GB2371315A - Apparatus to assist ascent/descent of a stairway - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus comprises support members (16, 22) fixed to either side of a stairway (10), each member having a guide path (34) to receive respective ends (30, 32) of a bar (26). Hooked holdfast points (42, Figure 3) are spaced along the paths at points equal to the distance between treads (12). Each member may have an upper and lower guide path (Figure 8). The bar may include accessories such as hand grips (28), a detachable belt (Figure 6), an alarm or transport containers. In use, the bar provides support for an individual as it is moved between holdfast points when ascending or descending the stairway.

Description

STAIRWAY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to stairways of the type, climbed by an individual, to ascend or descend from one storey of a building to another. The invention particularly relates to apparatus for assisting individuals in their ascent or descent of a stairway.

Stairways are designed for an individual successively to step from one tread at a first height to another tread at a second height, the treads being separated in height and linear distance such that a single step will, for the majority of individuals, accomplish the transition from tread to tread.

In order to maintain the balance of an individual, or to provide a place of hand grip if the balance is lost, it is usual to provide a bannister (handrail) on at least one side of the stairway, at about waist height. It is usual to select the right hand side of the stairway, since most persons are right handed. Bannisters are also often duplicated on the other (left hand) side of a stairway to provide grip on both sides.

Balance, on a stairway, is mainly achieved by the legs, with a minimal contribution from the hands on the bannister (s).

The hands are used simply, by the average individual, as a minor means of correction. There are various reasons why an individual may find insufficient grip on the bannister (s) to prevent themselves from falling forwards of backwards as they use the stairs. Particularly frail individuals may require to use a combination of arm strength and leg strength to ascend or descend a stairway. Bannisters are neither ideally placed, nor adapted to give sufficient grip to the hands for an individual to be able to achieve efficient use of a combination of arms and legs when ascending or descending a

stairway. The present invention seeks to provide means whereby this difficulty is overcome.

It is known to provide mechanical stairlifts on a stairway.

These generally comprise a seat or platform on one side of the stairway, running on a track and powered by electricity.

The frail individual is usually not the only person using the stairway, and the stairlift substantially blocks access to the stairway for fit individuals. The stairlift is generally expensive, and beyond the means of many.

Individuals recovering from injury, illness or surgery are often unable to ascend or descend a stairway unaided, but are none the less advised to take exercise. A stairlift removes all element of exercise. The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus which is economical, compatible with other stairway users, and provides assistance for individuals who would not, otherwise, be able to use a stairway.

Particularly frail individuals, at high risk of falling, are particularly vulnerable when using a stairway, and may, as a result, be dissuaded from using a stairway at all. Prior art apparatus provided no solution to the problem of saving and supporting an individual should they fail to maintain their balance on a stairway. The present invention seeks to provide such a solution.

Frail individuals have great difficulty in carrying articles up and down a stairway. The present invention seeks to provide means for facilitating such transport.

An individual may be on the borderline of being able, unaided, to use a stairway. Such individuals are best encouraged to continue to use a stairway in the normal manner, but require the assurance of assistance if they need it. In the case of an individual who might stumble,

prevention from falling is desirable. The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus which can be at the disposal of an individual as they use a stairway to provide assistance or not, and, if the apparatus is not being used for assistance, but the individual should stumble, automatically engages to prevent falling.

The present invention consists in an apparatus for use by an individual on a stairway, said apparatus comprising: a bar to be gripped by an individual; a first support member, for attachment on a first side of the stairway, above and parallel to the rising path of a stairway; said first support member comprising a first guide path for receiving a first end of said bar and for supporting said bar level across the stairway; said first guide path allowing passage of said first end of said bar along said first support member; said first guide path comprising a first holdfast point for engaging said first end of said bar to retain said bar from descent down said first guide path; and said first guide path comprising a first bypass channel for allowing said first end of said bar to bypass said holdfast point.

The invention further provides that the first holdfast point can be one of a first spaced plurality of holdfast points along the first guide path.

The invention further provides that the spacing between successive ones of the first spaced plurality of holdfast points along the first guide path can be substantially equal to the spacing between steps on the stairway.

The invention further provides that the first bypass channel can be for use above the first holdfast point.

