Patent Document

[0001]     This invention relates in one embodiment to a hand gripped assistance device that is used to assist a person in lowering himself from a standing position to a seated position or vice-versa, and more particularly to a portable device that is easily engageable with a stationary fitting in the home or in an automobile, and that is used to assist a person in lowering himself from a standing position to a seated position in the home or in an automobile.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A portable hand gripped assistance device that is used to assist a person in lowering himself from a standing position to a seated position in the home or in an automobile.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It is well known that any person who is infirm, elderly, handicapped, temporarily ill, injured, or otherwise weakened may experience difficulty in raising himself up from a sitting position to a standing position, or in lowering himself from a standing position to a sitting position. The degree of difficulty of such a maneuver is partly a function of the environment; and specifically, whether or not such environment provides, either by happenstance or by design, any solid stationary object(s), which the person can grasp and use to assist himself in transitioning from a sitting to standing position, or vice-versa. The degree of difficulty is also a function of whether or not the person is also using any ambulatory assistance devices such as a scooter, a wheelchair, or a walker.  
         [0004]     In many instances, the particular environment does not provide any suitable solid stationary object, which the person can grasp to assist in his ambulatory transition. For example, in an ambulatory transition from a vehicle, there is usually nothing suitable for the person to grasp. The vehicle door is movable, being hinged, rather than stationary. The vehicle body typically offers no stationary graspable object. In addition, the height of the vehicle seat may vary widely, from the largest sport utility vehicle to the smallest subcompact vehicle.  
         [0005]     By way of a further example, in an ambulatory transition from a wheelchair or walker to a commode or bathtub, there is often not provided accommodations to assist in such a transition. The person&#39;s own bathroom may be equipped with a full set of “handicapped rails,” but when the person is a visitor in the bathroom of another, there is typically neither the time nor inclination to equip such bathroom with “handicapped rails” or other such accommodations. Moreover, many residential household bathrooms are not dimensionally or structurally suitable for the fitting of “handicapped rails.” 
         [0006]     There is therefore a need for a device which provides an additional support function in an ambulatory transition, e.g. while egressing or ingressing from a motor vehicle. Such a device will eliminate or greatly reduce the tendency for instability while the person transitions from a standing to a seating position in the vehicle or vice versa. Such a device would ideally be a simple, light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable tool that would be functional across a range of vehicles, and would also be adaptable and useful in residential household applications. To the best of the applicant&#39;s knowledge, no such simple, light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device or tool exists for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition.  
         [0007]     It is an object of this invention to provide a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition into and out of a vehicle.  
         [0008]     It is an object of this invention to provide a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition onto and off of a commode.  
         [0009]     It is an object of this invention to provide a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition into and out of a bathtub.  
         [0010]     It is an object of this invention to provide a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition, wherein such tool is collapsible to a compact shape.  
         [0011]     It is an object of this invention to provide a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition, wherein such tool is simply and reversibly attached to an ambulatory assistance device.  
         [0012]     It is an object of this invention to provide a simple fitting, which can be retrofitted to a wall of a structure, such as a bathroom wall, and which is reversibly engageable with the devices of the present invention for assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ambulatory transition assistance device that is reversibly engageable with a fitting, said ambulatory transition assistance device comprising a body having a proximal end, and a distal end; a grip at said proximal end for engagement with a human hand; and a first engagement means at said distal end for engagement with said fitting, wherein when said device is engaged with said fitting, rotational motion of said device with respect to said fitting is prevented in at least one direction in at least one plane of rotation of said device with respect to said fitting.  
         [0014]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ambulatory transition assistance device that is reversibly engageable with a fitting, said ambulatory transition assistance device comprising a body having a proximal end, and a distal end; a grip at said proximal end; and a first engagement feature at said distal end for engagement with said fitting, wherein when said device is engaged with said fitting, rotational motion of said device with respect to said fitting is prevented in at least one direction in at least one plane of rotation of said device with respect to said fitting.  
         [0015]     The device of the present invention is advantageous because it provides a light-weight, portable, reversibly engageable means for a person to use in assisting with an ambulatory transition. As a result of the present invention, a handicapped, infirm, or temporarily injured or ill person can more safely execute an ambulatory transition into or out of a vehicle, or in an environment in a residential or public setting. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical striker assembly which is attached to the front door post and/or rear door post of most domestic and foreign motor vehicles currently sold;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of one embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the body thereof is a unitary structure;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the CEAD of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the body thereof is a laminated structure;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the CEAD of  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a side elevation view of the CEAD of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , shown engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the CEAD of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , shown engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1 , and gripped by a human hand;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising a formed grip for a more secure engagement with the human hand;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5B  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising an elongated grip for engagement with both hands at some point during the ambulatory transition;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5C  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising a curved body;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5D  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising an engagement feature that, when engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1 , is restrained from rotation in opposite directions;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a person using a CEAD of the present invention in an ambulatory transition;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7A  is another embodiment of an ambulatory transition assistance device of the present invention comprising a rod shaped end for engagement with a socket fitting;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7B  is a side sectional view of the device of  FIG. 7A  shown engaged with the socket fitting of  FIG. 7A ; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the gripping means at the distal end of the body thereof is a gripping loop. 
