AU2004324767A1 - Device for handicapped people access to tellers and counters - Google Patents

Description

WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 DEVICE FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ACCESS TO TELLERS AND COUNTERS Field of the invention The present invention relates to a device for assisting disabled 5 persons to have access to service counters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device fixed to a wall or floor enabling disabled in wheelchairs, whether inside or outside buildings, particularly in public places, to have access to automated machines, such as automated teller machines (ATM) and counters, whether 10 automated or service-assisted, such as supermarket counters and similar. Background of the art Persons in wheelchairs are known to experience a lot of difficulties in their daily movements, for example because of the 15 architectural barriers present inside and outside the buildings and, generally, due to the presence of many obstacles hindering their access to public places, private houses, vehicles, etc., these obstacles being difficult to overcome without external assistance. In particular, this problem arises when disabled persons, and particularly those in 20 wheelchairs, need to access automated machines, such as the automated teller machines (the so-called cash-points or ATM), airport check-in counters, cigarette dispensers, counters, whether service assisted or not, such as at the post office, in supermarkets, and similar. The problem is particularly felt with regards to automated teller 25 machines, because the counter is totally automated and connected to a cashbox, which makes it impossibile to change its position. U.S. patent No. 3,661,228 (Glasser) describes a horizontal platform that is fastened to a vertical support structure being positioned at a step and fixed to the ground. The platform is 1 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 cantilevered-coupled to the support structure and connected to a motor-driven actuating device being integral with the support structure. This device and the conventional ones equivalent thereto suffer from the drawback of being bulky, which prevents them from 5 being used before counters. Accordingly, the platform is arranged such as to constantly occupy the surrounding area, while the area before the counter and that closely proximate thereto must be left free and cannot be constantly destined to this purpose. The structure to which the platform is fastened also occupies quite a large area. 10 These characteristics are particularly negative when the lifting device is to be mounted in a narrow space or on public ground. In order that anyone may have access to the portion of floor before the counter that is occupied by the platform when not in use, i.e. to avoid that the platform may obstruct normal deambulation, 15 there have been proposed devices in which the lifting platform is supported by a foldaway structure housed in a suitable seat formed in the floor or pavement, such as a pantograph structure. When the platform is in the lowered position, it is flush with the floor and the pantograph structure is concealed. When the device is operated, the 20 platform is raised in the vertical direction and the pantograph structure extends from its seat beyond the floor level. These devices are very bulky. Moreover, expensive, stone works are required in order to provide the housing seat in the floor or pavement. Furthermore, when the device is mounted in an unattended area, it 25 may be tampered with, destroyed or stolen. Moreover, operating and controlling this kind of conventional devices by a user is complicated. In fact, the controls for operating the platforms are generally provided on the device support structure, in such a position that it is difficult to reach by a user either when the platform is moving, or with the same 2 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 being in its raised position. On the other hand, when the platform is in its lowered position, the controls are often on view and may also be reached by children, with apparent safety hazard. Summary of the invention 5 The object of the present invention is to provide a device for assisting disabled in wheelchair to access counters, which overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional devices in an easy and cost effective manner. A further object of the present invention is to provide a lifting 10 device for disabled in wheelchair, which has a minimum size, is simple to mount, and easy to control by a user in all usage conditions and allows to have the whole area available when not in use. A further object of the present invention is to provide a lifting device for persons in wheelchair minimizing the risk of abuse by, for 15 example, children and reduces the possibility of damage by vandals. The present invention further relates to the use of the device according to what has been described above for assisting disabled access to an automated teller machine, or more generally to counters, whether automated or not. 20 These and other objects are achieved by the present invention concerning a lifting device for persons in wheelchairs according to claim 1. According to the invention, when the platform is in the rest position, it is adjacent to the support structure and the control devices. 25 This characteristic is particularly advantageous, because when the device is not in use, the platform protects the control devices positioned on the movable vertical mast, for example by concealing them from an external watcher, thereby reducing the risk of abuse on the device or possible acts of vandalism on the same. 3 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 According to an aspect of the invention, the shape of the stationary or vertical mast and movable element are profiled such as to partially overlap and slide on each other. Preferably, both section bars that are coupled to each other in a sliding manner define an 5 inner space where the means for moving the platform are, at least partially, housed. Preferably, the first vertical mast, i.e. the stationary element, is shaped such as to provide the guide means for the second vertical mast, i.e. movable element, which is slidingly coupled to this guide. 