Abstract:
Described herein is a device 10 that is easily transportable, platform-like device, lightweight, portable, and strong, for assisting people and animals as they enter and exit vehicles, buildings, etc. The device of the invention generally decreases the distance that a user must step when going from one level to another. Thus, a user who has trouble (due to frailty, illness, agedness, youth) getting in and out of cars or over the threshold of houses may place (or have a caregiver or other companion place) the device 10 immediately in front of the door of a car or house. The user would then step on the device, and then step from the device onto the ground, or into the car or house.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is based on and claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/653,040 filed on Feb. 14, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to devices for assisting individuals facing mobility challenges, such as the elderly and others with physical disabilities. There is an ever-growing segment of our population which is aging, which continues to grow as the baby boomer generation ages. Those who are elderly often experience a decreased range of motion of their limbs, whether due to arthritis, injury, impaired strength, or impaired visual perception issues such as impaired depth perception. These individuals often experience an overall lack of stability and comfort (both psychological and physical) when stepping down and up. Such individuals are often unable down or up as far as a particular situation requires, and therefore would benefit from a device which effectively bridges the gap between the actual distance to step down or up. Also, such individuals would benefit from a device which would not conflict with their need to slowly ambulate, perhaps even by shuffling their feet.  
         [0004]     Although the aforementioned individuals might not be disabled enough to require a wheelchair or scooter, these individuals often nonetheless find certain movements required by everyday living to present significant challenges. Thus, elderly and other individuals with these types of challenges quite often find that even simple movements, such as stepping out of a car onto the pavement in a parking lot can be a frightening and challenging experience. Similarly, visiting a friend whose house has a step up into the threshold of the door can present a challenge, and sometimes a total bar, to entering that house.  
         [0005]     There is a need for a simple, easy-to-use, removable, portable, easy to manufacture device, to assist individuals facing certain physical mobility challenges, to make it easier for those individuals to enter and exit motor vehicles, buildings and to step up and down onto curbs and the like. There is a need for a device which can be easily transported, such as in a vehicle, so that it can be readily deployed whenever needed, in a variety of situations. Heretofore, such a device has not been known. Thus, the invention provides a device which the user, or the user&#39;s caregiver, family member, companion or the like, can easily transport and utilize in a variety of situations, such as entering and exiting cars and houses  
         [0006]     2. Background Information  
         [0007]     Prior to this invention, permanent and semi-permanent devices such as ramps have been utilized to assist physically-challenged people in moving up and down levels. Ramps are typically necessary for those who must use a wheelchair for mobility, but ramps tend to be quite bulky, heavy, expensive and non-portable. In addition, ramps are not always suitable for use by an individual who is ambulating on his or her own, even with the aid of a walker, cane or crutch. In fact, a ramp could be very difficult for an ambulatory elderly or other person having stability, balance or other issues to use, due to the angle at which a ramp would cause the person to walk at.  
         [0008]     There are devices which have been designed to assist individuals in climbing stairs. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,379 (Kroll, et al.), which discloses a stairway step assembly for use as an aid to the elderly and handicapped. Kroll et al.&#39;s device comprises a plurality of step members of a height about half the height of a normal stairway step rise. However, Kroll et al.&#39;s device is intended to be permanently or semi-permanently installed in a stairway, and thus is not portable. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,904 (Wallum).  
         [0009]     Step stools of a variety of designs are known, and are primarily designed to assist an individual to reach things in places above the normal reach of the individual. They tend to be bulky, and not easily transportable by car, and often are not easy to carry. In addition, step stools are generally designed with relatively small stepping surfaces, which do not allow a user to “shuffle” his or her feet along the stepping surface. Step stools are rarely stable enough or large enough to provide a stable, comfortable place for an elderly or frail user to stand on. Moreover, step stools tend to raise the individual at least about twelve (12) inches in height, to meet the goal of permitting the user to reach things above his or her normal reach. Additionally, step stools of the prior art do not adjust easily to different heights as needed by the user depending upon the different environment. [ 00141  For example, see U.S. Design Pat. No. D343,960 and No. D344,858 (both to Leduc), which each disclose particular ornamental designs for step stools. See also U.S. Design Pat. No. D287,283 (Johnson) which discloses a portable half-step stairway unit, which appears to comprise an overturned box without a top, being hollow inside and constructed of what appears to be wood that has been nailed or screwed together. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,437 (Caughey) which discloses a portable step stool having an upstanding post to be grasped to assist the user in keeping his or her balance, and including wheels or rollers which permit the stool to be moved around. U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,161 (Manuszak) discloses a combination carrying case and step unit, and having a strap for use by the user to lift the unit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,494 (Heifetz) discloses a device for reducing the height of a riser on a step of a staircase, wherein the device is a hollow box having an elongated handle which the user grasps to place the device on each successive stair tread.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, the devices of the prior art have failed to accomplish the goals of the present invention. Despite the need for a highly portable, simple, easy-to-use and easily transportable device, none until now described herein has been developed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is a device  10  for providing a means to assist people and animals as they enter and exit vehicles, buildings, etc., although the primary usage is anticipated to be by people. Herein, the term “user” refers to the individual or animal using the device by stepping onto it. In addition, the device  10  can be used as a seating surface to effectively raise the height of the seating surface of a chair, couch, wheelchair, etc., so as to assist a user in rising and sitting.  
