Handrail for toddlers

Abstract

A handrail system optimized for use-with children under 5 years of age, which includes an elongated rail and support brackets for hanging it, beneath a standard handrail, at a height of about 28 inches and within easy reach of toddlers. Shaped to fit a child's hand, the rail of generally circular transverse cross-section, defines an elongated pocket for receiving the user's thumb so that the child can grip the rail firmly. Also included is an elongated rubber insert mounted on the rail and spaced apart from the elongated pocket. The rubber insert is positioned in such a way that when the user's hand grips the rail and his thumb engages the pocket, his finger tips press against the rubber insert, reducing the child's chances of slippage. Installable by the average do-it-yourselfer, three support bracket embodiments are provided: one attachable to the standard handrail and the others to the wall.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a non-provisional application of the earlier filed provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 633,775 filed Dec. 7, 2004, and claims the benefit of the priority of the filing date Dec. 7, 2004, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Sec. 119(e)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Building codes for residences, schools and businesses specify that handrails be mounted at heights which are too high to be safely used by most children under 5 years old. Further, even if the child is able to stretch and reach up to touch a standard height handrail, the rail, in most cases is too thick for the child's hand to grip. Thus, when the youngsters are in their most unstable ambulatory period and just learning to walk, the activity of climbing and descending stairs is a very dangerous one for them. Therefore, handrail systems suitable for young children are needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a handrail s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] A second object of this invention is to provide such a handrail which is not only attractive, but also does not interfere with the use of a standard height handrail and can be easily installed by the homeowner.

[0007] The rail segments themselves are elongated structures having generally circular transverse cross-sections which measure roughly about an inch in diameter. Shaped in such a way that they can easily be gripped by a young child, each rail segment defines an elongated pocket for receiving the user's thumb so that he can hold the rail tightly while descending the stairs. Further, an elongated rubber insert is affixed to each rail segment in such a position that the tips of the user's fingers press against the insert when his thumb engages the pocket, further aiding the child to get a tight grip on the rail.

Problems solved by technology

Further, even if the child is able to stretch and reach up to touch a standard height handrail, the rail, in most cases is too thick for the child's hand to grip.

Thus, when the youngsters are in their most unstable ambulatory period and just learning to walk, the activity of climbing and descending stairs is a very dangerous one for them.

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