Handrail mechanism

Abstract

A handrail mechanism that includes the following: a holder (1) which includes the following: a first clamping assembly on a lower section thereof; a curved part (3) comprising the following: a connecting section (31); and an extension section (32) at a front end of the connecting section (31), extending downwards from the connecting section (31); wherein the extension section (32) comprises the following: a second clamping assembly on a lower section thereof; an adjustment assembly (4) wherein a rear end of the adjustment assembly (4) is connected to the holder (1) wherein a front end of the adjustment assembly (4) is pushed onto the connecting section (31) whereby the adjustment assembly (4) and the connecting section (31) are displaceable relative to each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE UTILITY MODEL 1. Area of ​​the utility model

[0001] The present utility model relates to an accessibility device, in particular a handrail mechanism. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] People with limited mobility or disabilities need to pay more attention to safety when showering or bathing. Many people with limited mobility or disabilities need to be assisted with a handrail when getting in or out of a bathtub or during a standing shower. The handrail can best ensure the safety of the elderly and people with limited mobility during body cleansing. However, the current bathtub handrail is fixed for a tight fit by turning a knob or a screw. For example, Chinese Patent No. 202020922605.7 disclosed a bathtub handrail including a fixed rod, an adjustment rod, a support rod, and a bathtub wall clamping device. The adjustment rod is mounted at an upper end of the fixed rod, and the support rod is mounted at a lower end of the fixed rod.A handrail is mounted on an upper end of the adjustment rod. An adjustable foot is mounted on a lower end of the support rod. The bathtub wall clamp device includes an installation plate and a welded plate. The installation plate is securely mounted on a side surface of the fixed rod. A clamp block is mounted on an outer side of the installation plate and is controlled and clamped by a screw mounted on the installation plate. The welded plate is mounted on the outer side of the installation plate. A clamp pad is mounted on one side of the welded plate and arranged correspondingly to the clamp block. The side of the welded plate is a side farther from the installation plate. The screw on the installation plate can control the clamp block, causing it to move close to the clamp pad and clamp it. However, such a handrail may have defects.It takes a long time to adjust the spacing between the clamp block and the clamp pad using the screw, so the spacing should be appropriate for the thickness of the bathtub. Furthermore, when the screw is operated by different people, the clamping force between the clamp block and the clamp pad will also vary accordingly, which may result in the handrail not being firmly fixed to the bathtub. Furthermore, the screw extends outward from the back of the installation plate and occupies a considerable area, making it easy for users to be injured by the screw. Therefore, the safety factor is insufficient.

[0003] To remedy the deficiencies, the present utility model provides a handrail mechanism to mitigate or avoid the above-mentioned problems. OVERVIEW OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a handrail mechanism that is easier and safer to use and has a more rigid structure. Furthermore, the distance between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly of the present invention can be quickly adjusted according to the thickness of various surrounding objects, providing a firm clamping and thus a higher safety factor.

[0005] The handrail mechanism includes a bracket, a bent part, and an adjustment assembly. The bracket has a first clamp assembly at a lower portion thereof. The bent part has a connecting portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is mounted to a front end of the connecting portion and extends downward from the connecting portion. The extension portion has a second clamp assembly at a lower portion thereof. A rear end of the adjustment assembly is connected to the bracket, a front end of the adjustment assembly is slid onto the connecting portion, and thereby the adjustment assembly and the connecting portion are slidable with respect to each other.

[0006] The advantages of the utility model are that the handrail mechanism of the present utility model has a simple structure and is configured to be grasped by the elderly or to support their bodies, thus preventing danger to the elderly. The adjustment assembly can be quickly adjusted to change a distance between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly according to a thickness of an environmental object, so that the adjustment assembly can be adapted to a variety of environments. The first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly firmly clamp the two sides of the environmental object, thereby installing the handrail mechanism with higher stability and safety. Unlike the conventional handrail, the present handrail mechanism has the adjustment assembly with a more rigid structure and a smaller footprint.Furthermore, the handrail mechanism of the present utility model is very safe because it has no outwardly extending component, so the user cannot be injured.

