JP7788670B2 - Handrail device and base - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to handrail devices and bases , and more particularly to handrail devices and bases that assist a user's movement.

A handrail device for assistance is known in the past (see Patent Document 1). The handrail device in Patent Document 1 includes a mounting plate to which a support tube is attached, and a rubber ribbon band attached to the outer periphery of the mounting plate.

JP 2011-10853 A

When a user who requires walking assistance uses the assistance handrail device described in Patent Document 1 to assist with walking, the user may trip over the rubber ribbon band (edge) on the outer periphery of the installation plate (base).

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a handrail device and a base that can reduce the possibility of a user tripping when walking.

A handrail device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a base, a support post protruding upward from the base, and a handrail supported by one of the support posts. The base includes a plate-shaped plate and an edge portion provided on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the plate. The edge portion is formed so that the upper surface of the edge portion has a gentle slope when the base is installed, and has a recessed portion formed on the surface opposite the upper surface of the edge portion along the thickness direction from the lower surface of the plate to the upper surface of the plate. The edge portion has a first portion and a second portion that sandwich the plate, and a third portion that connects the first portion and the second portion. The first portion contacts a portion of the upper surface of the plate. The second portion contacts a portion of the lower surface of the plate. The third portion has the recessed portion. When the base is not installed, the maximum length of the recessed portion along the thickness direction is longer than the length of the second portion in the thickness direction.

A base according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in the handrail device.

This disclosure reduces the likelihood of a user tripping while walking.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a handrail device according to an embodiment. 2A and 2B are partial cross-sectional views of a base of the handrail device before and after installation, respectively. 3A to 3E are diagrams illustrating an assist device including the handrail device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of the handrail device and the second auxiliary device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of the handrail device and the third auxiliary device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating yet another application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined and used at an outer entrance. FIG. 10 shows an application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of application of the handrail device alone. FIG. 12 shows an application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 13 shows another application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 14 shows yet another application example in which a plurality of the handrail devices are combined. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an application example in which the handrail device is combined with a bed. FIG. 16 is an external view of a handrail device according to the first modification. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the handrail device before assembly. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a connecting portion of the handrail device. FIG. 19 is an external view of a connecting support post according to the second modification. FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the main part of the connecting support pole. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the connecting support pillar. FIG. 22 is an external view of a connecting support post according to the third modification. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a main part of the connecting support pole. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the connecting support pillar. FIG. 25 is an external view of a handrail device according to the fourth modification. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the attachment of a plate provided in the handrail device. FIG. 27 is an external view of a handrail device according to the fifth modification. FIG. 28 is an external view of a handrail device according to the sixth modification. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example in which an auxiliary device according to the seventh modification is connected to a handrail device. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the above-mentioned assisting device and the handrail. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device in a state where the flat plate of the auxiliary device is open. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device in a state where the flat plate of the auxiliary device is closed. FIG. 33 is an external view of a handrail device according to Modification 8. FIG. 34 is a partially enlarged view of the handrail device. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example in which the handrail device is connected to another handrail device. Figure 36 is an external view showing the state in which the surface handrail portion attached to the handrail device is open. FIG. 37 is an external view of the handrail device of the same type, seen from a different angle than FIG. 36, with the surface handrail portion attached to the handrail device in an open state. Figure 38 is an external view showing the state in which the surface handrail portion attached to the handrail device is closed. Figure 39 is an external view of the handrail device of the same type, seen from a different angle than Figure 38, in a state where the surface handrail portion attached to the handrail device is closed. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example in which the handrail device having the surface handrail portion attached thereto is connected to another handrail device. 41A and 41B are diagrams showing a pad member according to Modification 9. FIG. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing another example in which the connecting support post according to the second modification is applied to the handrail device according to the tenth modification.

The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than the following embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the handrail device, base, handrail, and support post according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIG.

(1) Overview A handrail device 1 according to this embodiment assists, for example, a user's walking motion. As shown in Fig. 1 , the handrail device 1 includes a base 11, a support 12 protruding upward from the base 11, and a handrail 13 supported by the single support 12. The base 11 includes a plate 101 and an edge 102 provided on at least a portion of a peripheral edge 111 of the plate 101. When the base 11 is installed, the upper surface 121 of the edge 102 is gently inclined.

The upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 is gently sloped, reducing the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge portion 111 of the base 11 when walking.

In addition, in the handrail device 1 according to this embodiment, the handrail 13 is configured to be connectable to an assisting device that assists the user's movements. The assisting device will be described later.

The handrail device 1 is configured to be connectable to an assisting device, so by connecting it to an existing assisting device, for example, it can smoothly assist the user's successive movements.

(2) Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, the handrail device 1 according to this embodiment includes a base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) support posts 12 protruding upward from the base 11, and one or more (two in the illustrated example) handrails 13. Each of the two handrails 13 in Fig. 1 is configured to be connectable to a connecting portion 14. The handrail device 1 is a device that assists a user in walking, and is installed, for example, in a hallway in a house.

The base 11 has a plate-like plate 101 and an edge portion 102. The base 11 is formed to have dimensions of, for example, 60 cm x 90 cm. Note that these numerical values are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The size of the base may be large enough that both feet of an adult can fit on the base 11 when walking. Because both feet rest on the base 11, the user can feel stable when walking.

The plate 101 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The plate 101 has an edge portion 102 formed on at least a portion of the peripheral edge portion 111 of the plate 101. In this embodiment, the edge portion 102 is formed around the entire periphery of the peripheral edge portion 111 (see Figure 1). The plate 101 has a plurality of mounting portions 103 for mounting the support posts 12. The support post 12 is mounted to one selected mounting portion 103 from the plurality of mounting portions 103.

The edge portion 102 is made of rubber. The edge portion 102 has a first portion 123 and a second portion 124 that sandwich the plate 101 (see Figures 2A and 2B). The edge portion 102 further has a third portion 125 that connects the first portion 123 and the second portion 124. The first portion 123 is in contact with a portion of the upper surface 112 of the plate 101. The second portion 124 is in contact with a portion of the lower surface 113 of the plate 101. In this embodiment, the first portion 123 is bonded to the upper surface 112 of the plate 101, and the second portion 124 is bonded to the lower surface 113 of the plate 101. The third portion 125 has a recessed portion 126 along the direction D1 from the lower surface 113 of the plate 101 toward the upper surface 112 of the plate 101 (thickness direction). When the base 11 is not installed, the maximum length L1 of the recess 126 along the thickness direction D1 is longer than the length L2 of the second portion 124 in the thickness direction D1. Note that the edge portion 102 is not limited to being made of rubber and may be made of an elastic material.

Furthermore, the edge portion 102 is configured to be detachable from the plate 101. By making the edge portion 102 detachable from the plate 101, for example, if the edge portion 102 changes, becomes dirty, or loses softness and hardens during use of the handrail device 1, it can be replaced with a new edge portion 102 to restore the anti-slip properties.

When the base 11 is not installed in the installation location, the tip 127 of the third portion 125 is located lower than the underside of the second portion 124 (see Figure 2A).

When the base 11 is installed in the installation location, the tip 127 of the third portion 125 is located at the same position as the underside of the second portion 124 (see Figure 2B). Here, the concept of "identical" includes not only exact coincidence but also an allowable range of error.

By deforming the third portion 125 so that the tip portion 127 is located lower than the second portion 124 when the base 11 is not installed at the installation location, and so that the tip portion 127 is located at the same position as the second portion 124 when the base 11 is installed at the installation location, the upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 can be made to have a gentle slope. Furthermore, by providing a recess 126 in the edge portion 102, the tip portion 127 can be made to fit more easily into the installation location when the base 11 is installed at the installation location. In other words, the radius of curvature of the upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 can be increased, allowing the upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 to have a more gentle slope. In other words, when the base 11 is installed, the slope of the upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 is formed to be gentle.

Here, "gentle slope" includes cases where the slope angle relative to the ground is 30 degrees or less. Preferably, "gentle slope" includes cases where the slope angle is between 8 and 12 degrees. More preferably, "gentle slope" includes cases where the slope angle is 10 degrees. Here, each numerical value is an example, and is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the slope angle does not necessarily have to exactly match the above numerical value, but also includes an allowable error.

Furthermore, if no recess is provided on the edge, there is a possibility that the adhesion between the underside of the plate and the second portion will come off when the third portion 125 is deformed when the base is installed at the installation location. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a recess 126 on the edge 102, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the adhesion between the underside 113 of the plate 101 and the second portion 124 will come off when the third portion 125 is deformed when the base 11 is installed at the installation location.

