Self-Supporting Handrail

Abstract

A self-supporting handrail including a base and a handrail section extending vertically from the base. The base is comprised of a first and a second metal plates that can be separated in a side-to-side manner; and the first metal plate has a first connecting section for being connected to the second metal plate, and the second metal plate has a second connecting section for being connected to the first metal plate. The first connecting section and the second connecting section have identical shape and are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation. An intermediate plate(s) can be added between the first and second metal plates. The handrail section includes a pair of upstanding leg sections provided on the base, stanchion members vertically connected to the receiving members, joint members mounted on the stanchion members and horizontal handrail bars provided between the joint members.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a self-supporting handrail.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3034536 discloses one type of assistive devices for transferring to a sitting or standing position from, for instance, lying position of a person. These devices are the tools to assist in sitting or standing whenever elderly persons or persons with physical disabilities get into or out of a bed, futon, etc. The assistive device for sitting or standing described in the Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3034536 is comprised of a base made up of a metal plate, etc., two receiving members extending in a substantially perpendicular orientation from the base, two straight sections inserted in the two receiving members and extending in a substantially perpendicular orientation, and a ledge connected to the two straight sections via joints. The base is inserted under the frame of a futon or a bed, and more specifically, the base is inserted under the frame of a futon or a bed. As a result, the assistive device is prevented from tipping over when a person is getting up to a sitting or standing position.

[0005] However, in practical use, the above-described assistive device may tip over during the use. This is due to the fact that while the base is fairly heavy, its weight is set such that the device can be moved or carried manually in order to facilitate repositioning during installation. Although the base is made of a steel plate, etc., it is not designed so as to be heavy enough to completely prevent the device from tipping over when a person transferring to a sitting or standing position. In fact, such assistive devices available on the market weigh around 11 kg if the base is 50 cm×60 cm in size. Thus, conventional sitting or standing aids have been prone to tipping over because of the insufficient weight of the base.

[0006] A simple solution that comes to mind is that the likelihood of tipping over can be reduced to a minimum if the steel plate portion of the base is made heavier. However, the heavier the base, the greater the physical effort required for repositioning. In addition, making the steel plate thicker may also present a tripping hazard.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an easily repositionable self supporting-type handrail with a heavy base.

[0008] The above object is accomplished by a unique structure of the present invention for a self-supporting handrail that includes a base and a handrail section extending upright from the base wherein the base is comprised of a first metal plate and a second metal plate that can be separated (side to side), the first metal plate has a first connecting section for being connected to the second metal plate and the second metal plate has a second connecting section for being connected to the first metal plate; and the handrail section is comprised of a first upstanding leg section extending from the first metal plate and a second upstanding leg section extending from the second metal plate. In this structure, the separable base is separated between the first upstanding leg section and the second upstanding leg section.

[0009] Preferably, the first connecting section and the second connecting section have identical shape, so that the first connecting section and the second connecting section can be mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation. The first connecting section and the second connecting section may be joined by a connecting member(s).

[0010] Preferably, the first connecting section includes a first protruding section protruding from the bottom surface of the first metal plate in a plate-like manner and a second protruding section protruding from the top surface of the first metal plate in a plate-like manner; and the second connecting section includes a third protruding section protruding from the bottom surface of the second metal plate in a plate-like manner and a fourth protruding section protruding from the top surface of the second metal plate in a plate-like manner. The first protruding section and the fourth protruding section are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation; and the second protruding section and the third protruding section can be mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation.

[0011] The handrail of the present invention preferably can further include at least one intermediate metal plate that includes a third connecting section connectable to the first connecting section and a fourth connecting section connectable to the second connecting section. The respective first through fourth connecting sections have identical shape.