         [0012]     The object of this invention is to provide an easily transportable, platform-like device, that is lightweight, portable, and strong. In some embodiments, the device  10  is also adjustable, so that a single device can be adjusted to achieve different heights. The device of the invention can be used on the ground or floor adjacent to the steps or doorway of a building, such as a house. It can also be used within a house or building having floors of differing heights (such as in houses with sunken living rooms), to provide a way for an individual to move from one floor level to another with ease, by reducing the distance the individual must step up or down.  
         [0013]     The device  10  generally decreases the distance that a user must step when going from one level to another. Thus, a user who has trouble (due to frailty, illness, agedness, youth) getting in and out of cars may place (or have a caregiver or other companion place) the device  10  immediately in front of the door of a car prior to getting out of the car. The user would then step on the device, and then step from the device onto the ground. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIGS. 1, 2  and  3  illustrate three embodiments of the device  10 , wherein the device is composed of a single planar member.  
         [0015]      FIGS. 4, 5  and  6  illustrate three embodiments of the device  10 , wherein the device is composed of two planar members.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate two embodiments of the device  10 , wherein the device is composed of three planar members.  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the device  10 , wherein the device is composed of four planar members.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  and  10   d  illustrate several embodiments of the device  10 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of the placement of the device  10  for use by an individual getting into or out of an automobile.  
         [0020]      FIG. 12  illustrates an example of the placement of the device  10  for use by an individual going into or out of a house, wherein the house has a step up to the threshold.  
         [0021]      FIG. 13  illustrates an example of the placement of the device  10  on a street  40  next to the curb  60  of a sidewalk. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     Elderly individuals tend to have more trouble than the average younger individual in entering and exiting cars, and entering and exiting doorways to the outside, due to the differing height/level of the floor of the car and the ground below or with the differing height/level of the doorway of a building versus the ground. Houses in particular are typically built with doorways that are elevated above ground level. Elderly individuals and individuals who are not elderly, but rather who have physical challenges such as decreased flexibility or who are subject to pain when moving, would find this invention particularly helpful, as it eases the transition from one level to the next. This invention is also useful for individuals who have problems with balance and/or visual impairment. By easing transitions from one level to another, the device  10  can be used for example, to assist a person in exiting a front door of a house, then for entering and exiting a car, and then for entering a doctor&#39;s office.  
         [0023]     The following describes how the device  10  could be used. A caregiver for an elderly person may be driving the individual to a doctor&#39;s office in the caregiver&#39;s car. Once the car arrives at the destination, the caregiver would exit the car, retrieve the device  10  of the invention from the trunk or other cargo area of the car, and place it on the ground  40  immediately outside the area where the elderly person will be exiting, as is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The invention serves to ease the transition from the car to the ground, by decreasing the distance that the elderly person must initially step down. Once standing on the device, the elderly person can then walk or shuffle his or her feet from the device  10  onto the ground  40  itself. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , at the entrance to the doctor&#39;s office building  50 , the device  10  can be placed outside the doorway, and the user can step up from the ground  40  onto the device  10 , and then step further up into the building  50 . Typically, the caregiver or companion would then pick up the device  10 , and place it in the car for storage, or take it with him or her, for further use at the destination.  
         [0024]     The portable stepping device  10  of the present invention is comprised of at least one substantially planar member  13 . In a preferred embodiment, the member  13  is substantially solid, i.e., is not hollow. The member  13  has first and second parallel sides which, when the device  10  is in use, are situated horizontal to the ground, i.e., the largest surface area of the device is horizontal to the ground  40  or other substantially horizontal surface on which it is placed.  