10 The second vertical mast has such a shape as to partially envelop the first (stationary) vertical mast and prevent access to the means for moving the platform. According to another aspect of the invention, the means. for moving the platform are controlled by the user by means of one or 15 more control devices being associated with the movable element, i.e. the second vertical mast, for example at the upper end thereof, and movable therewith. The means for moving the platform may be of a different kind, for example they may comprise a mechanical actuating device, a pneumatic actuating device, an electro 20 pneumatic actuating device, a hydraulic actuating device, or an electric actuating device. Preferably, the means for moving the platform comprise a hydraulic piston being coupled to the first vertical mast and the second vertical mast. The actuating device, starting from the rotation of the platform 25 from the vertical rest to the horizontal use positions, and vice versa, is carried out by suitable mechanisms that can be either operated by the user of the device, for example through a mechanical or electronical key, or remotely operated, for example from a control station for the device. 4 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 The device according to the present invention has a number of advantages compared with prior art. The size is dramatically reduced compared with the size of the conventional devices for lifting the wheelchairs from a lowered level to a raised level and, due to the lift 5 up coupling between the platform and the second vertical mast, i.e. the movable element or saddle, the available space around the device is maximum. In fact, when the device is not in use, the platform is normally in a substantially vertical position and hence does not occupy the surrounding area, on the other hand, when the device is 10 in use, the platform is brought to the horizontal position relative to the floor. Furthermore, since the second vertical mast acts as the saddle and moves integrally with the platform in its movement in the vertical direction it also acts as the abutment or support for the user of.,the device when the platform is moving. 15 Furthermore, the control devices, that are placed on the second vertical mast or saddle, can be easily reached by the user while being on the platform, when the platform is moving. In practice, the user has these control devices always at hand in all usage conditions of the inventive device. 20 Besides the main use for counters as described above, the device according to the present invention can be used for many different applications, in order to facilitate the deambulation of persons in wheelchairs, thereby enabling them to overcome architectural barriers. Due to its small size, this device can be mounted 25 in places that have not yet been covered by this kind of service, such as phone boxes. Brief description of the drawings Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description below, which is given by way 5 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 of a non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention, in a first configuration; 5 - figure 2 is a perspective view of the device from figure 1, in a second configuration; - figure 3 is a front view of the device from figure 2; - figure 4 is a side view of the device from figure 3; - figure 5 is a bottom view of the device from figure 3; 10 - figure 6 is a side view of the device from figure 1; - figure 7 is a top view of the device from figure 2; - figure 8 and figure 8A are sectional views at different heights of the vertical masts of the device from figure 2; - figure 9 is a sectional view of the device from figure 2; 15 - figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line G-G from figure 9; - figure 11 is a partially sectional front view of the device from figure 2; - figure 12 is a partially sectional view taken along the line B-B from figure 11; - figure 13 is a side view of the device from figure 2; 20 - figure 14 is a rear elevational view of the device from figure 13; - figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F from figure 13; - figure 16 is a perspective view of an automated teller machine provided with the device from figure 1; 25 - figures 17-19 are perspective views of the counter from figure 16, with the device in various configurations. Detailed description of the invention Figures 1 and 2 show, in perspective, a device according to the present invention, which comprises a support structure 2 and a 6 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 platform 3 supporting a wheelchair with the user therein. The support structure 2 is provided with means for fixing the same to the ground and/or a wall of a building, or still to a support that is in turn fixed to the ground or a wall. The platform 3 moves between a lowered horizontal 5 position and a raised horizontal position along the direction indicated by the arrow U in figure 2, i.e. along a vertical direction substantially parallel to the structure 2, between said lowered position, for example corresponding to the position assumed by the platform 3 being rested on the ground, and the raised position, corresponding to the platform 10 3 being raised above the ground. The support structure 2 comprises a first stationary vertical element or vertical mast 4 and a second element or vertical mast 5 being slidingly coupled with the first vertical mast 4 such as to act as the saddle on which the platform 3 is mounted. The relative 15 displacement between elements 4 and 5 is carried out by the means 6 for moving platform 3 and the latter is lift-up fastened, i.e. hinged to the second vertical mast 5. Figure 1 shows the platform 3 in its rest position, i.e. when the device 1 is not operating. In this case, the platform 3 is in the lowest 20 position relative to the ground and is arranged in a substantially vertical position, adjacent to the support structure 2. Preferably, such as illustrated in figure 1, when the platform 3 is in its rest position, it conceals at least partially the support structure 2 and the controls of device 8 from the view and access by an observer. 