Universal grab bar with tool-free fastening mechanisms for versatile applications

Abstract

Support rod (2) with tool-free fastening mechanism, comprising: a) a gripping element (3) selected according to the respective area of application, b) a locking unit that allows tool-free fixing to a structure, c) ergonomically designed grip surfaces (1) with non-slip coating.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a universally applicable grab bar with tool-free fastening mechanisms that enables quick, secure, and flexible installation on various structures. The grab bar is particularly suitable for improving the safety and stability of stepladders and folding ladders, but can also be used in numerous other areas such as trades, industry, households, medicine, public transport, leisure, outdoor and sports activities, and in vehicles.

[0002] Conventional grab bars or safety handles are often designed for specific applications and require complex assembly steps or the use of tools. This makes them inflexible and only partially adaptable to different structures. Particularly when working on ladders, a stable and easily installed handhold that increases safety is often lacking. Existing solutions include manual clamping systems or fixed brackets that either offer insufficient stability or are complicated to operate. Furthermore, there are currently few solutions that enable tool-free and reliable attachment.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a universal grab bar that: • can be mounted without tools and allows intuitive fastening, • is compatible with different objects and profiles, including ladders, railings, pipes, vehicle frames, forklift arms and other load-bearing elements, • offers high safety and stability through reliable mechanical and / or electrical clamping mechanisms, • can be expanded modularly to cover different areas of application, • can be equipped with a suitable and interchangeable gripping element and locking mechanism depending on the application, including quick-release mechanisms, elliptical axes, electrical clamping modules or tensioning belts, • when using a motorized clamping module, enables automatic adjustment of the gripping force if slipping is detected, • allows the angle of the support rod to be adjusted between 0 and 180 degrees relative to the clamping module or gripping element in order to ensure the safest and most ergonomic holding angle.

[0004] The support rod according to the invention comprises a tool-free fastening device that can be implemented in various variants. The fastening can be achieved using mechanical or electrical clamping mechanisms, with different technologies being possible to combine depending on the application.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the support rod is equipped with a quick-release mechanism that creates a secure clamping connection by actuating a lever. Alternatively, the support rod can have an elliptical axis, which allows for continuous, self-locking fixation.

[0006] In another embodiment, the grab bar includes an electrically operated clamping module with a servo motor that enables automatic adjustment of the clamping force. To increase safety, sensors can be integrated into the clamping module to detect slipping and automatically increase the gripping force in such a case. If the maximum gripping force is insufficient, an audible and visual alarm is triggered before the maximum load is reached to warn the user.

[0007] The grab bar can be designed modularly, allowing its length to be adjusted. Furthermore, the connection between the grab bar and the mounting element can be adjusted within an angle range of 0 to 180 degrees to ensure ergonomic and safe use.

[0008] Additional improvements include material selection, sensor technology, and alternative mounting options. For example, the grab bar can be made of lightweight, high-strength materials such as carbon fiber or titanium to ensure high load-bearing capacity while remaining lightweight. The attachment can be further supported by magnetic or electromagnetic elements or vacuum suction cups to enable flexible mounting on various surfaces.

[0009] They show: Fig. 1 an overall view of a possible support rod (2). Fig. 2 shows a holding rod (2) with a mechanical gripping element (3) and an elliptical clamping device (7). Fig. 3 shows a support rod (2) with a mechanical gripping element (3) and an elliptical clamping device (7) in plan view. Fig. 4 shows a support rod (2) with an integrated tensioning strap (12). Fig. 5 shows a support rod (2) with an electrically operated clamping module (13). Fig. 6 shows a support rod (2) which is attached to a stepladder (16) via an electrically operated clamping module (13) and gripping arms (15). Fig. 7 shows a support rod (2) with a gripping element (3) which is attached to a profile of a high rack (17). Fig. 8 shows a support rod (2) with a gripping element (3) which is attached to a profile of a scaffolding (18). Character description

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows an overall view of a possible support rod (2). A gripping surface (1) is attached to the top of the support rod (2) to ensure a secure hold. The support rod (2) is connected to a gripping element (3). The support rod (2) is adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees relative to the clamping device (13).