     
    
       [0032]     The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]     For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. In describing the present invention, a variety of terms are used in the description.  
         [0034]     As used herein, an ambulatory transition is meant to include, without limitation, a transition made by a person from a sitting to a standing position; or from a standing to a sitting position; or from a reclining position to a sitting position; or from a sitting position to a reclining position; or from a standing position to a reclining position; or from a reclining position to a standing position; or from a first reclining position (e.g. face-down) to a second reclining position (e.g. face-up). For illustrative purposes, the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in transitions from sitting to standing positions and vice versa, but such descriptions are not to be construed as limiting in the manner in which the present invention may be used in assisting a person in making ambulatory transitions. The term ambulatory transition is further meant to include transitions in series with other motions, and repetitive transitions, i.e. repetitive exercise.  
         [0035]     As used herein, the abbreviation “ATAD” is an abbreviation for an ambulatory transition assistance device, used in making ambulatory transitions as recited in the immediately foregoing description.  
         [0036]     As used herein, a Car Entry and exit Assistance Device (CEAD) will be described in various embodiments of the ambulatory transition assistance devices of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the description of the Car Entry and exit Assistance Devices (CEADs) of the present invention will be described in transitions from sitting to standing positions and vice versa with respect to a vehicle but such descriptions are not to be construed as limiting in the manner in which a CEAD may be used in assisting a person in making ambulatory transitions in other environments in a residential or public setting. A CEAD may be used in such a setting in substantially the same manner as described for a vehicle, provided that a structural fitting is present in the environment similar to the fitting on a vehicle with which the CEAD is engaged during use thereof.  
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical striker assembly which is attached to the front door post and/or rear door post of most domestic and foreign motor vehicles currently sold. Although the many models of vehicles may use slight variations in materials and sizes, the general construction of the striker assembly is generally the same. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the striker assembly  10  is rigidly attached to the door post with heavy screws  12 , and provides a firm support for the front or rear door which will be latched thereto when closed. The portion of the striker assembly with which the door latch is engaged is typically comprised of a U-shaped bar  14 , which is joined to a mounting plate  16 , preferably at a thickened reinforcement boss  18 . Typically, mounting screws  12  are countersunk into plate  16 .  
         [0038]     Thus the striker assembly  10  acts to align and lock a car door to the car frame, and in particular, door post  20 . A striker assembly is a strong structure that must be resistant to forces and bending moments from all directions. Such strength is required in order for the striker assembly to withstand forces that may occur in a crash or rollover. The strength requirements of a striker assembly are specified in various automotive engineering standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and are codified in government regulations, such as those issued by e.g., the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA) of the United States Department of Transportation. Thus a typical striker assembly, being of high structural strength, provides an ideal fitting with which to engage the CEAD of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of one embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the body thereof is a unitary structure, and  FIG. 2B  is a top view of the CEAD of  FIG. 2A . Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , ambulatory assist device  100 , or CEAD  100 , comprises a body  110  having a proximal end  120  and a distal end  130 . In the preferred embodiment, CEAD  100  is provided with gripping means comprised of a grip  122  that is formed along proximal end  120 . In one embodiment, grip  122  is unitary with respect to body  110 , i.e. body  110  is a solid single piece with grip  122  integrally formed therein. In a further embodiment, grip  122  includes individual recesses for each of the fingers formed therein.  
         [0040]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , grip  122  comprises a sleeve grip  122  encasing the proximal end  120  of body  110 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , sleeve grip  122  comprises elastomeric foam, and preferably a closed-cell foam. Such a sleeve grip is typically used in applications where a soft compliant gripping surface is required for griping by a human hand. In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A , sleeve grip  122  comprises an elastomeric non-foam sleeve made of e.g. rubber or polyurethane, which is formed or comprised of a contour to match the shape of a human hand gripping thereupon.  
         [0041]     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , body  110  of CEAD  100  further comprises a first engagement means at the distal end  130  of body  110 , for engagement with a structural feature, such as a striker bar assembly  10  of  FIG. 1 . The details of engagement of the engagement means with a structural feature will be provided subsequently in this specification.  