25 The device 1 according to the present invention is of a small size compared with the similar devices according to the prior art. In fact, when the device is not operating (figures 1 and 6), its overall dimensions are minimum, i.e. the area of the floor actually occupied by the device is dramatically reduced compared with that normally 7 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 employed by the conventional devices. This characteristic is particularly advantageous, in that the distribution of the lifting devices for disabled is impaired by the fact that often there is not a suitable space for installation. In fact, the device according to the present 5 invention can be also installed in small areas or where the space available must be used otherwise. Figures 2, 5 and 7 show the platform 3 in its use condition, i.e. when the device 1 is operating, in the lowered position. In this case, the platform 3 rests on the ground and can be engaged by a person 10 sitting in a wheelchair. Accordingly, the shape and size of platform 3 are such as to enable the user to easily position his wheelchair on a stamping area 9 of the platform, i.e. the upper surface thereof. The device 1 is provided with suitable controls for the user to operate the means for moving the vertical mast 5 relative to the 15 vertical mast 4 and, accordingly, for moving the platform 3 to the vertical direction. In the embodiment shown, the device is provided with controls 8 being positioned at the upper end of the support structure 2. Preferably, the controls 8 are at least partially protected by platform 3 when the latter is positioned adjacent to support structure 20 2, such as illustrated in the figures 1, 6 and 16. Figures 3 and 4 show a front view and a side view of the device 1, respectively. The platform 3 is in its horizontal raised position (the horizontal lowered position being indicated by a dotted line with D in figure 4 and corresponds to platform 3 resting on plane G). As shown, 25 the platform 3 and second vertical mast 5 integrally move while the device 1 is operating, i.e. when the device 1 is activated. Practically, the first vertical mast 4 can be fixed either to the floor G or a wall and the second vertical mast 5, which is movable, is raised by the means 8 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 for moving the platform 3. Consequently, the controls 8 are always at the same height relative to the platform 3 while it is moving. The figures 8 and 8A show sections of the support structure 2. Particularly, they show a cross-section of structure 2 taken along the 5 line E-E and the line A-A of figure 3, respectively. In this embodiment, the stationary vertical mast 4 is formed by a rigid, open section bar with a hollow T-shaped section illustrated and can be fixed to the ground through the holes 13 formed through the base 14 that is integral with said vertical mast 4. Generally, the stationary vertical 10 mast 4 may have different shapes and, as an alternative or in addition thereto, it may also be attached to a wall. The second vertical mast 5, which is slidingly movable on the fixed vertical mast 4 is also formed by a hollow rigid section bar that is shaped to partially envelop the vertical mast 4. In the embodiment 15 from figure 8 the first vertical mast 4 is stationary and the second vertical mast 5 moves in the normal direction relative to the sheet plane, being guided by the first vertical mast 4. In the embodiment shown, the movable vertical mast or saddle 5 has a C-shaped section and is slidingly coupled with the first vertical mast 20 4 at its ends, by means of sliding blocks 7. The sliding blocks 7 are at least present both in the lower position and in the upper position of structure 2, between both vertical masts. In the lower portion, they are fixed to the vertical mast or saddle 5 and movable therewith, whereas in the upper portion (figure 8) they are fixed to the stationary vertical 25 mast 4. The platform 3 is coupled with the second vertical mast 5 by means of a hinge 15 enabling the platform 3 to overturn. The means for vertically moving the platform 3 can be of various types and practically cause the vertical mast 5 to move relative to 9 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 vertical mast 4. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 8, this function is carried out by a hydraulic piston 6 that is housed inside the support structure 2, the piston 6 being coupled with both vertical masts 4 and 5. Alternatively, the device 1 can be provided with a piston of the 5 pneumatic type, screws, springs, etc., which can be housed also outside the support structure 2. Figure 9 shows the device 1, from the bottom, with the platform 3 in the lowered position. A mechanism 16 controls the overturning of platform 3 from the rest position (vertical) to the use position (figure 10 10). The mechanism 16, for example a hydraulic piston being fastened to the platform 3 and the support structure 2, can be controlled either by the user of the device 1 or remotely from a control station. In the first case, the user can control the overturning of the platform 3 through a suitable control provided on the device 1, or through a 15 personal key, whether mechanical or electronical, that can be interfaced with the device 1. In the second case, an operator can control the overturning of platform 3 from a control station, for example upon a specific request by the user. Alternatively, the user can overturn the platform by hand. 20 The platform 3 may be provided with a safety switch in order to detect its positioning relative to the ground. Furthermore, the platform 3 may be provided with a sensor for detecting the weight of the user mounting on the platform with the wheelchair. In this case, a suitable control circuit can use the sensor signal to calibrate the speed of 25 operation of piston 6 to verify the functional parameters of the device 1. Figure 11 shows a front view of the device 1, with the platform 3 in the lowered position. The piston 6 is indicated with a broken line. At the upper end of vertical mast 5 there is provided a control panel 8. 