WO1997019887A1

WO1997019887A1 - Lift device

Info

Publication number: WO1997019887A1
Application number: PCT/NO1996/000281
Authority: WO
Inventors: Svein Erik RØED
Original assignee: Roeed Svein Erik
Priority date: 1995-11-30
Filing date: 1996-11-29
Publication date: 1997-06-05
Also published as: NO954872D0; AU1111997A; NO954872L

Abstract

A lift assembly for moving living beings and/or articles, comprising a carriage (1) that is moveable along an inclined track (31, 33) consisting of at least one rail, where the carriage at the uppermost and lowermost portions of the track can be brought into connection with a transfer area for transport to and from the carriage. The carriage at one side or on each side is articulated (27) with a trolley (28) which is in moveable engagement with said rail or rails (31, 33), said rail or rails extending in parallel relation along respectively one side or each side of the carriage (1). The rail or rails are equipped with at least one longitudinal fixed row of engaging means (35) in the form of a chain, toothed bar or the like. The trolley (28) is provided with a motor (32) which, via an optional transmission (38), operates an engaging body (37), e.g., at least one toothed wheel, which forms moveable engagement with the rail via said engaging means (35). The carriage has at least one support frame (25) and a platform (9, 10, 11, 12) moveable upwards and downwards relative to the support frame, and the position of the platform, and thus the support frame, relative to the horizontal on any change in the inclination of the track is adjustable with the aid of an adjustable actuator (30) which extends between the trolley and the support frame (25).

Description

LIFT DEVICE

The present invention relates to a lift assembly for moving living beings and/or articles, comprising a carriage which is moveable along an inclined track consisting of at least one rail, wherein the carriage at the upper and/or lower portion of the track can be brought into connection with a transfer area for transport to or from the carriage, wherein the carriage on one side or on each side is articulated with a trolley which is in moveable engagement with said rail or rails, said rail or rails extending parallel to respectively one or each side of the carriage, wherein the rail or rails are equipped with at least one longitudinal, fixed row of engaging means in the form of a chain, toothed bar or the like, where the trolley is provided with a motor which, optionally via a transmission, drives an engaging body, e.g., at least one toothed wheel, which forms moveable engagement with the rail via said engaging means, and where the position ofthe carriage relative to the horizontal is adjustable by means of an optional modification of the oblique position of the track.

A lift assembly of this type is known, inter alia from WO91/08162. However, certain problems are associated with this technical solution in respect to the carriage being capable of running clear of obstacles, e.g., steps in an aircraft staircase or steps in a staircase structure in a building. One of the objects of the present invention is to find a solution to this.

Such lift assemblies are also previously known where a carriage can be transported along a track with the aid of trolleys which are pivotally connected to a transport carriage by means of parallell tie rods, and where the distance between the parallell tie rods is adjustable to enable the carriage to be moved relative to the trolleys. The trolleys and carriage mounted thereto are moved along the track rails by means of a tension wire. Furthermore, the distance between the tie rods in the -articulation is adjusted by means of an angle rod capable of being actuated by means of a chain/motor unit. Although the known solution per se has proven to be useable in practice, it is a fact that there is great wear on the tension wires, whilst these also require maintenance and inspection in order to prevent damage from occurring.

Furthermore, a parallell tie rod solution is technically complex and rather impractical when in operation with regard to manoeuvring or control. In connection with use in an aircraft staircase, it is essential that when moving, e.g., wheelchair users, stretchers, food or other goods transport, a lift can be provided inside the aircraft staircase, which can follow the track along the steps ofthe staircase. Where the carriage is virtually U-shaped in cross-section, this will be perceived by persons on foot almost as a "passage" through which they walk before the aircraft staircase, whereas persons with walking difficulties will be able to use the carriage which is a part of the lift assembly for transport to the highest level of the staircase. As the situation often is, persons who are unable to use the staircase are generally carried.