[0007] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the utility model will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a handrail mechanism according to the present utility model; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an alarm assembly of the handrail mechanism in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of the handrail mechanism in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a locking unit and a second elastic unit of the handrail mechanism in Fig. 1, showing that the locking unit and the second elastic unit are connected; Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of a suction assembly of the handrail mechanism in Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view of an anti-slip assembly of the handrail mechanism in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EMBODIMENT 1

[0008] A handrail mechanism according to the present utility model is provided.

[0009] With reference to the Fig.1 to 6, a handrail mechanism includes a bracket 1, an adjustment assembly 4, and a bent part 3. The bent part 3 includes a connecting portion 31 and an extension portion 32. The extension portion 32 is mounted on a front end of the connecting portion 31 and extends downward. A first clamp assembly is mounted on a lower portion of the bracket 1, and a second clamp assembly is mounted on a lower portion of the extension portion 32. The first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly are configured to abut against two sides of an environmental object. A rear end of the adjustment assembly 4 is connected to the bracket 1. A front end of the adjustment assembly 4 is slid onto a rear end of the connecting portion 31 and movably connected to the connecting portion 31. The environmental object may be a bathtub, a desk, etc.

[0010] The handrail mechanism of the present invention has a simple structure and can be grasped by the elderly or support their bodies, thus preventing danger. The adjustment assembly 4 can quickly adjust a distance between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly according to a thickness of an surrounding object, making it easier for the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly to approach two lateral sides of the surrounding object and thereby clamp, providing a higher safety factor. Unlike the conventional handrail, the present handrail mechanism has the adjustment assembly 4 with a more rigid structure and a smaller footprint. Furthermore, the handrail mechanism of the present invention is very safe because it has no outwardly extending component, preventing injury to the user.

[0011] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 31 and the extension portion 32 are formed integrally, so that the installation is very easy.

[0012] The adjustment assembly 4 includes an outer sleeve 41, an inner sleeve 42, and a locking unit 44. The outer sleeve 41 is slid onto the inner sleeve 42. A space 43 is formed between the outer sleeve 41 and the inner sleeve 42. A rear end of the inner sleeve 42 is connected to the bracket 1. The rear end of the connecting portion 31 extends into the outer sleeve 41 and is inserted into the inner sleeve 42. The connecting portion 31 and the inner sleeve 42 are movably connected. The locking unit 44 is mounted in the space 43, slid onto the connecting portion 31, and configured to prevent the connecting portion 31 from moving along an inner surface of the inner sleeve 42, thereby fixing the relative position of the bracket 1 and the bent part 3.Thus, the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly can be firmly clamped to two sides of the surrounding object and can be clamped to different sections.

[0013] The locking unit 44 includes a ring body 442 and a second elastic unit 443. An operating portion 441 is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the ring body 442. One end of the operating portion 441 passes through the outer sleeve 41 and extends outward. One end of the second elastic unit 443 is connected to one end of the operating portion 441, and this end of the operating portion 441 is located near the ring body 442. Another end of the second elastic unit 443 abuts an inner surface of the space 43. A central axis of the ring body 442 and a central axis of the inner sleeve 42 do not coincide, and an inner peripheral surface of the ring body 442 abuts an outer surface of the connecting portion 31.When the operating portion 441 is pressed and a center axis of the locking unit 44 and a center axis of the inner sleeve 42 coincide, a gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the ring body 442 and the outer surface of the connecting portion 31, allowing the connecting portion 31 to move along the inner surface of the inner sleeve 42. Therefore, the operation is simple and safe.

[0014] In this embodiment, a longitudinal cross-section of the ring body 442 is an ellipse or an oval. The inner peripheral surface along a shorter axis of the ring body 442 abuts against the outer surface of the connecting portion 31, so that the connecting portion 31 can be easily clamped, preventing the connecting portion 31 from moving. An inserting portion 444 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the ring body 442. The inserting portion 444 is inserted into the inner sleeve 42. Through the cooperation of the inserting portion 444 and the inner sleeve 42, the locking unit 44 cannot easily separate, and security is improved.

