Patent ID: 7472445

Claim:
An assistance device for assisting a user in getting into and out of various positions on a piece of furniture, comprising: a base having dimensions configured to fit under a cushion-type portion of the furniture; a first bracket coupled to a portion the base the first bracket comprising at least two flanges; and a pivoting handle having first and second ends, the first end comprising a single leg, the single leg providing the only support to the handle, the first end coupled to the first bracket through an axle and a disengagable anchor, the axle comprising a pin extending transversely through the flanges of the bracket and first end of the handle such that the axle is substantially parallel to the portion of the base coupled to the bracket and the disengagable anchor comprising a pin that extends transversely through the bracket and first end of the handle, such that the handle is positionable in a vertical position substantially perpendicular relative to the base, wherein the handle is configured to pivot about the axle to a reclined position approximately parallel to the base when the anchor is disengaged from the first bracket, such that the axle maintains the handle in a fixed pivoting position preventing movement of the handle in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular relative to the base, the first end extending beyond the axle, such that when the handle is in the vertical position the first end abuts the first bracket in such a manner to prevent the handle from pivoting in a direction away from the cushion-type portion of the furniture, and the second end being free and not coupled to any structure, wherein the handle has an arcuate shape, such that the portion configured to be grasped by the user is in the shape of a hook; wherein the base comprises a single rigid planar member having a width that extends on both sides of the single leg and across a substantial width of a cushion under the cushion-type portion of the furniture, the base further provides support to the handle without the base or handle receiving direct support from the ground, and wherein the bracket is configured to restrain the handle in the vertical position such that the handle is incapable of rotating in a plane formed by the handle.