Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025001450
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-31
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable multifunctional handle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. STATE OF THE ART
[0002] To support disabled people, especially in sanitary areas, various grab handles are used, both as a separate element and as part of sanitary equipment.
[0003] These generally serve as a support for users, but also allow them to pull themselves toward a vanity or reach a toilet seat, for example. In many cases, they are combined with storage options for towels, washcloths, or paper rolls.
[0004] For example, washbasins are known that have slots that can be used as handles and for storing towels.
[0005] However, it's difficult for people with limited hand movement to insert towels into the slots. Furthermore, for people with stiff joints, grip slots are only suitable for reaching into the slots if the user can approach them exactly perpendicularly.
[0006] Fixed grab bars in various shapes are widely available on toilets and washbasins. However, these are unsuitable for confined spaces or when it's necessary to approach a toilet from the side, for example.
[0007] Folding grab handles are used here. These usually have a hinged design that prevents the handle from falling down uncontrollably. Few of these products have functional protection against pinching and crushing, which further complicates the mechanism. In these cases, replacing parts or repairs can only be carried out by trained specialists.
[0008] In addition to the high manufacturing and maintenance costs, this leads to areas that are difficult to clean, which leads to unhygienic conditions and the colonization of germs.
[0009] All conventional grab bars also have the problem that they require a secure surface for installation. If this isn't a solid wall or a special plumbing module, they will loosen over time. This becomes particularly problematic when retrofitted. With today's common installation on lightweight walls with a standard plumbing module behind them, a permanently stable installation is only possible with considerable effort.
[0010] Furthermore, when it comes to support handles for toilets, too little attention is paid to the horizontal load that occurs.
[0011] Likewise, adapting the shape and type of support handles to changing needs or users is not possible or only possible with great effort.
[0012] If height-adjustable sanitary fittings are used, wall-mounted grab handles do not move to the required level. DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAB HANDLES ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION
[0013] The multifunctional folding handles according to the invention are intended to solve the aforementioned problems and to be as simple as possible to manufacture from a few robust components.
[0014] The foldable, multifunctional grab handle assembly consists of a base plate [2.1] to [2.4] with round profiles as grab bars [2.5], into which the rod [3.1], which serves as the grab bar [3.3], is hooked. At the rounded corners of the rod [3.1], the rod can rotate around the round profile [2.5], resting on the base plate [2.1] to [2.4] on the side opposite the round profile [2.5]. On straight sections of the rod [3.1], the rod can slide between the grab bar [2.5] and the base plate [2.1] to [2.4]. The grab bar attachments [2.6] or [2.7] prevent lateral sliding or deflection.
[0015] Due to its own weight and the forces occurring during use, the rod [3.1] is firmly attached to the base plate [2.2] to [2.4], but can still be folded and moved vertically.
[0016] Fig. 1 shows a typical application of the inventive arrangement of grab handles on a toilet, Fig. 2 a typical application on a washbasin as an overview isometric view.
[0017] According to the invention, a base plate [2.2] to [2.4] [ Fig. 5 to Fig. 14], which is preferably wide enough to protrude on both sides of the sanitary counter-start as far as necessary for the attachment of the rod [3.1], to the hanger bolts [1.4] that support the sanitary object or directly to the sanitary module [1.3] located behind it. If a sufficiently stable subsurface is available, the base plate [2.1] can also be connected directly to it and made smaller [ Fig. 3 and Fig. 4].
[0018] To enable subsequent installation on existing washbasins and toilets without having to completely dismantle them, the base plate [2.2] and [2.4] are designed with recesses on the underside, so that after loosening the screws of the sanitary fitting, they can be pushed from above behind the fitting onto the hanger bolts [1.4]. After tightening the screws, the installation of the base plate is complete [ Fig. 5 to Fig. 14].
[0019] For attachment to the hanger bolts [1.4] of a toilet, the sides of the base plate [2.4] are pulled upwards to the height required for attaching the rod [3.1] [ Fig. 12 to Fig. 14].
[0020] This type of installation ensures that the handles on height-adjustable sanitary fittings are at a suitable height for the user in every position.
[0021] If the base plate [2.1] and [2.3] is to be screwed directly to the wall or the sanitary module, this is done through the holes provided for this purpose [2.11] [ Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 11].
[0022] The base plate [2.1] to [2.4] has one or more round profiles aligned horizontally and parallel to the wall surface at the required locations, serving as support rods [2.5] for the rods [3.1]. These are mounted at a distance from the base plate [2.1] to [2.4] sufficient to allow the rods [3.1] to slide through them.