For additional elucidation ofthe prior art, brief reference shall be made to DE 3213774, SE 500812, EP 0137577 and US 3966022.

A lift assembly as intended in connection with the present invention will be a multipurpose lift assembly which is not necessarily only intended for transport of physically disabled persons in wheelchairs, persons lying on a stretcher, or persons with walking difficulties, but also for loading and unloading food, beverages and other goods.

Although the present invention is illustrated and described in particular in connection with use in an aircraft staircase system, it will immediately be appreciated that the present lift assembly could just as easily be used in connection with access to a ship or other transport means, and also perhaps access to buildings and other structures.

It has been an object of the present invention to make a lift assembly of the type in question of maximum structural simplicity, whilst ensuring function-friendliness and safety.

All public buildings in, e.g., Norway must in genral be accessible to physically disabled persons. However, the same possibility has not been present for wheelchair users wishing to travel by plane or other means of public transport. Within the European Union there are some 60 to 80 million people with reduced mobility. The corresponding figure for Norway is about 400,000, of which about 120,000 are confined to a wheelchair. These groups represent major challenges to the airline companies, but require that conditions be made as favourable as possible. As the situation often is in connection with access to an aircraft, physically handicapped people often dread travelling by air because ofthe handling problems frequently encountered at the terminals. At larger airports great use is made of so-called air bridges which make it possible for physically disabled persons to move directly into the aircraft from the same level as the aircraft entrance. However, a number of airports do not have sufficient capacity to be able to take in all aircraft to such air bridges, and therefore mobile aircraft staircases are often used which are driven up to the aircrafts. Smaller airports make great use of such mobile aircraft staircases.

When mobile aircraft staircases are used, known lift assemblies per se can optionally be used as discussed above. However, these known types are encumbered with a number of mechanically speaking not entirely satisfactory solutions. In addition, it is known that far from the majority of airports have such lift assemblies available.

When mobile aircraft staircases are used, persons with walking difficulties will as a rule have to be carried up and down or transported with the aid of a so-called "staircase troll". In some cases relatively primitive means such as fork lift trucks are used. It is the aim of the major international airports to have special vehicles where the actual driver's cab can be raised up to the side ofthe aircraft, so that physically disabled persons can go straight in or out ofthe aircraft. These vehicles are found in many variants, most often for several passengers. Such vehicles are a considerable investment item for the airports and/or airline companies and represent a solution that is too elaborate and too costly for smaller airports where traffic is limited.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a lift assembly which simplifies the mechanical solutions and also in an improved manner increases operational reliability. The use of a lift assembly according to the invention makes possible a maximum reduction of the time the aircrafts spend on the ground, whilst the physical strain on the flight personnel who must help physically disabled persons or invalids, or perhaps move returned empties will be reduced significantly.

In particular in connection with the use associated with mobile aircraft staircases, it is important that the lift assembly is easily adjustable, since all such mobile aircraft staircases are height adjustable in that the angling ofthe staircase relative to the horizontal can be altered and/or that the staircase is telescopically extendible. Although the angularly adjustable solution has been the most common, there is now a growing tendency to use telescopically adjustable staircase systems. This means that the staircases which are used today at airports are to a great extent angle adjustable whilst telescopically adjustable staircase systems are those which will be most common in the future. The relevant market for such lift assemblies as comprised by the present invention is thus linked to both a present aircraft staircase market and future staircases where the installation may take place in connection with the aircraft staircase production.

An overriding object ofthe present invention has been to provide a lift assembly which is functional and does not expose the users or the surroundings to unnecessary risk, noise or other strain. Furthermore, it is an object ofthe invention to provide a lift assembly which is sturdy and operationally reliable, and at the same time has a structure of maximum simplicity, so that the maintenance will be as practical as possible. It is also a further objective ofthe lift assembly according to the present invention that it should be operable using simple control means. It is thus essential that no danger of pinching should arise, or that the users should be exposed to dirt and/or oil from the drive means which are a part of he lift assembly.

