EP2092925B1 - Safety device for going up and down stairs - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has frontal and dorsal arms (8, 10) driven in a horizontal position or retracted position and fixed on a fixation device in manner to bring the arms at height of user (1). Each arm has a grip bar (24) rotating around an axis of frontal and dorsal protection bars (9, 11), where adjustment angle (alpha) of the bar (24) measured relative to a horizontal plane is of 90 degrees towards bottom and of 45 degrees towards top such that the bar (24) of the dorsal arm supports the user below a waist and the bar (24) of the frontal arm allows the user to support forearm.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to safety devices facilitating the rise and fall of stairs and also preventing falls.

The invention is intended more particularly to allow people still able to move but having mobility or balance difficulties to safely use stairs.

description of the problem

Most two-storey buildings are poorly designed for people with mobility problems, regardless of the source of their problems: accident, illness, age-related problems.

A change of environment is not a solution, especially for seniors who are losing their bearings. Moreover, when the disability is minor, such people refuse to consider heavy development, which they see as an attack on their dignity. It has therefore sought to develop a device for easy use, giving good security when passing from one floor to another via a pre-existing staircase.

"Stair lifts" are known having a seat, generally folding, provided with an electric motor progressing on a ramp mounted on the side of the steps of an existing staircase. We also know, for people with more severe disabilities, platforms based on the same principle allowing people by cart to go up a staircase.

State of the art

Many devices have already been developed to ensure a user in a staircase. Some of these devices provide assistance, usually manual, to the rise or fall of a staircase, based on a mechanical principle of sliding in a rail, notch or rack, see a counterweight system (see on this subject US 5,022,197 ). These devices are provided only with a gripping element by the user. They also offer no fall protection during use. US 1,785,487 describes a movable barrier moving along two ramps. Other systems describe a horizontal bar sliding along a running ramp parallel to the stairs. This ramp may be provided with a stop system, which is generally a rack or a system of notches ( GB 2,188,344 , US 2007/0017170 , US 4,253,287 ), or even a disengageable stop system ( GB 2,257,723 ). According to another design, the support bar is provided with a braking system ( US 4,899,989 , DE 20 2006 012 433 ).

a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is described in the document GB 2,436,555 . This document describes a stair climbing assistance system comprising a guide rail parallel to the slope of a staircase and a sliding device along the guide rail. This device is provided with a double handle in an arc surrounding the user, one of its ends used for climbing and the other for descent. This double handle, liftable, is movable along several axes of rotation and allows to engage the device in retention notches. This device, however, offers poor security in the event of a fall and a discontinuous progression.

The utility model DE-87 10 943 U describes a similar apparatus equipped with an H-control bar, (one of the shafts of the H serving for the ascent, the other for the descent). This model, although it assures a help in the climb, does not provide any security in the event of a fall of the user. The present invention aims to improve both a total protection against falls and, at the same time, assisting the ascent and descent.

Summary of the invention

A first object of the invention is to put on the market a device preventing falls on a staircase, especially for people with mobility problems, such as elderly or less valid.

Another goal is that this device provides effective help both up and down. The device should be used especially for people still too boring to consider the placement of a stair lift (known prior art), but more assured on their legs.

Another goal is that this device is easy and non-binding, so as to preserve the dignity of people by making use of it.

The object of the invention is a safety device and reversible aid for the rise and fall of a staircase which comprises at least one movable arm arranged in front of a user, parallel to the steps and at least one guide rail disposed parallel to the slope of the staircase, a motorized block adapted to move along the at least one guide rail and a power system of the motorized block. More particularly, this device comprises two independent movable arms, capable of being brought into either horizontal position, or in the raised position, mounted on a positioning device arranged so as to bring these two arms to the height of the user. Each movable arm is composed of a protective bar provided with a padding, the spacing between these bars being adjustable, so as to be adjusted frontally and dorsally relative to the user and an adjustable support bar in rotation around the axis of the protection bar. The adjustment angle α of this bar, measured with respect to a horizontal plane is at least 90 ° downwards and at least 45 ° upwards. In this way, the back support bar supports the user below the waist and the support bar of the front mobile arm allows the user to support the forearms.

Preferably, the device comprises a device for controlling the motorized block disposed on each of the support bars.