         [0042]     In the preferred embodiment, the engagement means of CEAD  100  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  comprises engagement feature  132 . Engagement feature  132  is preferably rectangular in cross-section, and preferably comprises a stepped edge  134  formed in body  110 , and an engagement extension  135 . In one embodiment, engagement extension  135  is simply a straight rectangular bar-shaped extension, extending beyond stepped edge  134 . In the preferred embodiment, engagement extension  135  is formed with a first bend  136  preferably forming an acute angle  137  with stepped edge  134 , an inner flat section  138 , a second bend  139  disposed in the opposite direction of first bend  136 , and an outer flat section  140 . This preferred engagement extension  135  provides a superior engagement with the striker assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  than the simple straight rectangular bar-shaped extension, as will be subsequently explained with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  
         [0043]     It is to be understood that acute angle  137  formed between stepped edge  134  and engagement extension  135  is meant over a dimensional distance on the order of as much as one-quarter of an inch. It will be apparent that for embodiments of the CEAD not comprising multiple leaves, but rather a solid structure of metal or plastic or a composite, it will be advantageous to provide a curved radius at the intersection of stepped edge  134  and engagement extension  135 , rather than a sharp acute angled juncture  137  as depicted in  FIG. 2A . Such provision of a radiused juncture is a well known method of distributing stress at a juncture to prevent cracking and failure of a part. Thus, as used herein, acute angle  137  is meant to include a radiused structure at the apex thereof, and such acute angle is determined as being formed by the overall profiles of stepped edge  134  and engagement extension  135 .  
         [0044]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , body  110  is substantially rectangular in cross section. In another embodiment (not shown), body I  10  has a substantially circular cross section. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that bodies with other suitable cross-sections may be used, with the operative requirement being that such bodies have suitable structural strength for the intended ambulatory assistance use, and that such bodies are provided with the engagement means at the distal end  130  thereof.  
         [0045]     CEAD  100  may be made of any material with sufficient structural strength to bear the loads applied thereupon during use thereof. In one embodiment, CEAD  100  is made of steel. In another embodiment, CEAD  100  is made of an aluminum alloy. In another embodiment, CEAD  100  is formed from a composite of carbon fiber and polymer resin. In yet another embodiment, CEAD  100  is formed from a composite of glass fiber and polymer resin, such as e.g., fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP). In one preferred embodiment, CEAD  100  is formed from a material and structural combination such that CEAD  100  has some degree of flexibility, as will be described subsequently in this specification.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the body thereof is a laminated structure, and  FIG. 3B  is a sectional view of the CEAD of  FIG. 3A . Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , CEAD  200  is similar in structure to CEAD  100  of  FIG. 2A , with the main difference being that body  210  and engagement feature  232  of CEAD  200  is comprised of a laminated structure of multiple layers  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  of material. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , CEAD  200  comprises four layers of material  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  in the central portion of the body  210  and the proximal end  220  that is enclosed by hand grip sleeve  222 .  
         [0047]     Layers  212  and  214  of body  210  terminate along body  210  to form stepped edge  234  of engagement feature  232  at distal end  230 . Layers  216  and  218  extend outwardly from layers  212  and  214 , and are formed into engagement extension  235 , preferably with the same double-bent configuration as recited for engagement extension  135  of CEAD  100  of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0048]     The multi-layer laminated structure of body  210  of CEAD  200  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  provides CEAD  200  with flexibility when CEAD  200  is engaged with a striker plate assembly such as striker plate assembly  10  of  FIG. 1 . The flexibility is a consequence of the multiple layered structure in that each of the layers may bend and spring back when the CEAD is in use. In particular, layers  216  and  218  formed in engagement extension  235  bend reversibly in the region proximate to bend  236 . This bending action is well known in the mechanical arts; multilayered spring structures are widely used, such as e.g., leaf springs in automotive suspensions. In use, the overall structure of body  210  of CEAD  200  functions as a leaf spring comprised of leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 .  
         [0049]     By providing such flexibility, CEAD  200  is capable of absorbing and recoiling if sudden forces are applied thereto during use thereof. This force absorbing capability prevents excessive shock loading of either the arm or shoulder of the patient using the CEAD, or the striker assembly of the vehicle, thereby greatly reducing the risk of twisting off, breaking off, or otherwise damaging the striker assembly. This also greatly reduces the possibility of having the grip  222  of CEAD  200  become unstable during the use thereof. In addition, if the striker assembly  10  is deformed or damaged, the door of the vehicle will no longer seat into the door frame properly, latch closed, and lock in place.  
         [0050]     Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, applicant believes that one important feature of the CEAD  200  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is that CEAD  200  is made to absorb some of the downward force, while the body  210  thereof is being used in the flexure of the construction of CEAD  200 , and in the following “pinching” action of the CEAD  200  on striker plate assembly  10 . This pinching action results in the striker unit  10  being compressed in a near horizontal orientation, which alleviates some of the twisting and downward forces which may apply if a rigidly constructed body  210  were used. Further details regarding the engagement of the CEAD with a striker assembly of a vehicle, and regarding various materials of construction of the CEAD are provided subsequently in this specification.  
         [0051]      FIG. 3B  is a sectional side view of the CEAD of  FIG. 3A , comprised of a body having a laminated structure. Referring again to  FIG. 3B , and in one preferred embodiment depicted therein, layers or leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  are joined together in the central area and proximal end  220  by suitable fastening means such as rivets, or threaded fasteners  221  and  223 , which are threadedly engaged with tapped holes in leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 . In other embodiments, and depending upon the particular materials of leaves  212 , 214 ,  216 , and  218 , such leaves may be joined by other suitable joining means such as e.g., spot welding, or by an adhesive.  