         [0025]     The first side  12  of the planar member  13  when in use faces upward, so that the user&#39;s feet step thereon. The second side  11  (not shown in the Figures) of the planar member  13  when in use faces the ground or other substantially horizontal surface on which is placed. The first side  12  and second side  11  are the same or substantially the same size or area as one another. The distance between the first and second sides may vary, from about 1 inch to about twenty-four inches high. Preferably, the distance will fall within one of the following ranges: about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or about 3 inches to about 7 inches. In the preferred embodiment, the distance will be in the range of about 3 to about 6 inches. As can be understood from this description, the distance between the first and second sides of the planar member  13  generally defines the height of the device  10  when in it is in use.  
         [0026]     The device  10  may be comprised of a single substantially planar member  13 . Illustrations of several embodiments of the device  10  consisting of a single member  13  are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Although each of these Figures show the device with handles therein, handles are optional, although they do provide ease of handling to the device  10 .  
         [0027]     In an alternative embodiment, the device  10  may be comprised of multiple members  13 , with the members joined together.  
         [0028]     See  FIGS. 4, 5  and  6  for illustrations of embodiments wherein the device  10  is comprised of two members  13 , wherein the members will be joined together by a hinge  19  or hinges. This embodiment may be used with both members  13  directly contacting the ground, or the device  10  may be used with the members folded upon one another, thus forming a higher step. The hinge  19  may be made of any suitable material or mechanism, such as a standard hinge of metal, plastic or the light, of the type used on wood cabinets, toys, etc. Alternatively, the hinge could be of a fabric or polymeric material band or web. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge  19  is actually formed from a coating or layer used on the members  13 , wherein the coating or layer extends between the two members  13  to form a hinge. The hinge  19  will serve to keep the two members  13  joined to one another. Although these Figures show the device with handles therein, handles are beneficial but not required.  
         [0029]     In yet another embodiment of the invention, the device  10  comprises three or four members  13 , as shown in  FIGS. 7, 8  and  9 . Although these Figures show the device  10  with handles therein, handles are beneficial but not required. In each device, the members are joined together by a means such as a hinge  19 . With respect to  FIG. 7 , which shows a three member device, the device is designed so that the two outer members  13   a  and  13   c  fold over onto the same side of the center member  13   b , as is denoted by arrows in the drawing. With respect to  FIG. 8 , which also shows a three member device, the device is designed so that the two outer members  13   d  and  13   f  fold over onto opposite sides of the center member  13   e.    
         [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a four member device  10 , which can be used in a number of different configurations. For example, it can be used with one only member  13  folded onto another, resulting in a device  10  which can be used with two levels or heights simultaneously, thus providing a “mini-step” of two different step heights. Alternatively the device  10  shown in  FIG. 9  can be used by folding two of the members  13  onto the other two members  13 , resulting in a device that is double the height of the device wherein all four members are laid flat (unfolded). In yet another embodiment, all four members can be folded on top of one another, to form a stack four members  13  high.  
         [0031]     In yet another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d , the device  10  may be comprised of two or more members  13  which are not permanently attached. The multiple pieces can be temporarily joined together either one on top of the other (so as to increase the height of the device), and/or can be joined side by side, so as to increase the width and/or length of the device. Individual members intended to be joined can be provided with a means to engage and join or link the members, such as teeth. Other suitable attachment methods, such as Velcro, hook and eye fasteners or snaps can be used. In another specific embodiment, the pieces are joined temporarily to permit the user or caregiver to adjust the size (width, length and/or height) of the device to the circumstances required, and permit it to be reduced in size for easy storage in a vehicle or other place. The individual members  13  may be wedge shaped, so that the first and second sides of the planar member are not parallel to one another. They may be provided with corresponding angles, so that when placed one on top of the other they form a unit which is substantially horizontal to the ground, and when used separately, they form sloped or angled. Yet another specific embodiment of the invention contemplates making the invention of several stackable and removable pieces that rest in parallel on top of one another. This provides a way for the user to make the device as short or tall as needed, depending upon the circumstances (the height of a particular doorway through which the user must walk, the height of the curb onto which a user may step from the car onto, etc.).  
         [0032]     The stacking pieces can optionally be provided with means for preventing the multiple device pieces from moving apart when stacked or joined. For example, one or more of the surfaces to be joined may have projections, stripes, gridlines or the like, in order to prevent the pieces from slipping when stacked. Yet another embodiment involves providing each piece with interlocking mechanisms so that when stacked the pieces will temporarily lock into one another, to provide resistance to slipping when stacked, thus resulting in increased stability of the entire device in use.  
