Device for assisting with ascending and descending stairs with multiple flexible pull elements

Abstract

Device for assisting with ascending and descending stairs, comprising: a foot platform with a height that is less than the height of a stair step; at least one flexible traction element that connects the foot platform to the user's upper body, in particular to the hands, shoulders, torso or neck; wherein the at least one flexible pull element enables the user to move the foot platform from one step to another, stepping successively onto a step, then onto the foot platform and subsequently onto another step, thereby raising or lowering the body by a height less than the height of a step; wherein the at least one flexible pull element is designed to ensure secure placement of the foot platform on the steps and to prevent tipping or slipping that could impede the user's movement.

Description

Background Technical field

[0001] For older people and those with limited mobility, going up and down stairs can be challenging due to factors such as reduced muscle strength, poor balance, joint pain, and decreased stamina. Existing solutions have limitations that make them less practical for everyday use. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Several devices for assisting with ascending and descending stairs are known. Patents WO1996012529A1, EP0768077A1, FR2810211A1, US5907913A, and DE102019001872A1 describe various types of platforms that are attached to the foot with straps and fasteners. However, these solutions have several disadvantages. The user must bend over or lift their foot to attach the platform, which is inconvenient and difficult for people with limited mobility. If the platform is worn like a slipper, no hand use is required, but the attachment is insecure, which is dangerous when climbing stairs. As with footwear, the platform must fit the user's foot size, which necessitates the production of different sizes and increases manufacturing costs. The platform can be heavy and increase the load on the foot.If the platform is made from lightweight, durable materials like those used in sports shoes, the product costs increase.

[0003] Patents US3884327A, US4274430, DE3005482A1, US4844419, US5318057, WO9934761A1, and JP2010162304A propose cane-based solutions where the platform is approximately half the height of a stair step. These solutions also have several disadvantages. On level surfaces, the user does not need the cane, as pain and discomfort primarily occur when climbing stairs. The use of a cane in these devices makes them bulky and impractical for daily use. Walking on level surfaces with a cane to which a platform is attached is awkward and difficult. If the cane is held at an angle, the weight of the platform creates a significant torque that tends to twist the cane in the user's hand, making control difficult. If the platform is detached from the pole and only attached when needed, the user has to attach it each time, which is cumbersome and inefficient.The need for mechanisms to attach the platform to the pole complicates the device design and increases costs.

[0004] US4113161A and USD845012S1 describe a portable step with multiple flexible tension members, but it is intended for use only with a single step without sequential movement. The role of the multiple flexible tension members in ensuring stable positioning of the platform during use is not specified.

[0005] The proposed invention overcomes these disadvantages and aims to create a convenient, portable, compact, and cost-effective device for ascending and descending stairs. In our solution, the platform moves incrementally and is guided between the steps, made possible by the configuration of at least one flexible tension element or several flexible tension elements, which prevents the platform from tipping over or shifting in a way that could impede the user's movement. We present embodiments for implementing controlled, sequential movement of the foot platform on stairs. Summary

[0006] The proposed device comprises a foot platform and at least one flexible tension element that connects the foot platform to the user's upper body, such as hands, shoulders, torso, or neck. Further embodiments may include multiple flexible tension elements. These flexible tension elements may contain elastic components.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the platform is designed such that the almost unavoidable rotation of the freely suspended platform during lifting and carrying with a flexible tensioning element does not impair the user's ability to position it at the desired location. This is achieved by an axially symmetrical design of the platform and the attachment of the flexible tensioning element to the geometric center of its upper surface. In another preferred embodiment, the platform is fixed to the user's foot by the tension of the elastic flexible tensioning elements and the resulting frictional force between the sole of the foot and the platform.

[0008] Additional features include a handle, a neck or shoulder strap for load distribution, flexible elastic tubes to cushion the impact of the foot platform on the steps, smaller holes in the upper platform plates for attaching elastic cords, and other improvements.