[0023] Behind this round profile [2.5] and in front of the base plate [2.1] to [2.4] runs the part of the rod [3.1] attached to the round profile [2.5], which is aligned parallel to the wall in the horizontal rest position [all figures].
[0024] The rod [3.1] is laterally limited by the brackets of the round profile [2.7] [ Fig. 3] and [2.6] Fig. 4 or from the ends of the round profile [2.5] bent towards the base plate [2.2] [ Fig. 5, Fig. 7], which serve as their attachment to the base plate [2.2].
[0025] If a single rod is used, the fastenings protrude far beyond the support rod [2.5] that they serve as guide plates [2.7] and prevent lateral movement of the rod [3.1] [ Fig. 3].
[0026] Since this leads to higher friction, it can be reduced by a sliding insert [2.10] made of a self-lubricating material [ Fig. 11].
[0027] If higher horizontal forces are to be absorbed, the support rod [2.5] is guided over several brackets [2.7], from one handle to the other [ Fig. 11]
[0028] If the rod [3.1] is folded upwards, stops [2.9] on the base plate [2.2] [ Fig. 9] or on the rod [3.2] [ Fig. 10] prevents the rod [3.1] from slipping downward. The stops [2.9] and [3.2] limit the vertical movement of the rod [3.1] so that it only slides downward a short distance and is protected against accidental downward tipping in this position.
[0029] The inventive arrangement allows for easy replacement in case of changing needs or damage. Likewise, after removing the rods, all surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned.
[0030] In Fig. 15 to Fig. 29 shows different forms of rods [3.1] which can be hooked into the base plate and meet different requirements.
[0031] Fig. Figure 15 shows a single rod [3.1] that has only a short bend on the base plate [2.3], which is equipped with stops [2.9] and lateral guide plates [2.7]. This can be folded upwards and to the side and easily removed [ Fig. 38 to Fig. 44].
[0032] Fig. 16 shows a single rod [3.1], where the deflections according to Fig. 15 are supplemented by a leg that points away from the base plate [2.3] and where the stop [3.2] is located on the rod [3.1]. This allows pivoting both upwards and downwards into a stable position without the rod [3.1] becoming detached from the base plate [2.3]. If a lateral guide plate [2.7] is provided with a horizontal slot [2.13], the rod [3.1] can also be pivoted sideways after being slightly lifted. If the end piece does not protrude beyond the ends of the rod [3.1], it can be removed from the base plate [2.3] by lifting it from the downward-facing position.
[0033] Fig. Figure 17 shows a single rod assembly [3.1] in which the ends of the rod profile are connected. This variant can be pivoted upwards and downwards into a stable position.
[0034] Fig. 18 shows a single rod [3.1] analogous Fig. 17 with an interrupted bottom belt, which allows the placement of a paper roll [1.7] and removal according to Fig. 16 is made possible.
[0035] The single rod designs shown have a continuous support rod to absorb higher horizontal forces.
[0036] Fig. Figure 19 shows a double rod assembly [3.1] with all ends connected. The upper chords are further apart than the lower chords, increasing stability in the horizontal position when the rod assembly [3.1] presses into wedge-shaped stops [2.9] on the base plate [2]. This design is particularly suitable for the combination of a grab bar with a storage option for a towel [3.5] and a washcloth [3.6]. It can be safely folded up and down and removed without disassembling any components.
[0037] Fig. 20 corresponds essentially to Fig. 19. Here, however, the rod [3.1] can only be removed if the stop [2.9] or the support rod [2.5] is removed.
[0038] Fig. 21 represents a design variant to Fig. 20 with the same functions.
[0039] Fig. 22 shows a double rod [3.1] which offers a handle [3.3] with a shelf for towel [3.5] and washcloth [3.6], which can be folded up and down and easily removed.
[0040] Fig. 23 represents a possible, easily inserted replacement of the inventive handles [3.1] by a shelf [3.8] when these are no longer needed as handles for handicapped users.
[0041] Fig. 24 shows an exchange set analog Fig. 23 with bars for hanging towels [3.5] and the like.
[0042] Fig. Figure 25 shows a double rod [3.1] whose ends are connected crosswise, forming a cage behind the handle [3.3] in which a reel for holding a paper roll [1.7] is held. It can be pivoted up and down and can only be removed after disassembling components.
[0043] Fig. 26 shows an easily removable handle with an inclined handle part [3.3] that can be rotated upwards and downwards.
