Handrail for toddlers

Abstract

A handrail system optimized for use-with children under 5 years of age, which includes an elongated rail and support brackets for hanging it, beneath a standard handrail, at a height of about 28 inches and within easy reach of toddlers. Shaped to fit a child's hand, the rail of generally circular transverse cross-section, defines an elongated pocket for receiving the user's thumb so that the child can grip the rail firmly. Also included is an elongated rubber insert mounted on the rail and spaced apart from the elongated pocket. The rubber insert is positioned in such a way that when the user's hand grips the rail and his thumb engages the pocket, his finger tips press against the rubber insert, reducing the child's chances of slippage. Installable by the average do-it-yourselfer, three support bracket embodiments are provided: one attachable to the standard handrail and the others to the wall.

1 . A handrail system for toddlers, comprising: 
 (a) at least one rail segment;    (b) at least two brackets for supporting the rail segment at such a height that toddlers can grip the rail segment;    (c) the rail segment defining an elongated pocket for receiving a toddler's thumb; and    (d) an elongated rubber insert, the rail segment further defining an elongated groove for receiving the rubber insert, the elongated pocket and groove being spaced apart and disposed generally upwardly and downwardly, respectively, when the rail segment is mounted in use, so that when the toddler grips the rail segment and his thumb is inserted into the elongated pocket, his finger tips can press against the elongated rubber insert, thereby facilitating the toddler's maintaining a firm grip on the rail segment.    
   
   
       2 . The handrail system according to  claim 1 , wherein each bracket includes a rail segment holder defining a hollow section which is sized and shaped for receiving one end of the rail segment and holding said rail segment end in a tight slip fit.  
   
   
       3 . The handrail system according to  claim 1 , wherein each bracket includes a rail segment holder having inside walls, including an elongated protrusion, which define a hollow section for holding the rail segment in a tight slip fit, the hollow section receiving one end of the rail segment whenever said rail segment end and the hollow section are aligned in such a way that the elongated protrusion is slideably receivable within the elongated pocket of the rail segment.  
   
   
       4 . The handrail system according to  claim 1 , wherein each bracket includes a rail segment holder defining a pair of first and second contiguous hollow sections, each hollow section being sized and shaped for receiving one end of the rail segment and holding said rail segment end in a tight slip fit.  
   
   
       5 . The handrail system according to  claim 4 , which further comprises at least one end cap with an extension arm and means for locking the extension arm in place within the second hollow section, even when the first hollow section is holding said rail segment end.  
   
   
       6 . The handrail system according to  claim 1 , wherein the rubber insert is further characterized as protruding outwardly slightly from the elongated groove; wherein each bracket includes a rail support plate, the rail support plate defining a notch for receiving an outwardly protruding portion of the rubber insert; and which further comprises means for attaching the rail segment to the rail support plate, said outwardly protruding portion of the rubber insert being compressed into the notch when the rail segment is attached to the rail support plate in assembled relation, thereby helping to stabilize the rail segment on the rail support plate.  
   
   
       7 . A handrail system for toddlers for use with a standard height handrail, comprising: 
 (a) at least one rail segment;    (b) means for mounting the rail segment below the standard height handrail, at such a height that toddlers can grip the rail segment; and    (c) the rail segment defining an elongated pocket for receiving a toddler's thumb.    
   
   
       8 . The handrail system according to  claim 7 , which further comprises an elongated rubber insert, the rail segment further defining an elongated groove for receiving the rubber insert, the elongated pocket and groove being spaced apart and disposed generally upwardly and downwardly, respectively, when the rail segment is mounted in use, so that when the toddler grips the rail segment and his thumb is inserted into the elongated pocket, his finger tips can press against the elongated rubber insert, thereby facilitating the toddler's maintaining a firm grip on the rail segment.