10 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 The panel 8 may comprise for example the push-buttons for activating the platform, the raising, stopping and descent thereof, etc.. Generally, the controls 8 may be also positioned separate from the support structure 2, for example on a suitable arm extending laterally 5 from structure 2. Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B from figure 11. There can be seen piston 6, having a lower end 17 coupled with the vertical mast 4 and an upper end 18 fastened to the vertical mast 5. An elongation of piston 6 causes the vertical mast 5 and the 10 platform 3 being fastened thereto to raise. Similarly, the mechanism 16, preferably a piston, which is provided for the rotation of platform 3 has anend 19 that is fastened to the second vertical mast 5 and an end 20 that is fastened to the platform 3. The elongation or return of piston 16 causes the platform 3 15 to rotate around hinge 15, shown in detail in figure 15, which shows a section of the support structure 2 taken along the line F-F from figure 13. As illustrated in figures 13 and 14, the platform 3 is preferably provided with a raised perimeter 10. Practically, the edges of the 20 platform have a protruding profile relative to the upper surface 9. The elevation 10 has the task of avoiding that the user being in the wheelchair on platform 3 may fall. The elevation 10, in fact, prevents the wheels of the wheelchair from moving beyond the platform edge and can be passed by the user only deliberately. 25 An opening 21 can be provided in the vertical mast 4 to allow the passage of electric wires or other cables. If the vertical mast 4 is attached to a wall, the cables are then concealed from the view. The figures 16 to 19 exhibit a possible application of the device 1 as the device to facilitate the use of an automated teller machine 11 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 ATM by a disabled 11 in a wheelchair 12. In the case shown, the device 1 is installed on a pavement G, outside a building B. Particularly, the vertical mast 4 can be fixed to the pavement G or the building B or both. When the device 1 is deactivated, such as shown in 5 figure 16, the platform 3 is overturn, i.e. parallel to the outer wall of building B and conceales the control or command devices 8. Access to the controls 8 is thus made available only to the disabled 11 which can bring the platform 3 in the horizontal position, such as illustrated in figure 17, by using a suitable personal activation key. The controls 8 10 and the support structure 2 with the relative servomechanism are at least partially protected against possible acts of vandalism or against any unauthorised use by, for example, persons that are not interested to use the ATM. Figure 17 shows the device 1 ready to be used by the user 11. 15 The platform 3 is flush with the pavement G, at the ATM. The user 11 can bring the platform 3 to this lowered position using a key, whether of the electronic type or mechanical type. Alternatively, the device 1 can be connected to a remote control station that provides to move the platform 3 to the shown position. In practice, the rotation of 20 platform 3 relative to the support structure 2 is operated by suitable mechanisms. As shown in figure 18, when the platform 3 has reached the lowered position, the user 11 can engage the upper surface 9 thereof, by driving the wheelchair 12 until it is housed within the raised 25 perimeter 10. The controls 8 are positioned at the upper end of the support structure 2, such as to be always at hand for the user 11. Through the controls 8, the user 11 can actuate the mechanisms 6 to raise the platform 3. 12 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630 Figure 19 shows the device 1 in the configuration with platform 3 in its raised position, for example being raised by about 50 cm from the level of pavement G. The user 11 can thereby have access to the ATM. Again, by means of the controls 8, the user 11 can return the 5 platform 3 to its lowered position and leave the same. The user 11 himself, or the remote station, or still a timer will generate a signal to return the platform 3 to the overturn position shown in figure 16. The device 1 can be similarly used also for enabling the user 11 to access a control panel, equipment, or whenever the user 11 10 requires to overcome a drop. As shown in figure 16, the inactivated device 1 occupies the pavement G only for a minimum part thereof. The device 1 has in fact a compact structure, unlike the conventional devices and ensures full availability of pavement G. Advantageously, the device 1 can be 15 then installed also in public or private areas where a fee is charged based on the area occupied, thereby avoiding high costs to the installer, and favouring the distribution of the device according to the present invention thereby resulting in an improvement of the mobility of handicapped persons. Furthermore, the device 1 can be 20 advantageously mounted in small areas, since the platform 3 occupies the area only temporarily. 13