[0044] Fig. 27 represents an analog Fig. 26 represents a functional design whose handle [3.3] can be tilted as desired and where a paper roll [1.7] can be placed behind the handle [3.3]. Towels and washcloths can also be hung there.
[0045] Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 show variations of Fig. 26 with vertical handle [3.3].
[0046] Fig. 30 to Fig. 37 show the movement sequences of a double rod [3.1] from the horizontal rest position upwards, downwards and the removal of the rod [3.1] from the downward position from the base plate [2.2].
[0047] Fig. 38 to Fig. 44 show the movement sequences of a single rod [3.1] with a single angled upper chord from the horizontal rest position upwards and from the horizontal rest position to the side.
[0048] Error: Reference not found until Fig. 48 depict the movement sequences of a single rod assembly [3.1] with interconnected upper and lower chords from the horizontal rest position upwards.
[0049] Fig. Figure 49 illustrates the disassembly of a single rod assembly [3.1] with interconnected upper and lower chords. After releasing the position of the round profile [2.5] by folding aside a locking plate [2.8], it can be pulled out far enough so that the rod assembly [3.1] can be removed from between the lateral guide plates [2.7].
[0050] To facilitate operation, the foldable multifunctional handle arrangement according to the invention can be supplemented with a spring support.
[0051] Fig. 50 to Fig. Figure 52 illustrates the arrangement of a leaf spring [4.1] on a double rod assembly [3.1]. The leaf spring [4.1] is located within the rod assembly, firmly connected to the support rod [2.5] or the base plate [2.2] [4.2], and engages under tension under the connection between the two lower chords or an additional connecting rod [4.3] arranged between them. When the rod assembly is raised, the spring [4.1] slides along the attachment point [4.3] on the rod assembly [3.1] and pushes the lower chord upwards and away from the base plate [2.2], so that the rod assembly [3.1] rotates around the round profile [2.5] and does not move upwards while remaining horizontal.
[0052] After reaching the vertical position [ Fig. 51] the rod [3.1] lowers to the stop [2.9] and the spring [4.1] is tensioned again, which facilitates the necessary lifting of the rod [3.1] for folding back into the horizontal position.
[0053] Fig. 53 to Fig. Figure 56 shows the arrangement of a torsion spring [4.1] between the lateral guide plates [2.7] of a single rod assembly [3.1]. In this case, too, the spring [4.1] is attached to the support rod [2.5], engages the lower section of the rod assembly [3.1], and pushes it upwards away from the base plate [2.3] at the attachment point [4.4]. In the illustrated design, an eyelet [3.4] at the end of the rod assembly is required as the attachment point [4.4] to allow the mechanism to be positioned completely within the lateral guide plates [2.7]. The spring support process is analogous to that for a double rod assembly. THE FOLLOWING KEY ADVANTAGES ARE AVAILABLE OVER CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS: • The design is simple and robust. • The grab bar arrangement can be mounted on any toilet or washbasin regardless of the substructure. • Subsequent installation can be carried out without having to dismantle the sanitary equipment. • For washbasins and toilets with height adjustment, the grab handle arrangement can follow the height adjustment. • Depending on individual requirements, a variety of rod shapes can be used for an already assembled base plate. • If requirements change, an uncomplicated exchange is possible. • The rods can be easily removed to clean all surfaces. • Depending on the design of the rod, it can be folded up, down or to the side or simply removed, which allows it to be used in confined spaces. • Depending on the design of the rod, it can be removed with or without the need to dismantle components LIST OF TERMS AND DESIGNATIONS USED [1] Support handles, grab handles, handles - all objects suitable for holding, supporting, pulling and also for depositing objects assigned to the functional area, including the foldable multifunctional grab handles according to the invention [2] Sanitary equipment - primarily toilets, bidets and washbasins [3] WC - Floor-standing and wall-hung WCs or bidets or combination modules [4] Washbasins, vanity units - any type of wall-mounted washing facility [5] Wall - a solid wall, a lightweight structure or similar vertical surface to which objects can be attached. [6] Base plate - a structural element that rests on a vertical surface, is attached to it and on which the rods of the handle are arranged and which, if necessary, is covered on one or both sides with elastic material to prevent spalling on adjacent components [7] Rod - the part, usually made of tubular or solid material, to which the user holds on and which also serves to store or attach supplies such as towels, washcloths, paper rolls, etc. [8] Single rod - a two-dimensionally shaped rod [9] Double rods - two single rods lying next to each other and connected to each other