[0012] In the structure that includes at least one intermediate metal plate having a third connecting section connectable to the first connecting section and a fourth connecting section connectable to the second connecting section, it is preferable that the third connecting section be provided with a fifth protruding section protruding from the bottom surface of the intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner and a sixth protruding section protruding from the top surface of the intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner, and the fourth connecting section be provided with a seventh protruding section protruding from the bottom surface of the intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner and an eighth protruding section protruding from the top surface of the intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner. In this structure, the first protruding section and the sixth protruding section are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation, the second protruding section and the fifth protruding section are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation, the third protruding Section and the eighth protruding section are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation, and the fourth protruding section and the seventh protruding section are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation.

[0013] In the structure of the present invention that includes first and second metals and further includes at least one intermediate metal plate, it is preferable that the first connecting section include a first protruding section protruding from the bottom surface of the first metal plate in a plate-like manner, and the second connecting section include a second protruding section protruding from the top surface of the second metal plate in a plate-like manner,

[0014] It is further preferable that the first connecting section be a protruding section protruding from the first metal plate and the second connecting section be a cutout section into which the protruding section can be inserted.

[0015] It is still further preferable that the first connecting section be a J-shaped protruding section protruding from the first metal plate in a J-shaped manner and the second connecting section be a J-shaped cutout section having a J-shaped groove, into which the J-shaped protruding section can be inserted.

[0016] As seen from the above, in the self-supporting handrail according to the present invention, since the base can be taken apart and reconnected, the separated metal plates can be carried and connected together at a location of installation or use. Therefore, it is possible in the present invention to provide an easily repositionable self supporting-type handrail with a heavy base. Further, a simple configuration utilizing the first to fourth protruding sections makes it possible to provide a base that can be taken apart and reconnected. Furthermore, if the first and second connecting sections are given the same shape, the costs required for base manufacture and inventory maintenance can be reduced because the first and second metal plates have the same shape.

[0017] When using at least one intermediate metal plate that can be separated and reconnected, the base can be made heavier and longer while maintaining ease of repositioning. In addition to transferring to a sitting or standing position, it can be used as a handrail to assist in ambulation. Using a simple configuration including fifth to eighth protruding sections for the intermediate metal plate makes it possible to provide an intermediate metal plate that can be separated and reconnected. Furthermore, by way of forming the first to fourth connecting sections into the same shape, the costs required for base manufacture and inventory maintenance can be reduced because a plurality of intermediate metal plates have the same shape while imparting the same shape for the first and second metal plates.

[0018] These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-supporting handrail according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the base of the self-supporting handrail in a separated state;

[0021] FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line in 3a-3a FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3b-3b in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an intermediate metal plate used in the self-supporting handrail according to the second aspect of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded partial perspective view of the first and second metal plates according to the third aspect of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first and second metal plates are interconnected;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second connecting sections used in the self-supporting handrail according to fourth aspect of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic exploded top view of the base according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating the construction of an intermediate metal plate employed in the base of FIG. 8(a); and

[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view illustrating a handrail section with an L shape obtained using three receiving members formed in the self-supporting handrail according to the first aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-supporting handrail 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The self-supporting handrail 1 comprises a base 2 and a handrail section 3 provided upright on the base 2.

[0029] The handrail section 3 includes receiving members 31 and 31, stanchion members 38 and 38, joint members 32, 33 and 34, and handrail bars 35, 36 and 37. The receiving members 31 and 31 allow for the stanchion members 38 to be inserted therein so as to be connected thereto vertically. The stanchion members 38 are secured in place in the receiving members 31 and 31 in a height-adjustable manner using screws and the like (not shown). The thus connected receiving members 31 and 31 and stanchion members 38 and 38 form upstanding leg sections. The handrail bar 35 is coupled horizontally to the stanchion members 38 by being inserted into the joint members 32 and 32 attached to the stanchion members 38. In the same manner, the handrail bar 36 is attached to the joint members 33 and 33, and the handrail bar 37 is attached to the joint members 34 and 34. The receiving members 31 and 31 are secured in holes 6 formed in the base 2 (in FIG. 1, two holes constitute one group) with screws etc. threaded from the back side of the base 2. By using the three groups of holes 6 aligned side by side on the right and left sides in FIG. 1 and the handrail bars 35, 36 and 37 shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to attach the handrail section 3 anywhere in the front, in the center, or in the back of the base 2. It should be noted that even if the two groups of holes 6 used for installing the receiving members 31 and 31 are arranged diagonally, the handrail section 3 can still be attached to the base 2 if the length of the handrail bars is set to be different from that of the handrail bars 35, 36, and 37.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the base 2 in a separated state. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3a-3a in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3b-3b in FIG. 1. The base 2 is comprised of a first metal plate 21 and a second metal plate 22 that can be separated (side to side) from each other.