One or more posts 12 correspond one-to-one to one or more handrails 13. Each post 12 connects to its corresponding handrail 13 on its own. That is, the handrail device 1 is configured so that each of the one or more handrails 13 is supported by only one corresponding post 12. Each post 12 has a first post 12a and a second post 12b (see Figure 1). The second post 12b of the post 12 is connected to the corresponding handrail 13.

The support 12 is attached to one selected mounting portion 103 from among the multiple mounting portions 103. For example, the first support 12a of the support 12 is fixed to the selected mounting portion 103 with a screw or the like. The support 12 is configured so that its height can be adjusted in the vertical direction (thickness direction D1). The upper end of the support 12, i.e., the upper end of the second support 12b, is connected to the handrail 13.

Each of the one or more handrails 13 is supported by a corresponding support post 12. When viewed from direction D2, the handrails 13 are formed into a curved rod shape. One end of the curved rod is connected to the support post 12, and the other end is connected to the connector 14. Here, the radius of curvature of the curved rod is, for example, 80 mm (R80). Note that this value is an example and is not intended to be limiting. By increasing the radius of curvature, it is easier for the user to grasp the handrail 13 from end to end. In other words, by increasing the radius of curvature, the handrail 13 has a shape that is user-friendly.

The connecting unit 14 connects one handrail 13 to another handrail 13. The connecting unit 14 assists the user's walking between the two connected handrails 13. For example, the connecting unit 14 connects two handrails 13 provided on the same handrail device 1, or connects one handrail 13 provided on the handrail device 1 to a handrail 13 provided on an assisting device that assists the user's movements. In other words, the handrail device 1 is configured to be able to connect the handrail 13 to another handrail 13 on the same handrail device 1, or to a handrail 13 on an assisting device.

The handrail device 1 is connected to the handrail 13 of the assist device via the connecting portion 14, allowing the user to smoothly transition between successive movements. In other words, the connecting portion 14 is used as a handrail to assist the user's walking.

For example, if the assist device is a device that assists the user in standing up and standing down, connecting the handrail device 1 to the assist device allows the user to smoothly transition from a seated position to standing up and then walking. Also, when the user transitions from walking to sitting down, the user can smoothly transition from walking to sitting down.

Alternatively, if the assist device is a device that assists the user in walking over a step, by connecting the handrail device 1 to the assist device, when moving from a place with a step (for example, a hallway) to a flat place (corridor), the user can smoothly transition from walking up the step to walking on flat ground. Also, when moving from a flat place to a place with a step, the user can smoothly transition from walking on flat ground to walking down the step.

(3) Specific Examples There are various nursing care products (the handrail device 1, the assisting device) to assist users who require nursing care in their daily lives at home. For example, the nursing care product in FIG. 3A shows a walking assisting device 1000 as an example of the handrail device 1. The nursing care product in FIG. 3B shows an example of a first assisting device 1001. The nursing care product in FIG. 3C shows an example of a second assisting device 1002. The nursing care product in FIG. 3D shows an example of a third assisting device 1003. The nursing care product in FIG. 3E shows an example of a fourth assisting device 1004. Note that when there are multiple walking assisting devices 1000 as the handrail device 1 shown in FIG. 3A, the multiple handrail devices 1 may include assisting devices in addition to the handrail device 1.

The walking assistance device 1000 shown in Figure 3A as the handrail device 1 assists the user's walking at the entrance of a house or in a hallway within the house. The first assistance device 1001 shown in Figure 3B assists the user in going up and down an interior entranceway with a step. The second assistance device 1002 shown in Figure 3C, the third assistance device 1003 shown in Figure 3D, and the fourth assistance device 1004 shown in Figure 3E assist the user in getting up and standing in the living room, bedroom, entranceway, etc. of the house. For example, the second assistance device 1002 assists the user in standing up from a sitting position in the living room, etc. of the house. The third assistance device 1003 and the fourth assistance device 1004 assist the user in getting up or standing up from a sleeping position (lying down) in the bedroom, etc.

In daily life, users may perform multiple actions consecutively. For example, when a user moves from the entrance to the hallway, the user stands up from a state in which they are taking off their shoes (i.e., sitting), and begins walking. In other words, the user performs the standing up action and the walking action consecutively. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, by connecting the walking assist device 1000 to the second assist device 1002 or the third assist device 1003, the transition from the standing up action to the walking action can be made smooth. For example, by connecting the walking assist device 1000 to the second assist device 1002 or the third assist device 1003, a user who sits on a step at the entrance and takes off their shoes can stand up using the second assist device 1002 or the third assist device 1003, and then begin walking using the walking assist device 1000.

Furthermore, when moving from the entrance to the hallway, by connecting the walking assistance device 1000 and the first assistance device 1001, the user can smoothly transition from walking up to the hallway at the inner entrance, which has a large step, to walking.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, it is also possible to connect multiple walking assistance devices 1000. By connecting multiple walking assistance devices 1000, it is possible to assist walking over long distances.

Figure 6 shows an example of a combination of walking aid devices 1000 to assist movement from a front door to a hallway. By making the length of the support pole 12 of the walking aid device 1000 (walking aid device 1010 in the figure) installed at the front door shorter than the length of the support pole 12 of the walking aid device 1000 (walking aid device 1011 in the figure) connected to the walking aid device 1010, the walking aid device 1010 can be adapted to the step at the front door. Furthermore, there are cases where the connecting portion 14 crosses a door 2000 that serves as an entrance to a room. In this case, the connecting portion 14 connects two walking aid devices 1000 (walking aid devices 1011 and 1012 in the figure) so that one of the ends of the connecting portion 14 can rotate around the axis of rotation.

Figure 7 shows an example of an application where assistance is provided for moving from a hallway to a room. Moving from the hallway to a room requires a 90-degree turn. Therefore, an L-shaped connector 14 (connector 1400 in the figure) is used at the boundary between the hallway and the room. Furthermore, if there is a step (threshold step) at the boundary between the hallway and the room, the walking aid device 1000 can be mounted on a ramp 2010. In this case, the attachment portion between the support 12 and base 11 of the walking aid device 100 placed on the ramp 2010 is rotatable. This allows the walking aid device 1000 to be installed according to the inclination angle of the ramp 2010. By walking on this ramp 2010, the user can walk smoothly even when there is a threshold step.

Furthermore, by changing the shape of the connecting handrail, which corresponds to the connecting portion 14, depending on the walking course, it is possible to assist walking along corners. In this case, the user can smoothly change the direction of travel by connecting two walking assistance devices 1000 with the connecting portion 14 (L-shaped connecting portion 1400) that is along the corner (see Figure 8).

The walking aid device 1000 can also be used at an outer entrance with a step (see Figure 9). For example, by connecting two walking aid devices 1000 and making the support pole 12 of one of the two walking aid devices 1000 (walking aid device 1020 in the figure) shorter than the support pole 12 of the other walking aid device 1000 (walking aid device 1021 in the figure), it is possible to accommodate steps at the entrance. This makes it possible to assist the user's walking movements when going up and down steps at an entrance with a step.

Conventionally, when installing handrails to assist walking over long distances, it is necessary to install poles (support units) between the floor and ceiling. In this case, the poles are fixed by abutting one end against the floor and the other end against the ceiling (see JP 2013-92034 A). Installing handrails (horizontal handrail units) between multiple fixed poles assists the user's walking over long distances.

On the other hand, the handrail device 1 of the present application (for example, the walking assistance device 1000 shown in Figure 3A) has a plate-shaped base 11, which allows the center of gravity of the handrail device 1 to be stabilized. As a result, there is no need to fix the support posts 12 to the floor and ceiling (see Figures 10 to 15). This makes it easy to install the handrail device 1. Also, because there is no need to fix the support posts 12 to the floor and ceiling, the length of the support posts can be shorter than conventional poles. Therefore, when the handrail device 1 is installed, it looks better than before.

Figure 10 shows an example of the application of the walking aid device 1000 as a handrail device 1 to assist with movement from a bedroom to another location. By using various connecting parts 14 (such as a straight-line connecting part 1410, a V-shaped connecting part 1411, or an L-shaped connecting part 1412), multiple walking aid devices 1000 can be installed along the user's walking path.

Figure 11 shows an example of the application of the walking assistance device 1000 to assist movement down a corridor. In this case, the support 12 is installed close to the wall. The user walks on the base 11 by holding onto the handrail 13 installed on the support or the connecting part 14 connected to the handrail 13. The size of the base 11 is such that both feet of an adult can fit on the base 11 when walking, allowing the user to walk on the base 11 in a stable manner.

