Mobility strap device

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed include devices for increasing bed mobility. A mobility strap apparatus includes a bed-strap; a fastening end coupled to the bed-strap; and a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of the bed-strap. Rigid affixing of the bed-strap to a bed provides stable support to users when moving or stabilizing oneself on a bed. A mobility strap grid provides a bed-strap configured to be longitudinally aligned with a bed; a bed-strap configured to be laterally aligned with the bed, intersecting and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally aligned bed-strap; a fastening end coupled to a bed-strap; and a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of a bed-strap.

Claims

1. A mobility strap apparatus, comprising: a bed-strap having a top surface, bottom surface, and opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the bed-strap bottom surface is configured to be advantageously contiguous with the top surface of a bed; a fastening end connected to the bed-strap; a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of the bed-strap at two or more points to form at least one loop with the bed-strap; and a pull-strap, engageable and disengageable with a pull-strap connector, the bed-strap, and the hand-grip; the pull-strap connector coupled to the top surface of the bed-strap, wherein the pull-strap connector comprises a tubular portion opening through which the pull-strap can be inserted for affixing a pull-strap to a portion of the bed-strap, wherein the tubular portion opening comprises a length along the bed-strap, and wherein the tubular portion opening length is less than the length of the loop formed by coupling the hand-grip to the bed-strap at two or more points.

2. The mobility strap of claim 1, further comprising a mounting fixture connected to the bed-strap.

3. The mobility strap of claim 1, wherein opposing ends of the bed-strap are coupled together.

4. The mobility strap of claim 1, wherein the hand-grip is of a curved shape.

5. The mobility strap of claim 1, further comprising illuminating devices affixed to said bed-strap.

6. The mobility bed-strap of claim 1, further comprising support straps connected to the bed-strap at two or more points.

7. A mobility strap grid, comprising: a bed-strap configured to be longitudinally aligned with a bed, having a top surface, bottom surface, and opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinally aligned bed-strap bottom surface is configured to be advantageously contiguous with the top surface of the bed; a bed-strap configured to be laterally aligned with the bed, intersecting and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally aligned bed-strap, having a top surface, bottom surface, and opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the laterally aligned bed-strap bottom surface is configured to be advantageously contiguous with the top surface of the bed; a fastening end connected to either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap; a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap at two or more points to form at least one loop with either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap; and a pull-strap, engageable and disengageable with a pull-strap connector, the longitudinally aligned bed-strap, laterally aligned bed-strap, and hand-grip; the pull-strap connector coupled to the top surface of either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap, wherein the pull-strap connector comprises a tubular portion opening through which the pull-strap can be inserted for affixing a pull-strap to a portion of the bed-strap, wherein the tubular portion opening comprises a length along the bed-strap, and wherein the tubular portion opening length is less than the length of the loop formed by coupling the hand-grip to the bed-strap at two or more points.

8. The mobility strap grid of claim 7, further comprising a mounting fixture connected to the bed-strap.

9. The mobility strap grid of claim 7, wherein opposing ends of either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap are coupled together.

10. The mobility strap grid of claim 7, wherein the hand-grip is of a curved shape.

11. The mobility strap grid of claim 7, further comprising illuminating devices affixed to either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap.

12. The mobility strap grid of claim 7, further comprising support straps connected to either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap at two or more points.

13. A mobility strap grid system, comprising: a bed; a bed-strap configured to be longitudinally aligned with the bed, having a top surface, bottom surface, and opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the bed-strap bottom surface is configured to be advantageously contiguous with the top surface of the bed; a bed-strap configured to be laterally aligned with the bed, intersecting and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally aligned bed-strap, having a top surface, bottom surface, and opposing longitudinal edges, wherein the laterally aligned bed-strap bottom surface is configured to be advantageously contiguous with the top surface of the bed; a fastening end connected to either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap; a hand-grip coupled to the top surface of a either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap at two or more points to form at least one loop with either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap; and a pull-strap, engageable and disengageable with a pull-strap connector, the longitudinally aligned bed-strap, laterally aligned bed-strap, and hand-grip; the pull-strap connector coupled to the top surface of either the longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed-strap, wherein the pull-strap connector comprises a tubular portion opening through which the pull-strap can be inserted for affixing a pull-strap to a portion of the bed-strap, wherein the tubular portion opening comprises a length along the bed-strap, and wherein the tubular portion opening length is less than the length of the loop formed by coupling the hand-grip to the bed-strap at two or more points.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobility strap apparatus.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobility strap apparatus affixed to a bed.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobility strap grid.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobility strap grid affixed to a bed.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a mobility strap grid affixed to a bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(6) Before the present invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

(7) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

(8) It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(9) All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

(10) The present invention discloses a mobility strap and a mobility strap grid. According to an advantageous feature of an embodiment of the invention, the mobility strap and mobility strap grid provides improved mobility, improved stability, and support for a wide variety of needs. In some embodiments, these needs can additionally be served from various locations on a bed.