         [0033]     The devices may also be comprised of pieces that attach longitudinally. Thus, more than one piece can be put together so that the overall surface area on which the user can step may be increased as needed. Thus, if more stepping area is needed, two or more pieces can be put together. Larger overall surface (stepping) areas are quite desirable for users who need to walk using small steps or by shuffling their feet, as elderly users may require. For users who employ a walker (or other device to lean on, such as a cane), it is desirable to have a surface area large enough to accommodate the user and a walker.  
         [0034]     The device  10  is made of a lightweight material or materials, so that it can easily be lifted and put in place, and then removed by the user or a person assisting the user. It can be of any size, but preferably the first  12  and second  11  parallel sides of the member  13  are at least large enough in the surface area, so that when the users steps or stands thereon, at least one of the user&#39;s feet can be placed completely thereon. More preferably, this surface area will be large enough that both of the user&#39;s feet can comfortably and completely be placed thereon. In yet another preferred embodiment, the member&#39;s first parallel side  12  has a surface area that is large enough to accommodate the user&#39;s two feet and a walking-assistance device, such as a walker.  
         [0035]     In a specific example of the device  10 , the largest surfaces of the first and second sides of the planar member  13  (i.e., the surfaces which are horizontal to the ground when the device is in use) are square shapes of about twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) inches on each side of the square, and the planar member  13  is about 3 inches to about 6 inches high. Notwithstanding, the device may be of other shapes and sizes, as well as of other heights.  
         [0036]     The device  10  is stable, so that a person standing, walking or shuffling on it will feel comfortable using it. Stability is achieved via a combination of one or more factors, including a relatively large overall area of the stepping surface, being made of material that does not flex or compress too much, and that does not slip on the ground, or is not slippery to the user. The device is preferably of a solid material (i.e., not hollow) so as to provide a stable yet lightweight device that is easy to manufacture by molding and/or lamination.  
         [0037]     The material of which the planar member  13  is composed is preferably waterproof or water-resistant, or at least the outer coating or layer of the member  13  is waterproof, water-resistant and/or chemical and oil resistant. Still more preferably the material is chemical-resistant, such as resistant to the oils often found on the ground in parking lots.  
         [0038]     The device  10  of the invention can be made of a variety of materials, provided that the device is stable and relatively lightweight. The material must be able to support the weight of at least an adult male, without compressing significantly, and preferably without compressing at all. Non-limiting examples of possible materials to make the device  10  include rubber, foam rubber, plastic, foamed plastic or any combination thereof. It is also possible for the device to made of a wood, preferably a lightweight wood such as balsa wood. Alternatively, it may be made of a lightweight ceramic or ceramic deposit material.  
         [0039]     The substantially planar member  12  or members  12  of the device  10  is optionally provided with an outer coating or shell. This outer coating or shell is intended to protect the material composing the inside of the member  12  or members  12 , and may also provide non-slip or traction properties. Thus, frictional means may be provided for providing traction against slippage. Examples of frictional means include anti-slip coatings, anti-slip tape and anti-slip decals.  
         [0040]     Further, the coating or shell can be used to provide reflective material and/or coloration to make the device  10  more attractive or for safety purposes, i.e., to make it more easily visible. The outer coating or shell may be present on all surfaces of the substantially planar member  12  or members  12 , or may be present on less than all surfaces. More than one type of coating or shell may be provided, to impart certain characteristics to the device  10 . For example, the entire member  12  may be coated to provide a bright orange or yellow safety visibility coloring, and then the first side  12  of the member  12  (upon which the user will step) may further be provided with a coating imparting anti-slip or traction properties.  
         [0041]     The second side  11  of the member (which will contact the ground) may be provided with a coating imparting anti-slip or traction properties.  
         [0042]     The following are examples of possible materials for producing the device  10 : a foam core/center with a rubber or plastic coating/shell on one or more sides/edges; polymeric foam, urethane foam, closed cell foam such as Aqua-Cell, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, Sculpture Foam, Foam Core, natural sponge rubber, hydrophobic thermoplastic starches, synthetic resin foam such as Clark Foam, of the type used in the manufacture of surf boards, and RTV liquid urethane mold rubber.  