Figures 12 and 13 show an example application in which multiple walking aid devices 1000 are combined to assist movement down a corridor. The attachment points of the support posts 12 on the base 11 can be changed depending on the user's walking route. In addition, the shape of the connecting handrails, which correspond to the connecting parts 14 provided on the remaining walking aid devices 1000 other than the walking aid devices 1000 at both ends, can be changed depending on the user's walking route.

Figure 14 shows an example of an application of the walking assist device 1000 when assisting movement within a room. In this case, multiple walking assist devices 1000 are connected via the connecting parts 14. At this time, the connecting part 14 (connecting part 1430 in the figure) may cross in front of a closet 2020. In this case, the connecting part 1430 connects two walking assist devices 1000 so that one of the ends of the connecting part 1430 can rotate around the axis of rotation.

Figure 15 shows an example of application of the walking assistance device 1000 when getting up from a bed 2030 and walking. In this case, by placing the handrail 13 next to the bed 2030, it is possible to step down from the bed 2030 and then walk continuously.

Furthermore, in conventional handrail devices, the slope of the top surface of the edge is not gradual. For example, the slope of a conventional edge is approximately 35 degrees. With this slope angle, the user feels their toes hitting the conventional edge.

In contrast, in this embodiment, when the base 11 is installed, the upper surface 121 of the edge 102 (see Figures 2A and 2B) is gently inclined. Therefore, compared to conventional devices, the user does not feel their toes hitting the edge 102. This allows the user to walk on the edge 102 with a shuffling step. As a result, the possibility of tripping on the edge 102 is reduced.

(4) Modifications Modifications will be described below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above embodiment.

(4.1) Modification 1
In the embodiment, each of the two handrails 13 is configured to be connectable to the connecting portion 14, but is not limited to this configuration.

One of the two handrails 13 and the connecting portion 14 may be formed integrally.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the handrail device 1A of variant 1 comprises a base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) posts 12 protruding upward from the base 11, a handrail 13 (referred to as the first handrail 13 in this variant), and a second handrail 13a. The second handrail 13a includes a first handrail portion 15a and a second handrail portion 14a. The first handrail portion 15a corresponds to the handrail 13. The second handrail portion 14a corresponds to the connecting portion 14. In other words, the second handrail 13a is a component in which the handrail 13 and connecting portion 14 are integrally formed.

The first handrail portion 15a and the second handrail portion 14a are connected. That is, the first handrail portion 15a extends from one of the two ends of the second handrail portion 14a.

Furthermore, the handrail device 1A is configured to be disassembled into a base 11, a first part 16a including the support 12 and first handrail 13, and a second part 17a including the support 12 and second handrail 13a. In other words, the handrail device 1A can be assembled from the base 11, the first part 16a, and the second part 17a. In the following description, the first part 16a will be simply referred to as the support 16a. Furthermore, the second part 17a will be referred to as a support with handrail function 17a. The support 16a and the support with handrail function 17a are included in the concept of a support in this disclosure.

When assembling the handrail device 1A, the end (end 131a) of the second handrail section 14a included in the handrail-function-equipped support 17a, to which the first handrail section 15a does not extend, is connected to the end 131 of the first handrail 13 included in the support 16a. Then, each of the two supports 12 is attached to a corresponding one of the multiple attachment sections 103.

The connection between the second handrail 14a and the first handrail 13 will now be described. The end 131 of the first handrail 13 has a through-hole 132 (see Figure 18). Furthermore, the tip of the end 131 of the first handrail 13 is formed into an R-shape 133 (see Figure 18).

The end 131a of the second handrail 13a has a through hole 132a (see Figure 18). Furthermore, the end 131a of the second handrail 13a has a groove 133a along the R-shape 133 (see Figure 18). When connecting the second handrail 14a and the first handrail 13, the R-shape 133 of the first handrail is fitted into the groove 133a of the second handrail 13a so that the through hole 132a and the through hole 132 overlap. The first handrail 13 (post 16a) is then connected to the second handrail 13a (handrail-function-equipped post 17a) with a bolt and nut. Specifically, a bolt is inserted into the through hole 132 and the through hole 132a, and the post 16a and the handrail-function-equipped post 17a are connected with the bolt and nut. This allows the post 16a to rotate around the bolt as the center of rotation. In other words, the part fixed by the bolt and nut can also be called the hinge part.

As explained above, the handrail device 1A is configured to be assembled from multiple parts. The handrail device 1A is composed of a base 11, a support post 16a, and a support post with handrail function 17a. The handrail device 1A is assembled from the base 11, a support post 16a, and a support post with handrail function 17a.

(4.2) Modification 2
In the first modification, in assembling the handrail device 1A, a connecting support 18, which is a part for connecting to another handrail device, may be used instead of the support 16a.

As shown in Figure 19, the connecting support 18 has a support 181 and a connecting portion 182.

The connecting portion 182 is provided at one end (tip) of the support 181. The other end of the support 181 is attached to the base 11 (see Figure 21).

As shown in FIG. 20, the connecting portion 182 has a first connecting portion 183 and a second connecting portion 184. The first connecting portion 183 has a first circular plate portion 183a and a second circular plate portion 183b that face each other in the direction along the support 181. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 183 has a cylindrical shaft portion 183c that connects the first circular plate portion 183a and the second circular plate portion 183b. The diameter of the shaft portion 183c is smaller than both the diameter of the first circular plate portion 183a and the diameter of the second circular plate portion 183b.

The second connecting portion 184 has a first connecting member 184a and a second connecting member 184b configured to be connectable to the first connecting member 184a. When the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b are connected, the tip of the second connecting portion 184 forms a circular ring shape that opens along the axial direction of the shaft 183c. The inner diameter of the circular ring is approximately the same as the diameter of the shaft portion 183c.

When connecting the second connecting portion 184 to the first connecting portion 183, the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b are connected so as to sandwich the shaft portion 183c. This makes the second connecting portion 184 rotatable around the shaft portion 183c as the center of rotation. In other words, the shaft portion 183c and the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b can also be considered a hinge portion.

When connecting the first connecting portion 183 to another handrail device, for example, the tip 183d of the first connecting portion 183 is fastened to the end 131a of the handrail-equipped support 17a with a bolt and nut (see Figure 21). When connecting the second connecting portion 184 to another handrail device, for example, the tip 184c of the second connecting portion 184 is fastened to the tip of the handrail 200 connected to the support 16a with a bolt and nut (see Figure 21).

By using the connecting support 18, the handrail device 1A can be connected to other handrail devices. Note that connection to the first connecting portion 183 is not limited to the handrail-functioning support 17a. The first connecting portion 183 can be any part that can be connected to the tip end 183d of the first connecting portion 183 with a bolt and nut and is used for handrails, etc. Furthermore, connection to the second connecting portion 184 is not limited to the handrail 200 connected to the support 16a. The second connecting portion 184 can be any part that can be connected to the tip end 184c of the second connecting portion 184 with a bolt and nut and is used for handrails, etc.

As shown in Figure 21, if a connecting post 18 is used instead of the support post 16a in the handrail device 1A, the support post 16a can be used as the end when connected. In other words, by providing a connecting post 18 between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a, the handrail can be extended. Note that the number of connecting posts 18 provided between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a is not limited to one. Multiple connecting posts 18 may be provided between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a. Alternatively, the connecting post 18 may be used when connecting multiple walking assistance devices.

In addition, the second connecting portion 184 may be configured such that one end of the first connecting member 184a and one end of the second connecting member 184b are pre-connected by a hinge.

As explained above, the connecting support 18 of Modification 2 has a support 181 and a connecting portion 182 provided at one end (tip) of the support 181. The connecting portion 182 has a first connecting portion 183 and a second connecting portion 184. The second connecting portion 184 is connected to the first connecting portion 183 so as to be rotatable relative to the first connecting portion 183, with the direction along the support 181 as the rotation axis.

More specifically, the first connecting portion 183 has a first circular plate portion 183a and a second circular plate portion 183b that face each other in the direction along the support pillar 181, and a cylindrical shaft portion 183c that connects the first circular plate portion 183a and the second circular plate portion 183b. The second connecting portion 184 is connected to the shaft portion 183c so as to be rotatable relative to the first connecting portion 183, with the direction along the support pillar 181 as its axis of rotation.

(4.3) Modification 3
Here, modified examples of the connecting support pillar 18 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in Figure 22, the connecting support 19 of variant 3 has a support 191 and a connecting portion 192.