[0015] A stopper portion 431 is disposed in the space 43. The stopper portion 431 is configured to abut against a side surface of one end of the ring body 442, and this end of the ring body 442 is spaced apart from the operating portion 441, so that a gap is formed between the ring body 442 and the outer sleeve 41. The gap is configured to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 442 from coming into contact with an inner surface of the outer sleeve 41. When the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 442 comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer sleeve 41, an angle between a central axis of the ring body 442 and the central axis of the inner sleeve 42 may be too small, thus a contact area between the inner peripheral surface of the ring body 442 and the connecting portion 31 is small and cannot prevent the connecting portion 31 from moving along the inner sleeve 42.In this embodiment, the stop portion 431 is connected to the inner surface of the outer sleeve 41.

[0016] A lower end of the extension portion 32 is pivotally connected to the second clamp assembly, allowing the second clamp assembly to be adjusted and fixed to various inclined surfaces of the surrounding object. When the first clamp assembly is fixed to one side of the surrounding object and the second clamp assembly is fixed to another side of the surrounding object, the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly firmly clamp to the two sides of the surrounding object, thereby installing the handrail mechanism with greater stability and safety.

[0017] The first clamp assembly may be a suction assembly or an anti-slip assembly, and the second clamp assembly may also be an anti-slip assembly or a suction assembly. For example, the first clamp assembly is a suction assembly and the second clamp assembly is an anti-slip assembly; the first clamp assembly is a suction assembly and the second clamp assembly is a suction assembly; the first clamp assembly is an anti-slip assembly and the second clamp assembly is a suction assembly; the first clamp assembly is an anti-slip assembly and the second clamp assembly is an anti-slip assembly.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first clamp assembly is an anti-slip assembly, and the second clamp assembly is a suction assembly. While the anti-slip assembly is fixed to one side of the surrounding object, the suction assembly is fixed to the other side of the surrounding object. The anti-slip assembly and the suction assembly firmly clamp to the two sides of the surrounding object, thereby ensuring a more stable and safer handrail mechanism.

[0019] The anti-slip assembly 6 includes an anti-slip unit 61 and a press-fitting unit 62 connected to the anti-slip unit 61. The anti-slip unit 61 is connected to a front surface of the lower portion of the bracket 1 or rotatably connected to the lower end of the extension portion 32. The press-fitting unit 62 is configured to control the anti-slip unit 61 so that it is fixed to or separated from the surrounding object. With the press-fitting unit 62, adjusting the position of the anti-slip assembly is simple and quick, thus saving labor.

[0020] In this embodiment, the anti-slip unit 61 is connected to the front surface of the lower portion of the bracket 1. The anti-slip unit 61 includes a guide rod 611, an anti-slip base 612, an anti-slip pad 613, and a fourth elastic unit 614. The press-fitting unit 62 is rotatably connected to the bracket 1. The anti-slip pad 613 is mounted on a front end of the anti-slip base 612. One end of the guide rod 611 is disposed in the anti-slip base 612 and movably connected to the anti-slip base 612. Another end of the guide rod 611 passes through the anti-slip base 612 and is connected to a front end of the bracket 1. The fourth elastic unit 614 is disposed in the anti-slip base 612 and slidably fitted onto the guide rod 611. The press-fit unit 62 is pushed onto a rear end of the bracket 1 and is located on a rear side of the guide rod 611.The press-fitting unit 62 includes a second extension arm 621 extending toward the anti-slip base 612. The press-fitting unit 62 is rotatably connected to the bracket 1, thereby controlling the second extension arm 621 to move toward or away from an outer surface of the anti-slip base 612, allowing the anti-slip base 612 to move along the guide rod 611 and drive the anti-slip pad 613 to either firmly grip or release the surrounding object.