[0009] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can be embodied in various alternative configurations and modifications within the scope of the attached claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an axially symmetrical foot platform with a cord attached to the center of the upper plate. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a user holding the foot platform at one end of a flexible pull element. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a user lowering the foot platform to the ground. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a user stepping onto the foot platform. Fig. 5A-5D are a sequence of rear views of a user ascending a staircase using an axially symmetrical foot platform with a cord attached to the center. Fig. Figures 6A-6D are a sequence of detailed perspective views of the axially symmetrical foot platform. Fig. 7A-7I are a sequence of rear views of a user ascending a staircase using two foot platforms, one of which is one-third the height of a step and the other two-thirds the height of a step. Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a user with a foot platform featuring elastic flexible tension elements. Fig. 8B is a perspective view of a foot platform with elastic flexible tension elements. Fig. 9A-9C are a sequence of rear views of a user ascending a staircase using a foot platform with elastic flexible pull elements. Fig. Figures 10A-10D are a sequence of perspective views of the steps involved in attaching an elastic cord to a plate-shaped part. Fig. Figures 11A-11C are perspective views of a universal foot platform that can be used either with elastic flexible tension elements on the sides or with a non-elastic flexible tension element in the center of the top plate. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0010] A first preferred embodiment of the invention is described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the platform. The height of platform 1 is approximately half the height of a stair step. Platform 1 has an axis of symmetry 2. Several flexible tension elements 3 are attached to the center of the top of the platform. The other end of the tension elements is held by the user. Non-slip pads 4 are attached to the top of platform 1. Elastic tubes 5 are attached around the perimeter to cushion any impacts with hard surfaces.

[0011] The user lifts the platform by holding one end of the flexible pull elements, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, and places them on any horizontal surface, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the platform suspended from the flexible tension elements can rotate around axis 2, which the user may find difficult to control. However, due to the symmetrical shape of the platform and the central attachment of the tension elements, this rotation is not critical, as it does not prevent the user from positioning the platform in the desired location.

[0012] After the platform has been moved, the user slightly lowers the hand holding the free end of the pulley elements, thus reducing the tension, and steps onto the platform. Pulley element 3 bends and remains partially under the user's foot, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0013] The user moves the platform step by step from one step to the next, and each time before ascending the next step, they step onto the platform on the previous step. Each movement raises or lowers the user by approximately half the height of a step. This movement requires less effort than climbing all the way up a step, significantly reduces the strain on the leg muscles and joints, and causes less flexion of the knee joint than when climbing a full step.

[0014] The sequence of movements when climbing stairs is in Fig. 5A-5D shown. The user is standing in front of the stairs with their right foot on the platform ( Fig. 5A). He shifts his weight onto his right foot and places his left foot on the first step ( Fig. 5B). Then he lifts his right foot and places it on the first step of the stairs ( Fig. 5C). After standing with both feet on the first step, he moves the platform to the first step ( Fig. 5D). From this position, he places his right foot back on the platform and repeats the cycle.

[0015] Fig. Figure 6A shows the top side of the axially symmetrical platform 1. Fig. 6B shows its underside. Fig. Figure 6C shows platform 1 with elastic protective elements. An exploded view of the platform is in Fig. The diagram is shown in 6D. The platform can be made from sheet material such as plywood. Assembly involves inserting the tabs 6 of the side walls 7 into the openings 8 of the base 9 and the top panel 10, and securing the top panel 10 and base 9 with countersunk screws 11 and threaded inserts (e.g., Rampa inserts) 12. To cushion potential impacts with the vertical and horizontal surfaces of the stair treads, the top panel 10 and the base 9 are provided with projections 13 onto which soft, elastic tubes 14 are attached.

[0016] To allow the user to release the free end of the pull cord from time to time, this end is secured to the user's torso to prevent it from falling and to relieve the user of the need to bend down and pick it up. Releasing the free end frees up a hand to rest on the banister or wall. The free end of the pull cord is secured either with a wrist strap, a shoulder or neck strap, or by another known method.