         [0043]     In one embodiment of the invention, the device is made of material so that the device is overall sufficiently flexible to be rolled for easy storage.  
         [0044]     The device  10  may be manufactured in a variety of ways, including but not limited to injection molding the core, with a coating or skin integrally molded thereon, and/or with a coating or skin applied by spraying, dipping or other methods known to those of skill in the art.  
         [0045]     The device can be constructed so that it can be folded so that it will take up less space when stored. For example, it may be hinged to fold in half, thirds, or quarter parts for easy storage. The hinge may be integral with the main portion of the device (such as made of the same material in a thinner layer). If the device is comprised of multiple layers (such as a foam core encased in an outer skin), the hinge area could be made of the outer layer or layers of skin. The hinge could alternatively be made of a different material than the main portion of the device, and still yet alternatively could be attached to the main portion via various fastening mechanisms, including adhesives, welding, staples, bolts, screws, etc.  
         [0046]     Without intending to limit the scope of the invention, some preferred embodiments of the invention are of the following size: 18 inches by 18 inches with increments of one inch, up to 48 inches by 48 inches. Also, rectangular shaped devices of 24 inches by 36 inches, up to 24 by 48 inches wide are contemplated.  
         [0047]     The device  10  can be of virtually any shape when viewed from above, such as square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, oval, rhomboid, trapezoidal, although preferably it will have a square or rectangular profile when viewed from above. The device may have curved corners (either convex or concave corners), and could also have scalloped edges. It may have continuous thickness or progressive thickness eg: wedge which could also be stacked to form a level step.  
         [0048]     The device of the invention may be equipped with one of more handles  14 , which can be integral with the rest of the device, i.e., can be cut directly into the material or can be of the same or different material welded onto the body of the device. The handles  14  may be attached by any mechanism suitable to the material of which the body of the device and the handles are made. For example, the handles  14  may be attached using clamps, adhesives, welding, staples, bolts, screws, etc. The device  10  may contain one or more handles  14 .  
         [0049]     If the device  10  includes more than one handle and more than one member  13 , and is configured into a folding design such that the multiple handles  14  touch each other when the device  10  is folded, the handles may be further equipped with a mechanism for holding the two handles together. Such mechanism is often used in gym bags and luggage, to fasten two or more handles together. For example, the device may be equipped with a mechanism, such as a Velcro closure to secure the two or more handles together.  
         [0050]     The device may also be equipped with frictional means for providing traction against slippage. Examples of frictional means include anti-slip coatings, anti-slip tape and anti-slip decals. Alternative means include the following: the bottom of the device may be equipped with grippers, suction cups, etc. The grippers may be made of rubber, or other type of composite material, provided that they adhere to the device, or are molded integral to the device, and impart to the device non-slippage characteristics. The grippers may be on either the top or bottom or both of the sides. Grippers on the top prevent the user from slipping on the device when the device is in use. Grippers on the bottom prevent the device from slipping relative to the surface (such as the ground) that it is on. May have a ribbed pattern on the top and bottom (like the sole of a tennis shoe) to help prevent slipping.  
         [0051]     The device can be made in any color or color combination. One embodiment of the invention provides that the perimeter of the device  10  that is visible to the user (the top and/or sides) is provided with a color that contrasts with the remainder of the device. Another embodiment uses a color on the perimeter that is highly visible. Alternatively, the color may be provided with reflective, luminescent and/or other so-called “glow-in the dark” materials, for enhanced visibility in the dark or low light conditions.  
         [0052]     In yet another embodiment, the planar member  12  may have a contrasting color dashed or solid line around the perimeter. In still another embodiment, the device  10  of the invention is equipped with a light source with a battery and/or AC power source, so as to provide lights (flashing or non-flashing) on the device.  
         [0053]     The device  10  may also include designs or logos, etc. thereon.  
         [0054]     In an embodiment of the invention, the device  10  is equipped with a cover or case within which the device may be stored. The case or cover may be of any suitable fabric or material, such as ripstop nylon, mesh, vinyl, cloth, etc. The cover or case could alternatively be a hard-sided one, such as of a composite material, plastic, metal or wood. The cover may be integral with the device, such that it does not detach from the device, or it may be detachable or elastic. The cover or case may include prockets to store the user&#39;s personal items. In addition to, or instead of a case or cover for the device, the device could be supplied with straps which maintain the device when storage use in a folded or rolled configuration, if the device is made up of a material which permits folding or rolling or Velcro straps to contain folded items. The cover or case may also be separate at all times.