[0011] Fig. 2 shows details of a holding rod (2) with a mechanical gripping element (3) and an elliptical clamping device (7) for self-locking clamping, a sliding joint (9) with a ratchet (8) and a mechanical clamping safety device (6).

[0012] Fig. 3 shows details in a plan view of a holding rod (2) with a mechanical gripping element (3) and an elliptical clamping device (7) for self-locking clamping, a sliding joint (9) with a ratchet (8) and a mechanical clamping lock (6).

[0013] Fig. 4 shows details of a support rod (2) with an integrated tensioning strap (12) for tool-free fastening.

[0014] Fig. Figure 5 shows details of a support rod (2) with an electrically operated clamping module (13) and gripping arms (15). The support rod (2) is connected to the clamping module (13) via a swivel joint (14) and can be continuously adjusted at an angle of 0°-180° to the clamping module (13).

[0015] Fig. Figure 6 shows a support rod (2) attached to a stepladder (16) via an electrically operated clamping module (13) and gripping arms (15). The support rod (2) is adjusted via a swivel joint (14) to ensure a secure grip at an ergonomic angle.

[0016] Fig. Figure 7 shows a support rod (2) attached to a profile of a high-bay rack (17) via an electrically operated clamping module (13) and gripping arms (15). A warehouse worker can hold onto the gripping surface (1).

[0017] Fig. 8 shows a support rod (2) with a gripping element (3) which is attached to a profile of a scaffolding (18) and can ensure a secure hold even in the edge areas. List of reference symbols 1 Ergonomically designed grip surface 2 grab bars 3 gripping element 4 Profile of a ladder 5 Adjust radius arrow 6 Mechanical clamping device 7 Elliptical axis 8 Rasterization 9 Gliding joint 10 Axis for fastening the mechanical 11 Clamping lock 12 Exit opening of the integrated tensioning strap 13 tensioning strap 14 Electrically operated clamping module 15 180° joint 16 gripper arms 17 stepladder 18 high bay 19 scaffolding

Claims

[1] Support rod (2) with tool-free fastening mechanism, comprising: a) a gripping element (3) selected according to the respective area of application, b) a locking unit that allows tool-free fixing to a structure, c) ergonomically designed grip surfaces (1) with non-slip coating. [2] Holding rod (2) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping element (3) is a quick-release mechanism with a lever. [3] Holding rod (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gripping element (3) consists of an elliptical axis (7) for self-locking clamping, a sliding joint (9) with a ratchet (8) and a mechanical clamping lock (6). [4] Support rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support rod (2) comprises an electrically operated clamping module (13). [5] Holding rod (2) according to claim 4, wherein the clamping module (13) comprises a motorized clamping mechanism with a jaw stroke of the gripping arms (15) of 5 - 200 mm. [6] Handrail (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the clamping module (13) comprises a wireless control by means of a button, sensor or Bluetooth app. [7] Support rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an integrated tensioning belt (12) for tool-free fastening. [8] Support rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical clamping device (13) comprises a mechanical safeguard against unintentional release. [9] Holding rod (2) according to claim 8, wherein the mechanical securing is realized by at least one of the following mechanisms: • Self-locking spindle mechanism, • Spring-based locking device or pawl, • Mechanical return spring with blocking element, • Combination of these mechanisms. [10] Support rod (2) according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical safety device comprises a manual emergency release. [11] Holding rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping module (13) contains sensors for detecting slipping, which automatically increase the gripping force if necessary. [12] Handrail (2) according to claim 11, wherein the clamping module (13) triggers an acoustic and optical alarm before the maximum gripping force is reached. [13] Holding rod (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding rod (2) is adjustable at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees to the clamping device (13) via a 180° joint (14).

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