[0021] Specifically, when the anti-slip base 612 abuts the surrounding object, and when the press-fitting unit 62 is inverted or folded inward with respect to the bracket 1 and fully slid onto a side surface of the bracket 1, the second extension arm 621 can abut the outer surface of the anti-slip base 612, move along an outer surface of the guide rod 611 toward the surrounding object, and press the suction plate 512 to fix it to the surrounding object, and the fourth elastic unit 614 is compressed. When the engaging unit 52 is inverted or folded outward with respect to a suction base 511 and moves away from a side surface of the sucker 51, the first extension arm 521 is moved away from the sucker 51, and the compression of the fourth elastic unit 614 disappears.Under the elastic restoring force of the fourth elastic unit 614, the anti-slip base 612 moves along the outer surface of the guide rod 611 toward the bracket 1 and pulls the anti-slip pad 613, causing it to separate from the surrounding object. Therefore, operation is simple and labor-saving. With such a structure, the suction force of the suction assembly 5 gradually weakens over time, but the anti-slip assembly 6 still provides a certain clamping force and the anti-slip function, so that the anti-slip pad 613 firmly grips the surface of the surrounding object. In this embodiment, the anti-slip pad 613 is made of a friction material and can thus provide an anti-slip function.

[0022] The suction assembly 5 includes the aforementioned suction cup 51 and an engagement unit 52 connected to the suction cup 51. The suction cup 51 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the extension portion 32 or to the front surface of the lower portion of the bracket 1. The engagement unit 52 is configured to control the suction cup 51 so that it is fixed to or detached from the surrounding object. The suction assembly 5 can be easily and quickly adjusted via the engagement unit 52, saving labor.

[0023] In this embodiment, the suction cup 51 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the extension portion 32. The suction cup 51 includes the aforementioned suction base 511, the aforementioned suction plate 512, a third elastic unit 513, and a rod 514 located in the suction base 511. The suction base 511 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the extension portion 32. The suction plate 512 is mounted at a rear end of the suction base 511. One end of the rod 514 is securely connected to the suction plate 512. Another end of the rod 514 passes through the suction base 511 and extends outward and is rotatably connected to the engagement unit 52. The rod 514 is movably connected to an inner surface of the suction base 511. The third elastic unit 513 is arranged in the suction base 511 and slidably fitted onto the rod 514.In other words, one end of the third elastic unit 513 abuts against the inner surface of the suction base 511, and the other end of the third elastic unit 513 abuts against a front end surface of the suction plate 512. The engaging unit 52 includes a first extension arm 521 extending toward the suction base 511. The engaging unit 52 is rotatably connected to the rod 514, thereby controlling the first extension arm 521 to move toward or away from the suction base 511. Therefore, the rod 514 is moved along the inner surface of the suction base 511, driving the suction plate 512 to fix it to or separate from the surrounding object.

[0024] Specifically, when the suction cup 51 is attached to the surrounding object, and when the engaging unit 52 is inverted or folded down with respect to the rod 514 and attached to the side surface of the suction cup 51, the first extension arm 521 can abut against the suction cup 51. Therefore, the rod 514 moves forward along the inner surface of the suction base 511 and pulls a central portion of the suction plate 512, causing the suction plate 512 to move forward, compressing the third elastic unit 513, and expanding a space between the suction plate 512 and the surrounding object, generating a negative pressure that firmly fixes the suction plate 512 to the surrounding object. When the engaging unit 52 is inverted or folded upward with respect to the suction base 511 and moves away from the side surface of the sucker 51, the first extension arm 521 is moved away from the sucker 51 and the compression of the third elastic unit 513 disappears.Under the elastic restoring force of the third elastic unit 513, the rod 514 moves backward along the inner surface of the suction base 511 and presses the suction plate 512. Then, the volume of the space between the suction plate 512 and the surrounding object decreases, the pressure increases, and returns to normal. Therefore, the suction plate 512 can separate from the surrounding object. The operation is simple and thus saves labor; that is, the suction assembly 5 can be turned on or off simply by pulling the engaging unit 52 up or down.