The invention further provides for a second support member,

for attachment to a second side of the stairway, above and parallel to the rising path of the stairway ; the second support member comprising a second guide path for receiving a second end of the bar and for supporting the bar level across the stairway; the second guide path allowing passage of the second end of the bar along the second support member; the second guide path comprising a second holdfast point for engaging the second end of the bar to restrain the bar from descent down the second guide path; and the second guide path comprising a second bypass channel for allowing the second end of the bar to bypass the second holdfast point.

The invention further provides that the second holdfast point can be one of a second spaced plurality of second holdfast points along the second guide path.

The invention further provides that the spacing between successive ones of the second plurality of holdfast points along the second guide path can be substantially equal to the spacing between steps on the stairway.

The invention further provides that the second bypass channel can be for use above the second holdfast point.

The present invention further provides that the first guide path can comprise a first terminal unit at a first end of the first support member, the first terminal unit allowing stowage of the bar at a first end of the stairway so as not to obstruct the stairway.

The invention further provides that the second guide path can comprise a second terminal unit at an end of the second support member, the second terminal unit allowing stowage of the bar at a second end of the stairway so as not to obstruct the stairway.

The invention further provides that the bar can comprise spaced handgrips, can also comprise a belt for passing around an individual, that the belt can comprise a first portion for passing around the body of an individual, and a second portion for attachment to the bar, and that the belt can comprise first clip means for attachment of the first portion around the body of an individual and second clip means for attaching the second portion to the bar.

The invention further provides that the first guide path can be an upper first guide path, for use in descending the stairway and that the first support member can further comprise a lower first guide path for use in ascending the stairway.

The invention further provides that the second guide path can be an upper second guide path, for use in descending the stairway and that the second support member can further comprise a lower second guide path, for use in descending the stairway.

The invention further provides that the bar can comprise a spring-loaded extendable end.

The invention further provides that the support member can comprise a plurality of abutting panels, each panel having a length which is an integral multiple of the distance between successive holdfast points.

The invention further provides that the support member can be machined from a single block of solid material.

The invention further provides that each panel can be machined from a single block of solid material.

The invention further provides that the support member can comprise means to light the stairway.

The invention further provides that the support member can comprise a hinged end portion, having a first position in line with said support member and a second position stowed beneath said support member.

The invention further provides that the support member can comprise first retaining means for maintaining the hinged end portion in the first position, and second retaining means for maintaining the hinged end portion in the second position.

The invention further provides that the bar can comprise accessories, and that the accessories can include one, all or some of an alarm, a container for transporting objects, a hook, and a drinks transporter.

The invention is further explained, by way of example, by the following description, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partial cross sectional side elevation view a stairway incorporating a support member according to the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the complete stairway of Figure 1, looking into the bottom stair ; Figure 3 is a side view of the support member, attached to the wall of Figure 2, looking towards the wall ; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional, detailed view of the support member shown attached to the wall in Figure 2 ; Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a second possible embodiment of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view of a bar, to be used to support an individual as they ascend or descend a stairway.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a terminal unit for storing the bar at the end of the stairway.

Figure 8 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention having vertically spaced guide paths for the bar.

Figure 9 shows a slight modification of the guide path shape over that shown in Figure 8, and also illustrates how the support members can be fabricated from abutting panels.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the support member of Figure 10, taken along the line X X'and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figures 11A to 11C illustrate how extensions can be used to ascend and descend a stairway having an intermediate landing and a turn.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate how an extension is hinged and stowed.

Figures 13A to 13C show how hinges and catches can be used to achieve the actions shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

Figure 14 shows details of an improved bar and belt arrangement.

And Figure 15 shows how the bar may be fitted with useful accessories.

Attention is first drawn to Figure 1, showing a partial cross sectional side elevation of a stairway incorporating the invention.

A stairway 10, incorporating treads 12 and risers 14, has a first support member 16 attached between the height of a human navel and

chest, parallel to and above the rising path of the stairway 10.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 2, showing a cross sectional view of the bottom step 12 14 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the first arrow 18.

The first support member 16, in this example, is attached to a conventional bannister 20 while a second support member 22 is attached, in this example, to a wall 24. It is immaterial to what the support members 15 22 are attached. Both could be attached to walls 24, both to bannisters 20, and so on.