         [0052]      FIG. 4A  is a side elevation view of the CEAD of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , shown engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the engagement means at the distal end  230  of CEAD  200  is engaged with striker assembly. Specifically, body  210  of CEAD is inserted through U-bar  14  of striker assembly  10 , and engagement feature  232  is engaged with U-bar  14  such that stepped edge  234  is abutted against out-portion  13  of U-bar  14 , and bend  239  is curled around out-portion  15  of U-bar  14 .  
         [0053]     With such an engagement, CEAD  200  is immobilized against striker assembly  10 , and prevented from further insertion along the lengthwise direction of body  210 . More importantly, such an engagement results in immobilization in the downward rotational direction. When a force F is applied to gripping means comprised of e.g., grip  222  of CEAD  200 , as indicated by arrow  290 , rotational motion of CEAD  200  in the direction indicated by arcuate arrow  292  is NOT permitted, as indicated by universal NOT symbol  291 .  
         [0054]     In addition, because the width of the engagement extension  235  is just slightly less than the gap  19  (see  FIG. 1 ) between the striker boss  18  (see  FIG. 1 ) and the inside edge of the striker U-bar  14  (see  FIG. 1 ), CEAD  200  can not be rotated or otherwise moved laterally. In one embodiment, CEAD  200  is provided with an engagement extension  235  wherein such engagement extension  235  passes through gap  19  with a sliding contact fit. (For an understanding of the meaning of the width of the engagement extension  235 , see  FIG. 2B , wherein there is depicted a CEAD  100  with an engagement extension  140  having a width  141 .)  
         [0055]     By way of further illustration,  FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the CEAD of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , shown engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1  and gripped by a human hand. Referring to  FIG. 4B , it can be seen that human hand  99  is applying a force F as indicated by arrow  290 , but that rotation as indicated by arcuate arrow  292  is not permitted. In addition, because of the previously described fit of engagement extension  235  in striker assembly  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), rotation of CEAD  200  in a plane other than the plane of rotation indicated by arcuate arrow  292  is also not permitted. Hence CEAD  200  is useful as a device for making an ambulatory transition into or out of a vehicle wherein CEAD  200  provides a resisting counterforce to force F, thereby allowing the user to steady himself and control his motion during the ambulatory transition.  
         [0056]     By way of further illustration, and not limitation, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4B , CEAD  200  comprises a multilayered body  210  comprised of layers or leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 . (See  FIGS. 3A-3B .) As described previously, this embodiment of CEAD  200  is provided with some flexibility, such that when CEAD  200  is suddenly loaded by a large force F, body  210  of CEAD  200  flexes and then recoils, as indicated by bi-directional arcuate arrow  293 . Thus, sudden shock loadings to either the user&#39;s hand  99  or the striker assembly  10  are prevented by the absorption and release of such loads by CEAD  200 .  
         [0057]     As noted previously, the flexibility of CEAD  200  is a consequence of the multiple layered structure in that each of the layers may bend and spring back when the CEAD is in use. This bending action is well known in that multilayered leaf spring structures are widely used in applications such as e.g., automotive and recreational vehicle suspensions. For a further description of the structure, materials, and function of leaf springs, one may refer to e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,595 of Mishima et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,325 of Marsh, U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,718 of Nickel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,958 of Huchette et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,307 of Brownyer et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,297 of Perreault et al, U.S. Pat. No. 1,814,682 of Frost, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,018,250 of McIntyre. The entire disclosures of each of these United States patents are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0058]     It is to be understood that CEAD  200  is not limited to a four-leaf structure, and that structures of more or fewer leaves are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0059]     In one embodiment, CEAD  200  of  FIGS. 3A-4B  was made with leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  having a composition consisting essentially of aluminum alloy and having a width of 0.75 inches and a thickness of 0.125 inches. The overall length of this embodiment of CEAD  200  was approximately 8.4 inches. Grip  222  of CEAD  200  was made of a sleeve of closed cell rubber foam approximately 5 inches long and having an uncompressed thickness of between about 0.2 inches and 0.4 inches. One further embodiment of this CEAD  200  was made having leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  of carbon steel. Another embodiment of this CEAD  200  was made having leaves  212  and  214  of carbon steel, and leaves  216  and  218  of aluminum alloy.  
         [0060]      FIG. 5A  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the gripping means comprises a formed grip for a more secure engagement with the human hand. Referring to  FIG. 5A , CEAD  300  comprises a body  310  having a proximal end  320  and a distal end  330 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , a grip  322  is formed along proximal end  320 . In one embodiment (not shown), formed grip  322  is unitary with respect to body  310 , i.e. body  310  is a solid single piece, and grip  322 , optionally including individual recesses for each of the fingers, is formed therein.  
         [0061]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A , grip  322  comprises a molded or otherwise formed sleeve of rubber encasing body  310 . Such a grip  322  is typically used in applications where a soft compliant gripping surface is required for gripping by a human hand. Grip  322  further comprises contoured surfaces  324  and  326  for better engagement of a hand therewith. In one embodiment, grip  322  is formed with at least a portion of the surface thereof having a plurality of nubs  328 , which improve the tactile “feel” of such grip by the user thereof.  