(11) The system may rely on bed-straps to provide mobility and stability to a person on a bed. The bed-straps may be rigidly affixed to the bed in order to provide support when engaged. As discussed above, rigid affixing may be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment. For example, the bed-strap may be affixed to the bed, which includes, but is not limited to the mattress and bed frame (including, but not limited to, the headboard, footboard, slats, base, legs, or rail). The bed-strap may also be affixed to any object configured to be attached to the bed, or any object within the vicinity of the bed (such as a platform or floor). In addition, the bed-strap may be affixed by encompassing the bed and attaching opposing ends of the bed-strap underneath the bed. Thus, the bed-strap may be affixed to the bed by virtue of the bed-strap being affixed to itself or another object.

(12) The apparatus may also rely on hand-grips to provide improved mobility and stability. In some embodiments, hand-grips provide for improved mobility and stability to a variety of needs due to the multitude of hand-grips and adjustable nature of the bed-straps. Thus, in some embodiments, the bed-straps be optimally placed such that the hand-holds are in the desired position.

(13) Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a mobility strap apparatus 100. The base of the mobility strap apparatus 100 is formed by a bed-strap 101. The bed-strap 101 may be of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, textile, synthetic polyester, or nylon, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment. According to an advantageous feature, the bed-strap 101 may be washable or cleanable.

(14) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a fastening end 102 is shown connected to the bed-strap 101. The fastening end 102 may accomplish the rigid affixing the bed. As discussed above, there are a variety of ways in which the bed-straps may be affixed. Methods of affixing by the fastening end 102 may include, but is not limited to, clips, clasps, brackets, ratcheting devices, buckles, tying, screws, bolts, nails, snap fits and tabs, adhesives and tapes, Velcro, rubber bands, rope/cords or string, hooks, rings, grommets or eyelets, buttons, molding/welding or bonding, or any other affixing technique, depending on the particular embodiment. In addition, multiple fastening ends 102 may be used, depending on the requirements of the particular application. The fastening end may be connected to an end or middle portion of the bed-strap 101, or may be connected to the bed-strap 101 in multiple places. In other embodiments, the fastening end 102 may be accomplished by using a bed-strap 101 capable of being tied to the bed. A tying fastening end 102 may be particularly advantageous when affixing to a bed that contains bed rails or a slatted footboard or headboard.

(15) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a pull-strap connector 103 is connected to the bed-strap 101. A pull-strap connector 103 may be used to provide a tubular portion through which a pull-straps 105 and 106 can be inserted. The user may then draw on the pull-strap 105 or 106 for increased mobility and stability. Pull-straps 105 and 106 may vary, depending on the requirements of the particular application. For example, different embodiments may provide different numbers (including none) and placements of loops. Pull-strap 105 shows a ribbon-like configuration that is easily configurable to the needs of the user. Pull-strap 105 could be engaged with the pull-strap connector 103, to the hand-grips 104, or to the bed-strap 101 itself.

(16) In some embodiments, pull-straps 105 and 106 are also configured to have multiple modes of use for the user. For example, pull-strap 105 or 106 may be configured to be capable of being connected to a particular location, for example, by being tied to a particular pull-strap connector 103. Additionally, pull-strap 105 and 106 may also be capable of freely sliding along the bed-strap 101, for example by looping or loosely tying pull-strap 105 or 106 around or through the bed-strap 101, or by sliding the pull-strap 105 or 106 under the bed-strap 101. A user may also employ multiple modes of use in conjunction. For example, a user could both slide pull-strap 105 or 106 through the pull-strap connector 103 and place the looped end of the pull-strap 105 or 106 around the bed-strap 101 in order to provide additional support.

(17) The pull-strap 106 features multiple loops, which allow the user to be able to draw on the pull-strap 106 at whichever point is most convenient. As discussed above, the pull-strap 106 may be used in whichever mode the user desires. For example, the user may place the pull-strap 106 through the pull-strap connector 103, underneath the bed-strap 101, through a hand-grip 104, or any other configuration that the user finds convenient.

