Get Out of a Car Easier and Safer with a Retractable Bar

During the last few years of my Dad’s life he was having a harder time getting around. He used a walker, sometimes a scooter and had some difficulty standing up. Standing up was especially hard when getting out of my car. That’s because most car seats are lower in height than a standard chair. Riding in my Mom’s SUV was easier for him because the height was higher. But not everyone who has a similar disability has an SUV. At one point I got my Dad a handle-like device that hooked into the car door’s locking hook. This was supposed to give him something push off of when getting out of my car. The problem was that the handle was only to his side and did not work for the way he stood up. Which is why I wish this concept design by British artist Dean O’Callaghan was available for my Dad to use. O’Callaghan’s concept is a retractable bar that attaches to the top of a car.

The Bar Necessities
The design itself is pretty simple yet very functional. On top of the car is a thin rectangular box that houses the retractable bar. The housing box would be mounted to the car in the same manner as existing roof racks. Giving a strong anchor to the retractable bar. An “L” shaped bar then comes out of the box in a curved motion. The user can than pivot themselves in the seat while facing out. They can then use the horizontal bar in front of them to pull themselves up to a standing position. Afterwards the bar retracts back into the housing box.

Conclusion
O’Callaghan’s retractable bar concept definitely could be useful for many people who have difficulty exiting cars. Making the process easier and safer. To see more of Dean O’Callaghan’s portfolio visit this website.