Bed Rail Locking System and Method

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/583,601, filed Feb. 21, 2024, entitled “BED RAIL LOCKING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

illustrates a first example embodiment of a rail assembly in an assembled configuration.

illustrates the first example embodiment of the rail assembly in a disassembled configuration.

illustrates a second example embodiment of a rail assembly in a disassembled configuration.

is an example cross-sectional view of a first and second portion of a locking assembly.

is an example cross-sectional view of the first and second portion of the locking assembly ofengaged in a first configuration.

is an example cross-sectional view of the first and second portion of the locking assembly ofengaged in a locked configuration.

is an example cross-sectional view of a locking assembly comprising a stopper.

is an example cross-sectional view of the locking assembly ofwhere the stopper is disposed within a cavity of first and second portions of the locking assembly.

is an example cross-sectional view of the locking assembly ofwhere the stopper is disposed within a cavity of first and second portions of the locking assembly and the stopper is flush with a top of the first portion.

is an example cross-sectional view of the locking assembly ofillustrating how the stopper in this example can prevent movement of tabs of a push pin to lock the first and second portions of the locking assembly together.

illustrates a key slot in the top of a stopper in accordance with an embodiment.

illustrates a key in accordance with an embodiment.

illustrates a key in accordance with an embodiment being used to rotate a stopper of a locking assembly.

It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning to,illustrates a first example embodimentA of a rail assemblyin an assembled configuration,illustrates the first example embodimentA of the rail assemblyin a disassembled configuration, andillustrates a second example embodimentB of a rail assemblyin a disassembled configuration.

As shown in these examples, the rail assemblycomprises a first bar assembly(e.g., an under-mattress bar assembly), which in this example includes a first U-barthat is coupled to a first H-bar, and a strap assemblycoupled to an end of the first U-bar.

The rail assemblyfurther comprises a first and second L-barA,B which are removably coupled to the first bar assemblyand removably coupled to a second bar assembly. The first and second bar assemblies,can be generally planar along respective first and second bar assembly planes, with the first and second L-barA,B holding the first and second bar assemblies,such that the first and second bar assembly planes are perpendicular to each other. The second bar assemblycomprises a second U-barthat is coupled to a second H-bar, a crossbarand a device bar.

Returning to the first bar assembly, the first U-barcomprises a first U-bar endfrom which a pair of first U-bar sidesextend perpendicular to a central axis of the first U-bar end. The first U-barcan comprise a set of one or more grips(e.g., disposed on the first U-bar endand first U-bar sides), which in some examples can comprise tubes of foam, rubber, silicone, plastic, or the like, that surround portions of the first U-bar. In various embodiments, the gripscan be soft elements where a user or other elements can grasp or otherwise interact with or engage the first U-bar. The first U-barcan comprise a set of one or more pads(e.g., disposed on the first U-bar sides), which in some examples can comprise textured plastic plates that provide points of friction engagement or coupling to a mattress, pad, bed, or the like, as discussed in more detail herein.

The first H-barcan comprise a first H-bar beamwith a pair of first H-bar locking tubescoupled on opposing ends of the first H-bar beam. A pair of first H-bar coupling tubescan be respectively coupled to the first H-bar locking tubeson an opposing side of where the first H-bar beamis coupled to the first H-bar locking tubes. The first H-bar locking tubesand first H-bar coupling tubescan be disposed in parallel to each other and perpendicular to a central axis of the first H-bar beam. In various embodiments, the first H-bar coupling tubescan couple with respective ends of the sidesof the first U-bar (e.g., via rivets, bolts, welding, or the like). In various embodiments, the first H-bar locking tubescan be part of a locking assembly, which is discussed in more detail herein.