The support bar preferably comprises, in addition to a start-up control, a deadman device capable of stopping the engine.

According to a first advantageous embodiment, the introduction of the two front and rear moving arms is done independently.

According to another advantageous embodiment the establishment of the two movable arms forward and back is enslaved.

The movable arms preferably comprise a curved free end intended to prevent lateral falls.

These curved free ends advantageously have a shape that allows them to cooperate so as to ensure complete closure, thus providing lateral protection for the user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the motor is provided with an external power system.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the motor is provided with an onboard battery power system.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a device such as a traction action exerted on the support bar situated in front of the user makes it possible to adjust the pressure exerted by the protection bars on the user. the invention.

The protection bars are advantageously provided with padding allowing rotation around the axis of the protection bar. This rotation allows a more comfortable use of the invention during operation, insofar as it prevents localized friction. This rotation is however limited angularly, so as to limit the fall of the user in case of sliding down.

Another object of the invention is a walking rehabilitation device which comprises a safety device and reversible aid as described above and a flight of stairs.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device has a system for modulating its speed of movement along the ramp. Moreover, the motor can be disengageable.

Brief description of the figures

• La Fig.1 est une vue latérale schématique d'un utilisateur remontant un escalier à l'aide d'une forme de réalisation du dispositif suivant l'invention ;
• La Fig.2 est une face du dispositif, les bras étant relevés ;
• Les Fig.3 à 6 sont des vues latérales schématiques des différents stades d'utilisation du dispositif de l'invention.

These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings of the figures, in which:

• The Fig.1 is a schematic side view of a user going up a staircase using a embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• The Fig.2 is a face of the device, the arms being raised;
• The Fig.3 to 6 are schematic side views of the different stages of use of the device of the invention.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, similar elements are designated by similar references in the figures.

Detailed description of the figures

The Figure 1 shows the operating principle of the invention: the user 1 is accompanied, both on the ascent (as shown here) and on the descent by an engine block 2 mounted on a rail 4 running parallel to the flight of stairs 6. This engine block 2 supports two arms 8, 10, one frontal 8, the other dorsal 10 (these functions reversing on the descent and the rise) arranged substantially to the height of the user 1. It has commands (described later) allowing it to assign the device different functions depending on whether it is more or less ingambe. Each of the arms 8, 10 is formed of a protection bar 9, 11 provided with a support bar 24, whose position can be adjusted by pivoting either downwards or upwards with respect to the determined horizontal plane. by the arms 8, 10.

Not only is the positioning device of the movable arms 8, 10 such that an adaptation to the morphology of each user is possible, but, in addition, each of the support bars 24 is rotatably connected to the bar of FIG. protection 9, 11, it can be positioned with an angle α relative to the horizontal, thus making it even better to ensure the user safety. It is protected during its progression (up or down) in the staircase by the dorsal support bar 24 folded down (α = -90 °); it is therefore supported both at the bottom of the rib cage and at the level of the kidneys or buttocks. It has therefore, compared to the various prior art known, an increased protection against falling back (the most dangerous). In addition, with regard to the fall forward, it has a multiple support on the frontal arm 8: on the one hand, the hips resting against the frontal protection bar 9 on the other hand , at the elbows and / or forearms and at the level of the hands that grip the front support bar 24, more or less inclined upwards (α = 0 to 45 °). The position of the frontal support bar 24 provides effective traction assistance uphill, the user keeping the body substantially vertical. Similarly, on the descent, the frontal bar offers an effective means of restraint for reduced muscular effort.

The device allows, according to a first use, to simply assume a fall protection to the user in good physical condition. In this case, the user sets the speed of the device on his own step, ensured, in case of missteps or dizziness, not to fall, maintained that it is by the protective bars arranged at the height of his cut.

According to a second "philosophy of use", the device provides a user in "average" or poor physical condition, including post-traumatic rehabilitation, effective support and assistance. He can relearn how to walk normally, and benefit from both support and real walking aids.

According to a third "philosophy of use", the device allows a user in poor physical condition to continue using a staircase, thus providing him a healthy exercise, without risk for him, and offering him both absolute security and a physical support, the engine block providing in this case much of the effort required to climb.