The connecting portion 192 is provided at one end (tip) of the support 191. The other end of the support 191 is attached to the base 11 (see Figure 24).

As shown in Figure 23, the connecting portion 192 has a first connecting portion 193 and a second connecting portion 194.

As shown in FIG. 23, the first connecting portion 193 has a shaft portion 193a, a restricting portion 193b, and a flange portion 193c. The shaft portion 193a is cylindrical and is provided at the tip of the support 191. The restricting portion 193b is connected to the shaft portion 193a on the opposite side of the support 191 from the shaft portion 193a in the direction along the support 191 (first direction). The restricting portion 193b has an R-shape with a diameter perpendicular to the first direction. The diameter of the R-shape is longer than the diameter of the shaft portion 193a. The flange portion 193c is provided along the circumference of the shaft portion 193a on the opposite side of the shaft portion 193a from the restricting portion 193b in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 23, the second connecting portion 194 has a first part 194a, a second part 194b, and a third part 194c.

The first part 194a is cylindrical and extends in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The second part 194b extends in the first direction from end part 194d, which is one of the two ends of the first part 194a in the second direction. Furthermore, end part 194d faces restricting part 193b when the first connecting part 193 and the second connecting part 194 are connected. The surface of end part 194d facing restricting part 193b has a groove 194e that follows the R-shape 133.

The second part 194b is cylindrical and extends from the end 194d in the first direction. The third part 194c is located on the second part 194b on the opposite side of the first part 194a in the second direction. The third part 194c has a circular through hole whose diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the shaft part 193a.

When connecting the second connecting portion 194 to the first connecting portion 193, the shaft portion 193a is inserted into the through-hole of the third part 194c. This allows the second connecting portion 194 to rotate around the shaft portion 193a as the center of rotation. In other words, the shaft portion 193a and the third part 194c can also be considered a hinge portion. The third part 194c may be configured to be separable into two parts in the second direction. If the third part 194c is configured to be separable into two parts, the two separated parts are joined so as to sandwich the shaft portion 193a.

When connecting the first connecting portion 193 to another handrail device, for example, the restricting portion 193b of the first connecting portion 193 is connected to the end 131a of the handrail-equipped support post 17a with a bolt and nut (see Figure 24). When connecting the second connecting portion 194 to another handrail device, for example, the second connecting portion 194 is connected to the tip of the handrail 200 connected to the support post 16a with a bolt and nut (see Figure 24).

By using the connecting support 19, the handrail device 1A can be connected to other handrail devices. Note that the connection to the first connecting portion 193 is not limited to the handrail-functioning support 17a. The first connecting portion 193 can be any part that can be connected to the first connecting portion 193 with a bolt and nut and is used for handrails, etc. Furthermore, the connection to the second connecting portion 194 is not limited to the handrail 200 connected to the support 16a. The second connecting portion 194 can be any part that can be connected to the second connecting portion 194 with a bolt and nut and is used for handrails, etc.

As shown in Figure 24, if a connecting post 19 is used instead of the support post 16a in the handrail device 1A, the support post 16a can be used as the end of the connection. In other words, by providing a connecting post 19 between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a, the handrail can be extended. Note that the number of connecting posts 19 provided between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a is not limited to one. Multiple connecting posts 19 may be provided between the support post 16a and the handrail function-equipped support post 17a. Alternatively, the connecting post 18 may be used when connecting multiple walking assistance devices.

Furthermore, if the third component 194c is configured to be separable into two in the second direction, one end of each of the two separated components may be pre-connected by a hinge.

As explained above, the connecting support 19 of Modification 3 has a support 191 and a connecting portion 192 provided at one end (tip) of the support 191. The connecting portion 192 has a first connecting portion 193 and a second connecting portion 194. The second connecting portion 194 is connected to the first connecting portion 193 so as to be rotatable relative to the first connecting portion 193, with the direction along the support 181 (first direction) serving as the rotation axis.

More specifically, the first connecting portion 193 has a shaft portion 193a, a restricting portion 193b, and a flange portion 193c. The shaft portion 193a is provided at the tip of the support 191. The restricting portion 193b is connected to the shaft portion 193a on the opposite side of the shaft portion 193a from the support 191 in the first direction. The flange portion 193c is provided along the circumference of the shaft portion 193a on the opposite side of the shaft portion 193a from the restricting portion 193b in the first direction. The second connecting portion 194 is connected to the shaft portion 193a so as to be rotatable relative to the first connecting portion 193.

The support 191 and the shaft 193a may be integral.

(4.4) Modification 4
A handrail device 1B according to Modification 4 will be described using Figures 25 to 26. The following describes the handrail device 1B according to Modification 4, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

As shown in Figure 25, the handrail device 1B of variant 4 comprises a base 11, one support post 12, and one handrail 13.

The support 12 is fixed with screws or the like to one of the multiple mounting portions 103 on the plate 101 of the base 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "base plate 101"), the mounting portion 103 being located in the center of the base plate 101. The support 12 supports the handrail 13. In other words, the support 12 is connected to the handrail 13.

The handrail device 1B further includes a plate 201. The plate 201 is generally square, more specifically, generally rectangular, and is made of, for example, polypropylene resin, with a thickness of, for example, 0.75 mm. The plate 201 is attached to the end 131 of the handrail 13. The plate 201 has a protruding portion 201a that protrudes from one of its two long sides. The protruding portion 201a has a through hole 201b (see Figure 26). The plate 201 may also be made of other resins, metals, etc. The thickness of the plate 201 is an example and is not limited to this value.

As shown in FIG. 26, the plate 201 is attached to the end 131 of the handrail 13 using a cap 202, a washer 203, a screw 204, a screw cap 205, and a nut 206. More specifically, the plate 201 is positioned so that the through-hole 132 of the handrail 13 and the through-hole 201b of the plate 201 are aligned. The cap 202 is then fitted onto the end 131 of the handrail 13 so that the through-hole 202a of the cap 202 is aligned with the through-hole 132 and the through-hole 201b. The handrail 13, plate 201, and cap 202 are then joined together using a washer 203, a screw 204, and a nut 206. After joining, a screw cap 205 is attached to the through-hole 202a of the cap 202 to close it.

This configuration allows the handrail 13 to function as a handrail on its own, without connecting it to another handrail or connecting post (e.g., connecting post 18). Furthermore, by providing a plate 201 at the end 131 of the handrail 13, it is possible to prevent the end 131 of the handrail 13 from getting caught in a pedestrian's sleeve. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pedestrian from falling over due to the end 131 of the handrail 13 getting caught in a sleeve.

(4.5) Modification 5
In Modification 4, the plate 201 is provided on the handrail 13, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The plate 201 may also be provided on the connecting support 18 shown in Modification 2. Below, the handrail device 1C according to Modification 5 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment and Modifications 2 to 4. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment and Modifications 2 and 4 will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

As shown in Figure 27, the handrail device 1C of variant 5 comprises a base 11 and one connecting support 18.

As in Variation 2, the connecting support 18 has a support 181 and a connecting portion 182 (see Figure 27). In Variation 5, the connecting portion 182 functions as a handrail. In other words, the connecting portion 182 corresponds to the handrail of the present disclosure. The connecting support 18 is fixed with a screw or the like to one of the multiple mounting portions 103 on the plate 101 of the base 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "base plate 101"), the mounting portion 103 being located in the center of the base plate 101.

The connecting portion 182 is provided at one end (tip) of the support column 181. The other end of the support column 181 is attached to the base 11. That is, the other end of the support column 181 is fixed with a screw or the like to one of the multiple attachment portions 103 located in the center of the base plate 101.

The connecting portion 182 is T-shaped and, like variant 2, has a first connecting portion 183 and a second connecting portion 184 (see Figure 27).

The handrail device 1C further includes two plates 201. Each plate 201 is generally quadrangular, more specifically, generally rectangular, and is made of, for example, polypropylene resin, with a thickness of, for example, 0.75 mm. As with variant 4, each plate 201 has a protruding portion 201a protruding from one of its two long sides. The protruding portion 201a has a through hole 201b (see Figure 26). Note that the plate 201 may also be made of other resins, metals, etc. The thickness of the plate 201 is an example and is not limited to this value.

One of the two plates 201 is provided at the tip of the first connecting part 183. As in Variation 4, this plate 201 is attached to the first connecting part 183 using the cap 202, washer 203, screw 204, screw cap 205, and nut 206 shown in Figure 26.

