Stair lifting auxiliary device with flexible tension element

Abstract

The utility model relates to a stair lifting auxiliary device with a flexible tension element. The device comprises a pedal which is lower than a standard stair step, and a group of flexible tension elements which connect the pedal with the upper body of a user. The flexible tension elements include resilient members and can be held by hand or connected to the body so that the user can move the foot treadle from one stair step to another stair step. The pedal can move independently of the feet of the user and can also move synchronously with the feet of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] For older adults and those with mobility issues, climbing stairs can be challenging due to factors such as decreased muscle strength, poor balance, joint pain, and reduced endurance. Existing solutions have limitations that make them impractical for everyday use. Background Technology

[0002] Several devices are known to aid in climbing stairs. Patents WO1996012529A1, EP0768077A1, FR2810211A1, US5907913A, and DE102019001872A1 describe various types of foot pedals that attach to the foot using straps and fasteners. However, these solutions have several drawbacks. Users must bend over or lift their feet to attach the foot pedal, which is both inconvenient and challenging for people with mobility impairments. If the foot pedal is worn like a slipper, it may not require the hands, but this could lead to an unstable connection and be dangerous when moving up stairs. Similar to footwear, foot pedals must fit the user's foot size, requiring the production of products in different sizes, which increases manufacturing costs. Foot pedals can be heavy, adding extra burden to the feet. If the foot pedal is made of lightweight, durable materials used in athletic shoes, it would increase product costs.

[0003] Patents US3884327A, US4274430A, DE3005482A1, US4844199A, US5318057A, WO9934761A1, and JP2010162304A propose cane-based solutions with foot pedals approximately half the height of a stair step. These solutions also have several drawbacks. When moving on flat surfaces, users may not need the cane, as pain and discomfort primarily occur when going up and down stairs. However, the use of canes makes these devices bulky and inconvenient for daily use. Walking on flat surfaces with a cane and foot pedals at the end is both inconvenient and difficult. When the cane is tilted at an angle, the weight of the foot pedals generates significant torque, often causing the cane in the user's hand to twist, making it difficult to control and use effectively. Removing the foot pedals from the cane and then reconnecting them each time going up and down stairs is inconvenient and inefficient. The mechanism for fixing the foot pedals to the cane complicates the design and increases cost. This invention addresses these shortcomings and aims to create a convenient, portable, compact, and cost-effective stair-climbing lifting device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The stair-climbing lifting device proposed in this invention includes foot pedals and a set of flexible tension elements that connect the foot pedals to the user's upper body (such as hands, shoulders, torso, or neck). These flexible tension elements also include elastic components.

[0005] In one preferred embodiment, the foot pedal is designed such that when lifted and carried using a flexible tension element, the freely suspended foot pedal, while inevitably rotating, will not prevent the user from placing it in the desired position. This is achieved by symmetrically designing the foot pedal and connecting the flexible tension element at the geometric center of its upper surface. In another preferred embodiment, the foot pedal is secured to the user's foot due to the tension of the flexible tension element and the friction generated between the sole of the foot and the foot pedal.

[0006] Other features include a control handle, a neck or shoulder strap for load distribution, a flexible elastic tube for reducing the impact of the foot pedals on the stair steps, small-diameter holes on the upper foot pedal panel for securing the elastic rope, and other enhancements.

[0007] A stair lifting auxiliary device with a flexible tension element, comprising:

[0008] A footboard that is lower than the height of a stair step;

[0009] A set of flexible tension elements connects the foot pedal to the user's upper body;

[0010] The set of flexible tension elements allows the user to place the foot pedal on different stair steps and step on the foot pedal when going up or down the steps, thereby raising or lowering the user's body relative to the height of the stair steps.

[0011] The upper body refers to the hands, shoulders, torso, or neck.

[0012] The set of flexible tension elements is connected to the user's upper body via a control handle.

[0013] The upper surface of the foot pedal has a center of symmetry, and a single flexible tension element is connected to the foot pedal at the center of symmetry.

[0014] The set of flexible tension elements includes an elastic element for pressing the foot pedal against one of the user's feet and moving the foot pedal together with the foot.

[0015] The set of flexible tension elements is connected to the user's shoulder via a shoulder strap.