[0025] The handrail mechanism further includes an alarm assembly 2. The alarm assembly 2 can notify the user when the clamping force of the anti-slip assembly 6 and / or the suction assembly 5 becomes weak or loses clamping. The alarm assembly 2 includes a fixing unit 21, a sliding unit 22, and a first elastic unit 23 mounted on the fixing unit 21. One end of the fixing unit 21 is connected to the bracket 1. Another end of the fixing unit 21 is inserted into the sliding unit 22. One end of the first elastic unit 23 abuts an inner surface of the sliding unit 22. An alarm area 212 is mounted on an outer surface of the end of the fixing unit 21, and this end is located near the sliding unit 22. In other words, the sliding unit 22 is slid onto the fixing unit 21. The sliding unit 22 is configured to cover the alarm area 212.An outer surface of the sliding unit 22 is configured to abut the surrounding object so that the alarm area 212 is not easily exposed. When the anti-slip assembly 6 and / or the suction assembly 5 are not abutting the surrounding object, the first elastic unit 23 can press the sliding unit 22, causing it to move along an outer surface of the fixing unit 21 and away from the bracket 1, thereby exposing the alarm area 212 and weakening the clamping force of the anti-slip assembly 6 and / or the suction assembly 5. Consequently, the anti-slip assembly 6 and / or the suction assembly 5 should be adjusted to ensure that the anti-slip assembly 6 and / or the suction assembly 5 can firmly clamp to the surrounding object again, thus improving safety.

[0026] In this embodiment, the alarm area 212 is a red area that is brightly colored for easy visibility and warning.

[0027] An engagement recess 221 is formed on the outer surface of the slide unit 22. The engagement recess 221 extends through the outer surface of the slide unit 22 at an end located near the bracket 1, facilitating the slide unit 22 to move away from the bracket 1 along an outer surface of the fixing unit 21. A protruding portion 211 is mounted on the fixing unit 21. The protruding portion 211 is inserted into the engagement recess 221, so that the slide unit 22 is firmly fitted onto the fixing unit 21 and does not easily fall off. EMBODIMENT 2

[0028] A bathtub according to the present utility model is provided.

[0029] The bathtub includes a tub body and a handrail mechanism mentioned above. The first clamp assembly can be mounted on an inner surface or an outer surface of the tub body. Accordingly, the second clamp assembly can be mounted on the outer surface or the inner surface of the tub body. In other words, when the second clamp assembly is mounted on the inner surface of the tub body, the first clamp assembly is mounted on the outer surface of the tub body. When the second clamp assembly is mounted on the outer surface of the tub body, the first clamp assembly is mounted on the inner surface of the tub body.

[0030] The bathtub of the present utility model can be grasped by the elderly or used to support their bodies, thus preventing danger. The adjustment assembly can quickly adjust the distance between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly according to the thickness of the bathtub, facilitating adaptation to various bathtubs in various configurations and enabling a wide range of applications. Furthermore, it is easier for the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly to approach two lateral sides of the bathtub and thereby clamp tightly, providing a higher safety factor with a more rigid structure and a smaller footprint.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first clamping assembly may be an anti-slip assembly, and the second clamping assembly may be a suction assembly. The suction assembly may be mounted on an inner side of the tub body, and correspondingly, the anti-slip assembly may be mounted on an outer side of the tub body.