Claims (13)

1. A device (1) for transporting disabled in wheelchairs comprising a support structure (2) and a platform (3) for supporting a 5 wheelchair and the user thereof, said platform (3) being fastened to said support structure (2) in a movable manner between a lowered horizontal position and a raised horizontal position, and further comprising means (6) for moving said platform between said lowered position and said raised position, 10 said means being operable by said user, characterized in that said support structure (2) comprises a first vertical mast (4) being fixable to an outer surface and a second vertical mast (5) slidingly coupled to said first vertical mast (4) and fastened to said means (6) for moving said platform (3), the latter being 15 fastened to said second vertical mast (5) in a movable manner between a substantially vertical rest position and a substantially horizontal use position.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first vertical mast (4) and said second vertical mast (5) are section 20 bars, which by being coupled to each other, define a space inside which said means (6) for moving said platform (3) are housed.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said section bars define a space where there are housed means (16) 25 for moving said platform from an operating horizontal position, to a rest vertical position.

4. The device according to one of preceding claims, characterized in that said vertical masts slide on each other by means of sliding blocks (7). 14 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630

5. The device according to any preceding claim 2 to 4, characterized in that said first (4) and second vertical masts (5) have a cross-sectional profile that is suitable to at least partially fit one on the other. 5

6. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said means (6) for moving said platform (3) are controlled by said user through one or more control devices (8) being associated to said second vertical mast (5) and translatable therewith. 10

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that said second vertical mast (5) extends from the plane of this platform (3) and said control devices (8) are arranged at the upper end thereof.

8. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in 15 that said means (6) for moving said platform (3) are selected from a mechanical actuating device, a pneumatic actuating device, an electro-pneumatic actuating device, a hydraulic actuating device, an electric actuating device.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that said 20 means (6) for moving said platform (3) comprise a hydraulic piston.

10.The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said platform (3) in said vertical rest position is adjacent to said support structure (2) and said control devices (8). 25

11 .The device according to claim 10, characterized in that said platform (3) in said vertical rest position prevents access to the control devices (8).

12.The use of a device (1) according to any preceding claim 1 to 11 to allow access to disabled to an automated counter. 15 WO 2006/051566 PCT/IT2004/000630

13.The use according to claim 12, wherein said automated counter is a bank counter. 16