Hand rail for stairs and inclined corridors

Abstract

A wave-shaped handrail for conventional and spiral stairways and inclined corridors that is ergonomically shaped to allow the user to maintain a constant and firm grip while being fixed at an optimal height to allow the user to fully support his or her self when necessary is disclosed. The handrail includes an elongate wave-shaped handrail anchored relative to the stairs by generally U-shaped brackets. The wave-shaped handrail is configured with generally alternating horizontal and vertical portions that allow the user the most strength and support. Alignment of the handrail such that horizontal rail sections are aligned with stair treads and vertical rail sections are aligned with stair risers provides tactile feedback to the user for identifying the beginning and ending of each stair. Each bracket has a first end connected to the railing on the side thereof proximal the centerline of the stairs to enable the user to ascend or descend the stairs while maintaining her grip, and a second end thereof anchored to the wall or other supporting structure. The railing is preferably mounted such that each horizontal portion is approximately 5′-0″ above a corresponding tread of the stair in typical installations.

1 . A handrail assembly comprising: 
 an elongate handrail mounted generally adjacent to and above a set of stairs, each stair including a riser portion and a tread portion;    said handrail having generally vertical portions corresponding to said riser portions, and horizontal portions corresponding to said tread portions; and    bracket means for anchoring said handrail to a supporting structure.    
   
   
       2 . A handrail assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said handrail further includes terminal ends that return downwardly approximately 2′-0″.  
   
   
       3 . A handrail assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said bracket means for anchoring said handrail include generally J-shaped bracket members having a first end connected to said handrail and a second end connected to a supporting structure.  
   
   
       4 . A handrail assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said handrail is mounted at least 4′-0″ above the stairs.  
   
   
       5 . A handrail assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said stairs are circular stairs.  
   
   
       6 . A handrail assembly for use with stairs formed along an incline, each stair formed by a riser section and a tread section, said handrail assembly comprising: 
 an elongate, generally wave-shaped handrail for mounting in generally parallel relation with the stair incline, said handrail including generally horizontal sections and generally vertical sections, said handrail anchored relative to the stairs such that said generally vertical sections are in substantial alignment with the riser sections of the stairs; and    bracket means for anchoring said handrail to a supporting structure.    
   
   
       7 . A handrail assembly for use with stairs according to  claim 6 , wherein said bracket means comprises a generally J-shaped bracket having a first end fixed relative to the stairs and a second end connected to said handrail.  
   
   
       8 . A handrail assembly according to  claim 6  wherein said incline is spiral.