A bar 26, having optional spaced handgrips 28, is supported between the first 16 and second 22 support members to be parallel to the treads 12 and perpendicular to the wall 24. A first end 30 of the bar 26 is in the first support member 16 and a second end 32 of the bar 26 is in the second support member 22.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 3, showing a side view of the second support member 22, attached to the wall 24 of Figure 2, looking towards the wall 24.

A guide path 34 is provided between an upper member 36 and a lower member 38, shaped to accept the second end 32 of the bar 26. The guide path 34 comprises a repeated pattern of guide portions 40 just a little wider than the diameter of the second end 32 of the bar 26, followed by holdfast portions 42 comprising a hook 44, in the lower member 38. The second end 32 of the bar 26 can be held against descent down the guide path 22 by the hook 44, and is shown held in a hook 44. The hook is one of a spaced plurality of hooks, forming holdfast points, along the second guide path 34. A bypass channel 46 provides sufficient clearance around the hook 44 for the second end 32 of the bar 26, selectably, to be introduced to the hook 44 to be held by the hook 44, or for the second end 32 of the bar 26 to be diverted around the hook 44 through the bypass channel 46. The hooks 44 are spaced so that there is, for preference, one for each tread 12 of the stairway 10.

The first support member 16, when looked at from the stairway 10,

presents a mirror image appearance to that shown in Figure 3 but is otherwise identical in every way to the first end 30 of the bar 26 as is the second support member 22 to the second end 32 of the bar 26.

When using the invention, an individual inserts the bar 26 into the guide path 34 on the first 16 and second 22 support members at the foot of the stairway 10. If assistance is to be sought, the ends 30 32 of the bar 26 are inserted into the hook 44 on either side of the stairway. The user, gripping the bar 26, then pulls himself up onto the first step 12 using a combination of hands and feet and employing the bar 26 as a support. Once on the first step 12, the user moves the bar 26 to the next set of hooks 44 and the process is repeated. Much the same process is repeated on descent of the stairway 10, except that the bar 26 is progressed from set of hooks 44 to set of hooks 44 down the stairway 10 instead of up the stairway 10.

Should the user not require assistance, the user, instead of engaging successive opposing pairs of hooks 44, simply passes the ends 30 32 of the bar 26 through the bypass channel 46 to walk up or down the stairway 10 in a more or less normal manner, while gripping the bar 26. However, should the user slip or stumble, because the bypass channel 46 is above the hook 44, the descending (falling) user will urge the bar 26 downwards, for the ends 30 32 of the bar 26 to engage the next downward opposed pair of hooks 44, thus stopping the user from falling by automatically engaging the bar 26 to provide support.

Attention next is drawn to Figure 4, showing a cross-sectional, detailed view of the second support member 22 shown attached to the wall 24 in Figure 2.

The guide path 34 in the upper 36 and lower 38 members is provided in the form of a facia through which the second end 32 of the bar 26 passes, held therein by washers 48 on either side of the guide path 34 which prevent the second end 32 of the bar 26 being pulled from the guide path 34 and also maintain the bar 26 perpendicular

to the wall 24. Behind the guide path 34 is a void 50 for containing the extreme second end 32 of the bar 26. The void is formed by a box section or bracket 52 which attaches the second support member 22 to wall 24 and spaces the guide path 34 away from the wall 24. A bannister rail 54 is affixed overall to permit use of the stairway 10 in the normal manner.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 5, showing a cross sectional view of a second possible embodiment of Figure 4.

Like numbers apply to like items. All is as before, except that a second layer is applied to the second support member 22 in the form of a second upper member 36A and a second lower member 38A, each spaced by the same horizontal distance respectively from the upper member 36 and lower member 38, and each, respectively, exactly the same shape thereas. An ancillary guide path 34A is formed.

The second end 32 of the bar 26 passes through both guide paths 34 34A and is supported in the ancillary guide path 34A by further washers 48A. The bar 26 is thereby more firmly held and guided by the arrangement of Figure 5 than by the arrangement of Figure 4.

This, firmer support of the bar 26 permits a variation where only one end of the bar 26 needs supporting.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 6, showing a side view of a bar 26 according to the invention.