[0016] The foot pedal is made of sheet plastic or plywood.

[0017] The foot pedal includes a protrusion on which a flexible elastic tube is disposed.

[0018] The set of flexible tension elements described herein is made of circular elastic ropes.

[0019] The elastic rope is fixed to the foot pedal through a circular opening and an adjacent gap on the surface of the foot pedal. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the elastic rope when it is not stretched, and the width of the gap is smaller than the diameter of the elastic rope when it is not stretched. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of an axisymmetric foot pedal, with a rope connected to the center of its top panel.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of a user controlling the foot pedal through one end of a flexible tension element.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a 3D image of the user lowering the foot pedal to the ground.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a 3D image of the user stepping on the pedal.

[0024] Figures 5A-5D It is a sequence of rear views of a user climbing stairs using axially symmetrical foot pedals, with a rope attached to the center of the top panel of the foot pedals.

[0025] Figures 6A-6D It is a series of detailed three-dimensional diagrams of an axisymmetric foot pedal.

[0026] Figures 7A-7I It is a sequence of rear views of a user climbing stairs using two foot pedals, one foot pedal being one-third the height of a stair step and the other foot pedal being two-thirds the height of a stair step.

[0027] Figure 8A It is a 3D diagram of a user using a foot pedal with a flexible tension element.

[0028] Figure 8B It is a 3D view of a foot pedal with a flexible tension element.

[0029] Figures 9A-9C This is a sequence of rear views of a user climbing stairs using foot pedals with flexible tension elements.

[0030] Figures 10A-10D It is a series of three-dimensional diagrams showing the steps involved in attaching an elastic rope to a plate-like component.

[0031] Figures 11A-11C This is a perspective view of a universal foot pedal designed for use with either a flexible tension element attached to the side or a non-flexible tension element attached to the center of the foot pedal top plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The first preferred embodiment of this utility model is as follows: Figure 1As shown. The height of foot pedal 1 is approximately half the height of a stair step. Foot pedal 1 has an axis of symmetry 2. A flexible tension element 3 is attached to the center of the upper surface of the foot pedal. The other end of the flexible tension element is held by the user. An anti-slip pad 4 is attached to the upper panel of foot pedal 1. An elastic tubular element 5 is fixed around the foot pedal to mitigate potential impacts from other hard surfaces.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the user lifts the foot pedal by holding one end of the flexible tension element, as... Figure 3 As shown, place it on any horizontal surface. Suspend it. Figure 2 The foot pedal on the flexible tension element can rotate around the axis of symmetry 2, which the user may find difficult to control. However, the symmetrical shape of the foot pedal and the central attachment of the flexible tension element make this rotation insignificant, as it does not prevent the user from placing the foot pedal in the desired position.

[0034] After moving the foot pedal, the user slightly lowers their hand holding the free end of the flexible tension element to reduce tension, and then steps onto the foot pedal. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible tension element 3 bends and is partially held under the user's feet.

[0035] The user moves the foot pedal sequentially from one stair step to another, entering the foot pedal on the previous step before ascending the next. Each individual movement raises or lowers the user by approximately half a stair step. This movement requires less effort than climbing the full height of the stair step, significantly reducing the load on the leg muscles and joints, and minimizing knee flexion compared to stepping onto the stair step.

[0036] Figures 5A-5D The sequence of actions when ascending the stairs is shown. The user stands in front of the stairs with their right foot on the footrest. Figure 5A Users shift their weight onto their right foot and place their left foot on the first step of the stairs. Figure 5B Then, the user leans on their left foot, lifts their right foot, and places it on the first step of the stairs. Figure 5C The user stands with both feet on the first step of the stairs and moves the foot pedal to the first step (Figure 5D). From this position, the user places their right foot on the foot pedal again and repeats the cycle.

[0037] Figure 6A The main body of the axisymmetric foot pedal 1 is shown from above. Figure 6B Displayed from bottom to top. Figure 6C An axisymmetric foot pedal 1 with a protective elastic tubular element is shown. Figure 6DThe image shows a cross-sectional view of an axisymmetric foot pedal. This foot pedal can be made of materials such as plywood. The foot pedal is assembled by inserting the tabs 6 of the side wall 7 into the holes 8 in the bottom 9 and the top plate 10, and securing the top plate 10 and bottom 9 with countersunk screws 11 and Ericsson nuts 12. To mitigate potential impacts from vertical and horizontal surfaces of the stair treads, the top plate 10 and bottom plate 9 are fitted with protrusions 13, on which flexible, resilient tubes 14 are mounted.