(18) FIG. 1 also depicts hand-grips 104. One or more hand-grips 104 are configured to be connected to the bed-strap 101, either directly or indirectly. As discussed above, in some embodiments the hand-grips 104 may additionally be used be feet or any other body part that the user finds convenient. For example, the user may place the bed-strap 101 towards the foot of the bed and use the hand-grips 104 to provide mobility or stability to the lower part of the body. According to an advantageous feature of an embodiment of the invention, the hand-grips 104 may be used of a non-rigid material to allow the user to comfortably lay on top of the mobility strap apparatus 100. The number and particular placement of the hand-grips 104 along the bed-strap 101 depend on the requirements of the particular embodiment.

(19) The mobility strap apparatus 100 may also contain an illuminating device 107 in some embodiments. An Illuminating device 107 is configured to improve visibility. Examples of illuminating devices 107 include, but is not limited to, LEDs or other light-emitting devices, reflective tape, glow in the dark tape or stitching, or the use of illuminating or reflective material for certain components. For example, hand-grips or bed-straps may be of an illuminating or reflective material.

(20) FIG. 2 shows a mobility strap apparatus 200 affixed to a bed 208. The orientation of the mobility strap apparatus 200 and bed 208, is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and depends on the needs of the user.

(21) As discussed above, this affixing of the mobility strap apparatus 200 to the bed 208 may be accomplished in a variety of ways, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment. In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the mobility strap apparatus 200 is affixed by the ends of the bed-strap 201 encompassing the bed 208 and connecting by a fastening end 202. In this embodiment, the mobility strap apparatus 200 becomes affixed to the bed 208 by sufficiently tightening the mechanism of the fastening end 202. As discussed above, the precise mechanism employed depends on the requirements of the particular embodiment, may include, but is not limited to, clips, clasps, brackets, ratcheting devices, buckles, tying, screws, bolts, nails, snap fits and tabs, adhesives and tapes, Velcro, rubber bands, rope/cords or string, hooks, rings, grommets or eyelets, buttons, molding/welding or bonding, or any other affixing technique.

(22) In other embodiments, the fastening end 202 may be configured to provide for affixing the bed-strap 201 to the footboard 210, headboard 212, bed frame 209, mattress 211, or any other part of the bed 208. The type of fastening end 202 used may depend on the requirements of the particular embodiment. For example, in applications that require frequent changing of sheets, it may be burdensome for the ends of the bed-strap 201 to fully encompass the bed 208, as shown in FIG. 2. In these applications, it may be more advantageous for one end of the mobility strap apparatus 200 to contain one or more non-releasable fastening ends 202 (such as screws or nails) that may be affixed to the footboard 210, headboard 212, bed frame 209, mattress 211, or any other part of the bed 208. In this embodiment, the mobility strap apparatus 200 may also provide for a releasable fastening end 202, such as a clasp, bracket, buckle. Thus, the releasable fastening end 202 could be released while the sheets are changed, while the non-releasable fastening end 202 maintains the affixing of the mobility strap apparatus 200 to the bed 208. According to an advantageous feature of this embodiment, the placement of the bed-strap 201 on the bed 208 is not altered while changing sheets. For example, a user may have placed the mobility strap apparatus 200 in such a position that the hand-grips 206 and pull-straps 205 and 206 are optimally placed for the requirements of the user. In this embodiment, the non-releasable fastening ends 202 may provide a constant point of contact between the mobility strap apparatus 200 to the bed 208 while changing sheets.

(23) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the mobility strap grid 300. The mobility strap grid contains multiple bed-straps 301 aligned substantially perpendicular. In this embodiment, there are two longitudinal and two lateral bed-straps 301. More or fewer bed straps 301 may be used in other embodiments. Depending on the particular embodiment, the perpendicular bed-straps 301 may be connected to each other at crossing points, may not connect but be disposed through a portion of the other, or may not connect and simply be disposed over or underneath the other. For example, in applications that require more versatility for the user, the perpendicular bed-straps 301 be unconnected, such that the pull-strap connectors 303 and hand-grips 304 may be more readily adjusted on those bed-straps 301.

(24) The mobility strap grid 300 provides one or more hand-grips 304. Depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment, hand-grips 304 may be provided on only one or more laterally aligned bed-straps 301, only one or more longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301, or both the laterally and longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301.

(25) In embodiments that contain pull-straps 305 and 306 and pull-strap connectors 303, pull-strap connectors 303 may be provided on only the laterally aligned bed-straps 301, only the longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301, or both the laterally and longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301.