As well as the washers 48 and the handgrips 28, the bar 26 is also provided with a belt 56, attached at approximately the centre thereof and able to pass around the body of a user. Should the user stumble, the bar 26 automatically grips its ends 30 32 against further descent and the user, should the user lose hand grip, is held from falling down the stairway by the belt 56. The belt can also include a buckle mechanism (not shown). The belt 56 preferably passes around the upper torso of the user, passing beneath the arms.

In the examples so far described, the bar 26 can be removed from the end of the guide paths 34 on either side both at the top of the stairway 10 and at the bottom of the stairway 10. The bar 26 can then be stored, away from impeding normal use of the stairway 10. For a preference, the invention envisages the provision of stowage hook or clips adjacent to the top and bottom of the stairway 10 wherefrom the bar 26 can readily be retrieved for use.

The invention also permits the provision of a plurality of bars 26 being provided, with a corresponding plurality of stowage hooks or clips at either end of the stairway 10. This solution is appropriate to situations, such as nursing homes and hospitals, where there might be many potential users. Each user can have a bar 56 where the belt 56 is adjusted to and maintained at their requirements.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 7, showing a terminal unit 58 for attachment at one end of a support member 16 22. The terminal unit shown is appropriate for the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

A first curve 60 and a second curve 62 are provided so that the bar 26, whose other end comes free from the other support member, can be swung against the wall 24 or some other space, clear of human traffic, at the foot or the head of the stairway 10. An opposite parking arrangement can be provided at the other end of the stairway 10 on the opposite side. The bar 26 thus need never leave the stairway 10, while the stairway 10 is left free for normal use and the bar 26 is ever ready to assisted use.

Attention is drawn to Figure 8, showing a further embodiment of the invention. Instead of just a single first guide path 34 as shown in Figure 3, each side of the stairway 10 is provided with a double first support member 16A having an upper first guide path 34B and a lower first guide path 34A. The features of the upper and lower first guide paths 34A 34B are the same as those of the single first guide path 34 shown in Figure 3. In order to avoid the compromise in height required of the single first guide path 34, where it is likely to be too high for stairway 10 ascent and too low for stairway 10 descent, the lower guide first path 34A is

provided for use in ascent of the stairway 10 and the upper guide first path 34B is provided for use in descent of the stairway 10.

In this manner, the user does not have to over-stretch when ascending the stairway 10, nor does the user have excessively to stoop when descending the stairway 10. While the upper guide path 34B and the lower guide path 34A have been shown as part of a double support member 16A, it is to be appreciated that the upper 34B and lower 34A guide paths can be provided on two, vertically spaced, separate support members 16, each as illustrated in Figure 3. It is also to be appreciated that a second double support member 22A (designated in brackets) can also be provided for the other side of the stairway having an upper second guide path 34C and a lower second guide path 34D.

The invention is susceptible to manufacture in a variety of different ways. A first method has the first support member 16 and the second support member and the means for attachment 52 beside the stairway 10 being fabricated from plastic mouldings or extrusions, either in several parts for assembly, or as a whole.

Another method has the various parts 36 38 52 54 38A 36A being manufactured from flat material, such as sheet plastic, soft wood, hardwood, plywood, or high or medium density fibreboard, and supplied as a kit of parts, preferably in the"flatpack"format, to be assembled in situ at the stairway 10. The support members 16 22 can be supplied in a suitable standard length, simply being abutted onto one another and/or cut to extend the length of the stairway 10. Manufacture from flat material has the advantage that, so long as the upper members 36 and the lower members 38 are presentable on either of their two faces, the kit of parts for the left hand side of the stairway can be identical to the kit of parts for the right hand side of the stairway.

Attention is drawn to Figure 9, showing how the invention can be assembled from flat pack panels.

A basic panel 64, having a slightly variant set of guide paths 34B, 34A over that shown in Figure 8, in that the bypass channel 46 (see Figure 3) is reduced in extent the more surely to stop a

falling user, is assembled, as shown, with other panels 64 on the conventional banister 20 or attached to the wall 24 (see Figure 2) to make a continuous upper first guide path 34B and a continuous lower first guide path 34A by virtue of each panel 64 having a length which is an integral multiple of the spacing between the hooks 44. As many panels as are required can be used for any length of stairway. The hooks 44 in the upper first guide path 34B are displaced, along the length of the panel 64 from those in the lower first guide path 34A so that the bypass channel 46 in the lower first guide path 34A falls behind the hook 44 in the upper first guide path 34B so that, in a vertical direction, the upper first guide path 34B and the lower first guide path 34A may be brought as close as possible together within the limitations of the strength of the material to minimise the vertical extent of the support member 16A, 22A.