         [0062]     In yet a further embodiment, grip  322  is provided with a hole  323  therethrough at the proximal end of CEAD  300 . Such a hole may be used to attach a quick-connecting clip (not shown) or retaining cord (not shown), so that the user may fasten the CEAD to another retaining feature provided on another ambulatory assist device such as a wheelchair, scooter, or walker (not shown).  
         [0063]      FIG. 5B  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising an elongated grip for engagement with both hands at some point during the ambulatory transition. Referring to  FIG. 5B , CEAD  400  comprises a body  410  having a proximal end  420  and a distal end  430 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5B , grip  422  is formed from proximal end  420  lengthwise along elongated body  410  to a point proximate to engagement feature  432 . Grip  422  thus has sufficient room for the engagement of both hands by the user during an ambulatory transition.  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, CEAD  400  of  FIG. 5B  was made with leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  (see  FIG. 3A ) of aluminum alloy having a width of 0.75 inches and a thickness of 0.125 inches. The overall length of this embodiment of CEAD  400  was approximately 13.5 inches. Grip  422  of CEAD  400  was made of a sleeve of closed cell polyurethane foam approximately 10 inches long and having an uncompressed thickness of about 0.3 inches.  
         [0065]      FIG. 5C  is another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising a curved body. Referring to  FIG. 5C , CEAD  450  comprises a body  460  having a proximal end  470  and a distal end  480 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5C , body  460  of CEAD  450  is provided with a curved portion  465 . When CEAD  450  of  FIG. 5C  is engaged with a striker assembly as depicted in  FIG. 4A , curved portion  465  of CEAD  450  results in the grip  472  of CEAD  450  being disposed in a more angular direction with respect to the user&#39;s body (not shown). Depending upon the particular disability of the user, this provision may provide an easier ambulatory transition by the user.  
         [0066]     In a further embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5C , CEAD  450  is provided with an elongated grip  472 , formed from proximal end  420  lengthwise along elongated body  410  to a point proximate to engagement feature  482 . Grip  472  of CEAD  450  thus has sufficient room for the engagement of both hands by the user during an ambulatory transition.  
         [0067]     In one embodiment, CEAD  450  of  FIG. 5C  was made with leaves  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  (see  FIG. 3A ) of aluminum alloy having a width of 0.75 inches and a thickness of 0.125 inches. The overall length of this embodiment of CEAD  450  was approximately 15 inches. Grip  472  of CEAD  400  was made of a sleeve of closed cell polyurethane foam approximately 10 inches long and having an uncompressed thickness of about 0.3 inches. CEAD  450  further comprised a bend  465  in the body thereof formed at an angle of about 150 degrees.  
         [0068]      FIG. 5D  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention comprising a first engagement means and a second engagement means, and preferably a third engagement means that, when engaged with a typical striker plate assembly of  FIG. 1 , is restrained from rotation in opposite directions. Referring to  FIG. 5D , CEAD  500  comprises a body  510  having a proximal end  520  and a distal end  530 . In the preferred embodiment, a grip  522  is formed along proximal end  520 . CEAD  500  further comprises a first engagement means comprised of engagement feature  532 , having a structure substantially the same as engagement feature  132  of CEAD  100  of  FIG. 2A , and engagement feature  232  of  FIG. 3A , both of which were previously described in this specification. As further described previously, first engagement feature  532  of CEAD  500 , when engaged with striker plate assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 5D , prevents downward rotational motion if CEAD  500  as indicated by NOT symbol  591  and arcuate arrow  592 .  
         [0069]     Referring again to  FIG. 5D , CEAD  500  comprises second engagement means comprised of engagement feature  542 , and preferably third engagement means comprised of engagement feature  552 . Engagement feature  542  is comprised of second engagement extension  545  extending downwardly and outwardly from body  510 . Engagement extension  545  is preferably comprised of a first downward bend  546  bifurcating away from body  510  proximate to stepped edge  534 , and a second bend  549  disposed in the opposite direction of first bend  546 , such that second bend  549  wraps around at least the lower portion of out portion  13  of striker U-bar  14 . Engagement feature  552  is comprised of third engagement extension  555  extending upwardly and outwardly from body  510 . Engagement extension  555  is preferably comprised of a first upward bend  556  bifurcating away from body  510 , and a second bend  559  disposed in the opposite direction of first bend  556 , such that second bend  559  wraps around at least the upper portion of out portion  15  of striker U-bar  14 .  
         [0070]     In use, engagement feature  532  of CEAD  500  is inserted through U-bar  14  of striker assembly  10 , and engagement feature  532  is engaged with U-bar  14  such that stepped edge  534  is abutted against out-portion  13  of U-bar  14 , and bend  539  is curled around out-portion  15  of U-bar  14 . As described previously, with such an engagement, CEAD  500  is immobilized against striker assembly  10 , and prevented from further insertion along the lengthwise direction of body  510 . Such an engagement results in immobilization in the downward rotational direction. When a downward force F d  is applied to grip  522  of CEAD  500 , as indicated by arrow  590 , rotational motion of CEAD  200  in the downward direction indicated by arcuate arrow  592  is NOT permitted, as indicated by universal NOT symbol  591 .  