[0017] Ascending the stairs can be further facilitated by using two platforms: one approximately one-third the height of the step and the other approximately two-thirds the height. By alternating between stepping onto the lower platform, then the higher platform, and finally the next step, the user divides the effort required for one step into three steps, with each step raising the body only one-third of the height. The left platform 15 (see Fig. 7A) is designed with a height of one third of the step height (“low platform”), while the right platform 16 (see Fig. 7A) is designed with a height of two-thirds (“high platform”). In the starting position, the user places their left foot on the low platform 15 (see Fig. 7A). He then shifts his weight onto his left foot and places his right foot on the high platform 16 (see Fig. 7B). Using his right foot for support, he then places his left foot on the first step (see Fig. 7C), followed by the right foot (see Fig. 7D). Thus, the user reaches the first step. To climb to the second step, both platforms must be moved onto the first step. Using the pull element 17, the user lifts the lower platform 15 with their left hand (see Fig. 7E), steps on it with the left foot (see Fig. 7F), then using the pull element 18, lifts the high platform 16 with the right hand and places it to the right of the right foot (see Fig. 7G). The position in Fig. 7G corresponds to the position in Fig. 7A, however, the user is now on the first step. The cycle repeats: The right foot is placed on the high platform ( Fig. 7H). then the left foot onto the second step ( Fig. 7I). Each step lifts the user by about one third of the step height, making stair climbing possible with minimal effort.

[0018] In the first preferred embodiment, the user first moves the platform and then their feet. In a second preferred embodiment, the foot platform is connected to one of the user's feet by elastic tension elements ( Fig. 8A-8B) and moves synchronously with the foot. This reduces the number of movements when ascending or descending stairs. The rectangular platform 20 is laterally connected by two elastic cords 21 and 22, which are made of, for example, rubber or silicone. The cords 21 and 22 converge and are attached to a handle 23. The length of the cords is chosen so that they are taut when the user holds the handle 23 ( Fig. 8A) and his foot is on the platform 20. The elastic force of these cords presses the platform 20 against the user's foot. This force, along with the anti-slip stickers 25 on the upper plate 24, creates friction between the foot and the platform, thus securing the foot. The handle 23 allows the user to easily adjust the angle of the cords 21 and 22 relative to the platform, keeping it as close as possible to 90°. In this position, the contact force is at its maximum, enabling synchronous movement of the foot and platform. At the same time, the user barely feels the weight of the platform, as it is compensated for by the elastic force of the cords, which is transferred to the shoulder via a shoulder strap 26.

[0019] When ascending the stairs to platform 20, the left foot is in the starting position ( Fig. 9A) on the ground, while the right foot is on the platform, which is also on the ground. The user shifts their weight onto their right foot and places their left foot on the first step ( Fig. 9B).

[0020] Then the user moves their right foot, along with the platform, onto the first step ( Fig. 9C). The cycle repeats. In this embodiment, the platform moves synchronously with the user's foot, in contrast to the first embodiment where the movements are asynchronous.

[0021] Although Fig. Since routes 7A-7I and 9A-9C show the ascent, the same sequence can be used for the descent in reverse order, thereby reducing the descent height and physical strain.

[0022] In other embodiments, the handle can be omitted, and the elastic tension elements can be attached directly to a wristband, shoulder strap, or waist belt. Crucially, the elastic tension elements are stretched between the platform and a point on the user's torso, thus securing the platform to the foot.

[0023] Platform 20 is also constructed from sheet material such as plywood. Elastic tubes 27 protect platform 20 from impacts, similar to the tubes 14 in the first embodiment. The elastic cords 21 and 22 are attached in round openings in the upper plate 24. The fastening principle is described in Fig. Figures 10A-10D show the diameter of the opening in the plate material 28, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the elastic cord 29. Fig. 10A). If a section of the cord 29 is stretched ( Fig. 10B), its diameter decreases so that it can be inserted through a slot 30 into the opening 31 ( Fig. 10C). When the voltage decreases, the diameter increases again ( Fig. 10D). This creates friction between the outer surface of the cord 29 and the inner surface of the opening 31, resulting in a secure connection. In other embodiments, elastic hoses or flat elastic bands can also be used as tension elements.