Turning to the second bar assembly, the second U-barcomprises a second U-bar endfrom which a pair of second U-bar sidesextend perpendicular to a central axis of the second U-bar end. The second U-barcan comprise a set of one or more grips(e.g., disposed on the second U-bar end), which in some examples can comprise one or more tubes of foam, rubber, silicone, plastic, or the like, which surround one or more portions of the second U-bar. In various embodiments, the gripscan be soft elements where a user or other elements can grasp or otherwise interact with or engage the second U-bar.

The second H-barcan comprise a second H-bar beamwith a pair of second H-bar locking tubescoupled on opposing ends of the second H-bar beam. A pair of second H-bar coupling tubescan be respectively coupled to the second H-bar locking tubeson an opposing side of where the second H-bar beamis coupled to the second H-bar locking tubes. The second H-bar locking tubesand second H-bar coupling tubescan be disposed in parallel to each other and perpendicular to a central axis of the second H-bar beam. In various embodiments, the second H-bar coupling tubescan couple with respective ends of the sidesof the second U-bar(e.g., via rivets, bolts, welding, or the like). In various embodiments, the second H-bar locking tubescan be part of a locking assembly, which is discussed in more detail herein.

In various embodiments, the crossbarcan be coupled with respective sidesof the second U-bar(e.g., via rivets, bolts, welding, or the like). In various embodiments, the device barcan be coupled with respective sidesof the second U-bar(e.g., via rivets, bolts, welding, or the like) and can comprise various devices such as a light, alarm, computing device, or the like.

In various embodiments, elements of the first and second U-bars,, first and second H-bars,, and the like, can be made of various suitable materials such as metal, plastic, wood, or the like. Also, in various embodiments, such elements can be defined by hollow tubes or elements having any suitable configuration, so the examples of tubes or cylinders discussed herein should not be construed as limiting.

In various embodiments a rail assemblycan be coupled with a bed to provide a handrail for a user getting in and out of bed. For example, the first bar assemblycan be inserted between a mattress and bed frame with the second bar assemblypushed against or proximate to the mattress and extending perpendicular to the face of the bed. The second bar assemblycan be sized in various embodiments to extend above the top face of the bed and provide a rail that a user can grasp to assist them in entering and exiting the bed or that can be used by assistants, doctors, nurses, caretakers, and the like.

In various embodiments, the weight of mattress can hold the first bar assemblyfirmly in place such that the second bar assemblyprovides a stable support rail. Additionally, various embodiments include a strap assemblythat can be used to secure the first bar assemblyto a mattress and/or bed. For example, the strap assemblycan comprise a strapthat loops through a slotat the first U-bar endof the U-bar, with the strap being configured to be releasably opened and closed via a clip. In some embodiments, the strapcan be looped around a bed frame and/or mattress, or the like, and secured via the clipand tightened to secure the rail assemblyto the bed. In various embodiments, the padscan engage the mattress to further secure the rail assemblyand prevent the rail assemblyfrom slipping out from under the mattress. While specific examples of a strap assembly, pads, and the like, are provided as elements for securing the rail assembly in various embodiments, these examples should not be construed to be limiting and various other suitable structures and elements can be employed to secure the rail assemblysuch as rope, hook, adhesive, or the like.

Also, while some embodiments can be applicable to a bed with a mattress and a bed frame, it should be clear that various embodiments can be applicable to various types of beds, which may or may not have a mattress or bed frame, such as a mattress on the ground, a pad on a bed frame, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the first bar assemblycan have a length such that the bar assembly will not extend out an opposing side of the bed where the rail assemblyis disposed between a mattress and bed frame (e.g., sized for a bed and/or mattress that is a twin, single, twin LX, full, double, queen, king, or the like, with a width such as 39, 54, 60, 66, 76, 80 inches, or the like, or a range between such example values). Additionally, in some embodiments, the second bar assemblycan be configured to extend above the face of a mattress or pad where the rail assemblyis disposed below a mattress or pad (e.g., a mattress or pad having a thickness of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 inches or the like, or a range between such example values). The second bar assemblycan be configured to extend above the face of a mattress or pad various suitable amounts including 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 inches or the like, or a range between such example values. The first and/or second bar assemblies,can have various suitable widths, including a maximum width of 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0 inches, or the like or a range between such example values. Also in examples where the first and/or second bar assemblies,and L-barscomprise cylindrical tubes, such cylindrical tubes can have a diameter of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or the like or a range between such example values. Different parts of the first and/or second bar assemblies,and L-barscan have different diameters such as discussed herein.