In particular in connection with an aircraft staircase, it is also vital that the bottom of the lift assembly can easily be released from the aircraft staircase or other similar structure, and that the lift assembly is otherwise designed so that it is mechanically simple and having typical wear parts readily accessible for replacement.

Furthermore, it would be an advantage in the case of a lift assembly of the present type to avoid connections to external power sources. All typical moveable functions should thus be linked to the actual lift assembly carriage and/or the rail system, and in such a way that the power supply is located on the carriage and/or in connection with the rail system. The power supply may optionally be rechargeable, e.g., in the end positions of the carriage.

It is also essential that the carriage in the case of a power cut can still be operated and that it should not be able to slide uncontrollably along the track. In an emergency, it must therefore be possible to actuate the moveable functional bodies of the lift assembly by means of manually actuatable means.

The aforementioned lift assembly is characterised according to the invention by the features which are set forth in the attached patent claims. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings which show the use ofthe lift assembly according to the invention in connection with an aircraft staircase solution.

However, it must be understood that this description ofthe invention is in no way to be perceived as limiting for the use ofthe invention, as it is conceivable that the invention may easily be transferred to uses in other areas where there is a need to move living beings and/or articles.

Figs. 1 - 4 show a first embodiment of the lift assembly according to the invention, used with an aircraft staircase.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the lift assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows the lift assembly in Fig. 5 connected to a rail system.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the lift assembly in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 8 shows a detail ofthe lift assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a detail with regard to a trolley and rail which are parts of the lift assembly.

Figs. 10 - 13 show the lift assembly according to the invention in different operative positions.

Fig. 14 shows the lift assembly according to the invention in a second embodiment.

Figs. 15 - 20 show the lift assembly in Fig. 14 in various operative positions.

Figs. 21 - 23 show schematically details linked to the carriage and trolley of the lift assembly.

Figs. 24 and 25 show a third embodiment ofthe lift assembly according to the invention. Figs. 26 and 27 show closer details of the lift assembly in Figs. 24 and 25.

Figs. 28 and 29 show additional structural details of the lift assembly as shown in Figs. 24 - 27.

Figs. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the lift assembly according to the invention, shown in connection with a mobile aircraft staircase. In Fig. 1 the carriage 1 of the lift assembly is shown in a lower position and in Fig. 2 in an upper position. As is made clear in Fig. 1 , rails 2, 3 forming the track along which the carriage 1 is to move, are provided along the side walls of the staircase. In the illustrated example, the lift assembly is connected to an aircraft staircase 4 which is angularly adjustable by means of an actuator 5. The aircraft staircase 4 is in a known way articulated with a rear portion of a vehicle 6, and in a corresponding manner the actuator 5 is also articulated with the vehicle 6 at its lower portion and to the upper part of the aircraft staircase 4 at its upper portion.

In Fig. 3 it is shown that the carriage 1 may be equipped with a plate 7 which is capable of being folded out into a horizontal position where leg 8 can be folded down towards the carriage floor 9, thereby enabling the plate 7 to form support for a stretcher or other goods which should be transported in a horizontal position. In Fig. 4, the plate 7 is shown inlaid in one side wall 10 of the carriage 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the lift assembly carriage 1 consists of a platform consisting of said floor 9. one side wall 10 and a further side wall 1 1. On the top thereof, the side walls 10, 1 1 are preferably provided with respective hand rail 10' and 1 1 '.

