Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a proximity-triggered handrail cueing system with automatic attention capture for providing visual and auditory cues that automatically and involuntarily (subconsciously) attract attention to the handrail. The system includes a hand railing (i.e. handrail or grab bar) constructed from translucent or transparent plastic tubing, a series of lights mounted inside the railing, along the longitudinal axis, one or more auditory speakers built into the railing or railing brackets, and a proximity detector (e.g. photoelectric sensor) and controller that activates the lights and speakers whenever a person approaches the railing. The speakers can be used to issue a verbal prompt to hold the handrail. The lights inside the railing are triggered to suddenly start flashing in such a way as to automatically and subconsciously attract attention to the handrail, thereby facilitating ability to rapidly and effectively reach and grasp the handrail for support in the event that the person does not hold the railing voluntarily and subsequently experiences a sudden unexpected loss of balance. Sounds emitted by the speakers can also be used to improve the ability to rapidly grab the railing in response to loss of balance. Embodiments of the system may include: 1) a proximity-triggered handrail cueing system with automatic attention capture elicited by visual cueing, 2) a proximity-triggered handrail cueing system with automatic attention capture elicited by auditory cueing; and 3) a proximity-triggered handrail cueing system with automatic attention capture elicited by a combination of visual and auditory cueing.

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First Claim