Also, while some embodiments can be applicable to a bed, further embodiments can be applicable to a wide variety of other objects, furniture, or the like, such as a couch, chair, bench, or the like. Additionally, embodiments can be used in various locations such as a home, hospital, care facility, office, factory, car, boat, airplane or the like.

In various embodiments, it can be desirable for the rail assemblyto be assembled and disassembled. For example, as discussed in more detail herein, a plurality of locking assembliescan be configured to allow the first and second bar assemblies,to be disassembled from the first and second L-barsA,B. Note that while the examples ofillustrate the first and second U-bars,being disassembled from the coupling tubes,of the first and second H-bars,, in some embodiments, the U-bars,can be permanently or semi-permanently coupled with the coupling tubes,of the first and second H-bars,such as via welding, rivets, bolts, adhesive, friction fit, or the like.

Turning to, three configurations of portions of a locking assemblyare illustrated. In these examples, the locking assemblycomprises a first body, which can be defined by, or be a part of, a first or second H-bar locking tube,in some embodiments. The first bodycan be a cylindrical tube in various embodiments that extends between a first endand second endand defines a first body cavityand a pair of first body coupling holeson opposing sides of the first body. The first bodycan comprise first body threadsat the first end.

The locking assemblycan further comprise a second body, which can be defined by, or be a part of, an L-barin some embodiments. The second bodycan be a cylindrical tube in various embodiments that extends between a first endand second endand defines a second body cavityand a pair of second body tab holeson opposing sides of the second body.

The second bodycan comprise a push pindisposed within the second body cavity, with the push pincomprising a springand a pair of tabsthat include a base flange. The springin various embodiments can be V-shaped with a pair of arms that have the tabscoupled at the ends of the arms. The springcan bias the tabs outward away from each other such that the tabsrespectively extend through the second body tab holesand are stopped by the flangesas shown in. While the springis shown as being V-shaped in this example, further embodiments can include a springof any suitable configuration or shape such as a U-shape, coil, or the like. Similarly, the tabscan have any suitable configuration in further examples.

As shown in, in various embodiments the push pincan allow the first and second bodies,to be locked together. For example, the second bodycan have an external diameter that is equal to or slightly smaller than an internal diameter within the first body cavityof the first bodysuch that the first endof the second bodycan be inserted into the first body cavityat the second endof the first bodywith a close fit as shown inand

As shown in the example of, inserting the first endof the second bodyinto the first body cavityat the second endof the first bodycan cause the tabsto engage an internal wall of the second bodysuch that the tabsretract within the second body tab holesand be biased by the spring. The first endof the second bodycan be further extended within the first body cavityat the second endof the first bodyuntil the tabsalign with the first body coupling holesand the biasing of the tabsvia the springcauses the tabsto extend through the first body coupling holesuntil the tabsare stopped by the base flangesof the tabsas shown in. Accordingly, the first and second bodies,can be coupled or locked together via the tabsextending through the aligned first body coupling holesand second body tab holesas shown in the example of

To disengage, de-couple or un-lock the first and second bodies,, in various embodiments, a user can depress the tabsby squeezing them with their fingers to cause the tabsto retract within first body coupling holesand second body tab holessuch that the second body can be removed from the first body cavityat the second endof the first bodysuch as shown inrespectively. Accordingly, in various embodiments the springcan bias the tabs with sufficient force to bias the tabsoutward as discussed herein and an amount of force that would allow a user to pinch the tabsas discussed herein.