The said platform consisting of the floor 9 and the wall 10 has, according to a preferred embodiment, an approximately U-shaped cross-section and is adapted to fit into a framework ofthe carriage 1, where the framework is generally designated by means of the reference numeral 12. The framework 12 is articulated with a tiltable inclined plane or ramp 13. An actuator or gas spring 14 extends between the framework 12 and the ramp 13 to assist in the movement ofthe ramp relative to the framework. Seen in a longitudinal direction, the framework at the opposite end thereof is provided with an additional blocking means 15. Although this blocking means 15 per se could have been a ramp corresponding to the ramp 13, it is according to the preferred, but for the invention non-limiting, embodiment of the assembly a raisable and lowerable step. This step 15, as further illustrated in Fig. 8, consists of parallell members 15' such that on action of the actuator pair 16, 17. the blocking means 15 may either have the form of a step, as shown in Fig. 5, or may be made flat as shown in Fig. 8. The framework 12 on its underside is provided with feet 18, 19 and 20. In order to obtain a framework of maximum rigidity, it may be expedient to provide it with bottom plates 21 and 22. The bottom portion ofthe framework 12 may also serve as storage space for an electric accumulator which is designed to be the power source for the actuators which form part of the carriage and for the drive motor which is to operate the carriage trolley. In Fig. 5 the accumulator is schematically indicated by means ofthe reference numeral 23. Furthermore, the bottom portion of the framework may be provided with an electronic governor unit 24 which controls the operation of actuators and motors based on control signals from a control panel (not shown). The transmission of electric signals from the control panel to the governor unit 24 may take place wirelessly or by means of a cable which, e.g., can be plugged into one of the side walls 10, 1 1 or into the framework with further wire connection (not shown) to the unit 24.

Along the sides ofthe framework 12 there is provided in slidable engagement therewith a support frame 25 which can be moved up and down by means of at least one actuator 26. The support frame 26 is at a first point 27 articulated with a trolley 28 and at a second point 29 located thereabove articulated with an actuator 30 which has its second end articulated with an upper portion of the trolley 28. The trolley 28 is designed to move along a rail 31, and to be capable of being moved along the rail with the aid of the action of a motor 32. When the height ofthe staircase is to be adjusted, said actuator 5. is, as mentioned, activated. This causes the angle of track rails 31 and 33 to be altered relative to the horizontal as is indicated by means of a large arrow on Fig. 7. In Figs. 7 to 13, for the sake of simplicity, only the rail 31 is shown. In order to be able to compensate for the change in angular position ofthe rails 31 , 33 the actuators 30 and 34 (of which only the actuator 30 is shown in Figs. 7, 9-13) are activated so that the support frame 25 turns relative to the trolley 28 until the platform floor 9 assumes an approximately horizontal position.

In Fig. 9 it is illustrated how a rail, e.g., the rail 31, may be equipped with an engaging means, e.g., a fixed chain or rack toothed bar 35. The trolley 28 is equipped with wheels 36 which roll along the rail 31 in such a way that the trolley cannot be tipped off the rail 31. The motor 32 is connected to a toothed driving wheel 37, optionally via a transmission 38, so that the toothed wheel 37 engages with the toothed bar 35, thereby enabling the carriage 1 to be moved along the rail 31 by means of the moveable engagement between the toothed wheel 37 and the toothed bar 35. An interesting aspect ofthe solution shown in Fig. 9 is that it makes possible a simple release of the carriage 1 from the rail system 31 , 33, in that the motor 32 is controlled so that the normally lower position of the toothed wheel 37 as shown in Fig. 9 remains beyond the lower end ofthe toothed bar, whereby the trolley 28 in a simple manner can be drawn away from the respective rail. In contrast to known solutions this is a considerable improvement. Since all the moveable parts are found on the actual carriage 1, including the trolley, it may be advantageous to be able to release the whole carriage in this way for maintenance purposes.