[0024] Fig. Figures 11A-11C show an embodiment with a symmetrical platform 32 having a central opening 33 for attaching a cord 34 (as in the first embodiment) and further openings 35 in the upper plate for attaching tension elements 36 (as in the second embodiment). This allows the same platform to be used either for asynchronous movements as in the first embodiment or for synchronous movements as in the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig. Platforms 5A-5D, 7A-7I, and 9A-9C demonstrate the ascent. These same platforms can be used for descent. The user first steps onto the platform and then onto the next lower step, thus reducing the descent height.

[0026] These models are easy to manufacture, compact, user-friendly, and suitable for various user groups. Although certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are highlighted in the appended claims, it is not limited to the above details, as various modifications, changes, and adaptations are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0027] Without further analysis, the foregoing discloses the essence of the present invention so completely that others, using current technical knowledge, can easily adapt it to various applications without losing features which, from the point of view of the prior art, represent essential characteristics of the general or specific aspects of this invention. References 1. US3884327A (1975): Invalid's portable step unit and attached carrying handle member therefor. 2. US4274430A (1981): Walking cane. 3. DE3005482A1 (1981): Handicapped walker stair climbing aid - comprises half-height steps extending over part of the main step's width. 4. US4844419A (1989): Stair climbing aid. 5. US5318057A (1994): Half-step stability cane. 6. WO1996012529A1 (1996): Method and device for facilitating the climbing of stairs. 7. EP0768077A1 (1997): Assistance device for persons with impaired walking ability. 8. US5907913A (1999): Device for reducing knee stress when climbing and descending stairs and method of use. 9. WO9934761A1 (1999): Walking aid. 10. FR2810211A1 (2002): Device for helping handicapped person clear staircase step. 11. JP2010162304A (2010): Walking stick with step base. 12. DE102019001872A1 (2020): Modern mobile stage. 13. US4113161A (1978): Combination carrying case and step unit. 14. USD845012S1 (2019): Vehicle step stool. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Zitierte Patentliteratur

[0000] WO 1996012529A1 [0002, 0027] EP 0768077A1 [0002, 0027] FR 2810211A1 [0002, 0027] US 5907913A [0002, 0027] DE 102019001872A1 [0002, 0027] US 3884327A [0003, 0027] US 4274430

[0003] DE 3005482A1 [0003, 0027] US 4844419

[0003] US 5318057

[0003] WO 9934761A1 [0003, 0027] JP 2010162304A [0003, 0027] US 4113161A [0004, 0027] US 4274430A

[0027] US 4844419A

[0027] US 5318057A

[0027] USD845012

[0027]

Claims

[1] Device for assisting with ascending and descending stairs, comprising: a foot platform with a height that is less than the height of a stair step; at least one flexible traction element that connects the foot platform to the user's upper body, in particular to the hands, shoulders, torso or neck; wherein the at least one flexible pull element enables the user to move the foot platform from one step to another, stepping successively onto a step, then onto the foot platform and subsequently onto another step, thereby raising or lowering the body by a height less than the height of a step; wherein the at least one flexible pull element is designed to ensure secure placement of the foot platform on the steps and to prevent tipping or slipping that could impede the user's movement. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible traction element is connected to the upper body of the user via a handle. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the top of the foot platform has a geometric center and a single flexible tension element is attached at the geometric center of this top, such that a rotation of the foot platform about a vertical axis passing through this center does not require the user to change the foot position when stepping onto the foot platform. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flexible tension elements is elastically designed and is designed to maintain constant contact between the foot platform and the user's foot, so that the platform moves synchronously with the foot when getting on and off or during other movements. [5] Device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flexible traction elements is connected to the user's shoulder via a shoulder strap. [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein the foot platform is composed of sheet material, such as plywood or plastic, and comprises prefabricated components designed to be easily connected by means of projections, corresponding openings and screws, thereby enabling easy assembly by the user and compact packaging. [7] Device according to claim 1, wherein the underside and optionally the top side of the foot platform have projections onto which flexible elastic tubes are placed to cushion the impact of the platform on the steps. [8] Device according to claim 1, wherein at least one flexible traction element is designed as a round elastic cord, and wherein the elastic cord is attached to the top of the foot platform by being inserted through lateral slots into circular openings whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the cord, thereby enabling easy assembly, disassembly and replacement of the traction elements by the user.

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