GB2280208A

GB2280208A - Stairway aid for the disabled/infirm

Info

Publication number: GB2280208A
Application number: GB9315000A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Griffiths
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-07-20
Filing date: 1993-07-20
Publication date: 1995-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-20
Also published as: GB2280208B; GB9315000D0

Abstract

The existing stairway has four adjustable sections (Fig 1, (10)) fitted, two either side top and bottom of the stairs. The two guide rails (11) are secured thereto and fixed by locking bolts. The grabhandle (12) is placed on the guide rail enabling the user to use both hands to pull themselves up the stairs, and on descending the grabhandle slides from cut out to cut out, the weight of the bodythrust ensuring it only goes one step at a time. <IMAGE>

Description

AID FOR THE DISABLED/INFIRM This invention relates to an aid that will assist disabled/infirm people to ascend or descend stairs or slopes.

Lifts and electrically operated chair lifts are often relied upon by disabled/infirm people to ascend/descend stairs or slopes. However these systems are usually very expensive.

Alternatively hand rail or rails may be provided. These are always in a fixed position and do not comfortably meet every requirement.

According to the present invention there is provided two (2) guide rails that are secured to two (2) adjustable sections on either side of the stairs/slope at both top and bottom positions.

The user positions a detachable 'grab handle' into the appropriate recess in the guide rails. This enables the person to ascend or descend without complication and in a confident manner using both hands.

The accompanying drawings show the invention.

FIGURE 1. shows all parts assembled on a stairway.

FIGURE 2. shows the guide rail with grab handle.

FIGURE 3. shows the adjustable sections.

Referring to Drawing 1 --------- the aid comprises four adjustable sections. Two are secured to the Newel's ,10, the other two (not shown) are secured to the wall side.

The two guide rails, ii, are so designed that the user is able to move quite simply the grabhandle, 12, into position to ascend the stairs. n secure pull (or push if descending) is assured by the construction of the curves.

Drawing 2 --------- shows the guide rail (l1) with the grabhandle (12) in secure position. The grab handle is reduced in size when placed in guide rail to act as a safety measure TO STOP SIDE MOVEMENT.

Drawing 3 shows the adjustable section shown in Figure 1 (10) in detail. The box section (13) is secured to Newel or wall (14). The adjustable slide (15) with cut out section (16) is locked in desired position by tightening locking bolts (17).

The guide rail (11) is secured to adjustable slide by means of a pivot bolt (18). This enables the aid to be adjusted to suit the needs of the user.

Claims

1 Gn aid for disabled/infirm persons by means of two guide rails.

2 Rn aid for disabled/infirm persons as claimed in claim 1 whereby the guide rails are secured to four adjustable sections, secured two either side at foot and top of the stairs.

3 An aid for disabled/infirm persons as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the means of ascending or descending the stairs using both hands is provided by way of a grabhandle which is placed in the appropriate position on the guide rails by the user.

4 Nn aid for disabled/infirm persons as claimed in cliam 3 whereby a safety feature is incorporated in the grab handle by way of a reduction in size at each end to eliminate any side movement.

5 Nn aid for disabled/infirm persons substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.