In order to ensure a maximum support strength in respectively the support frame 25 and the framework 12 of the platform, the support frame 25 is equipped with cross-braces 25' and similarly the framework 12 is equipped with inclined cross-braces 12'. In Fig. 1 1 it is shown how the ramp 13 is folded up with the aid of the actuator 14. The blocking device 15, as shown, is in blocking position. The framework 12 is moved relative to the support frame 25 by means of the actuator 26, whereby in reality the platform, consisting of the floor 9 and the walls 10, 11, moves upwards. This position is necessary if the carriage 1 during transport along the rails 31 and 33 is to be capable of clearing the staircase steps which otherwise are found in the aircraft staircase 4, if the lift assembly is used in connection with an aircraft staircase. As can be seen clearly from Figs. 1 1 and 12, the framework 12 is thus moved upwards relative to the rail 31 until the bottom of the framework 12 is approximately at the same level as the lower portion of the rail 31. As shown in Fig. 13, the carriage in this position will, when it is moved upwards along the rails 31, 33, run well clear 4' of the steps of the actual aircraft staircase 4.

Thus, with the aid of relatively simple means a lift assembly is provided which is mechanically simple, and very maintenance friendly , whilst it is simple and secure to use.

A second embodiment of the lift assembly according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to Figures 14 - 23. Also in this case, the lift assembly is intended to be used in connection with a telescopically adjustable aircraft staircase of a known type per se. The aircraft staircase is generally indicated by means ofthe reference numeral 39 and consists of the two mutually displaceable parts 39' and 39". The lift assembly consists of a rail 40 and a further rail 41 parallel thereto. Furthermore, the lift assembly comprises a trolley 42, a support frame 43 and a laterally foldable platform 44 capable of being moved upwards and downwards. Although the lift assembly in Fig. 14 is shown having two rails 40 and 41 running in parallel relation, it will be understood that the lift assembly could just as easily have one rail, e.g., the rail 40. More details regarding the trolley 42, the support frame 43 and the moveable platform 44 can be seen from Figs. 21 - 23, in addition to Figures 15 - 20.

From Figs 21 - 23 it can be seen that the trolley 42 is pivotally connected to the support frame 43 at a point of rotation 45. If the angular position of the aircraft staircase 39 relative to the horizontal is changed as a result ofthe operation of an actuator 46 between the aircraft staircase and the vehicle 47, it is possible to adjust the position of the support frame 43 relative to the trolley 42, so that the normally vertically positioned post of the support frame 43 will remain standing approximately vertically. This mutual adjustment ofthe angle between the support frame 43 and the trolley 42 can take place on the actuation of an actuator 48 which extends between the trolley 42 and an upper point on the support frame 43, the turning taking place about the point of rotation 45. The support frame 43 has an actuator 49. The support frame 43 has a telescopically adapted part 43' that is moveable upwards and downwards, the actuator 49 extending between the actual support frame 43 and its telescopic part 43', as shown in particular in Fig. 21. By means of the actuator 49, the platform 44 can thus be moved upwards and downwards. A brace rod 50 forms a connection between the support frame part 43' and the platform 44. The trolley 42 is expediently equipped with a power accumulator 51 and a steering regulator 52 which, e.g., can be operated from a control panel 53 on the actual trolley. Use of a power accumulator 51 means that electric cables to the trolley are avoided, but it will be appreciated immediately that the battery can be charged, e.g., in the lower or upper position of the carriage 42 - 44. Moreover, the trolley is provided with a motor 54 which, via an optional transmission, forms a connection with driving wheels 55 and 56. The driving wheels 55 and 56 are preferably toothed wheels which can engage with toothed members 57 on the rails 40 and 41. Both the driving wheels 55, 56 and the toothed elements 57 on the rails are only shown schematically to illustrate the inventive idea, and what is shown and described must thus not be perceived as a limitation with respect to choice of embodiment. However, a design of the driving wheels and optionally a portion therebetween such that additional suspension ofthe trolley on the actual transport rail will be unnecessary can be visualised.