[0031] The first metal plate 21 is, as seen from FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), made up of two steel plates 21a and 21b joined in the vertical direction by welding, etc. The top steel plate 21a is smaller than the bottom steel plate 21b. As a result, the edge is reduced in height, thus preventing tripping. At one edge, the first metal plate 21 has a first connecting section 23 for being connected to the second metal plate 22. The first connecting section 23 has a first protruding section 23a, protruding from the bottom surface of the first metal plate 21 in a plate-like manner so that the first protruding section 23a has an open space thereon, and a second protruding section 23b, protruding from the top surface of the first metal plate in a plate-like manner so that the second protruding section 23b has an open space thereunder.

[0032] The second metal plate 22 includes a second connecting section 24 for being connected to the first metal plate 21. The second metal plate 22 is made up of two steel plates 22a and 22b joined in the vertical direction by welding, etc. The top steel plate 22a is smaller than the bottom steel plate 22b. As a result, the edge is reduced in height, thus preventing tripping. The second connecting section 24 has a third protruding section 24a, protruding from the bottom surface of the second metal plate 22 in a plate-like manner so that the third protruding section 24a has an open space thereon, and a fourth protruding section 24b, protruding from the top surface of the second metal plate 22 in a plate-like manner so that the fourth protruding section 24b has an open space thereunder.

[0033] The first protruding section 23a and the fourth protruding section 24b are provided with a plurality of screw holes used for joining them with connecting members 5 such as screws, and the second protruding section 23b and the third protruding section 24a are provided with a plurality of screw holes used for joining them with connecting members 5. The first protruding section 23a and the fourth protruding section 24b are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation; and the second protruding section 23b and the third protruding section 24a are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation.

[0034] Though not shown, the bottom and top surfaces of the base 2 can be covered with rubber, resin, and the like. This can prevent the floor from being scratched by the base 2, prevent toes from being injured by the edges of the base 2, and create a slip-resistant effect.

[0035] As seen from the above, the base 2 is comprised of two parts and thus can be taken apart and reconnected; accordingly, repositioning of the self-supporting handrail 1 only involve taking the base 2 apart, carrying the first and second metal plates 21 and 22, placing them in a preferred location, and then connecting the first and second metal plates 21 and 22 together. When the base is made heavy, physical effort is required in order to move or carry the base; however, in the present invention, the base 2 can be taken apart, the first and second metal plates 21 and 22 that make the base can be carried individually, and then the first and second metal plates 21 and 22 are reconnected to form the base of a single piece. Accordingly, the metal plates can be easily moved or carried even if they are made as heavy as possible, and, at the same time, the overall weight of the base 2 can be increased as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to provide an easily repositionable self supporting type handrail with a heavy base with assured stability.

[0036] The first metal plate 21 and the second metal plate 22 have identical shape. Namely, the first connecting section 23 and second connecting section 24 have identical shape. Therefore, in the production stage, the first and second metal plates 21 and 22 can be produced without differentiating in the shape, and it is possible to cut manufacturing costs. In addition, inventory maintenance costs can be reduced because the inventory maintenance can be performed without differentiating the first and second metal plates 21 and 22 from each other.

