hinge  506  may include a rotating portion  608  and a stationary portion  610 . The rotating portion  608  and the stationary portion  610  may comprise an outer and an inner tube respectively. Bolts  602 , or other suitable fasteners, may secure the stationary portion  610  to the bar  508 . Those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of hinges, stops, and/or connectors may be used to couple the handle  502  to the base  504 . As discussed, the handle  502 , which is preferably connected to the hinge  506 , pivots between a vertical storage position  512  and a horizontal support position  510 . 
   In one embodiment, to secure the handle  502  in a horizontal support position  512 , tabs  606 , which may be screws inserted into the sides of a rotating portion  608  of the hinge  506 , may catch on stops  604 , which maybe notches in the stationary portion  610  of the hinge  506 . Thus, the handle  502  rotates from a vertical storage position  510  until the tabs  606  catch on the stops  604 . The stops  604  maintain the handle  502  in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the floor. 
   Furthermore, the support device  500  may be adjusted to accommodate the user. The height of the handle  502 , in one embodiment, may be selected as the support device  500  is installed. The user may choose where the support device will be mounted to a wall or the like. Alternatively, the support device  500  may further comprise apparatus to adjust the height of the handle  502 . In certain embodiments, the vertical position of the handle  502  may also be adjusted. 
   The bar  508 , in the depicted embodiment, enables the user to adjust the horizontal position of the handle  502 . Once the base  504  is securely mounted to a support, the user may slide the handle  502  along the bar  508  to select a lateral position that best meets the needs of the user. For example, the support device  500  may be mounted to the studs in a wall across from a toilet at about waist level for the user. However, the studs may offset the position of the support device  500  relative to the toilet, which may be awkward or hard to reach for the user. Consequently, the user may need to adjust the position of the handle  502  to align the handle  502  with the toilet. The user may slide the handle  502 , or hinge  506  in certain instances, to a desired position along the bar  508 . Then the handle may be secured in the desired position for stability. In one embodiment, the hinge  506  of the handle  502  is secured to the bar  508  with bolts  602 . 
   The support device  500  is preferably made from durable materials. In one embodiment, the base  504  is made from anodized aluminum, and the handle is made from a mild steel tubing. The handle  502 , in one embodiment, is circular and has a sixteen inch outer diameter. The steel tubing has a diameter of about one inch. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.