The other of the two plates 201 is provided at the tip of the second connecting part 184. As in variant 4, this other plate 201 is attached to the second connecting part 184 using the cap 202, washer 203, screw 204, screw cap 205, and nut 206 shown in Figure 26.

The method for attaching each plate 201 is the same as in Variant 4, so explanation will be omitted here.

This configuration allows the handrail device 1C to function as a handrail on its own, without connecting the connecting support 18 to other handrails, etc. Furthermore, by providing plates 201 on each of the first connecting portion 183 and second connecting portion 184 of the connecting support 18, it is possible to prevent the first connecting portion 183 and second connecting portion 184 from getting caught in the sleeves of pedestrians. As a result, it is possible to prevent pedestrians from falling over due to the first connecting portion 183 and second connecting portion 184 getting caught in the sleeves.

In addition, in Modification 5, the connecting strut 19 (see Figures 23 and 24) described in Modification 3 may be applied instead of the connecting strut 18. In this case, one of the two plates 201 is provided on the restricting portion 193b (see Figure 24) of the first connecting portion 193 of the connecting strut 19. The other of the two plates 201 is provided on the first part 194a of the second connecting portion 194. Even when the connecting strut 19 (see Figures 23 and 24) is applied, it is possible to prevent pedestrians from falling over due to the first connecting portion 193 and second connecting portion 194 getting caught in the sleeve.

(4.6) Modification 6
The second handrail 13a (hereinafter referred to as "handrail 13a") of the above-mentioned modified example 1 and the connecting support 18 shown in modified example 2 may be combined.

The following describes the handrail device 1D according to Variation 6, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment and Variations 1, 2, 4, and 5. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment and Variations 1, 2, 4, and 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

As shown in Figure 28, the handrail device 1D of variant 6 comprises a base 11, a support 12, a handrail 13a, and a connecting support 18. Similar to variant 1, the handrail 13a includes a first handrail portion 15a and a second handrail portion 14a (see Figure 17).

The end 131a of the second handrail portion 14a (see Figure 17) is connected to the second connecting portion 184 of the connecting support 18. The connection between the end 131a of the second handrail portion 14a and the second connecting portion 184 is achieved in the same manner as the connection between the handrail-function-equipped support 17a (see Figure 21) including the second handrail portion 14a described in Variant 2 and the connecting support 18 (see Figure 21). Therefore, the method for connecting the end 131a of the second handrail portion 14a to the second connecting portion 184 will not be described here.

The handrail device 1D further includes a plate 201. The plate 201 is generally rectangular, more specifically, generally rectangular, and is made of, for example, polypropylene resin, with a thickness of, for example, 0.75 mm. The plate 201 is attached to the first connecting portion 183 of the connecting support 18. As in Variation 4, the plate 201 is attached to the second connecting portion 194 using the cap 202, washer 203, screw 204, screw cap 205, and nut 206 shown in FIG. 26. The method of attaching each plate 201 is the same as in Variation 4, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The plate 201 may also be made of other resins, metals, etc. The thickness of the plate 201 is an example and is not limited to this value.

This configuration allows the handrail device 1D to function as a handrail. Furthermore, by providing a plate 201 on the first connecting portion 183 of the connecting support 18, it is possible to prevent the first connecting portion 183 from getting caught in the sleeve of a pedestrian. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pedestrian from falling over due to the first connecting portion 183 getting caught in the sleeve.

In addition, in variant 6, the end 131a (see Figure 17) of the second handrail portion 14a is configured to connect to the second connecting portion 184 of the connecting support pole 18, but this configuration is not limited to this. The end 131a (see Figure 17) of the second handrail portion 14a may also be connected to the first connecting portion 183 of the connecting support pole 18. In this case, the plate 201 is provided on the second connecting portion 184. This configuration can prevent pedestrians from falling over due to the second connecting portion 184 getting caught in their sleeves.

In addition, in Modification 6, the connecting support 19 (see Figures 23 and 24) described in Modification 3 may be used instead of the connecting support 18. In this case, the end 131a (see Figure 17) of the second handrail portion 14a is connected to the first connecting portion 193 of the connecting support 19, and the plate 201 is provided on the first part 194a (see Figure 23) of the second connecting portion 194 of the connecting support 19. Alternatively, the end 131a (see Figure 17) of the second handrail portion 14a may be connected to the first part 194a (see Figure 23) of the second connecting portion 194 (see Figures 23 and 24) of the connecting support 19, and the plate 201 may be provided on the first connecting portion 193. Even when the connecting support 19 (see Figures 23 and 24) is used, it is possible to prevent pedestrians from falling due to the first connecting portion 193 or second connecting portion 194 getting caught in the sleeve.

(4.7) Modification 7
The second auxiliary device 1002 described in embodiment 1 (hereinafter referred to as the auxiliary device 300 in variant example 7) may be configured to be connected to the handrail device 1E.

The handrail device 1E includes the support post 16a described in Variation 3. The handrail device 1E is connected to the auxiliary device 300 of Variation 7 via the handrail 200 shown in Variations 2 and 3 and the second connecting portion 184 shown in Variation 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "connecting portion 184" in Variation 7). The first end of the handrail 200 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the support post 16a of the handrail device 1E. The second end of the handrail 200 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the connecting portion 184 (see Figure 30). The connecting portion 184 is connected to the auxiliary device 300 (see Figure 30).

The method for connecting the connecting portion 184 and the handrail 200 is explained in Variant 2, so explanation will be omitted here.

As described in Modification 2, the connecting portion 184 has a first connecting member 184a and a second connecting member 184b configured to be connectable to the first connecting member 184a (see Figure 30). When the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b are connected, the tip of the second connecting portion 184 becomes annular in shape with an opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of connection between the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b.

As shown in Figures 29 to 32, the auxiliary device 300 comprises a base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) first support posts 312 protruding upward from the base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) second support posts 313, and a handrail 310. Each of the two second support posts 313 in Figure 29 is configured to be connectable to the handrail 310.

In the auxiliary device 300, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 313 are aligned, the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312 are arranged in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the base 11. In other words, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 313 are aligned, the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312 do not have any parts that protrude beyond the plane that includes the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312.

The handrail 310 has one or more (two in the illustrated example) connecting portions 311a, 311b. A first circular plate portion 321 and a second circular plate portion 322 facing each other are provided at both ends of the connecting portion 311a. Furthermore, a cylindrical shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322 is provided at both ends of the connecting portion 311a. The first circular plate portion 321 corresponds to the first circular plate portion 183a shown in Modification 2, and the second circular plate portion 322 corresponds to the second circular plate portion 183b shown in Modification 2. Furthermore, the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322 corresponds to the shaft portion 183c shown in Modification 2.

The handrail 310 has one or more handrail portions 311c (two in the illustrated example), which correspond to the handrail 13 described in the embodiment. The two handrail portions 311c correspond one-to-one to the two second support posts 313. The two handrail portions 311c are supported by the corresponding second support posts 313. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plane including the two second support posts 313, the handrail portion 311c is shaped like a curved rod. One end of the curved rod is connected to the second support post 313, and the other end is connected to the connecting portion 311a. Here, the radius of curvature of the curved rod is, for example, 80 mm (R80). Note that this value is an example and is not intended to be limiting. By increasing the radius of curvature, the user can easily grasp the handrail portion 311c from end to end. In other words, by increasing the radius of curvature, the handrail portion 311c has a user-friendly shape.

When the auxiliary device 300 is not connected to the handrail device 1E, a detachable annular part 320 is attached to the shaft connecting the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322 (see Figures 29, 30, etc.).

When connecting the auxiliary device 300 to the handrail device 1E, the connecting portion 184 is connected to the shaft portion that connects the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322. The connecting method is the same as the method for connecting the second connecting portion 184 to the first connecting portion 183, so a description of this method will be omitted here.

By connecting the connecting portion 184 to the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322, the shaft portion can rotate around the center of the rotation axis. In other words, the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 322 and the first connecting member 184a and the second connecting member 184b can also be considered a hinge portion.

Furthermore, the auxiliary device 300 is equipped with an openable handrail section 301 that can be attached and detached to the two second support posts 313.

As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the face handrail portion 301 has a flat plate 330 and a stop plate portion 331. The main surface 330a of the flat plate 330 is approximately rectangular. The stop plate portion 331 is provided along the main surface 330a of the flat plate 330 so as to protrude from the main surface 330a of the flat plate 330. The stop plate portion 331 includes a main surface 331a. When the flat plate 330 is in the open state, the normal to the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331 intersects with a plane including the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312. When the flat plate 330 is in the closed state, the plane including the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331 intersects with a plane including the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312. The stop plate portion 331 has a pair of protrusions 331b on the main surface 331a that protrude from both ends along the longitudinal direction of the flat plate 330 in a direction away from the flat plate 330.