[0037] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a construction in which the first connecting section 23 and the second connecting section 24 have identical shape. The first connecting section 23 and the second connecting section 24 may have different shapes as long as they can mate with each other.

[0038] In the assistive device disclosed in the above-described Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3034536, when its base is 50 cm×60 cm in size, then the whole unit including the base would weigh approximately 11 kg. On the one hand, if the base 2 used in the first aspect of the present invention is made 50 cm×60 cm in size and thicker steel plates are used for the first and second metal plates 21 and 22, then the entire unit weighs approximately 16 kg. Therefore, the unit can be easily repositioned despite the fact that its weight would increase 1.5 times that of the conventional unit. It should be noted that the above-described weight and size are merely examples.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an intermediate metal plate (or an addition) 4 used in the self-supporting handrail according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0040] The intermediate metal plate 4 is provided between the first metal plate 21 and second metal plate 22 of the self-supporting handrail 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention and connected to these plates 21 and 22. The intermediate metal plate 4 is made up of two steel plates 4a and 4b joined vertically by welding, etc. The top steel plate 4a is smaller than the bottom steel plate 4b. As a result, the edge is reduced, thereby preventing tripping. The intermediate metal plate 4 has a third connecting section 41 connectable to the first connecting section 23 of the metal plate 21 and a fourth connecting section 42 connectable to the second connecting section 24 of the metal plate 22. Screw holes used for connecting members 5 such as screws are also provided in the third and fourth connecting section 41 and 42 of the intermediate metal plate 4.

[0041] The third connecting section 41 of the intermediate metal plate 4 has a fifth protruding section 41a, protruding from the bottom surface of the intermediate metal plate 4 in a plate-like manner so that the fifth protruding section 41a has an open space thereon, and a sixth protruding section 41b protruding from the top surface of the intermediate metal plate 4 in a plate-like manner so that the sixth protruding section 41b has an open space thereunder. The fourth connecting section 42 of the intermediate metal plate 4 has a seventh protruding section 42a, protruding from the bottom surface of the intermediate metal plate 4 in a plate-like manner so that the seventh protruding section 42a has an open space thereon, and an eighth protruding section 42b, protruding from the top surface of the intermediate metal plate 4 in a plate-like manner so that the eighth protruding section 42b has an open space thereunder. The first protruding section 23a of the metal plate 21 and the sixth protruding section 41b of the intermediate metal plate 4 are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation, and the second protruding section 23b of the metal plate 21 and the fifth protruding section 41a of the intermediate metal plate 4 are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation. Likewise, the third protruding section 24a of the metal plate 22 and the eighth protruding section 42b of the intermediate metal plate 4 are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation, and the fourth protruding section 24b of the metal plate 22 and the seventh protruding section 42a of the intermediate metal plate 4 are mated with each other in a face-to-face orientation.

[0042] As seen from the above, with the use or addition of the intermediate metal plate 4, the base 2 can be increased in size. Accordingly, the base 2 can be made even heavier while maintaining the ease with which the base 2 can be repositioned. If a larger base 2 is used, the handrail bars in the handrail section 3 can be made longer and accordingly, it is possible to provide a self supporting-type handrail used not only for sitting down or standing up but also for ambulation assistance.

[0043] As seen from the above, the shape of the third and fourth connecting sections 41 and 42 of the intermediate metal plate 4 is identical and the shape of the first to fourth connecting sections 23, 24, 41 and 42 of the first and second metal bases 21 and 22 and intermediate metal plate 4 is identical. It is possible to use two or more intermediate plates 4. In this case, the operation of connecting the intermediate plates 4, i.e. the third connecting section 41 and fourth connecting section 42, is merely repeated. The use of a plurality of intermediate plates 4 of identical shape allows the weight of the base 2 to increase further and makes it more longitudinally (or horizontally) elongated while cutting the manufacturing costs and inventory maintenance costs.