Attention is drawn to Figure 10 showing a cross-sectional view of a panel 64 taken along the dotted line X, X'looking in the direction of the arrow 66. The panel 64, in this preferred example, is made from a single piece of machined medium density fibreboard (MDF). The panel 64 is ideally made using a numerically controlled milling machine working from the end 68 of the panel 64. A first milling operation makes a first cut defining the path to be taken by the bar 26 in the first upper guide path 34B. The first cut 70 is deep enough to define a first portion of a back wall 72. The width of the first cut 70 is minimally larger than the diameter of the bar 26. A second cut 74 is then made, using a larger diameter cutting tool, cutting inside the first cut 70, using the path of the first cut 70, and defining a first portion of a front wall 76 and a second portion of the back wall 72. A third cut 78 and a fourth cut 80 define the entry point for the bar 26 in the lower first guide path 34A and also define second portions of the back wall 72 and front wall 76. The voids cut by the second cut 74 and the fourth cut 80 define a path for passage of the washers 48 or other retaining portions on the end of the bar 26. A fifth cut 82 defines a bannister rail portion 54 and a sixth cut 84 defines a lighting void 86 wherein bulbs 88 may be placed at intervals to light up the stairway 10.

Screw Holes 89 are provided, at intervals, to allow the fixing of the support member 16A 22A to a wall 24 or bannister 20.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 11A showing a double staircase 90 having a lower flight of stairs 92, an intermediate landing 94, a right-angled turn 96, and an upper flight of stairs 98. The direction of travel when ascending the double staircase 90 is indicated, in order from the bottom, by arrows 100A, 100B and 100C.

It is to be noted that the right hand support member 22A, shown in this example as being fixed to a wall 24, extends beyond the top of the lower flight of stairs 92 and descends below the beginning of the upper flight of stairs 98.

Attention is drawn to Figure 11B showing the manner of ascending the stairs. When ascending the stairs, and reaching the top of the lower flight of stairs 92, the left hand support member 16A has a top extension 102 folded open to allow the user to continue to use the bar 26 until well onto the intermediate landing 94.

Once on the intermediate landing 94, the user can then fold back the extension to the lower left hand support member 16A, 102 and engage the bar between the left hand support member 16A and the right hand support member 22A of the upper flight of stairs 98 to continue the journey. It is to be noted that the right hand support member 22A of the lower flight of stairs 92 extends as far as the end of the extension 102 (when unfolded) to the lower left hand support member 16A to give an even departure of the bar 26 from ascending the lower flight of stairs 92.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 11C which shows the procedure adopted when descending the double staircase 90. On reaching the bottom of the upper flight of stairs 98, the user folds out an extension 104 to the upper left hand support member 16A (which would be to the right of the user). The extension 104 to the upper left hand support member 16A, when unfolded, extends as far as the lower tip of the right hand support member 22A of the upper flight of stairs 98. This allows the user to continue to employ

the bar until the user is well established on the intermediate landing 94. The extension 104 to the upper left hand support member 16A can then be folded back for the user to employ the bar 26 to descend the lower flight of stairs 92.

While Figures 11A, 11B and 11C have shown a stairway having a right-angled turn 96, it is to be appreciated that the same arrangement can be employed in a double staircase 90 without a right-angled turn 96, in which case the support members 16A, 22A can have extensions 102,104 on both sides rather than just a single side.

Attention is drawn to Figures 12A and 12B showing a support member 16A, 22A with an upper extension 102 and a lower extension 104.

The upper extension 102 can be hinged through 1800 about a first hinge point 106 as indicated by arrow 108, and the lower extension 104 can be hinged through 1800 about a second hinge point 110 as indicated by arrow 112. The lower extension 104 and the upper extension 102 come to lie parallel to and beneath the support member 16A, 22A.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 13A showing the hinging and latching arrangement for the upper extension 102 which, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, can equally be applied to the lower extension 104.