[10] Top chord - the horizontal part of the rods lying at the top in a horizontal position
[11] Bottom chord - the horizontal part of the rods lying below in a horizontal position
[12] End piece - the termination of free ends of the rod, preferably designed as a rounding or edge break of the rod end or as a ball
[13] Handle part - the part of the rod that serves as a handle or support handle
[14] Round profile, support rod - the holder according to the invention arranged horizontally in front of the base plate around which the rod runs
[15] Stop - a component that stops the movement of another component as soon as it touches the stop or the stop on a moving part hits a stationary part
[16] Hanger bolt - screw protruding from the wall to which a washbasin or wall-hung toilet is attached
[17] Stop point - contact point, line or surface of a spring with a component along which it slides LIST OF FIGURES AND REFERENCE NUMBERS FIGURES
[0054] (Arrows represent operating or movement directions or force attacks)
[0055] Overview Fig. 1 application for a toilet, base plate with sanitary module screwed above the toilet Fig. 2 Application with a washbasin, base plate behind washbasin base plates Fig. 3 simple base plate for single rods Fig. 4 simple base plate for double rods Fig. 5 Base plate for washbasins with two double rods, two rounded support rods, one-piece stops Fig. 6 Base plate for washbasins with two double rods, two support rods attached with tabs, two-part stops Fig. 7 Base plate for washbasins with two double rods four rounded support rods Fig. 8 Base plate for washbasins with two double rods four support rods attached with tabs Fig. 9 Mounting the base plate for washbasins on the sanitary module, rods attached to it folded up and into the horizontal position Fig. 10 Base plate without stop - rods with stop Fig. 11 Base plate for WC, for separate screw connection to the sanitary module for single rod with continuous support rod and sliding insert Fig. 12 Base plate for WC, screwed together with the WC to the sanitary module, for single rod Fig. 13 Base plate made of Fig. 12 Fig. 14 Base plate for WC, screwed together with the WC to the sanitary module, for single rods - Illustration of the installation on the sanitary module. Shape variants of the rods Single rod with side guide plates Fig. 15 Version Single rod as angled rod, stop on the base plate Fig. 16 Single rods as angled rod based on Fig. 15, with further bending on the lower leg away from the base plate, stop on the rod, with paper roll and the option to swivel sideways Fig. 17 single rods based on Fig. 16, with connected ends, stop on the rod Fig. 18 single rods based on Fig. 17, with gap in the lower area, stop on the rod, with paper rollDouble rod Fig. 19 Double rods for washbasins with shelf for towel and washcloth, with two diagonally arranged stops on the base plate Fig. 20 double rods for washbasins with shelf for towel and washcloth, with a stop on the base plate Fig. 21 Double rods for washbasins with shelf for towel and washcloth, with a stop on the base plate, ends connected crosswise Fig. 22 Double rods for washbasins with shelf for towel and washcloth, with a stop on the base plate, lower ends connected recessed, slanted handle Fig. 23 Replacement insert instead of a folding handle with shelf Fig. 24 Replacement insert instead of a folding handle with shelf and towel holder Fig. 25 double rods, ends connected crosswise, with a stop on the base plate, with the possibility of inserting a paper roll Fig. 26 double rods, with a stop on the base plate, angled handle Fig. 27 Double rods, with a stop on the base plate, with vertical handle and holder for a paper roll Fig. 28 double rods, with a stop on the base plate, vertical handle, diagonally warped Fig. 29 Double rods, with a stop on the base plate, vertical handleMovement options of double rods Fig. 30 Rods folded horizontally, in rest position Fig. 31 Raising the boom Fig. 32 temporary vertical position upwards Fig. 33 Rods lowered into vertical rest position, resting on stops Fig. 34 Rods for folding down raised in horizontal position Fig. 35 Tilting the rod downwards Fig. 36 Rod hangs down in rest position Fig. 37 Rods can be removed from the base plate by lifting vertically. Movement options of single rods. Simple angle rods. Fig. 38 Rods folded horizontally, in rest position Fig. 39 Lifting the boom Fig. 40 temporary vertical position upwards Fig. 41 Rods lowered into vertical rest position, resting on stops Fig. 42 Rods raised to the wall in a horizontal position for turning Fig. 43 Rod is turned to the wall Fig. 44 rods turned to the wallRods with closed ends Fig. 45 Rods folded horizontally, in rest position Fig. 46 Raising the boom Fig. 47 temporary vertical position upwards Fig. 48 Rods lowered into vertical rest position, resting on stops Fig. 49 Illustration of disassembly (lift the securing plate, pull out the support rod a little, remove the rod from the base plate) Spring support Double rods Fig. 50 Rods folded horizontally, in rest position, spring tensioned by the weight of the rods Fig. 51 Rod in temporary vertical position, spring