[0044] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the third connecting section 41 and the fourth connecting section 42 of the intermediate metal plate 4 to have identical shape, and the third and fourth connecting sections 41 and 42 may have different shapes.

[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded partial perspective view of first and second metal plates 75 and 76 according to the third aspect of the present invention. The first metal plate 75 is provided with a protruding section 71 protruding in a hook-like manner at the connection end of the first metal plate 75. In the second metal plate 76, a cutout section 72, into which the protruding section 71 of the first metal plate 75 can be inserted, is provided at the connection end of the second metal plate 76. With this structure of FIG. 5, the protruding section 71 can be inserted into the cutout section 72 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5.

[0046] Depending on the sizes of the protruding section 71 and cutout section 72, the protruding section 71 of the first metal plate 75 can be inserted in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5 by rotating the first metal plate 75 in an up-to-down manner.

[0047] A knurled area 74 can be formed in the bottom part of the protruding section 71 of the first metal plate 75 by knurling, etc, and a knurled area 73 can be formed in the bottom part of the cutout section 72 of the second metal plate 76 by knurling, etc. The knurled area 74 and the knurled area 73 may have knurls that are in mutually orthogonal directions. With this structure with the knurled areas, the friction between the first and second metal plates 75 and 76 increases, which makes it possible to take advantage of the slip-resistant effect.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows, in cross-section, a state in which the first and second metal plates 75 and 76 are interconnected. As seen from FIG. 6, screw holes are provided in the protruding section 71 and cutout section 72 so that they are fastened to each other using connecting members 5 such as screws.

[0049] As can be seen from the above, the first and second connecting sections of the first and second metal plates and the third and fourth connecting sections of the intermediate metal plate are not limited to those described above and shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and the structures of the protruding section 71 and cutout section 72 of the third aspect of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5 (and 6) can be employed instead.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of first and second connecting sections used in the self-supporting handrail according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0051] In this fourth aspect of the present invention, a 3-shaped protruding section 81 protruding from a first metal plate 83 in a J shape (in vertical cross-section) is provided in the connecting end section of the first metal plate 83, and a J-shaped cutout section 82 having a J-shaped groove (in vertical cross-section), into which the J-shaped protruding section 81 is inserted, is provided in the connecting end section of a second metal plate 84.

[0052] The J-shaped protruding section 81 and the J-shaped cutout section 82 are respectively formed in a linearly aligned manner in the connecting end sections of the first and second metal plates 83 and 84. The J-shaped protruding section 81 is inserted into the J-shaped cutout section 82 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the J-shaped protruding section 81 can be inserted into the J-shaped cutout section 82 by rotating the first metal plate 83 in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 7.

[0053] As can be seen from the above, the first and second connecting sections of the first and second metal plates and the third and fourth connecting sections of the intermediate metal plate are not limited to those described above and shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and the structure of the J-shaped protruding section 81 and J-shaped cutout section 82 of the fourth aspect of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 can be employed instead.

[0054] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic exploded top view of a base according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0055] As seen from FIG. 8(a), the base is made up of a first metal plate 96 and a second metal plate 97. A first protruding section (first connecting section) 91 protruding from the bottom surface of the first metal plate 96 is provided in the connection end section of the first metal plate 96, and a second protruding section (second connecting section) 92 protruding from the top surface of the second metal plate 97 is provided in the connection end section of the first metal plate 97. The construction illustrated in FIG. 8(a) makes it possible to take the base apart and then reconnect them. However, unlike the construction in the first aspect of the present invention, there may be, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, an increase in manufacturing costs and an increase in inventory maintenance costs due to the different construction of the first metal plate 96 and second metal plate 97.