Furthermore, the stop plate portion 331 has one or more (two in the illustrated example) rotation stop fittings 332 provided on the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331. Each rotation stop fitting 332 has a generally U-shape. That is, each rotation stop fitting 332 has two member pieces 332a, 332b that face each other along the alignment direction of the two second support posts 313 (see Figure 31). The width between the tips of the two member pieces 332a, 332b of the rotation stop fitting 332 is wider than the diameter of the second locking portion 342 (see Figures 31, 32, etc.), which will be described later. The width between the two member pieces 332a, 332b gradually narrows from the tip of each member piece 332a, 332b to a predetermined position toward the main surface 331a of the retaining plate portion 331, and the width between the two member pieces 332a, 332b gradually widens from the predetermined position toward the main surface 331a of the retaining plate portion 331. Here, the width between the member pieces 332a, 332b at the predetermined position of each member piece 332a, 332b is narrower than the diameter of the second locking portion 342.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the face handrail portion 301 has a rotating shaft portion 340, one or more (two in the illustrated example) first locking portions 341, one or more (two in the illustrated example) second locking portions 342, and two fixing portions 343.

The two fixing portions 343 are provided at both axial ends of the rotating shaft portion 340, and correspond one-to-one to the two second support posts 313. When the face handrail portion 301 is attached (mounted) to the two second support posts 313, each of the two fixing portions 343 abuts against the corresponding second support post 313. Furthermore, each fixing portion 343 has one or more protrusions that protrude in the axial direction, and when abutting against the corresponding second support post 313, the one or more protrusions are fitted into one or more holes provided in the second support post 313.

The rotating shaft portion 340 has a turnbuckle mechanism. When attaching (mounting) the face handrail portion 301 to the two second supports 313, the turnbuckle mechanism is operated so that each fixing portion 343 presses against the corresponding second support 313. When removing the face handrail portion 301 from the two second supports 313, the turnbuckle mechanism is operated so that each fixing portion 343 is released from pressing against the corresponding second support 313.

The rotating shaft 340 has a turnbuckle mechanism, which allows the height of the handrail portion 301, i.e., the height of the flat plate 330, to be adjusted independently of the height adjustment of the second support 313. In other words, the height of the second support 313 and the height of the handrail portion 301 can be adjusted separately.

Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 331b of the stop plate 331 are fitted into the rotating shaft 340. This allows the flat plate 330 to rotate around the rotating shaft 340 as a rotation axis. Furthermore, because the pair of protrusions 331b of the stop plate 331 are fitted into the rotating shaft 340, the flat plate 330 is not included in the plane that includes the two second support columns 313 and the two first support columns 312. In other words, when viewed from the direction in which the two second support columns 313 are arranged, the two second support columns 313 and the two first support columns 312 are arranged side by side with the flat plate 330. In other words, when viewed from the direction in which the two second support columns 313 are arranged, the flat plate 330 is arranged forward of the two second support columns 313 and the two first support columns 312. Here, "forward" refers to the side opposite the wall relative to the two second support columns 313 and the two first support columns 312 when the auxiliary device 300 is placed against a wall.

Each first locking portion 341 has a flat plate shape and is provided on the rotating shaft portion 340 so as to protrude downward from the rotating shaft portion 340, i.e., toward the base 11 (see Figures 31 and 32). Each first locking portion 341 is provided so that the rotation of the flat plate 330 stops at a predetermined position when the face handrail portion 301 (flat plate 330) changes state from the closed state (see Figure 32) to the open state (see Figure 31). Specifically, when the face handrail portion 301 (flat plate 330) changes state from the closed state (see Figure 32) to the open state (see Figure 31), each first locking portion 341 abuts against the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331. When each first locking portion 341 abuts against the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331, the rotation of the flat plate 330 stops, and the state (open state) of the flat plate 330 is fixed.

The one or more second locking portions 342 are cylindrical and correspond one-to-one to the one or more rotation stop fittings 332. Each second locking portion 342 is provided on the rotating shaft portion 340 on the opposite side from the one or more first locking portions 341. Each second locking portion 342 is provided on the rotating shaft portion 340 so as to protrude from the rotating shaft portion 340 on the opposite side from the flat plate 330 in a direction intersecting a plane containing the two second support posts 313 and the two first support posts 312 (see Figures 31 and 32). Each second locking portion 342 is provided so that the rotation of the flat plate 330 stops at a predetermined position when the state of the face handrail portion 301 (flat plate 330) is changed from the open state (see Figure 31) to the closed state (see Figure 32). Specifically, when the face handrail section 301 (flat plate 330) changes from an open state (see FIG. 31) to a closed state (see FIG. 32), each second locking portion 342 fits into the rotation stop fitting 332 provided on the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331. As described above, the two member pieces 332a, 332b of the rotation stop fitting 332 have a portion where the width between the two member pieces 332a, 332b is narrower than the diameter of the second locking portion 342. Therefore, when the flat plate 330 is changed from an open state to a closed state, the second locking portion 342 abuts at the portion where the distance between the two member pieces 332a, 332b of the rotation stop fitting 332 is narrowest. By rotating the flat plate 330 further to the closed state, a clicking sensation can be provided to the operator.

When the flat plate 330 is in the closed state, each second locking portion 342 abuts against the portion of the corresponding rotation stop fitting 332 that is in contact with the main surface 331a of the stop plate portion 331, stopping the rotation of the flat plate 330 and fixing the state of the flat plate 330 (closed state). Furthermore, when changing the state of the flat plate 330 from the open state to the closed state, the operator feels a click, ensuring that the flat plate 330 is securely closed.

Furthermore, as described above, the face handrail section 301 is detachable from the two second supports 313. Therefore, when the face handrail section 301 is detached from the two second supports 313 in the auxiliary device 300, it can be used in the same manner as shown in FIG. 21. Alternatively, by detaching the face handrail section 301 from the two second supports 313 in the auxiliary device 300 and providing a rod-shaped connecting section instead of the rotating shaft section 340, the auxiliary device 300 can be used in the same manner as the third auxiliary device 1003 shown in FIG. 3D.

When viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 313 are aligned, the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312 do not have any parts that protrude beyond the plane containing the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 300 is placed in a hallway or the like, the auxiliary device 300 can be placed closer to the wall. In other words, the auxiliary device 300 can be placed in a larger space. In other words, the installation location for the auxiliary device 300 can be made more space-saving.

Furthermore, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 313 are aligned, the flat plate 330 is positioned in front of the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312, so the user can open and close the flat plate 330 in front of the two second supports 313 and the two first supports 312.

The user can also use the second support 313 and the handrail 310 as a handrail when walking. In other words, the assist device 300 can be used as the handrail device of the present disclosure.

(4.8) Modification 8
In the above embodiment and modified examples 1 to 7, the connecting parts of the handrail device (for example, the connecting parts 311a and 311b in modified example 7) are configured to have a linear shape, but are not limited to this configuration. The connecting parts may also have a curved shape.

The handrail device 400 relating to variant 8 will be described below using Figures 33 to 40.

As shown in Figure 33, the handrail device 400 comprises a base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) first posts 412 protruding upward from the base 11, one or more (two in the illustrated example) second posts 413, a first handrail 410, and a second handrail 420. Each of the two second posts 413 in Figure 33 is configured to be connectable to the first handrail 410 and the second handrail 420.

In the handrail device 400, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 413 are aligned, the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412 are arranged in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the base 11. In other words, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 413 are aligned, the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412 do not have any parts that protrude beyond the plane that includes the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412.

As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the first handrail 410 has a connecting portion 410a. The connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 is formed in a curved shape. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plane including the two second supports 413, the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 is formed in a curved shape (see Figures 33 and 34). More specifically, the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 is formed so that the height from the base 11 to the center of the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 is greatest, and the height from the base 11 decreases as it approaches the ends. A first circular plate portion 421 and a second circular plate portion 422 facing each other are provided at both ends of the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410. Furthermore, both ends of the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 have cylindrical shaft portions that connect the first circular plate portion 321 and the second circular plate portion 422. The first circular plate portion 421 corresponds to the first circular plate portion 183a shown in Modification 2, and the second circular plate portion 422 corresponds to the second circular plate portion 183b shown in Modification 2. The shaft portion that connects the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422 corresponds to the shaft portion 183c shown in Modification 2.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, the first handrail 410 has one or more handrail portions 410b (two in the illustrated example), which correspond to the handrail 13 described in the embodiment. The two handrail portions 410b correspond one-to-one to the two second support posts 413. The two handrail portions 410b are supported by the corresponding second support posts 413. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane including the two second support posts 413, the handrail portion 410b is formed into a curved rod shape. One end of the curved rod is connected to the second support post 413, and the other end is connected to the connecting portion 410a. Here, the radius of curvature of the curved rod is, for example, 80 mm (R80). Note that this value is an example and is not intended to be limiting. By increasing the radius of curvature, it is easier for the user to grasp the handrail portion 410b from end to end. In other words, the handrail portion 410b has a large radius of curvature, making it user-friendly.