A hinge 114 is attached beneath the support member 16A, 22A to allow the upper extension 102 to pivot about the first hinge point 106. A catch 116 is provided between the upper surfaces of the upper extension 102 and the support member 16A, 22A which hold the upper extension 102 as indicated in Figure 12A until undone, as indicated by arrow 118, when the upper extension 102 can be rotated to the position shown in Figure 12B.

Attention is drawn to Figure 13B showing an alternative form of catch 116 where a spring-loaded catch 120 can be operated by a drawstring 122 being pulled in the direction of arrow 124 so that persons of limited reach may be able to cause the upper extension

102 to be freed. The drawstring can be replaced by a rod. Attention is next drawn to Figure 13C showing the upper extension 102 rotated as indicated by arrow 108 to lie parallel to the support member 16A, 22A for a catch extension 126 to engage a swing catch 128 to retain the upper extension 102 in the position shown until the user displaces the swing catch 128 to allow the return of the upper extension 102 to the position shown in Figure 13A.

The Hinges 114 and catches 116 120 128 have been shown, by way of example, as simple mechanical devices working on the latch principle. It is to be understood that the present invention also encompasses the use of any kind of latch, spring catch, bolt, magnetic or other device capable of utilisation in the operations shown in Figures 13A 13B and 13C.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 14 showing refinements on the bar 26.

The bar 26 is furnished with end stops 130 intended to fit into the void created by the second cut 74 and the fourth cut 80 as defined by the back wall 72 and the front wall 76 shown in Figure 10. At least one of the end stops 130 is spring-loaded to be movable in the direction of the axis of the bar 26. Magnified detail 132 shows how an end stop 130 is mounted on a sliding tube 134 over the end of the bar 26 to move in the directions indicated by arrow 136 and urged by spring pressure in the direction of arrow 138. A slot 140 through which a pin 142 extends into the bar 126 permits movement within a range to accommodate variation in the width of a stairway 10. This prevents the bar 26 becoming stuck because of variations in the horizontal distance between the support members 16,16A, 22,22A.

An improved belt 56A comprises an adjustable band 144 which, very like an automobile or aircraft seat belt, can be fastened into a belt catch 146 as indicated by arrow 148 and released therefrom by depression of the belt release 150. The user can adjust the

adjustable band 144 to fit around the torso beneath the arms, and can then take it off until required. The user then merely has to fasten the adjustable band 144 into the belt catch 146.

The belt catch 146 is attached to a securing band 152 which can be fastened into a bar catch 154 affixed to the bar 126 via a bar band 156. This arrangement provides greater security and convenience for the user. Whereas an adjustable band 144 has been shown in this example, it is to be understood that any arrangement capable of supporting a human being and allowing them to use the invention can be provided. In particular, a full harness with single or multiple attachments can be provided.

Attention is drawn to Figure 15. The present invention has the intention of making life as normal as possible for the user.

Users wish to ascend stairs for various purposes, such as reaching a bathroom, perhaps to have a bath, going to bed where it is common to read a book or take a drink to be consumed while in bed, or to do some cleaning or some other task for which materials are necessary. The user, using the bar 26, has no hands free.

Accordingly, the bar 26 can be provided with hooks 158 from which various accessories can be suspended. A first accessory is a general bucket or container 160 in which books, magazines, cleaning materials, clothes or other items can be transported. A second accessory is a simple hook 158 from which miscellaneous items such as coat hangers, clothes or, as shown in this example, a bag 162, can be suspended for general transportation. A ball joint 164 pivoted drinks transporter 166 ensures that a transported beverage container 168 remains un spilled, no matter what the attitude of the bar 26.

A user of the present invention, being frail, may well get into trouble while ascending or descending stairs, by virtue of illhealth or mishap. An alarm 170 is mounted on the bar 26. As well as having sounding means 172 to alert individuals within earshot, the alarm 170 can comprise remote signalling means 174 which can be radio, ultrasonic, optical or infra-red which can initiate a telephone device 176 to make an alarm call, and/or flash an

external warning light 178, and/or sound an audible alarm 180 at one or more remote locations.

