The first thing that comes to mind is whether the mattress brackets could be lowered so that the distance between the mattress and existing top rail is greater. This might accomplish the desired purpose without the additional rail you propose. Maybe the same can be accomplished by moving the mounting points of the vertical slides upward. Be sure none of this interferes with the catch mechanism.
There is one lower setting we could use already for the mattress and I have considered it. The issues that result are that it is more difficult for the home nurse to do cares for him. She is already having some difficulty in the current position which I lowered him to a few months ago. I mean sure safety of not falling is more important and I have that option if I can’t easily add a rail.
For the added top bar, I like the “T” shape. It adds stiffness. For mounting, the first thing that comes to mind is a pair of loose pin door hinges. Put the top of the “T” where ever you like. Then make the leg of the “T” long enough to lay against the inside face of the bed leg. Mount a hinge at each end as if the top bar you are installing was an inset door. Now, you can pull the pin on one end and swing the bar aside on the other hinge. Or, remove both pins. This will work better if you replace the pins with a slightly smaller diameter rod with an “L” bent into the top for easier grabbing and removing.
- bilyo
I think something like this might work. I had to think about it and re-read it a few times before I understood.