As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the second handrail 411 has a connecting portion 411a. The connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 is formed in a curved shape. Specifically, the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 is formed so that the height from the base 11 to the center of the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 is greatest, and the height from the base 11 decreases as it approaches the end.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, the second handrail 411 has one or more (two in the illustrated example) portions 411b. The two portions 411b of the second handrail 411 correspond one-to-one to the two second support posts 413. The two portions 411b are supported by the corresponding second support posts 413.

The handrail device 400 is configured to be connectable to other handrail devices. For example, the handrail device 400 can be connected to the handrail device 1E shown in FIG. 29. The handrail device 400 is connected to the handrail device 1E via the handrail 200 and connecting portion 184 shown in Variant 7.

When connecting the handrail device 400 to another handrail device (for example, the handrail device 1E shown in Figure 29), the connecting portion 184 is connected to the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422 (see Figure 35). The connecting method is the same as the method for connecting the second connecting portion 184 to the first connecting portion 183, so a description of this method will be omitted here.

By connecting the connecting portion 184 to the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422, the shaft portion can be rotated around the center of the rotation axis. In other words, the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422 and the connecting portion 184 can also be considered a hinge portion.

When the handrail device 400 is not to be connected to another handrail device, a detachable annular part 420 is attached to the shaft connecting the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422 (see Figure 33, etc.).

Furthermore, the handrail device 400 is configured to be usable as the second auxiliary device 1002 described above by attaching an openable face handrail section 450. The face handrail section 450 is configured to be detachable from the two second supports 313.

As shown in Figures 36 to 39, the face handrail section 450 has a flat plate 451, a handle section 452, a rotation shaft section 453, and a pair of mounting sections 454, 455. The main surface 451a of the flat plate 451 is approximately rectangular. The handle section 452 is provided in an inverted U-shape so as to protrude from the main surface 451a of the flat plate 451, along the alignment direction of the two second posts 413 when the face handrail section 450 is attached to the handrail device 400.

The rotation shaft 453 controls the rotation of the flat plate 451. The rotation shaft 453 is provided on the opposite side of the main surface 451a of the flat plate 451 in the thickness direction of the flat plate 451, along the alignment direction of the two second supports 413 when the surface handrail section 450 is attached to the handrail device 400. The rotation shaft 453 is configured to rotate the flat plate 451 from a closed state (see Figures 38 and 39) to a position (see Figures 36 and 37) where the flat plate 451 is in an open state (e.g., approximately 90 degrees).

A pair of mounting portions 454, 455 are attached to both ends of the rotating shaft portion 453 in a one-to-one relationship. The pair of mounting portions 454, 455 correspond one-to-one to the two second support posts 413. Each of the mounting portions 454, 455 has a first portion 460, a second portion 461, and a third portion 462. The first portion 460 is attached to the rotating shaft portion 453. The third portion 462 has a through hole. The second portion 461 connects the first portion 460 and the third portion 462. At least one of the mounting portions 454, 455 has a thumbscrew 463. In variant 8, the mounting portion 454 has a thumbscrew 463. The thumbscrew 463 is tightened to secure the surface handrail portion 450 to the handrail device 400.

When attaching the surface handrail section 450 to the handrail device 400, first, both the first handrail 410 and the second handrail 411 are removed from the second support 413. Then, the surface handrail section 450 is attached to the handrail device 400 by inserting the second support 413 through the through-hole in the third section 462 of each of the mounting sections 454, 455. Finally, the first handrail 410 is attached to the second support 413. The user secures the surface handrail section 450 to the handrail device 400 by tightening the thumbscrew 463.

The handrail device 400 equipped with the surface handrail portion 450 is configured to be connectable to other handrail devices. For example, the handrail device 400 is connected to the handrail device 1E. The handrail device 400 equipped with the surface handrail portion 450 is connected to the handrail device 1E via the handrail 200 and connecting portion 184 shown in Variant 7 (see Figure 40).

When connecting the handrail device 400 equipped with the surface handrail section 450 to another handrail device (for example, the handrail device 1E shown in Figure 29), the connecting section 184 is connected (see Figure 35) to the shaft connecting the first circular plate section 421 (see Figure 33) and the second circular plate section 422 (see Figure 33). The connecting method is the same as the method for connecting the second connecting section 184 to the first connecting section 183 described in Variation 2, so a description of this method will be omitted here.

In variant 8, the face handrail section 450 is detachable from the two second supports 413. Therefore, when the face handrail section 450 is detached from the two second supports 313 in the handrail device 400, it can be used in the same manner as shown in Figure 21. Furthermore, when the face handrail section 450 is attached to the handrail device 400, it can be used in the same manner as the second auxiliary device 1002.

When viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 413 are aligned, the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412 do not have any parts that protrude beyond the plane containing the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412. Therefore, when the handrail device 400 is placed in a hallway or the like, the handrail device 400 can be placed closer to the wall. In other words, the handrail device 400 can be placed in a larger space. In other words, the installation location for the handrail device 400 can be made more spacious.

Furthermore, when viewed from the direction in which the two second supports 413 are aligned, the flat plate 451 is positioned in front of the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412, so the user can open and close the flat plate 330 in front of the two second supports 413 and the two first supports 412.

In addition, the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 and the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 are formed in a curved shape. This makes it easy for users of the handrail device 400 to grip the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 or the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411. In particular, the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 and the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 are formed in a curved shape, which fits the angle of the arms when held with both hands.

In addition, by forming the connecting portion 410a of the first handrail 410 and the connecting portion 411a of the second handrail 411 in a curved shape, the connecting portions 410a, 411a are rounded, which makes them look better than if the connecting portions were formed in a straight line.

(4.9) Modification 9
In devices such as the second auxiliary device 1002 that assist a user in standing up from a seated position, there are cases where the device does not have components (the first circular plate portion 421, the second circular plate portion 422, and the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 421 and the second circular plate portion 422) for connecting to other devices (for example, the handrail device 1E shown in Figure 29) as shown in variants 7 and 8.

In such cases, by attaching the pad member 500 shown in Figures 41A and 41B to the second auxiliary device 1002, which cannot be connected to other devices, it becomes possible to connect the second auxiliary device 1002, which could not be connected to other devices, to the other device. For example, the pad member 500 is attached to at least one of a pair of portions 550, which are bent according to the connection mode.

As shown in Figure 41B, the pad member 500 has a first circular plate portion 511, a second circular plate portion 522, and a shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 511 and the second circular plate portion 512. When connecting the second auxiliary device 1002 to another handrail device, the connecting portion 184 is connected to the shaft portion connecting the first circular plate portion 511 and the second circular plate portion 512 (see Figures 41A and 41B). The connecting method is the same as the method for connecting the second connecting portion 184 to the first connecting portion 183 described in Variation 2, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

By attaching the pad member 500 to the second auxiliary device 1002, which does not have a member for connecting to another device, it becomes possible to connect the second auxiliary device 1002 to another device (e.g., handrail device 1E) via the connecting portion 184 and handrail 200 shown in Variant 7, as shown in FIG. 41A.

(4.10) Modification 10
In the connecting support 18 shown in Modification 2 (see, for example, FIG. 19 ), the shaft 183c of the connecting support 18 and the first and second connecting members 184a and 184b function as hinges. Therefore, the connecting support 18 shown in Modification 2 may be installed in a location where a user walking using the handrail device 1 turns, i.e., may be applied to a corner-mounted handrail device. For example, FIG. 42 shows an example in which the handrail device 400 shown in Modification 8 and another device (for example, handrail device 1E) are connected via a corner-mounted handrail device having the connecting support 18.

Furthermore, the connecting support 19 shown in variant example 3 can also be applied to a corner-mounted handrail device, as the shaft 193a and third part 194c of the connecting support 19 function as a hinge.