The present device also allows some people who would hesitate to depend on a stair lift to continue to live in a housing not adapted to their physical difficulties.

According to another possibility, the device of the invention can be used for rehabilitation or functional rehabilitation, for persons who have temporarily lost the use of the lower limbs.

The Fig. 2 shows, in more detail, an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The two arms 8, 10 fixed on the engine block 2 are shown raised, which allows to use the staircase normally, the engine block 2, compact, not impeding access to the staircase.

Each of these arms is composed of the same elements: a protection bar 9, 11, a support bar 24, here in the form of a bow, rotatably mounted on each protection bar 9, 10, a curved end 22, 23 intended to prevent lateral falls.

The engine block 2, here provided with an onboard power supply 12 (a rechargeable battery) is enclosed in a body 14 of appropriate shape, which prevents any dangerous contact with a moving part and is provided with a transmission device meshing on the rail 4, or even on a double rail guaranteeing a perfect verticality to the system.

The drive of the engine block 2 can be done via a motor acting on a rack 16, as illustrated, but also by sliding contact, or by a system of cables arranged back and forth, etc.. The motor can be supplied via an electric cable, via a low voltage supply rail, via the onboard battery, etc. In the case of an on-board battery, at least one power station is provided, either at the top or at the bottom of the staircase, so that the battery 12 can be recharged between two uses. A call button (not shown) makes it possible to raise or lower the device on demand. The battery 12 can also power a diffuser provided with very low consumption light diodes illuminating the steps 6 during the rise / fall.

The two arms 8, 10 are symmetrical, so that they can be used indifferently for the front arm and / or the rear arm for the ascent or descent. They are pivotally mounted on a fastening device 18 integral with the engine block 2. The fastening device 18 makes it possible to adjust both the height of the arms 8, 10 and their spacing. The protection bars 9, 11 are provided with a padding 20 for distributing the pressure exerted on the trunk of the user in the event of a fall.

Each arm 8, 10 can be lowered into the active (horizontal) position distinctly from each other. Optionally, the lowering of one arm or the gripping of the front arm 8 causes the automatic lowering of the other arm 10, via a delay mechanism that can be pneumatic or electric. Whichever option is chosen, a safety device 21 prevents the device from being set in motion until the two arms 8, 10 have been lowered in place and the user is not in position. firmly assured. The safety device 21 is also provided with a measuring circuit designed to stop the motor in case of abnormal resistance to the advancement or fall of the user, and until a decision is taken by the user himself or by a third person.

The device may be provided with additional security ensuring, when the user has arrived at the top or bottom of the stairs, the raising of the rear arm 10 to avoid a last misstep.

The portion of the protection bars 9, 11 coming into contact with the torso of the user is provided with padding 20 in order to distribute the pressure exerted on the body in the event of a fall and to offer a comfortable support to the forearms. The padding (20) is rotatably mounted at a limited angle about the axis of the protection bars (9, 11). This mobility is a factor of comfort, since it avoids the friction on localized areas of the anatomy. It is however limited so as to avoid the risk of the user escaping the embrace of the protection bars. In no case can the freedom of race exceed the height of a step.

As has been pointed out, the end 22 of the arms 8, 10 is curved so as to avoid any lateral drop. As shown on the Fig.2 the curved portions may be extended so as to cooperate to form, in the lowered position, a continuous protection, practically without a solution of continuity.

The controls are arranged on each support bar 24, the controls of the back bar being rendered inactive by any means (switch) or inaccessible to prevent false operation. The inclination of the front bar 24 is adjusted so that the hands of the user naturally arise at the height of the controls 26, 28 when his forearms rest on the padding 20 of the support bar 8.

By shaking hands on the support bar 24, the user actuates two contact strips 26, 28 which constitute both a start-up device and a "deadman" security: in this case, he It is imperative that the two bars 26, 28 are actuated simultaneously for the device to start. It can also be provided that an alarm is triggered in the case where the contact strips 26, 28 are released for a predetermined time.

The user also has an alarm button 30 centrally located on the control bar. This alarm button can, as the case may be, activate a bell or trigger a remote signal to call for help.

A slider 32 placed on the engine block 2 makes it possible to adjust the speed of movement of the apparatus along the rail 4. This adjustment may optionally be coupled to a manual fine control system, depending, for example, on the force exerted on a machine. control strips 26, 28.