In Fig. 15 it can be seen how the platform 44 is folded downwards in the direction transverse to the staircase 39 and the telescopic part 43^' of the support frame has been brought into a lower position, thereby enabling a wheelchair user 57 to wheel his wheelchair 58 onto the platform 44. The platform 44 can be closed by means of a forward ramp or flap 59 and a rear ramp or flap 60. This is shown in more detail in Fig. 16. When the wheelchair user is properly in place on the platform 44 with his wheelchair 58, the actuator 49 causes the telescopic part 43' of the support frame to be moved upwards together with the brace rod 50 and the platform 44, so that the platform 44 reaches a height relative to the support frame 43 which allows the platform 44 during the transport up along the aircraft staircase to run clear ofthe steps 61 of the staircase. If the movement ofthe lift assembly optionally is to be ended at an upper plateau 62 of the staircase 39, it will be seen immediately that it may be necessary to adjust the angle between the trolley 42 and the support frame 43, so that the platform 44 still has an approximately horizontal position.

The solution illustrated in Figs. 14 - 23 is simple in its structure and makes possible simple maintenance and even simple dismounting ofthe carriage 42, 43, 44 in that the motor 54 is controlled so that the toothed driving wheel 55 for the lower rail 40 runs clear ofthe lowermost, toothed portion of the rail 40, whereby the carriage 42, 43, 44 can be removed from the aircraft staircase. In such a case, the only part remaining fixed on the aircraft staircase is the passive part in the form ofthe rails 40, 41 , optionally only the rail 40 if a monorail system is used, as in the embodiment discussed in connection with an aircraft staircase ofthe type shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

Although it would be simplest to have a straight rail 40 and a straight rail 41 , it must not, however, be ruled out that the rail 41 may have an upper approximately horizontal portion 41 ' in connection with the plateau 62. This means that there will be a curved transition portion between the rail 41 and the part 41 ' thereof. This also means, of course, that the actuator 48 will then have to come into function in order to keep the support frame 43 in an approximately vertical position.

In Figs. 24 and 25 it is shown how the carriage, here designated 63, at the area thereof which is closest to the staircase 64 is designed to have a chamfered portion 63 ' , so that it runs clear of the staircase 64.

However, as is shown in Figs. 26 and 27, it is conceivable that the inclination of the staircase must be altered, depending upon how high the staircase is to extend above the ground. In order to be able to ensure that the carriage 63 has the correct angle relative to the horizontal, a support arm 66 is fixedly secured to each trolley 65, forming a pivotal connection with a support frame 67 ofthe carriage 63 at a point of rotation 68 on the support arm 66. The support arm has a first portion 66' which extends from the point of attachment 66'" on the trolley 65 to a point of rotation 68, and a second portion 66" which extends from the point of rotation 68 to a point of application 69 for an adjustable actuator 70 which is pivotally suspended at a support site 71 in the support frame 67. The position of the support frame 67 relative to the horizontal is adjustable by actuating the actuator, this being provided with a electrically controllable motor 72. The motor 72 can as shown be attached to a side portion ofthe actuator 70 or at the end portion thereof. The actuator may be of any, appropriate type known per see.

It would be desirable for the position ofthe support frame to be adjustable relative to the horizontal either manually via a manoeuvre panel 73 (see Fig. 25) or in a more automatic manner with the aid of a horizontality sensor 74 which is suspended on the support frame 67. The sensor 74 may be of the type which has a depending pendulum arm 75, optionally provided with an inertia mechanism 76, so that it is not easily affected by the movement ofthe carriage up or down along the staircase, but primarily is only sensitive to differences in inclination relative to a set standard. The sensor 74, on deviation from a desired position ofthe support frame 67 relative to the horizontal, will automatically cause the motor 72 ofthe actuator 70 to operate and so cause the support arm 66 to turn about the point of rotation 68. The pendulum arm will normally hang vertically, whereas on the other hand end sensors 77. 78 for the movement of the pendulum arm will respectively react when the lower end of the pendulum arm comes too close to or touches respective sensor 77, 78, which initiates the motor 72 to operate, so that the actuator either pushes or pulls at the point of application 69. The end sensors 77, 78 may optionally be microswitches. Within the scope of the invention it is, of course, possible to make use of other types of horizontality sensors, and the solution just indicated is not deemed in any way to be limiting for the present invention.