(26) The embodiment in FIG. 3 shows each bed-strap 301 containing one fastening end 302. In other embodiments, some bed-straps 301 may contain multiple fastening ends 302, or may not contain fastening ends 302. For example, one embodiment may provide that only one or more longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301 contain fastening ends 302, or that only one or more laterally aligned bed-straps 301 contain fastening ends 302, or both. In addition, bed-straps 301 may contain different types of fastening ends 302, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment. For example, the longitudinally aligned bed-straps 301 may contain non-releasable fastening ends 302 (such as the screwing or nailing of the mobility strap grid 300 into the bed), while the laterally aligned bed-straps 301 may contain releasable fastening ends 302 (such as such as clasps, brackets, buckles), or no fastening ends 302. One or more illuminating devices 307 may also be provided in some embodiments.

(27) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the mobility strap grid 400 affixed to a bed 408. In this embodiment, there are two longitudinal and two lateral bed-straps 401. Longitudinal bed-straps may be configured to run along the length of the bed 408, while lateral bed-straps may be configured to run across the width of the bed 408. For example, FIG. 4 shows two longitudinal bed-straps 401 running between the head 412 and foot 410 of the bed 400, and two lateral bed-straps 401 running across the sides of the bed 408. As discussed above, while the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 provide for four identical fastening ends 402, the number and type of fastening ends 402 depend on the requirements of the particular embodiment. In addition, one or more fastening ends 402 may be coupled to either longitudinally aligned or laterally aligned bed straps 401, or both, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment.

(28) In other embodiments, one or more of the fastening ends 402 may be affixed to the bed 408 by tying. As discussed above, tying fastening ends 402 may be particularly advantageous when the bed 408 contains bed rails or slatted footboards or headboards. FIG. 4 shows hand-grips 404 coupled to each bed-strap 401. As discussed above, hand-grips 404 may be provided on only one or more laterally aligned bed-straps 401, only one or more longitudinally aligned bed-straps 401, or both the laterally and longitudinally aligned bed-straps 401. The embodiment in FIG. 4 also provides pull-straps 305 and 306 and pull-strap connectors 403. One or more illuminating devices 407 may also be provided in some embodiments.

(29) Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the mobility strap grid 500. In this embodiment, two longitudinal and two lateral bed-straps 501 are affixed to the bed 503 by four releasable fastening ends 502. Support straps 507 and 508 are configured to further strengthen the affixing of the bed-straps to the bed. In one embodiment, support straps 507 provide support by engaging with the bed-straps 501. In FIG. 5, support straps 507 are provided underneath the bed 503 and cross to support each bed-strap 501. In other embodiments, support straps 508 may be additionally engaged with the bed 503. In FIG. 5, support strap 508 engages with both the bed-straps 501 and two legs of the bed 503. In other embodiments, the support straps 508 could be engaged with more or less than two legs. Additionally, the support straps 508 could be engaged with other parts of the bed 503.

(30) In the embodiment in FIG. 5, fixtures are affixed to the bed 503. Fixtures 506 may be used in order to assist fastenings ends 509 in affixing of the bed-straps 501 to the bed 503. The fixtures 506 provided in FIG. 5 are plates affixed to the bed frame 505. Fastening end 509 screws are configured to rigidly affix the bed-straps 501 to the fixture 506, thereby rigidly affixing the bed-straps 501 to the bed 503. In other embodiments, fixtures 506 may be affixed to other parts of the bed 503, such as the mattress 504. In addition, other embodiments may not require one fixture 506 per bed-strap 501. Fixtures 506 may be permanently, semi-permanently, or temporarily affixed to the bed 503. For example, fixtures 506 could be screwed into the bed-frame 505, or in other embodiments, may be temporarily held to the bed-frame 505 by a releasable clasp. In addition, fixtures 506 may be engaged with the bed 503 either directly or indirectly, and to various parts of the bed 503, depending on the requirements of the particular embodiment. For example, fixtures 506 may be directly engaged to the bed-frame 505, or the bed-strap 503 may be disposed between the fixture 506 and the bed-frame 505.

(31) As discussed above, some embodiments may provide multiple components for affixing the bed-strap 501 to the bed 503. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, both releasable fastening ends 502 and fastening ends 509 are used. The fastening ends 509 are used in conjunction with the fixture, while the releasable fastening ends 502 are not. According to an advantageous feature of this embodiment, additional rigid affixing of the bed-straps 501 to the bed 503 is provided by the fixtures 506 and fastening ends 509, while additional versatility and adaptability is provided by the releasable fastening ends 502.

(32) The invention is described in detail with respect to preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and the invention, therefore, as defined in the claims, is intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

(33) Thus, specific apparatus for a mobility strap and mobility strap grid have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms comprises and comprising should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.