Turning to, in various embodiments a locking assemblycan comprise a stopperthat can be configured to lock the push pinsuch that the tabsof the push pinare physically prevented from being pushable or retractable within the first body coupling holesand second body tab holessuch that the first and second bodies,are prevented from being disengaged, de-coupled or un-locked.

For example,illustrate stoppercomprising a head portionthat includes stopper threadsand a cap. The stopperfurther comprises a nose, which in this example has a truncated conical shape. As shown in, the stoppercan be inserted into the engaged, coupled or locked configuration of the first and second bodies,via the stopper being inserted into the first body cavityat the first endof the first bodyand into the second body cavityat the first endof the second body. The stopper threadscan engage the first body threadsand the stoppercan be rotated to further extend the stopper into the first and second body cavities,as shown inand

As shown in, in various embodiments the stoppercan be rotated until at least flush with the first endof the first bodysuch that the capis at least flush with the first endof the first body. In various embodiments, the stopper, stopper threadsand/or first body threadscan be configured such that the stopperceases to be further rotatable once the stopperis at least flush with the first endof the first body.

As shown in, in various embodiments the noseof the stoppercan be configured to be disposed proximate to or engaging the springand/or tabsof the push pinsuch that the tabsof the push pinare physically prevented by the nosefrom being fully pushable or retractable within the first body coupling holesand second body tab holes. For example, as shown in the examples of, when the stopperis screwed flush with the first endof the first body, the noseof the stopperis positioned such that if the tabsare squeezed by a user, the tabsmay move a bit as shown in, but are physically prevented by the nosefrom being fully pushable or retractable within the first body coupling holesand second body tab holessuch that the first and second bodies,are locked together and prevented from being disengaged, de-coupled or un-locked.

While one example of a stopperis shown herein, it should be clear that a stopperof various embodiments can have any suitable configuration. For example, the nosemay or may not be truncated and may or may not be flat at the end. Also, in some examples, the peripheral edges of the capcan share a plane with the stopper threadsof the stopper, but in some examples can be greater or smaller in size. Also, while the stopperin some embodiments can be configured to be rotated flush with, or below flush with the first endof the first body, in some embodiments, the stoppercan be configured to engage the top of the first endof the first body. Additionally, the stoppercan be suitably configured based on different configurations or types of push pinsor other locking mechanisms.

Turning to, in some embodiments a keycan be used to screw the stopperinto the first endof the first body. For example, a keyas shown incan comprise a bowand a blade, with the bladebeing configured to removably couple with a key sloton the top of the stopperas shown in. In some examples, the key slotand bladecan have a corresponding rectangular shape, which can allow a user to turn the keyvia the bowto rotate the stopperinto the first endof the first body. In various embodiments, a keycan be necessary or desirable to rotate the stopperat least flush with top of the first endof the first bodybecause a user may not be able to grasp edges of the stopperto rotate it and it can be desirable in various embodiments to not have elements extending from the top of the stopper. Also, it should be clear that the key slotand bladeof the keycan have any suitable shape(s) that allow for rotation of the stoppervia the key, so the specific examples ofshould not be construed as limiting.

Additionally, while various embodiments relate to one or more locking assembliesbeing part of a rail assemblythat can be disposed in or about a bed to be used as a hand rail, it should be clear that further embodiments can employ one or more locking assembliesin any suitable rail assembly used for various purposes and in various locations. Also, in some embodiments a locking assemblycan be employed in various suitable systems that comprise cylindrical components that mate. Accordingly, the specific examples herein should not be construed as limiting on the wide variety of further embodiments in which a locking assemblycan be employed.

The described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. Additionally, elements of a given embodiment should not be construed to be applicable to only that example embodiment and therefore elements of one example embodiment can be applicable to other embodiments. Additionally, elements that are specifically shown in example embodiments should be construed to cover embodiments that comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of such elements, or such elements can be explicitly absent from further embodiments. Accordingly, the recitation of an element being present in one example should be construed to support some embodiments where such an element is explicitly absent.