In order the better to allow the bar 26 to move up and down the guide paths 34,34A, 34B, the invention also provides that the end stops 130 can have fibrous ends 182 such as fabric or bristle or carpet to slide the more easily between the back wall 72 and the front wall 76 as shown in Figure 10. While the fibrous material 182 is shown only on the extreme outer faces of the end stops 130, it is to be appreciated that they can be generally applied to all surfaces of the end stop which come into contact with the guide path 34,34A, 34B.

The invention has so far been explained by way of example. The invention is further explained by the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for use by an individual on a stairway, said apparatus comprising: a bar to be gripped by an individual ; a first support member, for attachment on a first side of the stairway, above and parallel to the rising path of a stairway; said support member comprising a first guide path for receiving a first end of said bar and for supporting said bar level across the stairway; said first guide path allowing passage of said first end of said bar along said first support member; said first guide path comprising a first holdfast point for engaging said first end of said bar to restrain said bar from descent down said first guide path; and said first guide path comprising a first bypass channel for allowing said first end of said bar to bypass said first holdfast point.
2. 2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first holdfast point is one of a first spaced plurality of holdfast points along said first guide path.
3. 3. An apparatus, according to 2, wherein the spacing between successive ones of said first spaced plurality of holdfast points along said first guide path is substantially equal to the spacing between steps on the stairway.
4. 4. An apparatus, according top claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said first bypass channel is for use above said first holdfast point.
5. 5. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second support member, for attachment to a second side of the stairway, above and parallel to the rising path of a stairway; said second support member comprising a second guide path for receiving a second end of said bar and for supporting said bar level across the stairway; said second guide path allowing passage of said second end of said bar along said second support member; said second guide path comprising a second holdfast point for engaging said second end of said bar to restrain said bar from descent down said second guide path; and said second guide path comprising a second bypass channel for allowing said second end of said bar to bypass said second holdfast point.
6. 6. An apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said second holdfast point is one of a second spaced plurality of second holdfast points along said second guide path.
7. 7. An apparatus, according to 6, wherein the spacing between successive ones of said second plurality of holdfast points ! along said second guide path is substantially equal to the spacing between steps on the stairway.
8. 8. An apparatus, according top claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said second bypass channel is for use above said second holdfast point.
9. 9. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first guide path comprises a first terminal unit at a first end of said first support member, said first terminal unit allowing stowage of said bar at a first end of the stairway so as not to obstruct the stairway.
10. 10. An apparatus, according to any of claims, 5,6, 7,8 or 9 wherein said second guide path comprises a second terminal unit at an end of said second support member, said second terminal unit allowing stowage of said bar at a second end of the stairway so as not to obstruct the stairway.
11. 11. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first guide path is an upper first guide path, for use in descending said stairway and wherein said first support member further comprises a lower first guide path for use in ascending said stairway
12. 12. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second guide path is an upper second guide path, for use in descending said stairway and wherein said second support member further comprises a lower second guide path, for use in descending said stairway.
13. 13. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bar comprises spaced handgrips.
14. 14. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bar comprises a belt for passing around the body of an individual.
15. 15. An apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said belt comprises a first portion for passing around the body of an individual, and a second portion for attachment to said bar.
16. 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said belt comprises first clip means for attachment of said first portion around the body of an individual and second clip means for attaching said second portion to said bar.
17. 17. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bar comprises a spring-loaded extendable end.
18. 18. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said support member comprises a plurality of abutting panels, each having a length which is an integral multiple of the distance between successive holdfast points.
19. 19. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said support member is machined from a single block of solid material.
20. 20. An apparatus, according to claim 18, wherein each panel is machined from a single block of solid material.
21. 21. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means to light the stairway.
22. 22. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said support member comprises a hinged end portion, having a first position in line with said support member and a second position stowed beneath said support member.
23. 23. An apparatus, according to claim 22, comprising first retaining means for maintaining said hinged end portion in said first position, and second retaining means for maintaining said hinged end portion in said second position.
24. 24. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bar comprises accessories.
25. 25. An apparatus, according to claim 24, wherein said accessories can include one, all or some of an alarm, a container for transporting objects, a hook, and a drinks transporter.
26. 26. An apparatus, substantially as claimed, with reference to the appended drawings.