[0038] To allow the user to occasionally loosen the free end of the flexible tension element, this end is secured to the upper part of the user's body to prevent it from falling and to reduce the strain on the user when bending over to lift it. Loosening the free end of the flexible tension element allows the user to temporarily free their hands to rest it on a stair railing or a nearby wall. The free end of the flexible tension element can be secured by a bracelet on the wrist, a shoulder strap, a neck strap, or other known methods.

[0039] Using two foot pedals further facilitates climbing stairs. One foot pedal is approximately one-third the height of a step, and the other is approximately two-thirds the height of a step. By alternating between the lower foot pedal and the higher foot pedal, and then stepping onto the next step, the user divides climbing a staircase into three steps, with each step only raising the user's body a small portion, approximately one-third the height of a step. Left foot pedal 15 ( Figure 7A The height of the right foot pedal is equivalent to one-third of the height of the stair step (low foot pedal), and the right foot pedal is 16 ( Figure 7A The height of the footrest is equivalent to two-thirds of the height of a stair step (high footrest). In the initial position, the user places their left foot on the low footrest 15 ( Figure 7A Then, the user shifts their weight onto their left foot and places their right foot on the high foot pedal 16. Figure 7B Then, using the right foot as support, the user moves the left foot to the first step of the stairs. Figure 7C Then move your right foot to the first step of the stairs. Figure 7D Thus, the user has moved to the first step of the stairs. To begin climbing the second step, both foot pedals must be moved to the first step. Using the flexible tension element 17, the user first lifts the lower foot pedal 15 with their left hand. Figure 7E Step on it with your left foot. Figure 7F Then, using the flexible tension element 18, lift the high foot pedal 16 with your right hand and place it to the right of your right foot. Figure 7G ). Figure 7G The position in the middle and Figure 7A The position is similar, except that in Figure 7GIn this sequence, the user stands on the first step of the stairs instead of the floor. This cycle is then repeated. The user places their right foot on the higher step on the right side. Figure 7H ). Figure 7H The position in the middle is repeated Figure 7B It was in a middle position, but now everything has risen to a higher level. Figure 7I In the middle, the user places their left foot on the second step of the stairs and repeats the process at a new height. Figure 7C The user only needs to exert minimal effort when climbing the stairs; each movement raises or lowers the user by about one-third of the height of the stair step.

[0040] In a first preferred embodiment of this invention, the user first moves the foot pedal, and then moves his foot. In a second preferred embodiment, the foot pedal is connected by a flexible tension element (…). Figures 8A-8B The foot pedal 20 is attached to one of the user's feet and moves in sync with the foot. This reduces the number of steps the user needs to take when going up or down stairs. Two elastic cords 21 and 22 are attached to the side of the rectangular foot pedal 20; these cords are made of materials such as rubber or silicone. Cords 21 and 22 converge and are secured to the handle 23. The cord length is chosen to accommodate the user gripping the handle 23. Figure 8A When the foot is placed on foot pedal 20, the elastic cords are stretched. The elasticity of these cords presses foot pedal 20 against the user's foot. Due to this force and the anti-slip pads 25 adhered to the upper panel 24 of foot pedal 20, friction is generated between the foot and the upper panel of foot pedal, thus securing the foot to foot pedal 20. Handle 23 allows the user to slightly adjust the angle of cords 21 and 22 relative to the upper panel of foot pedal and hold these elastic cords to make this angle as close to a right angle as possible. In this position, the force pulling foot pedal 20 towards the foot and the friction between the foot and foot pedal are maximized, causing the user's foot to move with the foot pedal as if the foot pedal were rigidly connected to the foot. At the same time, the user hardly feels the weight of the foot pedal because the weight of foot pedal 20 is compensated by the elasticity of the cords, which is transmitted to the user's shoulder through shoulder strap 26. Foot pedal 20 is not too heavy for the shoulder, and the foot on the foot pedal and the hand holding handle 23 feel almost no load.