         [0071]     In addition to preventing such downward rotation of CEAD  500 , second engagement feature  542  and third engagement feature  552  prevent upward rotation of CEAD  500 . Referring again to  FIG. 5D , when CEAD is properly engaged with striker assembly as shown therein, second engagement feature  542  is engaged with U-bar  14  such that stepped edge  534  is abutted against out-portion  13  of U-bar  14 , bend  549  is curled around and beneath out-portion  13  of U-bar  14 , and bend  559  is curled around and above out-portion  15  of U-bar  14 . Such an engagement results in immobilization of CEAD  500  in the upward rotational direction. When an upward force F u  is applied to grip  522  of CEAD  500 , as indicated by arrow  595 , rotational motion of CEAD  200  in the upward direction indicated by arcuate arrow  597  is NOT permitted, as indicated by universal NOT symbol  591 .  
         [0072]     Hence CEAD  500  is useful as a device for making an ambulatory transition into or out of a vehicle wherein CEAD  500  provides resisting counterforces to both forces F d  and F u , thereby allowing the user to steady himself and control his motion during the ambulatory transition in either direction. This feature is particularly advantageous when making an ambulatory transition out of a vehicle that is low to the ground, such as from a sub-compact vehicle.  
         [0073]     In a further embodiment (not shown), CEAD  500  comprises a first engagement means and a second engagement means disposed on opposite sides of body  510 , wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are mirror images of each other. In this manner, the CEAD  500  may be engaged with the striker assembly  14  in either of two positions, i.e., there is no “up” or “down” orientation of the CEAD when positioning it to engage with the striker assembly  14 . This embodiment of the CEAD is thus more easily engaged with the striker assembly  14 , since the user thereof does not need to pay attention and specifically select a proper up/down orientation of the CEAD.  
         [0074]     It will be apparent that the CEADs depicted in  FIGS. 2A-5D  are for illustrative purposes, and the relative angles of the grips of these CEADs with respect to the vehicles may vary, and yet still provide satisfactory results in the use thereof. This variation may be accomplished by e.g., varying the angle of the engagement feature with respect to the remainder of the body of the CEAD. In one embodiment, the angle of the grip may be substantially horizontal. In another embodiment, the angle of the grip may be substantially vertical. The optimal particular angle will vary depending upon the design parameters of the vehicle such as e.g., body height, striker assembly height, and seat height from the ground, and upon whether or not the CEAD is provided with a single engagement feature, or two engagement features that prevent rotation in either direction as described herein.  
         [0075]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a person using a CEAD of the present invention in an ambulatory transition. Referring to  FIG. 6 , person  98  has engaged CEAD  100  with striker assembly  10  of vehicle  8 , as described previously in this specification. Person  98  is gripping CEAD  100  in his hand  99  and applying a downward force as indicated by arrow  190 , and as shown in  FIG. 4B  and described previously in this specification. CEAD  100  is providing a counterforce such that person  98  is using CEAD  100  to steady himself and also to assist his upward motion during his ambulatory transition as indicated by arrow  199 .  
         [0076]     In some circumstances, the CEADs of the present invention may be used by persons who are in a significantly weakened state, and/or persons who are obese. In such circumstances, particularly with the elongated CEADs  400  and  450  of  FIGS. 5B  and SC, it is possible that the force applied to a striker bar assembly of a vehicle by the CEAD may be sufficient to bend or break such striker bar assembly. To prevent such failure, in one embodiment, the CEAD is made of a material that yields (e.g., bends) at a level near to, but less than, the force required to damage the striker assembly. For example, in one embodiment, CEAD  200  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  was made of aluminum alloy, which yielded slowly at a force less than that required to damage the striker assembly of the vehicle. This slow deformation provided a warning to the user to not apply further force to the CEAD.  
         [0077]     In a further embodiment, the CEAD may alternatively or additionally be provided with a score mark cut into the engagement extension thereof thereupon to result in failure thereof prior to the sudden failure of the striker assembly of the vehicle. Such a score mark may be located e.g., at or near bend  136  of CEAD  100  of  FIG. 2A . P In another embodiment, the CEAD of the present invention is provided with a lock-and-release hinge immediately adjacent to the inner end of the grip thereof, which renders the CEAD foldable like a jack knife. In yet another embodiment, the CEAD of the present invention is provided with a twist lock-and-release fitting immediately adjacent to the inner end of the grip thereof, which renders the CEAD collapsible by a telescoping action. Such fittings are well known in the fabrication of telescoping martial arts batons, walking sticks, and the like.  