[0032] Although the foregoing description sets forth numerous features and advantages of the present utility model, as well as details of its construction and features, the disclosure is for illustrative purposes only. Changes in detail, particularly regarding the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, may be made within the principles of the utility model to the extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

[1] A handrail mechanism that includes: a holder (1) which includes: a first clamp assembly at a lower portion thereof; a curved part (3) comprising: a connecting section (31); and an extension portion (32) at a front end of the connecting portion (31) extending downward from the connecting portion (31); wherein the extension portion (32) includes: a second clamp assembly at a lower portion thereof; an adjustment assembly (4), wherein a rear end of the adjustment assembly (4) is connected to the bracket (1), wherein a front end of the adjustment assembly (4) is pushed onto the connecting portion (31), whereby the adjustment assembly (4) and the connecting portion (31) are displaceable with respect to one another. [2] Handrail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly (4) includes: an outer sleeve (41); an inner sleeve (42) which is pushed onto the outer sleeve (41), wherein a rear end of the inner sleeve (42) is connected to the holder (1); wherein a rear end of the connecting portion (31) extends into the outer sleeve (41) and is inserted into the inner sleeve (42), so that the connecting portion (31) is movably connected to the inner sleeve (42); a space (43) formed between the outer sleeve (41) and the inner sleeve (42); a locking unit (44) arranged in the space (43), pushed onto the connecting portion (31) and configured to stop the connecting portion (31) from moving along an inner wall of the inner sleeve (42). [3] Handrail mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the locking unit (44) includes: an annular body (442); an operating portion (441) mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the ring body (442), one end of the operating portion (441) extending outward and passing through the outer sleeve (41); wherein, when a central axis of the ring body (442) and a central axis of the inner sleeve (42) do not coincide, an inner peripheral surface of the ring body (442) abuts against an outer surface of the connecting portion (31); a second elastic unit (443), one end of the second elastic unit (443) being connected to one end of the operating section (441), the end of the operating section (441) being located near the ring body (442), and another end of the second elastic unit (443) being in contact with an inner surface of the space (43). [4] A handrail mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising: a stop portion (431) mounted in the space (43) and configured to abut against a surface of the ring body (442), the surface of the ring body (442) being remote from the operating portion (441) so that a space is formed between the ring body (442) and the outer sleeve (41). [5] The handrail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a lower end of the extension portion (32) is rotatably connected to the second clamp assembly. [6] A handrail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping assembly is either a suction assembly (5) or an anti-slip assembly (6) and the second clamping assembly is independently either another anti-slip assembly (6) or another suction assembly (5). [7] Handrail mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: the anti-slip assembly (6) includes an anti-slip unit (61) and a press-fitting unit (62) connected to the anti-slip unit (61); the anti-slip unit (61) is connected to a front surface of a lower part of the bracket (1) or rotatably connected to a lower end of the extension portion (32); the press-fitting unit (62) is configured to control the anti-slip unit (61) so that it is fixed to or separated from a surrounding object. [8] Handrail mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: the suction assembly (5) includes a suction cup (51) and an engagement unit (52) connected to the suction cup (51); the suction cup (51) is connected to a front surface of a lower part of the holder (1) or rotatably connected to a lower end of the extension section (32); the engagement unit (52) is configured to control the suction cup (51) so that it is fixed to or separated from a surrounding object. [9] A handrail mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising: an alarm assembly (2) comprising: a fixing unit (21), one end of the fixing unit (21) being connected to the holder (1); the fixing unit (21) including: an alarm area (212) on an outer surface of the end of the fixing unit (21); a sliding unit (22), wherein another end of the fixing unit (21) is inserted into the sliding unit (22); wherein an outer surface of the sliding unit (22) is configured to abut against a surrounding object; a first elastic unit (23) mounted on the fixing unit (21), one end of the first elastic unit (23) abutting an inner surface of the sliding unit (22); wherein, when the anti-slip assembly and / or the suction assembly do not abut against and clamp the surrounding object, the first elastic unit (23) can press on the sliding unit (22) so that it moves along the outer surface of the fixing unit (21) and away from the holder (1), thereby exposing the alarm area (212). [10] Handrail mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: the sliding unit (22) includes: an engagement recess (221) formed by the outer surface of the sliding unit (22) and located near the bracket (1); and the fixing unit (21) includes: a projecting portion (211) at an upper end of the fixing unit (21) which is inserted into the engaging recess (221).

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