[0041] When at the initial position ( Figure 9A When climbing stairs using foot pedal 20, the user's left foot is on the floor, and their right foot is on the foot pedal, which is also on the floor. The user shifts their weight onto their right foot and places their left foot on the first step. Figure 9B ).

[0042] Then, the user shifts their weight onto their left foot, and moves their right foot, along with the foot pedal, onto the first step of the stairs. Figure 9CThen, the cycle repeats. In this embodiment of the invention, the foot pedal moves synchronously with the user's foot, unlike in the first embodiment where the foot pedal and the user's foot move asynchronously.

[0043] In other embodiments of this invention, the handle may be absent, and the flexible tension element may be directly connected to a wrist strap, shoulder strap, or waist belt. The most important point here is that the flexible tension element stretches between the foot pedal and any point on the user's upper body, ensuring the foot pedal is securely attached to the foot.

[0044] The foot pedal 20 is also structurally made of sheet material such as plywood. An elastic tube 27 protects the foot pedal 20 from impacts, similar to tube 14 in the first embodiment. Elastic ropes 21 and 22 are connected to circular holes in the upper panel 24. The connection principle is as follows... Figures 10A-10D As shown. The diameter of the hole on sheet 28 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the elastic rope 29. Figure 10A When one end of the elastic rope 29 is stretched ( Figure 10B Its diameter will decrease, allowing it to be inserted into the hole 31 through the gap 30. Figure 10C When the rope tension is released, its diameter will increase again. Figure 10D Therefore, at the contact point, friction is generated between the outer surface of the rope 29 and the inner surface of the hole 31, thereby firmly connecting the elastic rope 29 and the corresponding sheet 28 together. In other embodiments of this invention, an elastic tube or a flat elastic band can be used as the flexible tension element.

[0045] Figures 11A-11C An embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the foot pedal 32 is axially symmetrical and has a hole 33 at the center for connecting the rope 34 (similar to the first embodiment), and a hole 35 on the top plate for connecting the flexible tension element 36 (similar to the second embodiment). Thus, the user can use the same foot pedal, either asynchronously moving the foot and the foot pedal as in the first embodiment, or synchronously moving the foot pedal and one of the feet as in the second embodiment.

[0046] Figures 5A-5D Tables 7A-7I and 9A-9C illustrate the process of going up stairs. The same foot pedals can also be used to go down stairs. When going down stairs, the user can step onto the foot pedal first, and then step onto the next lower step, thus reducing the height of each descent.

[0047] These models are simple to manufacture, compact in structure, and easy to use, making them suitable for different user groups. Although certain novel features of this utility model have been shown, described, and pointed out in the appended claims, this utility model is not intended to be limited to the foregoing details, as it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the form and details of the described device and its operation without departing in any way from the spirit of this utility model.

[0048] Without further analysis, the above content fully discloses the essence of this utility model, so that others can easily apply this utility model to various applications using existing knowledge, without losing the basic features that constitute the general or specific aspects of this utility model from the perspective of the prior art.

Claims

1. A stair lifting auxiliary device with a flexible tension element, characterized in that, include: A footboard that is lower than the height of a stair step; A set of flexible tension elements connects the foot pedal to the user's upper body; The set of flexible tension elements allows the user to place the foot pedal on different stair steps and step on the foot pedal when going up or down the steps, thereby raising or lowering the user's body relative to the height of the stair steps.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper body refers to the hands, shoulders, torso, or neck.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set of flexible tension elements is connected to the user's upper body via a control handle.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the foot pedal has a center of symmetry, and a single flexible tension element is connected to the foot pedal at the center of symmetry.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set of flexible tension elements includes an elastic element for pressing the foot pedal against one of the user's feet and moving the foot pedal together with the foot.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set of flexible tension elements is connected to the user's shoulder via a shoulder strap.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foot pedal is made of sheet plastic or plywood.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The foot pedal includes a protrusion on which a flexible elastic tube is disposed.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The set of flexible tension elements described herein is made of circular elastic ropes.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The elastic rope is fixed to the foot pedal through a circular opening and an adjacent gap on the surface of the foot pedal. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the elastic rope when it is not stretched, and the width of the gap is smaller than the diameter of the elastic rope when it is not stretched.

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