         [0078]     In a further embodiment, the grip of the CEAD is provided with a strip or a sleeve of loop material. Such loop material can be temporarily fastened to a corresponding piece of hook material, the pair of materials being the well known “hook and loop” or Velcro® joining material. Such hook material could be located in a convenient place for the user, such as e.g. the underside of a wheelchair armrest, so that the CEAD comprising a loop sleeve is easily secured there, yet very accessible for use.  
         [0079]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a CEAD of the present invention wherein the gripping means at the distal end of the body thereof is a gripping loop. Referring to  FIG. 8 , CEAD  700  comprises a body  710  comprising a grip  722  at the distal end thereof. Grip  722  is formed in a loop, and is joined to the central portion  711  of body  710 , to form the overall body  710 . By way of illustration, and not limitation, CEAD  700  is shown as having an engagement feature  732  having a structure that is substantially similar to engagement feature  132  of CEAD  100  of  FIG. 2A . It will be apparent that CEAD  700  may alternatively comprise the structures of the engagement feature  232  of CEAD  200  of  FIG. 3A , or the engagement feature  532  of ATAD  500  of  FIG. 7A . It will be further apparent that loop grip  722  may be joined to the central portion  711  of body  710  at an angle other than that depicted in  FIG. 8 , with respect to engagement feature  732 .  
         [0080]     Loop grip  722  may be formed integrally with the rest of body  710 , in such circumstances as when CEAD  700  is made of a moldable material such as a plastic, or a composite material. Alternatively, if CEAD  700  is made of metal such as aluminum or steel, loop grip  722  may be joined to the central portion  711  of body  710  by welding, or by a threaded fastener or fasteners (not shown).  
         [0081]     Loop grip  722  may also be provided in shapes other than that depicted in  FIG. 8 , such as an elliptical shape, a D-shape, or a circular shape. Loop grip  722  is primarily intended to be engaged by the human hand, and thus a D-shape, an elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape with radiused corners are most suitable. In one embodiment, loop grip  722  is provided with a surface having peaks and valleys thereupon to match the shape of fingers of a hand, for a more secure engagement with a gripping hand.  
         [0082]     In one embodiment, loop grip  722  is provided with an opening sufficiently large for the insertion of the lower portion of a human arm (or a prosthesis), up to approximately the elbow thereof. Loop grip may also provide an attachment location for the engagement thereof by a gripping mechanism of a prosthesis, or by a hook joined to a rope and/or pulley assembly and/or power assist means such as an electric motor, for assistance with an ambulatory transition. In one use, such rope and/or pulley assembly and/or power assist means may be engaged with the foot of the person making the ambulatory transition, instead of or in addition to the hand(s) of the person.  
         [0083]      FIG. 7A  is another embodiment of an ambulatory transition assistance device of the present invention comprising a rod-shaped end for engagement with a socket fitting; and  FIG. 7B  is a side sectional view of the device of  FIG. 7A  shown engaged with the socket fitting of  FIG. 7A . Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , ambulatory transition assistance device (ATAD)  500  comprises a body  510  having a proximal end  520  and a distal end  530 . In the preferred embodiment, gripping means comprising a grip  522  is formed along proximal end  520 . In one embodiment (not shown), grip  522  is unitary with respect to body  510 , i.e. body  510  is a solid single piece, and grip  522 , optionally including individual recesses for each of the fingers, is formed therein.  
         [0084]     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , grip  522  comprises a sleeve of rubber foam encasing body  510 . In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A , grip  122  comprises an elastomeric sleeve made of e.g. rubber or polyurethane, which is formed to match the shape of a human hand gripping thereupon.  
         [0085]     Referring again to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , body  510  of ATAD  100  further comprises an engagement means at the distal end  530  of body  510 , for engagement with a structural fitting, such as socket fitting  600  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In the preferred embodiment, the engagement means of ATAD  500  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  comprises engagement feature  532 . In one embodiment, engagement feature  532  comprises a taper formed along the distal end  530  of body  510 .  
         [0086]     The cross-bore  620  of socket fitting  600  is provided with a correspondingly tapered inner diameter, so that when tapered engagement feature  532  of ATAD  500  is inserted into socket fitting  600  as shown in  FIG. 7B , a firm, snug fit therein is provided. Such a temporary mating of tapered parts is well known in e.g. the mating of chucks and arbors in machine tools. Alternatively or additionally, engagement feature  532  may be provided with fine splines around the circumference thereof, and cross-bore  620  may be provided with corresponding mating splines therein for a firm engagement of the ATAD  500  in the socket fitting  600 .  
         [0087]     In a preferred embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the engagement means provided in the engagement feature  532  at the distal end  530  of ATAD  500  comprises a retractable retaining ball  548  fitted therein. In one embodiment (not shown) retractable retaining ball is simply spring loaded, and retracts when pressure is applied by a mating surface (such as socket bore  620 ) thereto. In a preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7A , retractable retaining ball is actuated by a quick release mechanism  540  comprised of push button  542 , pushrod  544 , spring  546 , and spring  547 . When pushbutton  542  is operated, as indicated by arrow  590 , pushrod  544  is displaced correspondingly as indicated by arrow  591 , with resulting contact of detent  549  against spring  547 , which forces and releases ball  548  against the outer limit of the housing bore in which ball  548  is contained. Such a mechanism is known and is used e.g., for quick release of a socket that is temporarily joined to a ratcheting socket wrench.  