Through the use ofthe support arm 66 in reality a lever structure is formed where the distance between the point of attachment 66'" on the trolley 65 and the point of rotation 68, defined as a first distance Dl , is smaller than the distance between the point of rotation 68 and the point of application 69, defined as a second distance D2. The ratio of Dl to D2 is preferably in the range of from 1 :2 to 1 : 10. This also reduces the forces required to be able to tip the support frame 67 (and with it the carriage 63) relative to the trolley 65. Although the support frame 67 is shown with no framework 9, 10, 1 1 mounted thereon, it must be understood that this will be in place and that the framework 9. 10, 1 1 is either stationary relative to the support frame 67 or moveable, as shown and described previously.

Where the carriage is to move along a staircase which has a fixed or adjustable inclination, it will be of advantage to allow the track rail or rails, as indicated, e.g., by means ofthe reference numeral 79 in Fig. 26, to have an angle of inclination β which is greater than the angle of inclination α ofthe staircase. The difference between Zα and Zβ is Zγ which may lie in the range of 2° to 20°, although this range should be perceived as a provisionally preferred and non-limiting range for the invention. The advantage of this angle difference γ is that said rail(s) do not need to run in general further down than to the side wall of the lowest step. Furthermore, it can be seen that the arm 66 extends some way upwards along the rail before it is secured to the trolley.

Although what has been illustrated and described is meant to illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, it will immediately be understood that to a person versed in the art it would be obvious to make changes in terms of both appearance and structure, without thereby departing from the main principles ofthe present invention. The present invention and its claims are therefore intended to comprise all modifications as would be obvious to the skilled person.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1.

A lift assembly for moving living beings and/or articles, comprising a carriage that is moveable along an inclined track consisting of at least one rail, wherein the carriage at the uppermost and lowermost portion of the track can be brought into connection with a transfer area for transport to and from the carriage, wherein the carriage at one side or on each side is articulated with a trolley which is in moveable engagement with said rail or rails, said rail or rails extending in parallel relation along respectively one side or each side ofthe carriage, wherein the rail or rails are equipped with at least one longitudinal fixed row of engaging means in the form of a chain, rack toothed bar or the like, wherein the trolley is provided with a motor which, via an optional transmission, operates an engaging body, e.g., at least one toothed wheel, which forms moveable engagement with the rail via said engaging means, and wherein the position of the carriage relative to the horizontal is adjustable to accommodate a possible change in the inclination ofthe track, characterised in that the carriage has at least one support frame having a platform that is moveable upwards and downwards in relation thereto.

2.

An assembly as disclosed in Claim 1, characterised in that the carriage has

- a support frame having an approximately U-shaped cross-section, - a framework supporting a platform, said platform comprising a floor having upright side walls along the longitudinal edges ofthe platform, wherein the support frame optionally has means for temporarily closing at least partly the vertical transverse openings ofthe platform, and wherein the framework is in slidable engagement with the support frame, -actuators secured between the support frame and the framework for raising and lowering the platform,

- actuators, optionally gas springs, which are secured between the framework and said closing means for movement of said closing means,

-two trolleys provided with a motor and articulated with the support frame and having rail engaging means,

- actuators secured between the support frame and respective trolley for angular adjustment of the carriage relative to the track rails, - control means for operating the actuators and motors, and

-electric power supply to the control means, e.g., an accumulator secured to the framework of the carriage.

3.

An assembly as disclosed in Claim 2, characterised in that at least one of the side walls ofthe platform is equipped with a body capable of being folded out, e.g., a plate, for support of an article and/or a living being.

4.

