Portable ambulatory assist rail ramp system

• US 20040107519A1
• Filed: 01/09/2002
• Published: 06/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vicky Louise Grody
• Original Assignee: Vicky Louise Grody
• Inventors: Grody, Vicky Louise
• Application Number:
  US10/041,987
• Publication Number:
  US 20040107519A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 14/69.5
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 3/061 using ramps
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/053 Aids for getting into, or out of, bed, e.g. steps, chairs, cane-like supports
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1038 Manual lifting aids, e.g. frames or racks
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1098 Ankle or foot

Abstract

A portable rail ramp system is disclosed as an assisting device for user transference, with or without assistance, from a bed or piece of equipment to floor level and visa-versa. The system is designed to be used by ambulatory individuals defined as one who has physical limitations either transiently or permanently but able to support himself or herself on at least one lower extremity and has the use of at least one upper extremity. The system is portable in that it will transport via wheels to a designated location then with a foot actuation mechanism the wheels will be lifted and the invention shall set on a floor surface. The ramp surface has non-skid properties and accommodates two individuals in close proximity as a physical control to minimize back injuries to the user or an assisting party. A pair of rail sleeves, on each side and flush with the surface of the ramp, accommodates two removable and reversible one and one half inch rails that are able to support a single individual'"'"'s body weight while standing either on the ramp or at the side of the ramp.

Claims

1. A portable rail ramp system for ambulatory individuals to move to or from one elevation to another and to move to or from an article of equipment or furniture, the article of equipment or furniture presenting an access edge, said rail ramp system comprising in combination:

an inclined ramp having a top, four sides, eight rail sleeves and is independent of an article of equipment or furniture;

an actuating caster assembly supported by a plate and includes a movable member that extends and retracts along a vertical axis;

upright support structures configured for hand gripping at any plane greater than horizontal and for supporting a person standing on the inclined ramp or standing beside the inclined ramp, said support structures being removable and reversible from the rail sleeves conjoining the inclined ramp.

2. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein said inclined ramp having eight rail sleeves means comprises in combination:

vertical structures being formed of tubing and inherently part of the inclined ramp that receive the upright support structures;

vertical structures designed to hold the upright support structures but allow internal access for cleansing.

3. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein the inclined ramp is independent of an article of equipment or furniture means it does not have to abut or be attached to an article of equipment or furniture to prevent slippage or movement of the system.

4. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein the inclined ramp being configured to accommodate two persons in cooperation with an article of equipment or furniture, said inclined ramp comprises a non-skid surface.

5. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein said upright support structures means comprises in combination:

first and second vertical elements distanced congruently for the inclined ramp rail sleeves having a design to manually fixate the vertical elements inside the rail sleeves, said first vertical element having a sinuous design, and said vertical elements being formed of tubing;

first and second horizontal elements being rigidly connected to the first and second vertical elements, said horizontal elements being integrally formed of a tubing diameter to facilitate hand grasping by persons with weakness or deformities of the hands or upper extremities.

6. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein said actuating caster assembly supported by a plate comprises in combination:

a vertically displacing straight line action clamp;

ball bearing swivel casters.

7. The rail ramp system of claim 1 wherein said actuating caster assembly includes a movable member that extends and retracts along a vertical axis means a foot pedal that when depressed lowers the caster assembly thereby lowering the casters and when the foot pedal is lifted, the caster assembly and wheels are lifted that places the invention on a floor surface.