         [0088]     To provide the most secure mating surface to engage with the engagement means comprising retaining ball  548 , socket fitting  600  is provided with a groove  622  formed on the inner bore  620  thereof, so that when the engagement means of ATAD  500  is inserted into bore  620  as indicated by arrow  594 , ball  548  is seated in groove  622  when pushbutton  542  is released. Thus ATAD  500  is securely held in socket fitting  600 , until pushbutton  542  is depressed, and ATAD  500  is withdrawn.  
         [0089]     Socket fitting  600  preferably comprises a short, cylindrical puck-shaped body  610 . In one embodiment, cross bore  620  is provided completely through body  610 . In another embodiment, cross bore  620  is only provided through a portion of body  610 . In a further embodiment (not shown), a plurality of cross-bores are provided in body  610  disposed around the circumference of body  610 . In a further embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7A and 7B , socket fitting is further provided with an axial bore  630 , for engagement with ATAD  500  along the central axis thereof. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7A , axial bore  630  is provided with a retaining groove  632  for engagement with retaining ball  548  of ATAD  500  as described previously.  
         [0090]     In another embodiment (not shown), ATAD  500  is provided with at least one nub protruding from the engagement feature  532  thereof, and preferably, two nubs disposed on opposite sides of engagement feature  532 . Socket  600  is provided with a pair of L-shaped grooves in the cross bore  620  and/or axial bore  630  thereof to receive the nub or nubs of engagement feature  532 , when engagement feature  532  of ATAD  500  is inserted therein. A first leg of the L-shaped groove is disposed along the axial direction of such bore, and a second leg of the L-shaped groove is disposed along the circumferential direction of such bore.  
         [0091]     Such an insertion of engagement feature  532  into bore  620  or  630  is first performed by inserting the engagement feature  532  into cross bore  620  or axial bore  630  with the nub or nubs sliding along the axial portion of the L-shaped groove(s), and then twisting the ATAD around its lengthwise axis such that the nub or nubs slide along the circumferential portion of the L-shaped groove(s). Such an insertion locks the ATAD firmly into the bore  620  or  630  of socket  600 . This mechanism of engagement is known in e.g., the engagement of a light bulb in a light socket and is commonly used in automotive running lights.  
         [0092]     It will be apparent that numerous other “quarter turn” mechanisms from the fastener arts and/or “quick disconnect” mechanisms from the plumbing and fluid handling arts will also be applicable to the engagement of the ATAD of the present invention with a socket.  
         [0093]     It will be further apparent that ATAD  500  and socket fitting  600  may be provided with engagement features and bores having cross sections other than circular in shape, such as e.g., elliptical, square, or rectangular. For ease of manufacturing of ATAD  500  and socket fitting  600 , such circular cross sections are preferred. ATAD  500  and socket fitting  600  may be manufactured of any materials having sufficient structural strength to withstand the forces applied thereto, such as e.g., steel, aluminum alloy, and high strength polymers and/or composites as described previously in this specification.  
         [0094]     Socket fitting  600  may be adapted to be mounted on a variety of structures and locations where assistance in ambulatory transitions is beneficial, such as e.g., on exterior walls near doorways; on bathroom walls near commodes, bathtubs, or showers; and on the frame rails of beds and other patient supporting structures. The solid puck shaped structure of socket fitting  600  is well suited to provide tapped and/or smooth holes therein or therethrough for engagement and securing with a variety of threaded fasteners. In one embodiment, socket fitting  600  is joined to a sheet metal plate that is bent in a U-shape having a gap of the same dimension as a common 2×4 stud used in residential construction. The sheet metal plate is nested around the stud and fastened thereto by suitable means such as e.g. long deck screws. In using such an embodiment, socket fitting  600  may be installed in any location in a building where common stud and drywall construction is present.  
         [0095]     In like manner, the striker assembly  10  of  FIG. 1 , that is used with the CEADs of  FIGS. 2A-5D  may be adapted to such indoor and outdoor installations on building walls. Thus the CEAD&#39;s of  FIGS. 2A-5D  may be used in applications other than ambulatory transitions into and out of vehicles.  
         [0096]     It will be apparent that the structures of the various CEADs  5 A,  5 B, and  5 C, comprising various grip shapes and/or materials, lengths, and bends may be adapted to the ATAD  500  of  FIG. 7A . It will be further apparent that the ATAD  500  of  FIG. 7A  may be made foldable, and/or telescoping for improved portability as described previously. In a further embodiment, an ambulatory transition assistance device is provided with a first end having one of the engagement means previously described and shown in  FIGS. 2A-5D , a second end having the engagement means shown in  FIG. 7A , and a grip disposed along the body thereof between the first end and the second end.  
         [0097]     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a device for the assistance of a person in an ambulatory transition. While this invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7