The guide rail 4 may, as desired, be fixed on a wall or on the stairs 6 itself. The fasteners must obviously be strong enough to support the weight of the user in case of a fall.

The rail 4 must obviously be designed to be adaptable to any type of staircase: straight, curved, landing, etc.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device of the invention can be designed to adapt to a pre-existing rail system 4, so as to allow a "scalable" installation. In this way, in case of aggravation of the state of the user, the rail 4 or even the engine block 2 can be reused for the installation of a conventional seat.

The Figures 3 to 6 show the phases of use of the invention, in the case of a stair climbing. The Fig. 3 represents the moment when the user 1 is placed in front of the staircase and where the front arm 8 has been brought to the horizontal. The Fig. 4 represents the lowering of the dorsal arm 10 which is positioned behind the user 1, with its support bar 24 lowered downwards. The spacing between the movable arms 8, 10 can be adjusted automatically, preset or manual, the user deciding for himself, depending on his comfort, the degree of freedom he wants. The Fig. 5 shows the rise of the user with the two movable arms 8, 10 in place. As mentioned above, the possibilities of falling forward or backward are reduced. In addition, if the knees were to escape, the position of the arms allows an easy recovery. The Fig. 6 shows the raising of the frontal movable arm vertically, which allows the user to leave the staircase, the mobile back arm, still in place until the departure of the user of the staircase, can be provided a delayed automatic recovery system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and described above.

The presence of reference numbers can not be considered as limiting. The use of the term "includes" in no way excludes the presence of other elements other than those mentioned. The use of the definite article "one" to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting.

Terminology

1 user 2 engine 4 ramp 6 staircase 8 Front mobile arm 9 Front protection bar 10 Dorsal mobile arm 11 Back protection bar 12 drums 14 body 16 rack and pinion 20 padding 21 security 22 Curved free end 24 Grab bar 26 Getting Started Command 28 Dead Man Command 30 alarm 32 Speed adjustment

Claims (12)

1. A reversible device for safety and assistance for going up and coming down stairs (6), comprising at least one mobile arm (8) positioned in front of a user, parallel to the steps and at least one guide rail (4) positioned in parallel to the slope of the stairs (6), a motor unit (2) that may move along the at least one guide rail (4) and a system (12) to power this motor unit (2);
   characterised in that it comprises
   two independent mobile arms (8, 10) that may be moved either to a horizontal position or to a raised position, mounted on a positioning device (18) fitted out so that it may move these two arms (8, 10) to the height of the waist of the user, wherein each mobile arm (8, 10) comprises:

   - a safety bar (9, 11) fitted with padding (20), wherein the distance between these two safety bars (9, 11) is adjustable, so that it may be adjusted in front of and behind the user, and

   - a support bar (24) that is adjustable in rotation around the axis of the safety bar, wherein the angle of adjustment α of this support bar (24), measured with respect to a horizontal plane is at least 90° downwards and at least 45° upwards, so that the support bar (24) of the mobile rear arm (8, 10) may support the user below the waist and so that the bar of the front mobile arm (24) permits the user to rest his/her forearms.
2. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a device (26, 28) for controlling the motor unit positioned on each of the support bars (24).
3. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that each support bar (24) comprises, in addition to a start control (26), a dead-man control (28) that can stop the motor (2).
4. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the two mobile arms (8, 10) are moved into position independently.
5. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the two mobile arms (8, 10) are moved into position by a servo-control.
6. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the two mobile arms (8, 10) comprise a curved free end (22) that is designed to prevent lateral falls.
7. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to claim 6, characterised in that the curved free ends (22) of the front and rear mobile arms (8, 10) have a form which permits them to engage so as to ensure complete closure thus offering the user lateral protection.
8. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the motor (2) is equipped with an external power supply system.
9. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the motor (2) is equipped with an on-board battery power supply system (12).
10. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises a device for adjusting the pressure exerted by the safety bars (9, 11) on the user.
11. The reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the padding (20) is mounted so that it may pivot according to a limited angle on the safety bars (9, 11).
12. A functional re-education device for walking characterised in that it comprises a reversible device for safety and assistance according to any of the previous claims and a flight of stairs.

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