slightly tensioned Fig. 52 Rods in vertical rest position, spring slightly more tensioned to assist in lifting and folding down. Single rod Fig. 53 Rod folded into horizontal position, in rest position, spring tensioned by the weight of the rod Fig. 54 Lifting the rod, spring supports the movement Fig. 55 Rod in temporary vertical position, spring slightly tensioned Fig. 56 Rod in vertical rest position, spring tensioned by the weight of the rod to assist in lifting and folding down IDENTIFIER 1 Environment / Facilities 1.1 Washbasin 1.2 Toilet or bidet 1.3 Sanitary module 1.4 Hanger bolts / screw connection for mounting the sanitary elements 1.5 towel 1.6 Wax rags 1.7 Paper roll 2 base plate 2.1 Simple base plate 2.2 Base plate for washbasin installation, for mounting on hanger bolts 2.3 Base plate for WC mounting, screwed separately 2.4 Base plate for WC mounting, for mounting on hanger bolts 2.5 Round profile / support rod for the rod 2.6 Attachment / mounting of the grab bar 2.7 Side guide plates and round profile holder 2.8 Locking plate to prevent the round profile from being pulled out 2.9 Stop 2.10 Sliding insert 2.11 Holes for screwing to sanitary module or wall 2.12 Recesses for mounting on hanger bolts 2.13 Slot in the guide plates 3 rods 3.1 Handlebars total 3.2 Stop 3.3 Handle 3.4 Eyelet as attachment point for spring 3.5 Towel storage area 3.6 Washcloth storage area 3.7 Paper roll storage option 3.8 Storage area 4 spring support 4.1 Spring 4.2 Attaching the spring to the round profile 4.3 Stop of the spring on the rod 4.4 Stop of the spring on the eyelet of the rod
Claims
[1] Foldable multifunctional handle assembly, characterized by that one or more round profiles arranged horizontally at a distance and parallel to the base plate are attached to a base plate which is attached to the wall, into which the rods of the grab handle(s) are hung, characterized by that the rods of the handle or handles are guided around the round profile or profiles perpendicularly or diagonally to the axis of the round profile or profiles in such a way that when folded horizontally, they rest completely or selectively on the round profile on the quarter circle from the upper quadrant point to the quadrant point in the direction of the base plate, characterized by that the rod of the handle, when folded horizontally, rests against the base plate over a length greater than the radius of the round profile or profiles, starting from the quadrant point of the round profile or profiles in the direction of the base plate, running downwards, characterized bythat the rod of the handle, when folded upwards, rests on the quadrant point pointing towards the base plate and on the base plate and can slide downwards along the base plate until it reaches a stop, thus assuming a stable position. [2] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that the rod in the single rod design is a bar with at least one rounded corner, which in this design is secured against horizontal folding by lateral guide plates attached to the base plate. [3] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that the ends of the single rod according to claim 2 are connected to one another in a further embodiment, wherein the rod can also have a gap at suitable locations. [4] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized bythat in a double rod design, two rods with at least one rounded corner, according to claim 2, are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another at least at one of their ends. [5] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that in a further embodiment as a double rod, two rods with at least one rounded corner are arranged next to each other and connected to each other at one of the two ends, whereby the rod can also have a gap at suitable points. [6] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that the rods are designed in such a way that they can be folded not only upwards but also to the side from the horizontal in the base plate holder. [7] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized bythat the rods are designed in such a way that they can be folded not only upwards but also downwards from the horizontal in the base plate holder. [8] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that the base plate, when used for wall-mounted sanitary ware, has recesses behind it which are designed in such a way that it can be pushed from above between the wall and the washbasin onto the hanger bolts for fastening the sanitary ware. [9] Foldable multifunctional handle arrangement, characterized by that at least one leaf or torsion spring is additionally attached to the base plate with the round profile supporting the rods, which spring engages with its free end in the lower part of the rods close to the base plate when the rods are folded into the horizontal position and presses this attachment point upwards away from the base plate. [10] Foldable multifunctional handle assembly, characterized by that it can be used in pairs or individually with an adapted base plate on toilets, bidets, washbasins, showers, bathtubs and other objects.