[0056] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating the construction of an intermediate metal plate 95 employed for the base of FIG. 8(a). The intermediate metal plate 95 has a third connecting section 93 connectable to the first connecting section 91 and a fourth connecting section 94 connectable to the second connecting section 92. The third connecting section 93 has the same shape as the second connecting section 91, and the fourth connecting section 94 has the same shape as the first connecting section 92. The base can be made heavier and longitudinally (or horizontally) elongated by using two or more intermediate metal plates 95. The manufacturing costs and inventory maintenance costs associated with the intermediate metal plates 95 can be reduced because the intermediate metal plates 95 have a single basic shape.

[0057] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, a reduction in manufacturing costs can be expected due to its simple construction employed.

[0058] It should be noted that in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first metal plate 96, second metal plate 97, and intermediate metal plate 95 may be composed of two upper and lower steel plates joined by welding, with the upper steel plate made smaller to prevent tripping as seen in the structures of FIGS. 2 to 3(b).

[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates a handrail section with an L shape, when viewed from above, using three receiving members 31 in the self-supporting handrail of the first aspect of the present invention. Using L-shaped joints (or joint members) makes it possible to form an L-shaped handrail section.

[0060] It should be noted that the preceding detailed description is merely illustrative of some aspects of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be embodied into various improvements and modifications without departing from the scope.

Claims

1. A self supporting handrail comprising a base and a handrail section extending upright from said base, wherein: said base includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate that are separable from each other; said first metal plate has a first connecting section for being connected to said second metal plate; said second metal plate has a second connecting section for being connected to said first metal plate; said handrail section includes a first upstanding leg section extending from said first metal plate and a second upstanding leg section extending from said second metal plate; and said base is separable between said first upstanding leg section and said second upstanding leg section.

2. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1, wherein: said first connecting section and said second connecting section have identical shape; said first connecting section and said second connecting section are mated with each other; and said first connecting section and said second connecting section are joined together by a connecting member.

3. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 2, wherein: said first connecting section includes: a first protruding section protruding from a bottom surface of said first metal plate in a plate-like manner, and a second protruding section protruding from a top surface of said first metal plate in a plate-like manner; said second connecting section includes: a third protruding section protruding from a bottom surface of said second metal plate in a plate-like manner, and a fourth protruding section protruding from a top surface of said second metal plate in a plate-like manner; said first protruding section and fourth protruding section are mated with each other; and said second protruding section and said third protruding section are mated with each other.

4. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising at least one intermediate metal plate, wherein said intermediate metal plate includes a third connecting section connectable to said first connecting section and a fourth connecting section connectable to said second connecting section, and said respective first through fourth connecting sections have identical shape.

5. Said self-supporting handrail according to claim 4, wherein: said third connecting section includes: a fifth protruding section protruding from a bottom surface of said intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner, and a sixth protruding section protruding from a top surface of said intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner; said fourth connecting section has: a seventh protruding section protruding from said bottom surface of said intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner, and an eighth protruding section protruding from said top surface of said intermediate metal plate in a plate-like manner; said first protruding section and said sixth protruding section are adapted to be mated with each other; said second protruding section and said fifth protruding section are adapted to be mated with each other; said third protruding section and said eighth protruding section are adapted to be mated with each other; and said fourth protruding section and said seventh protruding section are adapted to be mated with each other.

6. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1, further comprising at least one intermediate metal plate that includes a third connecting section connectable to said first connecting section and a fourth connecting section connectable to said second connecting section.

7. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said first connecting section includes a first protruding section protruding from a bottom surface of said first metal plate in a plate-like manner, and said second connecting section includes a second protruding section protruding from a top surface of said second metal plate in a plate-like manner.

8. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said first connecting section is a protruding section protruding from said first metal plate, and said second connecting section is a cutout section into which said protruding section is inserted.

9. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said first connecting section is a J-shaped protruding section protruding from said first metal plate in a J shape, and said second connecting section is a J-shaped cutout section having a J-shaped groove, into which said J-shaped protruding section is inserted.

10. The self-supporting handrail according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said handrail section further includes at least one horizontal handrail bar coupling said first and second upstanding leg sections together.

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