An assembly as disclosed in Claim 1 , characterised in that the carriage consists of :

- the support frame which is provided with a telescopic lower part that can be moved upwards and downwards, the platform being articulated with the lower part ofthe support frame, and is moveable upwards and downwards relative to the support frame, and that along the longitudinal edges ofthe floor of the platform there are optionally provided upright, longitudinal side walls and optional means for temporarily closing at least partly the vertical transverse openings of the platform,

- an actuator secured between the support frame and the moveable telescopically arranged part for raising and lowering the platform. - optional actuators or gas springs, which are secured between the framework and said closing means for movement of said closing means,

-a trolley provided with a motor and articulated with the support frame and having rail engaging means,

- an actuator secured between the support frame and respective trolley for angular adjustment ofthe carriage relative to the track rails,

- control means for operating the actuators and motors, and

-electric power supply to the control means, e.g., an accumulator secured to the trolley or the framework ofthe carriage.

5.

A lift assembly as disclosed in one ofthe preceding claims, characterised in that the track is extendible, adjacent rails being mutually moveable in parallel relation, e.g., designed to have telescopic means or to be telescopic themselves, that the engaging body operated by the trolley motor has two toothed wheels, where one is designed to engage with a first rail and the other is designed to engage with a second rail in parallel adjacent relation, and wherein both toothed wheels engage simultaneously with its respective rail in a rail overlapping area.

6. A lift assembly for moving living beings and/or articles, comprising a carriage that is moveable along an inclined track consisting of at least one rail, wherein the carriage at the uppermost and lowermost portion ofthe track can be brought into connection with a transfer area for transport to and from the carriage, wherein the carriage at one side or on each side is articulated with a trolley which is in moveable engagement with said rail or rails, said rail or rails extending in parallel relation along respectively one side or each side of the carriage, wherein the rail or rails are equipped with at least one longitudinal fixed row of engaging means in the form of a chain, rack toothed bar or the like, wherein the trolley is provided with a motor which, via an optional transmission, operates an engaging body, e.g., at least one toothed wheel, which forms moveable engagement with the rail via said engaging means, and wherein the position ofthe carriage relative to the horizontal is adjustable to accommodate a possible change in the inclination of the track, characterised in that to the trolley there is attached a support arm which forms a pivotal connection with the carriage support frame at a point of rotation on the support arm. said support arm having a first portion extending from the trolley to the point of rotation and a second portion extending from the point of rotation to a point of application for an adjustable actuator which is pivotally suspended in the support frame, whereby the position ofthe support frame relative to the horizontal is adjustable on the actuation of the actuator.

7.

An assembly as disclosed in Claim 6, characterised in that the carriage in addition to the support frame has a framework having an approximately U-shaped cross-section, wherein the framework supports a platform, said platform comprising a floor having upright side walls along the longitudinal edges of the platform, wherein the support frame optionally has means for temporarily closing at least partly the vertical transverse openings ofthe platform, and wherein the framework is in slidable engagement with the support frame, - control means for operating the actuators and trolley motor, and

8.

An assembly as disclosed in Claim 7, characterised in that at least one of the side walls of the platform is equipped with a body capable of being folded out, e.g., a plate, for support of an article and/or a living being.

9.

A lift assembly as disclosed in claim 6, characterised in that a horizontality sensor is suspended on the support frame, the sensor on deviation from a desired position ofthe support frame relative to the horizontal automatically causing the actuator to operate in order to cause the support frame to turn about the point of rotation ofthe support arm.

10.

A lift assembly as disclosed in Claim 9, characterised in that the distance between the trolley and the point of rotation, defined as a first distance, is less than the distance between the point of rotation and the point of application, defined as a second distance, thereby forming a torque arm.

11. A lift assembly as defined in Claim 10. characterised in that the ratio of the first distance to the second distance is in the range of from 1 :2 to 1 :10.

12.

A lift assembly as disclosed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage is to move along a staircase which has fixed or adjustable inclination, characterised in that the track rail or rails has/have an angle of inclination which is greater than the angle of inclination ofthe staircase.

13. A lift assembly as disclosed in Claim 12, characterised in that the difference between the angle of inclination of the rail and the angle of inclination of the staircase is an acute angle in the range of 2° to 20°.