(4.11) Modification 11
Modifications are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above-described embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the edge portion 102 is configured to have a recessed portion 126, but this configuration is not limited to this. The edge portion 102 does not have to have a recessed portion 126. In other words, the edge portion 102 only needs to have a gently sloping upper surface 121 when the base 11 is installed.

In the above embodiment, the edge portion 102 is configured to be provided around the entire periphery of the peripheral portion 111 of the plate 101, but this configuration is not limited to this. The edge portion 102 may also be provided on only a portion of the peripheral portion 111 of the plate 101.

In the above embodiment, the handrail device 1 does not necessarily have to include the edge portion 102 of the base 11. In other words, the handrail device 1 may include at least the plate 101, the support 12, and the handrail 13, and be configured to be connectable to an auxiliary device. In this case, the handrail device 1 can be easily installed. Furthermore, the handrail device 1 looks better when installed.

In the above embodiment, when the base 11 is not installed, the maximum length L1 of the recess 126 along the thickness direction D1 is longer than the length L2 of the second portion 124 in the thickness direction D1. However, this configuration is not limited to this. When the base 11 is not installed, the maximum length L1 of the recess 126 along the thickness direction D1 may be shorter than the length L2 of the second portion 124 in the thickness direction D1. Even when the maximum length L1 is shorter than the length L2, the upper surface 121 of the edge portion 102 can be made to have a more gentle slope when the base 11 is installed. This reduces the possibility of the adhesion between the lower surface 113 of the plate 101 and the second portion 124 peeling off when the third portion 125 deforms when the base 11 is installed in the installation location.

(summary)
As described above, the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 400) of the first aspect includes a base (11), a support post (12) protruding upward from the base (11), and a handrail (13) supported by the single support post (12). The base (11) has a plate-like plate (101) and an edge portion (102) provided on at least a portion of the peripheral edge portion (111) of the plate (101). The edge portion (102) is formed so that the upper surface (121) of the edge portion (102) has a gentle slope when the base (11) is installed.

With this configuration, the edge portion (102) is formed so that the upper surface (121) of the edge portion (102) has a gentle slope when the base (11) is installed, thereby reducing the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge portion (111) of the base (11).

In the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 400) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the edge portion (102) has a first portion (123) and a second portion (124) that sandwich the plate (101), and a third portion (125) that connects the first portion (123) and the second portion (124). The first portion (123) is in contact with a portion of the upper surface (112) of the plate (101). The second portion (124) is in contact with a portion of the lower surface (113) of the plate (101). The third portion (125) has a recessed portion (126) along the thickness direction (D1) from the lower surface (113) of the plate (101) toward the upper surface (112) of the plate (101). When the base is not installed, the maximum length (L1) of the recessed portion (126) along the thickness direction (D1) is longer than the length (L2) of the second portion (124) in the thickness direction (D1).

With this configuration, when the plate (101) is installed, the radius of curvature of the upper surface (121) of the edge portion (102) can be increased, allowing the upper surface (121) of the edge portion (102) to have a more gentle slope.

In the third embodiment of the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 400), in the second embodiment, when the base (11) is not installed, the tip (127) of the third portion (125) is located at a lower position than the second portion (124).

With this configuration, the third portion (125) can be deformed so that the tip portion (127) is located lower than the second portion (124) when the base (11) is not installed in the installation location, and the tip portion (127) is located at the same position as the second portion (124) when the base (11) is installed in the installation location. This allows the upper surface (121) of the edge portion (102) to have a gentle slope.

In the fourth aspect of the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 400), in any of the first to third aspects, the edge portion (102) is provided around the entire periphery (111) of the plate (101).

This configuration further reduces the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge (111) of the base (11).

In the fifth aspect of the handrail device (1; 1C; 1D; 400), in any of the first to fourth aspects, the handrail (13) is configured to be connectable to an assisting device that assists the user's movements.

This configuration allows the user to perform successive movements smoothly. Furthermore, since there is no need to fix the support posts (12) to the floor and ceiling, the length of the support posts can be shorter than conventional ones. Therefore, the appearance of the handrail device (1) can be improved when it is installed.

In the sixth aspect of the handrail device (1; 1C; 1D; 400), the handrail (13) in the fifth aspect is connected to the assistive device via a connecting portion (14) used as a handrail when walking.

This configuration allows for a longer distance for walking assistance.

In the seventh aspect of the handrail device (1; 1C; 1D; 400), in the fifth or sixth aspect, the assist device includes at least one of a device that assists the user in walking over a step and a device that assists the user in standing up.

This configuration allows the user to smoothly perform the consecutive movements of at least one of crossing a step and standing up, followed by walking.

In the eighth aspect of the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 400), in any of the first to seventh aspects, the plate (101) has multiple mounting portions (103) for mounting the support pole (12). The support pole (12) is mounted to one selected mounting portion (103) from the multiple mounting portions (103).

With this configuration, the installation location of the support (12) can be changed depending on the purpose of use.

In the ninth aspect of the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1D; 400), in any of the first to eighth aspects, the handrail (13) is configured with a gentle slope.

This configuration makes it easier for the user to grasp the handrail (13).

The base (11) of the tenth aspect is used in any of the handrail devices (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D) of the first to ninth aspects.

This configuration reduces the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge (111) of the base (11).

The handrail (13) of the eleventh aspect is used with the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1C; 1D) of any of the first to ninth aspects.

This configuration reduces the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge (111) of the base (11).

The support (12) of the twelfth aspect is used in the handrail device (1; 1A; 1B; 1D) of any of the first to ninth aspects.

This configuration reduces the possibility of the user tripping over the peripheral edge (111) of the base (11).

In the handrail device (1B) of the thirteenth aspect, in any of the first to ninth aspects, one end of the handrail (13) is supported by a support (12), and the other end is provided with a plate (201).

This configuration prevents pedestrians from falling due to the end (131) of the handrail (13) getting caught in their sleeves.

In the handrail device (1C; 1D) of the 14th aspect, in any of the first to ninth aspects, the handrail is T-shaped and has a first connecting portion (183) and a second connecting portion (184). A plate (201) is provided on at least one of the first connecting portion (183) and the second connecting portion (184).

This configuration prevents pedestrians from falling due to the end (131) of the handrail (13) getting caught in their sleeves.

The handrail device (400) of the fourteenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth and fourteenth aspects, and has two handrail sections (410b) as handrails. The handrail device (400) has two posts (12). The handrail device (400) further includes a connecting portion (410a) that connects the two handrail sections (410b). The connecting portion (410a) is formed in a curved shape.

With this configuration, the connecting portion (410a) is formed in a curved shape, which conforms to the angle of the arms when held with both hands, making the connecting portion (410a) easy to grip for users of the handrail device (400). Therefore, users can use the handrail device (400) without any discomfort when standing up or walking.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 400 Handrail device 11 Base 12 Support 13 Handrail 14 Connecting portion 101 Plate 102 Edge portion 103 Mounting portion 111 Peripheral portion 112, 121 Upper surface 113 Lower surface 123 First portion 124 Second portion 125 Third portion 126 Recessed portion 127 Tip portion 410a Connecting portion 410b Handrail portion

Claims (9)

With the base,
a support pillar projecting upward from the base;
a handrail supported by one of the posts;
the base includes a plate and an edge portion provided on at least a portion of a peripheral edge portion of the plate;
When the base is installed, the edge portion has a gently sloping upper surface, and a recessed portion formed on a surface of the edge portion opposite to the upper surface along a thickness direction from the lower surface of the plate toward the upper surface of the plate,
The edge portion is
a first portion and a second portion that sandwich the plate;
a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion,
the first portion contacts a portion of the top surface of the plate;
the second portion contacts a portion of the lower surface of the plate;
the third portion has the recessed portion,
When the base is not installed, the maximum length of the recessed portion along the thickness direction is longer than the length of the second portion in the thickness direction.
Handrail device. The handrail device according to claim 1 , wherein when the base is not installed, a tip of the third portion is located at a lower position than the second portion. The handrail device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge portion is provided around the entire periphery of the peripheral edge portion of the plate. The handrail is configured to be connectable to an assistive device that assists the user's movement.
The handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The handrail is connected to the assistive device via a connecting portion used as a handrail when walking.
The handrail device according to claim 4. The assist device includes at least one of a device that assists the user in walking when walking over a step and a device that assists the user in standing up.
6. A handrail device according to claim 4 or 5. the plate has a plurality of mounting portions for mounting the support posts;
The support pole is attached to one selected mounting portion from among a plurality of mounting portions.
A handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The handrail is configured in a gentle shape.
A handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A base for use in a handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .