Stair railing.
The stair climbing assist device uses tap water pressure to raise and lower each stair tread, addressing fall risks for the elderly by reducing physical strain and installation complexity, promoting safe and independent stair use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 汤田秋夫
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Elderly individuals face a high risk of falls on stairs due to declining muscle strength, balance, and environmental factors, leading to fractures and potential bedridden states, with existing stairlifts being costly and requiring complex installations.
A stair climbing assist device using tap water pressure to raise and lower each stair tread via a bag-shaped container connected to a handrail, controlled by levers on a T-shaped handle, allowing users to ascend and descend without bending knees.
Significantly reduces fall risks, is cost-effective, easy to install, and maintains user independence by minimizing physical strain and psychological anxiety, enabling safe stair use without complex modifications.
Smart Images

Figure 0007876690000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a lift for stairs.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, the elderly population has increased, and there are many people who live in their familiar homes while their legs and waists are weakening.
[0003] While living in a familiar home, as they age, when moving to the second floor, going up and down the stairs becomes difficult due to the decline in leg and knee muscle strength, and many accidents of falling on the stairs occur.
[0004] Once an elderly person falls and fractures, it takes a long time to recover. In some cases, the fall leads to a bedridden life due to illness, which is very common.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] Accidents of the elderly falling on the stairs in their familiar homes pose a serious problem that can cause fractures and a bedridden state.
[0007] Even one fall is likely to cause a bedridden state, and changes in life due to fractures and hospitalizations can lead to the progression of dementia and the need for long-term care.
[0008] The main causes of accidents on the stairs are the decline in muscle strength and balance ability of the sense of parallelism, the decline in the strength of the thighs and ankles, and accordingly, there are stumbles and missteps when ascending and descending the stairs.
[0009] Furthermore, declining eyesight makes it difficult to recognize steps and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of missteps. Environmental deficiencies, such as the lack of handrails, dim lighting, and slippery slippers, also contribute to accidents.
[0010] The reason why falls are overwhelmingly more common when descending stairs is due to a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors, as follows:
[0011] An effective measure is to install handrails, placing them on both sides of the stairs and at a height that is easy to grip (70-80 cm).
[0012] Enhance lighting, using bright lights and motion-sensor lights to clearly indicate steps and other elevation changes.
[0013] To prevent slipping on stairs, apply non-slip sheets to the stair treads and wear non-slip footwear.
[0014] Maintain physical function through muscle strengthening, balance exercises, squats, and stretching.
[0015] The introduction of stairlifts allows people to safely ascend and descend stairs while seated in a chair-type lift.
[0016] When going up or down stairs, falls are overwhelmingly more common when descending than when ascending.
[0017] The reason why people tend to stair climbing more often when going down is due to a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors.
[0018] The reason why people often fall when going down stairs is that their center of gravity tends to shift forward.
[0019] When going down stairs, gravity pulls your body forward, making you prone to leaning forward and losing your balance.
[0020] Once you lose your balance, you don't have time to put your feet down, which directly leads to a fall.
[0021] Visibility is reduced, and it is necessary to descend while checking the steps at one's feet. However, due to reduced eyesight or insufficient lighting, the steps are difficult to see, resulting in ambiguous perception.
[0022] When ascending the stairs, the steps of the stairs naturally appear close and the line of sight is well-directed and visible. Conversely, when descending, the stairs and the area at one's feet are far away, and it is easy to fall into a blind spot.
[0023] Also, when descending the stairs compared to ascending them, the force applied to the knee of one leg is particularly greater, making it impossible to support and leading to a fall. Due to weakened muscle strength in old age, it becomes difficult for many elderly people to ascend and descend to the second floor of their long-time residence, and many elderly people have to live only on the first floor. There are an increasing number of elderly people facing many such realities in front of us.
[0024] When the elderly or physically weak people descend the stairs indoors, accidents of falling forward due to reduced muscle strength in the knee joint occur frequently. However, the conventional lifting and lowering support devices to address this are devices where people sit on a chair to lift and lower or use a wheelchair to lift and lower, and there was no device where the staircase floor itself ascends and descends step by step.
[0025] With the progress of aging, many of the falling accidents occurring in ordinary residences are caused by the level difference of the floor surface or the stairs, and this is particularly prominent in the elderly. As people age, the muscle strength to support the weight by bending the knees tends to decline. In the ascending and descending movements of the stairs, more load is applied to the knee joint during the descending movement than during the ascending movement.
[0026] Therefore, accidents frequently occur where the knee joint cannot support the weight when descending the stairs, losing balance forward and falling.
[0027] Based on the reality that there are more falling accidents when descending the stairs than ascending them, a device where each staircase floor ascends and descends for each floor is required.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0028] Without making any modifications to the existing staircase structure of the house, compressed air or hydraulic water is used to provide a floor-climbing assistance function at each step of the staircase. The present invention, a tread lifting device, aims to improve safety and convenience by utilizing tap water piped into the interior of a home, and involves installing and using "up and down treads" on the floor of an existing staircase. It is described below using the reference numerals in the drawings.
[0029] The present invention is a lifting device for a movable tread that is attached to an existing stair floor. In particular, it is configured to control the vertical movement of the tread by supplying and discharging a pressurized fluid (compressed air or pressurized tap water) to a bag-shaped container located on the underside of the lower part of the tread. A bag-shaped container 11 is located on the underside of the lower part of the tread 10 that is attached to the stair floor. When ascending the stairs, the user grips the "up lever" 6 (Figures 4, 9, 11) on a T-shaped handle with their right hand (Figure 2) 2-1, which opens a control valve 5 located on the supply hose, supplying tap water to the bag-shaped container 11. The water pressure causes the bag-shaped container 11 to expand, and the tread 10 rises. On the other hand, when descending the stairs, the user grips the "down lever" 2-3 (Figure 3), which causes the tap water in the bag-shaped container 11 to be pushed out and discharged by the user's weight, and the bag-shaped container 11 contracts. This causes the footrest 10 to lower, allowing it to move up and down according to the user's movements. In this way, supply and discharge operations are selectively performed by the left and right levers gripped on the center of the T-shaped handle 1 provided on the handrail. When going up, "gripping with the right hand raises the tread," and when going down, "gripping with the left hand lowers the tread," preventing accidental operation and enabling simple and safe height adjustment of the treads 10 in conjunction with the ascent and descent of the stairs.
[0030] This is a stair lifting device that utilizes the water pressure of tap water supplied to an existing home. The fixing plate 12 at the bottom of the bag-shaped container 11 of the lifting device of the present invention is installed on the tread of each existing stair step, and the expandable bag-shaped container 11 is placed on the underside of the tread of the lifting device (Figures 6 and 7).
[0031] Each staircase is equipped with a step 10 that moves up and down, and the step is raised and lowered by supplying or discharging water pressure from a handrail 4 located on the staircase side to a bag-shaped container 11 on the underside of the step.
[0032] Specifically, tap water is supplied from a water supply pipe installed indoors to a bag-shaped container 11 on the underside of the step of the elevator device, and this tap water is supplied to and discharged to the bag-shaped container 11 on the step via a supply pipe 8 and a discharge pipe 9 installed inside the handrail 4 (Figures 2, 3, and 7).
[0033] This bag-shaped container 11 expands due to the water pressure from the tap, performing a lifting function that raises the footrest. Furthermore, the handrail is equipped with a T-shaped handle 1 and levers 2 and a lever wire 3, which allows the control valve 5 to be operated via the wire to control the supply and discharge of water.
[0034] Specifically, a hose equipped with a supply valve 5 and a discharge valve 5 is connected to the bag-shaped container 11. When ascending the stairs, the supply valve is pulled open by a lever wire, and tap water with water pressure is injected into the bag-shaped container 11 from the water supply pipe 8 inside the handrail. The water pressure causes the bag-shaped container 11 to expand, and the step 10 on which the person is standing rises (Figures 6 and 7).
[0035] On the other hand, when descending the stairs, opening the discharge valve causes the tap water filled in the bag-shaped container 11 to be discharged due to the weight pressure of the treads on which the person is standing, and the bag-shaped container 11 to contract. This allows the stepping board on which a person stands to descend, enabling them to go down the stairs without bending their knees.
[0036] With this configuration, users can easily control the supply and discharge of tap water by gripping the "up lever" 6 and "down lever" 7 (Figures 2, 3, and 4) on the T-shaped handle 1 installed on the handrail 4. This pulls the control valve on the lever wire, opening it and providing assistance for ascending and descending stairs, and can also provide a means of assisting people with knee joint disabilities.
[0037] It has a configuration that allows the user to move smoothly to the next set of stairs without bending or straightening their knees. Specifically, when tap water is supplied to the bag-shaped container 11 located beneath the step 10 on which the user is standing, the water pressure causes the step 10 to rise, reaching a height that matches that of the step on the upper staircase (Figure 7.13).
[0038] When the heights are aligned, the user can step forward without bending their knees and place both feet together on the stepping board, stepping onto the guidance mark 16. Subsequently, when the user grasps the "lifting operation lever" on the handle located on the handrail at that position (Figure 2) 2-1, the control valve opens as it is pulled by a wire, tap water is supplied and filled into the bag container 11, and the footboard on which the user is standing rises (Figures 7 and 13).
[0039] The present invention provides a lifting device that utilizes tap water supplied from within the handrail of a staircase to an expandable (unfolding) bag-shaped container, enabling safe and stable ascent and descent of stairs without bending the knees. [Effects of the Invention]
[0040] The main effect of introducing this device is to significantly reduce the risk of falls and decrease the incidence of fall accidents by reducing the physical strain on the body when climbing stairs.
[0041] Because it is highly cost-effective and its product price is significantly lower compared to commercially available seat-type electric lifts, it can meet the needs of elderly people in their homes and has a very high potential for widespread adoption.
[0042] Its ease of operation, simple design that does not require specialized knowledge, and user-friendly features contribute to supporting the independence of users.
[0043] It offers flexibility in installation, requires no complex construction, and can be retrofitted by attaching it to one side of an existing staircase, thus minimizing barriers to adoption. Furthermore, the surplus floor space on the installation side can be used as a conventional staircase.
[0044] By improving psychological security and reducing anxiety about climbing stairs, which increases with age and physical decline, a sense of security is created that allows people to continue living in the homes they have lived in for many years, even in old age.
[0045] While electric seat-type stairlifts are commercially available as assistive devices for ascending and descending stairs, these typically cost hundreds of thousands to millions of yen, posing a significant cost constraint to widespread adoption in ordinary households. This lifting device will become widespread and an indispensable part of everyday life due to its significantly reduced price.
[0046] The present invention aims to prevent accidents such as falls when ascending or descending stairs. It does not require any starting device or electric motor as an external power source, and utilizes the water pressure of the tap water supplied to the house and the weight pressure of a person as power sources. This allows for an extremely simplified structure of the components and their components, minimizing the number of parts and significantly reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance costs. This stair climbing assist device utilizes the water pressure of tap water to perform its ascent and descent operations. It does not require an external power source such as an electric motor, resulting in a simple overall structure and a low number of parts. This simplifies the manufacturing process and simplifies maintenance, allowing it to be offered at a low cost.
[0047] Furthermore, it is a lifting device that can be easily installed without requiring structural modifications to the existing staircase structure of a house. It has a configuration that allows for easy installation without the use of tools by using adhesive methods such as double-sided adhesive tape on one side of the existing staircase floor (Figure 7.13) of a typical house.
[0048] In this lifting device, the control valve 5 is activated by the natural action of a person placing their hand on the T-shaped handle of the handrail and gripping the operating lever when ascending or descending the stairs, causing the treads 3 to rise or fall (Figure 7.13).
[0049] As a result, this device does not require special operating procedures, complex sensing sensors, or control devices that could cause malfunctions, allowing it to operate safely and easily.
[0050] The installation of the lifting device's treads requires no modification to the existing staircase, and the lower underside of the fixing plate 12 can be attached using only adhesive, making installation easy, fast, and inexpensive.
[0051] The device is extremely simple to operate; by gripping the "ascending lever" with the right hand and the "descending lever" with the left hand, the steps underfoot move up and down, making it safe for elderly users.
[0052] By narrowing the width of the treads of the lifting device to make it smaller and by positioning it on one side of the existing staircase, the other side (the surplus floor space after installation) can be used as a normal staircase by able-bodied people, thus enabling effective use of the staircase space (Figure 4.7.13).
[0053] By installing the lifting device along one side of the stairs (for example, the right side when facing the upper floor) and reducing the width of the lifting device's treads 10 relative to the width of the stairs (tread width of approximately 25-30 cm) (Figure 4.7.13), the remaining space (approximately 60-65 cm) is secured as a normal stair passageway, which has the significant advantage of allowing able-bodied people to use the stairs with assistance from those who require care. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0054] [Figure 1] An enlarged perspective view showing a T-shaped handle installed on the handrail. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the water supply and discharge pipes installed inside the handrail. [Figure 3] A partially enlarged perspective view showing the lever wire, branched supply hoses, discharge hoses, and control valve. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing a T-shaped handle attached to a handrail. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the steps that move up and down. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the stacked bag-like containers at the bottom of the stepping board, filled with pressurized water and inflated. [Figure 7]A perspective view showing that the installed step has risen and become part of the floor at the same position. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the lever wire and control valve of a T-shaped handle integrated with the handrail. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the branched water supply and discharge pipes within the handrail. [Figure 10] An enlarged perspective view showing an air lever valve using compressed air in a bag-shaped container. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing how compressed air flows out and is released from a bag-shaped container when the release lever is squeezed. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing the flow of compressed air through a hose branched from a supply pipe into a bag-shaped container. [Figure 13] An overall perspective view showing the handrail equipped with a "downward air lever valve" and an "upward air lever valve". [Figure 14] A perspective view showing a fixed plate with supply and discharge hoses attached. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing a single hose attached to a fixed plate, serving both as a supply and discharge point. [Examples]
[0055] The embodiments are described below in more detail, with the addition of drawings and their corresponding reference numerals. The lifting device according to the present invention has the following configuration. Within the handrail 4 of the staircase, supply pipes and discharge pipes are installed, and these are connected to the lifting device via tee pipes (T-shaped pipes) branched off from the water supply pipe 8 (water pipe). The lifting mechanism consists of an extendable step 10, a bag-shaped container 11 that inflates (unfolds) the step, and a fixing plate 12 that is attached to the existing floor. By supplying water pressure from the tap water supplied to the house to the bag-shaped container 11, the container inflates, and the step 10 rises, realizing a lifting function. A fixing plate 12 is provided at the bottom of the bag-shaped container 11, and this fixing plate is fixed directly to the floor surface 15 of the stairs with adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. This provides a structure that can be easily installed on existing stairs without requiring special tools or construction work (Figure 4.7.13).
[0056] The lifting device according to the present invention has a structure that can be easily installed on one side of an existing residential staircase, and is composed of the following elements, with the upper tread 10 being the lifting surface on which the user stands and moving up and down in accordance with the lifting motion. The lower fixing plate 12 constitutes the base of the lifting device and is directly bonded and fixed to the existing stair floor surface. The bag-shaped container 11 is an expandable (undulating) container interposed between the upper tread 10 and the lower fixing plate 12, and it expands and contracts in response to external forces such as water pressure from tap water, thereby enabling the tread to be raised and lowered. The lower fixing plate 12 is fixed to the existing stair floor surface 15 by adhesive bonding using one of the following means, and is directly fixed to the floor surface using a commercially available adhesive. The installation method involves simple installation using screws, bolts, or double-sided tape with strong adhesive properties. This eliminates the need for special construction techniques or renovation work, allowing for the quick installation of the lifting device (Figures 4, 7, and 13).
[0057] The bag-shaped container 11 has the following characteristics. It is flexible, can change shape in response to external forces, and adapts to lifting and lowering movements. It has a pressure-resistant, undulating structure that can withstand pressures such as water pressure supplied to the interior without deforming or breaking. It features a sealed structure to prevent airtightness and leakage of internal fluids, ensuring the stability of the lifting function. The upper surface of the bag-shaped container 11 is fixed to the lower underside of the upper foot plate 10, and the lower surface is in close contact with and fixed to the lower fixing plate 12. This enables a lifting and lowering motion in which the footplate 10 rises as the bag-shaped container 11 expands (unevens) and falls as it contracts. This configuration allows the device to expand using the water pressure of tap water without the need for electricity, and also enables a lifting function where the bag-shaped container is compressed and contracted by the load pressure of a person standing on the tread 10, while also allowing for easy installation on existing stairs.
[0058] The lifting device according to the present invention has a structure in which an upper foot plate 10 and a lower fixing plate 12 are connected via a bag-shaped container 11, and the lifting and lowering operation of the foot plate is realized by a change in the internal pressure of the bag-shaped container. In particular, the center of the bottom of the bag-shaped container 11 is tightly connected to the fixing plate 12, and a supply hose 8-5 and a discharge hose 9-4 are provided in the center of the fixing plate, which are responsible for the inflow and discharge of pressurized water (Figure 14). These hoses are connected to external supply pipes (water pipes), discharge pipes, and control valves, and perform the following functions: When tap water is supplied through the supply hose 8-5 into the tightly sealed bag-shaped container 11, the pressure inside the container increases, causing the bag-shaped container 11 to expand (uneven). As the water inside the bag-shaped container 11 is pushed out and discharged through the discharge hose 9-4 by the weight pressure of the person standing on it, the pressure inside the container decreases and the container contracts. As a result of these changes in internal pressure, the footrest 10 connected to the bag-shaped container 11 moves up and down, providing assistance for the user's ascent and descent. This configuration allows the lifting and lowering motion to be controlled solely by the load pressure from a person standing on the footrest and the pressure of tap water, making it possible to provide a low-cost and highly safe lifting device.
[0059] The lifting device according to the present invention has a structure that connects a foot plate 10 and a fixing plate 12 via a bag-shaped container 11, and achieves lifting and lowering operation by fluid pressure. In particular, a supply hose 8-5 and a discharge hose 9-4 are provided in the center of the fixing plate 12 (Figure 14), and the ends of these hoses are bonded to the bottom of the bag-shaped container 11, ensuring that no flow pressure is leaked. Each hose is equipped with a control valve 5, allowing for individual control of fluid supply and discharge. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is also possible to use a single hose (Figure 15) 11-2 that combines supply and discharge functions. In this case, the following configuration is adopted. A hose with a supply control valve, branched from the supply pipe, and a hose with a discharge control valve are connected via a T-connector. This allows the hose 17 (Figure 15) to be connected to the bag-shaped container 11, enabling control of both supply and discharge functions through a single path (flow channel). This configuration yields the following technical benefits: The supply and discharge of fluids can be controlled efficiently. This allows for the simplification of conventional, complex piping configurations, resulting in a more compact overall device structure. Controlling the system with a single hose improves operability and makes it easier for users to handle. Reducing the number of pipes allows for a structure that is also easier to maintain. Thus, the present invention has technical features that simplify the configuration of the lifting device while achieving both functionality and convenience.
[0060] The control valve 5 is used to control the flow rate of tap water supplied to or discharged from the bag-shaped container 11 in a timely manner using the operating lever (Figures 2 and 3) 2-1 and 2-3 of the handle 1. This allows for control of the operation of the lifting device.
[0061] The lifting device according to the present invention has a structure that is installed on a staircase, and is particularly characterized by the internal structure of the handrail 4 provided on the staircase side. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, the handrail 4 installed on the staircase side is fitted with a supply pipe (8) made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe with an inner diameter of 16 mm and a discharge pipe (9) made of the same PVC pipe. These pipes are installed inside the handrail and are responsible for supplying and discharging fluid to the bag-shaped container in the lifting device, as well as serving as a handrail for support. By using this configuration for the handrail, the following technical benefits can be obtained: By integrating the necessary piping for the lifting device into the handrail, installation can be carried out without compromising the aesthetic appearance. By constructing the supply and discharge pipes using parallel PVC pipes of the same inner diameter (16 mm), the fluid flow balance is maintained, and controllability is improved. The thickness of this handrail is 35mm to 38mm in outer diameter, allowing each vinyl pipe to fit inside the handrail. It has a structure that is easy to grip, and also enhances the protection of the piping, improving durability and safety. Thus, the present invention has technical features that enhance the ease of installation, operability, and maintainability of a stair-mounted elevator by adopting a configuration in which a supply pipe and a discharge pipe are installed inside the handrail.
[0062] The lifting device according to the present invention includes a handrail 4 installed on the side of a staircase and is equipped with a structure to improve user operability and safety. As shown in Figure 1.8.13, the handrail 4 is provided with a T-shaped handle 1 and an operating lever 2 for the user to grip and operate with their hand. The T-shaped handle 1 can be constructed using a metal or resin cheese tube or the like, and has the following technical features. By using lightweight resin or thin-walled metal tubing, the overall weight, size, and thickness of the handrail can be reduced. Processability: By utilizing existing cheese tubes, processing such as cutting, joining, and molding is easy, simplifying the manufacturing and installation processes. Durability: Metal parts possess high mechanical strength, while resin parts offer excellent corrosion and weather resistance. Furthermore, the following effects can be obtained by using an existing cheese tube configuration. By simplifying the manufacturing process and utilizing general-purpose components, the need for custom-made parts is eliminated, improving manufacturing efficiency. By reducing costs and utilizing off-the-shelf products, parts procurement costs and processing costs can be reduced. Improved grip: The T-shape and moderately thick cheese tube (approximately 35-36mm) naturally fit the user's hand, improving operability. Thus, by providing a T-shaped handle to the handrail structure, the present invention enhances user convenience and also exhibits excellent effects in terms of manufacturing and economy.
[0063] The guiding marks 16 (Figures 6, 7, 13) on the aforementioned step 10, which guide the user to align both feet, and the T-shaped handle 1 provided on the handrail, also serve to help the user align their feet on each floor and to support them with their hands.
[0064] The present invention relates to a staircase device that can be operated safely and intuitively in conjunction with the user's ascent and descent movements. In particular, by providing a T-shaped handle and an ascent / descent lever on the handrail installed beside each step, accidental operation is prevented and operability is improved (Figure 13). As shown in Figure 1.4.13, a handrail 4 is provided on the side of each staircase, and a T-shaped handle 1 is attached to the handrail, assuming that users will always hold onto it when going up or down the stairs. The T-shaped handle 1 is positioned as follows, according to the user's natural movements. (Figure 7.13) When ascending a step, it is located on the right side and can be operated in conjunction with the user placing their hand on the handle of the handrail with their right hand. When descending the stairs, the handrail is positioned on the left side, and the operation is linked to the user placing their left hand on the handrail. Furthermore, the handle 1 is provided with a lever for raising and lowering operations, which is configured as follows. To ascend, gripping the "ascending lever 2-1" (Figure 2.13) with the right hand will raise the step 10 to the next level. To descend, the footboard 10 to the next step is lowered by gripping the "descend lever 2-3" (Figure 3) with the left hand. This device is equipped with a staircase floor in which each step 10 rises and falls, and the raising and lowering operation can be performed in conjunction with the user's natural hand movements on the handrail, thus providing the following effects. Preventing accidental operation: Because operation is performed in conjunction with natural movements without requiring intentional action, the risk of accidentally operating the lever is reduced. Improved operability: The lever placement, which is adapted to the movements of both the left and right hands, enables intuitive and smooth raising and lowering operations. Improved safety: The design, which assumes the user will hold onto the handrail, integrates the user's balance and operation, thereby increasing safety. As described above, the present invention provides a handrail and handle for a stair climbing device that enables raising and lowering operations in conjunction with the user's natural movements, and this handrail handle is extremely useful from the viewpoint of operability, safety, and prevention of misoperation. [Example 1]
[0065] The lifting device according to this embodiment 1 is based on a prototype that can be installed one step at a time on existing stair floors, and is designed with safety and ease of installation in mind for residential environments. This device has a shape and dimensions similar to staircase structures used in general residential buildings, and the relevant dimensions are designed in accordance with the "Building Standards Act." The standard dimensions for staircase structures are as follows: Item Standard dimensions Riser height 23cm or less Tread depth 15cm or more Staircase width (including landing) 75cm or more Tread width is generally less than 90cm Based on these standard dimensions, the material, dimensions, and arrangement of each component are selected from the following perspectives. Designed for use in typical residential settings, its appearance and dimensions are intended to harmonize with the living space. Ensuring safety and complying with building codes for dimensions reduces stress on the user's knees and prevents falls. Improved ease of installation: The structure allows for installation one step at a time, making it easy to retrofit to existing stairs and eliminating the burden of renovation work. The detailed materials and dimensions of each component are clearly shown in Figures 1 to 7 and the reference numeral list, which constitute the specific configuration of the present invention. This embodiment makes it possible to provide a lifting device that improves the safety and convenience of stairs in existing houses while also achieving both construction flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
[0066] In the staircase structure according to the present invention, a tread structure on which a person can stand and ascend is employed, and the following configuration is provided to assist the user's ascent and descent. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the tread 10 and the lower fixing plate 12 are constructed using plywood or resin boards with a width of 300 mm, a depth of 300 mm, and a thickness of 12 mm, respectively. Furthermore, depending on the usage environment and installation conditions, these plates can also be made of rust-resistant materials such as resin plates or cast aluminum plates. A bag-shaped container 11 is sandwiched between the footplate 10 and the fixing plate 12, and the water supply hose 8-5 and the drain hose 9-5 are attached to the lower center of the bag-shaped container through the fixing plate so that they can be connected (Figures 14 and 15). Tap water is supplied to or discharged into the bag-shaped container through these hoses, changing the water pressure inside the container and enabling the stepping plate to move up and down. The bag-shaped container 11 has the following dimensions and material: Dimensions: Width 270mm-280mm, Depth 270mm-280mm Thickness (at minimum contraction): Approximately 30mm to 35mm Thickness (at maximum expansion): Approximately 200mm to 220mm The bag-shaped container 11 is made of a thick vinyl bag with excellent pressure resistance and flexibility, and if necessary, a fiber CFR sheet material with rubber material kneaded into it can also be used. This ensures a structure that can withstand repeated expansion and contraction, improving the stability and safety of the lifting function. With this configuration, the present invention has the following technical effects. We have achieved an electric-free lifting function that utilizes the pressure of tap water. Standardized dimensions and material selection result in high manufacturability, ease of installation, and excellent versatility. The flexible yet durable bag-like container ensures both safety and comfort. Based on the above, the present invention provides a staircase structure that can be retrofitted to existing staircases and safely and efficiently assists users in ascending and descending stairs.
[0067] In the staircase structure according to the present invention, a bag-shaped container 11, positioned between the ascending and descending treads and a fixed plate, is connected to a fixed plate 12 via a hose for supplying and discharging tap water (Figures 14 and 15). This hose is an important element constituting a fluid control path within the bag-shaped container. The hose to be used shall have the following dimensions and structure. Inner diameter: 10mm~13mm Outer diameter: 12mm~16mm The materials used will be vinyl, rubber, or synthetic resin, which offer excellent pressure resistance and flexibility. This enables stable supply and discharge even with fluctuations in fluid pressure. Furthermore, it is desirable that the hose used has the following multilayer structure. The inner layer is a water-resistant layer that can withstand contact with tap water. The reinforcing layer is a pressure-resistant reinforcing layer made of wire braids, etc. The outer layer is an abrasion-resistant layer designed to protect from the external environment. This structure ensures stable supply and discharge of tap water to and from the bag-shaped container 11 via hoses 8-5 and 9-4 (Figure 14), and also forms a fluid control path via the control valve 5. The control valve 5 plays a role in controlling the raising and lowering motion of the footplate by adjusting the water pressure inside the bag-shaped container. Furthermore, commercially available small-diameter hose materials can be used for the aforementioned hose, contributing to reduced manufacturing costs and easier procurement of parts. By employing such a hose structure and fluid control system, the present invention makes it possible to provide a simple and highly reliable lifting mechanism, thereby improving user convenience and safety.
[0068] In the staircase structure according to the present invention, a plurality of stacked bag-shaped containers 11 (Figure 6) are placed between the treads 10 and the fixing plates 12, and hoses are connected to the lower part of each container via the fixing plates 12 (Figures 14 and 15). A control valve 5 is provided in the hose. The control valve 5 is configured to operate in response to user actions. Specifically, when a person steps onto the guidance mark 16 provided on the tread surface 10 and then grasps the operating lever of the T-shaped handle 1 provided on the stair railing 4, the control valve 5 operates (opens), and the supply or discharge of tap water to the bag-shaped container 11 begins. Furthermore, the water supply and drainage hoses connected to the stacked bag-shaped containers 11 (Figure 6) are not limited to being individually provided; they can also be configured as a single common hose 11-2 (Figure 15). In this case, by appropriately arranging multiple control valves 5 on a common hose via T-joints (cheese pipes), the supply and discharge of fluid to each bag-shaped container 11 can be selectively controlled. This configuration yields the following technical benefits. Simplifying the piping system and consolidating multiple hoses into one makes pipe routing easier. Reducing the number of components, hoses, and connecting parts lowers manufacturing and installation costs. Improved workability and increased efficiency in piping work make on-site installation simpler. Improved operability and centralized control valve management allow users to operate the system intuitively and quickly. As described above, the present invention provides a staircase structure that is superior in safety, convenience, and ease of construction by incorporating a control mechanism linked to the user's actions and streamlining the fluid supply system.
[0069] The lifting device according to the present invention is equipped with a control valve 5 that operates in conjunction with the user's intentional lifting and lowering movements, and has a configuration that realizes intuitive and safe operability. The control valve 5 is designed to operate in response to the user's awareness of "going up" or "going down" on the stair tread surface 10. Specifically, when a user steps onto a guiding mark 16 (footprint) on the tread surface and grasps either the left or right operating lever 2 of a T-shaped handle 1 attached to a handrail 4 installed on the side of the stairs, the control valve 5 is pulled by the lever wire 3, the valve opens (activates), and the supply or discharge of pressurized water to or from the bag-shaped container 11 begins. The configuration of the control lever 2 is as follows: During the ascent, the user grips the ascent lever 2-1 with their right hand, which causes the supply-side control valve to be pulled open by the lever wire 3 (Figure 8), supplying pressurized water to the bag-shaped container 11 and raising the footplate 10 (Figures 2 and 13). When descending, the user grips the descending lever 2-3 with their left hand, which opens the control valve on the discharge side, causing the pressurized water in the bag-shaped container 11 to be discharged and the footplate 10 to descend (Figure 3). Thus, the left and right operating levers 2 provided on the handle 1 are important components for controlling the vertical movement of the treads in conjunction with the ascent and descent of the stairs, and the user can intuitively control the supply or discharge of pressurized fluid to the bag-shaped container 11. This configuration yields the following technical benefits: Providing natural operability that responds to the user's awareness of their actions. A mechanism to prevent accidental operation is implemented by operating the lever in the upward and downward direction. Reliable operation of the control valve via the operating lever. Improved coordination between the raising and lowering of the footrests and the operation of the handrail handles. Based on the above, the present invention provides a handrail for operating a stair climbing device that is superior in safety, operability, and reliability by coordinating the user's physical movements with the operating mechanism.
[0070] In this staircase structure, a T-shaped handle 1 is provided on the handrail 4 beside the stairs (Figures 4, 7, 8, 9, 13). The handle 1 is positioned along the direction of ascent and descent, and by placing one's nearest hand on the handle while ascending or descending, it prevents accidental operation and plays a significant role as a support device to prevent falls.
[0071] Each staircase is equipped with a handrail 4, which has an operating lever 2 attached to the handle 1 of this device. The treads 10 are raised and lowered only when the user grips the lever (Figure 1.7.13).
[0072] The footrest only moves up or down when operating lever 2 is gripped; it does not move up or down under normal circumstances.
[0073] The present invention relates to a stair climbing device installed on stairs, and more particularly to a stair climbing device that is safe and easy to operate, in order to prevent falls caused by missteps on the stairs. Traditionally, the most common assistive device for ascending and descending stairs was a single-unit lifting system, primarily consisting of a configuration that transported the user up and down floors while seated or in a similar device. However, such devices can impair the sensation of walking up stairs, and can cause psychological resistance, especially for the elderly and those with physical disabilities. Furthermore, falls caused by missteps on stairs occur frequently, especially when descending from the second floor to the lower floor, and there was a new technical challenge in preventing these accidents. The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a lifting device in which the treads of the lifting floor, which are installed corresponding to each step of a staircase, constitute a floor that moves up and down one step at a time when the user is going up or down. This allows users to move between floors safely and stably while maintaining the sensation of walking up and down stairs. The lifting device according to the present invention includes the following components. A bag-shaped container 11 that raises and lowers the treads 10 of the lifting floor, which are installed corresponding to each step of the staircase, one step at a time. The bag-shaped container 11 is expanded using the water pressure of tap water. and control valves for devices that control the flow rate of tap water. A gripping control lever that adjusts the height according to the user's intention to raise or lower it. With this configuration, when the user steps onto the footboard 10 and operates the lever, the footboard rises or falls by one step. The person moves to the next step. The step plate 10 is raised and lowered continuously. This design, unlike conventional all-in-one lifting systems, allows users to safely and stably ascend and descend stairs while maintaining the feeling of walking up and down stairs, by holding onto handrails and handles. The lifting device is installed by placing a tread 10 at each step of the existing staircase structure and connecting an individual lifting drive mechanism (water pressure control valve) to each tread. The user steps onto the treads as if walking up the stairs normally, and when they grip the operating lever, the ascent and descent begins. The method for operating multiple stair treads simultaneously will be described separately.
[0074] The lifting device according to the present invention has a structure that can be easily installed on existing residential stairwells, and is installed according to the following procedure, as shown in Figure 4.7.13.
[0075] Double-sided adhesive tape is pre-applied to the lower underside of the fixing plate 12 of the lifting device. When installing, carefully peel off the protective paper (top layer) of the adhesive tape to expose the adhesive surface.
[0076] The structure of a staircase floor in a residence generally has dimensions of approximately 30 cm in depth and 90 cm in width. Therefore, when installing a lifting device, the right edge of the staircase floor is used as the reference point when moving upwards (Figure 7.13). With the lifting device firmly pressed against the right edge of the staircase floor, the fixing plate 12 is attached to each step in its designated position, and the lifting device is installed.
[0077] This lifting device consists of treads 10 individually installed on each step of the staircase, with an expandable bag-shaped container 11 positioned on the underside of each tread (Figures 5 and 6). A hose equipped with a control valve 5 is connected to the bag-shaped container, forming a fluid path that controls the supply and discharge of tap water.
[0078] The control valve 5 is opened and closed by gripping the operating lever 2 of the T-shaped handle 1, which is attached to the handrail 4 installed on the side of the stairs. The operating lever 2 is connected to the control valve 5 via a lever wire 3. When the lever is squeezed, the wire is pulled, and the control valve is opened. When the user grips the "down lever," the control valve 5 opens, and the pressure of the person standing on the footboard 10 pushes out the water pressure inside the bag-shaped container 11, causing the footboard 10 to descend. Once the footplate has finished descending and you release your hand from the operating lever 2, the control valve 5 is designed to close automatically. With this configuration, the present invention enables lifting and lowering control that is linked to the user's natural movements, thereby preventing erroneous operation, improving safety, and simplifying installation.
[0079] The lifting mechanism according to the present invention is composed of a plurality of lifting devices individually installed on each step of a staircase, and each lifting device is provided with a tread 10. Next to these treads 10, a handrail 4 is provided along the side of the staircase, and a handle 1 is attached to the handrail. Handle 1 is equipped with an "up lever" and a "down lever" for controlling the height adjustment according to the user's operation. The device is configured such that when the user grips either lever, a bag-shaped container 11 located on the underside of the footrest 10 expands and contracts, causing the footrest 10 to move up and down accordingly.
[0080] In this invention, a supply pipe and a discharge pipe for supplying and discharging tap water to and from a bag-shaped container 11 using water pressure are arranged inside a handrail 4 provided on the side of a staircase. This allows users to perform the raising and lowering operation from a convenient position via the handrail 4, improving convenience and safety.
[0081] With the above configuration, the supply and discharge of tap water can be operated through the supply pipe and discharge pipe installed within the handrail 4. The expansion and contraction of the bag-shaped container 11 are controlled via the control valve 5, resulting in the raising and lowering of the footplate (10). Thus, the present invention enables safe and efficient assistance for ascending and descending stairs in response to user operation by combining a lifting device installed on each step of a staircase with a supply pipe, a discharge pipe, and a water pressure control mechanism integrated into the handrail.
[0082] The lifting device according to the present invention achieves expansion and contraction (up and down) of a bag-shaped container (11) using only the load pressure of a person and the water pressure of tap water, without using any drive-related devices such as electric motors, hydraulic pumps, or hydraulic fluids that were commonly used in the prior art. This simplifies the overall structure of the device, significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs, as well as easing the burden of maintenance and inspection.
[0083] The lifting device of the present invention is extremely useful as an auxiliary device to help elderly people and people with disabilities to ascend and descend stairs safely and easily. Compared to conventional electric lifting mechanisms, it has the advantage of being easy to install, requiring no power supply, complex sensors to prevent malfunctions, or wiring, making it easy to introduce into residential environments and significantly reducing the burden of maintenance.
[0084] Furthermore, a key feature of this invention is that the supply pipe and discharge pipe for supplying and discharging tap water to and from the bag-shaped container 11 are integrated and installed inside the handrail 4 provided on the side of the stairs. This allows users to perform the ascent and descent operations using a familiar component, such as a handrail, thereby improving safety, operability, and space efficiency.
[0085] The lifting device according to the present invention is configured to allow the necessary water pressure to be obtained directly from the handrail by arranging a water supply pipe and a water discharge pipe inside the handrail 4 provided on the side of the stairs. As a result, the lifting device requires no external electric drive or hydraulic equipment, and is characterized by its operation using only the pressure of tap water and the weight of a person as its power source. As a result, we were able to provide a lifting device with a simple structure and low cost.
[0086] In this invention, each stair tread 10, individually placed on the floor of each staircase, is raised when a bag-shaped container 11 provided on the underside of the tread is filled with tap water under pressure. The tread 10 is controlled to be at the same height as the adjacent floor when rising or descending. Considering that the rise height of existing stairs is approximately 200 mm, the height of the tread raised by the expansion of the bag-shaped container 11 is designed to be in the range of approximately 180 mm to 210 mm (Figures 7 and 13). This eliminates the step difference when going up and down stairs, ensuring the safety and comfort of the user.
[0087] Before ascending or descending, the user places both feet together on the footrest 10, following the guidance marks 16 provided on the footrest 10. Then, by gripping either the "ascending lever" 2-1 (Figure 2) or the "descending lever" 2-3 (Figure 3) on the operating lever of the handle 1 provided on the handrail 4, the control valve 5 is opened. This allows tap water to be supplied to or discharged from the bag-shaped container 11, and the raising and lowering movement of the footplate 10 begins. With this configuration, the present invention provides safe and efficient assistance for lifting and lowering through intuitive operation by the user, and functions as a particularly useful assistive device for the elderly and people with disabilities.
[0088] The lifting device according to the present invention has a configuration that makes the active action of "gripping the lever" by the user function as a clear trigger (intention) to start the operation of the lifting mechanism. This eliminates the need for various sensors to confirm the operation of the step 10, and realizes a simple and reliable lifting mechanism that can be driven solely by the water pressure of tap water and the weight of a person, without the use of a power supply or starting device.
[0089] Specifically, a handle 1 is provided on the upper part of the handrail 4 on the side of the staircase corresponding to each step 10, for the user to rest their hand on and grip. The handle 1 has a T-shape and is divided into left and right halves with the center as the boundary. A lever for ascending is located on the right side, and a lever for descending is located on the left side. Users can initiate the ascending or descending motion by gripping either lever according to their intention to ascend or descend.
[0090] The structure of the T-shaped handle 1 allows the user to selectively grip only one of the levers, either the left or the right. Furthermore, a lever arrangement is adopted in which the levers are clearly separated to the left and right, with the support part (center) of the handle 1 as the boundary. The lever on the left, located below the handle, functions as the "up lever," and the lever on the right, located above it, functions as the "down lever" (Figures 1, 2, 3, 8, 9). This configuration ensures that the user's intuitive movements and the selection of the lifting direction coincide, preventing errors, improving operability, and ensuring safety. Furthermore, the mechanical trigger structure, which does not use electricity, makes it possible to provide a lifting device that can be installed in any environment and offers excellent maintainability.
[0091] Handle 1 is equipped with a lever 2-1 for raising (Figure 2) and a lever 2-3 for lowering (Figure 3), which correspond to the raising and lowering operation. When the user grips either lever, the control valve is activated via the lever wire 3 (Figure 2.3.8), and the valve is opened. As a result, the water pressure inside the bag-shaped container 11 is pushed out by the person's weight, or tap water is supplied, and the treads begin to descend.
[0092] Releasing your hand from the lever or loosening your grip will close the control valve 5, stopping or limiting the supply or discharge of tap water.
[0093] Handle 1 has levers 2 for raising and lowering operations positioned on both sides, and the T-shaped handle support section serves as a boundary, allowing the user's intention to move (up / down) to be clearly distinguished by the operation of the left and right levers. Specifically, in the act of ascending or descending, a person will grasp the right-side lever with their right hand when ascending and the left-side lever with their left hand when descending, clearly confirming their intention to operate. Therefore, there is no need to install sensors or other devices to prevent malfunctions, resulting in a simpler mechanism and improved reliability.
[0094] This unique, compact lifting device is installed on one side of the staircase, allowing both those who need assistance with ascending and descending and able-bodied individuals to use the staircase simultaneously, efficiently utilizing the entire staircase space without requiring expensive drive mechanisms.
[0095] The stair climbing assistance device according to the present invention has the following additional configurations. By installing water supply and discharge pipes inside the handrail, the water is used as the power source for the lifting mechanism. This eliminates the need for external power and allows the step to be raised and lowered using the existing water infrastructure. Furthermore, in environments where it is difficult to install water pipes, such as outdoors or in temporary structures, hydraulic fluid can be used instead of tap water. Hydraulic fluid is supplied via a hydraulic pump and serves as the pressure source to drive the lifting mechanism. In this case, the handrail is configured to house supply and discharge pipes for hydraulic fluid, making it possible to achieve lifting and lowering operations similar to those driven by tap water. This allows for flexible adaptation to different installation environments, improving the versatility and ease of installation of the device.
[0096] By providing a configuration that allows the use of tap water or hydraulic fluid as the power source, it becomes possible to provide an optimal lifting assist device tailored to the installation environment. By embedding the piping inside the handrail, the fluid supply necessary for the operation of the lifting mechanism can be ensured without compromising the aesthetic appearance. By adopting a hydraulic drive system, stable lifting and lowering operations can be achieved even in locations where water infrastructure (water supply pipes are not installed) does not exist, expanding the range of applications for the device.
[0097] Thus, the present invention provides a stair climbing assist device that allows the selection of a working fluid according to the usage environment and can flexibly adapt to installation conditions. This makes it possible to obtain the driving force necessary for lifting and lowering operations from other sources, and in addition to the water pressure of tap water, hydraulic fluid or compressed air can be selectively used as a power source. [Example 2]
[0098] The stair climbing assistance device according to this second embodiment utilizes a water supply pipe built into the handrail as a compressed air supply pipe. In other words, a pipe capable of supplying compressed air is installed inside the handrail, and this compressed air is used to operate the mechanism for raising and lowering the footboard.
[0099] In this second embodiment, the conventional T-shaped handle 1 and the operating levers 2 provided on its left and right sides are replaced with a T-shaped pipe (cheese pipe) 1-1 and an air lever valve 15-1, respectively (Figures 10 to 12). The T-shaped pipe 1-1 has a hollow structure that forms a flow path for compressed air inside, and on both sides there are an "upward air lever valve" 16-2 and a "downward air lever valve" 15-1 (Figure 13) that can be operated by gripping them. These valves have a shape that is easy to grip and operate, and are designed to allow users to easily control the raising and lowering motion. In the lifting mechanism of Embodiment 1, it was common to have a configuration in which the control valve was mechanically operated via a lever and wire. However, configurations using compressed air had limitations in terms of responsiveness during lifting and lowering operations, as well as smoothness of movement, posing challenges to operability and safety. The lifting mechanism according to Embodiment 2 is characterized by having means for directly controlling the air pressure with respect to a control valve provided in the air passage. This makes it possible to operate the bag-shaped container 11 more smoothly in response to changes in air pressure, without the need for a mechanical linkage mechanism (wire) (Figure 14). By directly controlling the air pressure in the airflow path, more precise control is possible compared to conventional mechanical means, enabling smoother lifting and lowering movements. By directly controlling the airflow, operability is improved, and the risk of accidents due to sudden movements or erroneous operation (difficulty of mechanical linkage mechanisms and wire slippage) is reduced, thereby improving safety.
[0100] The T-shaped pipe (cheese pipe) 1-1 has a hollow structure that forms a passage for compressed air, and a hose 17 connected to a bag-shaped container is provided at its lower end. Furthermore, an air lever valve (hereinafter referred to as the "lowering valve") for lowering the step 10 is provided on the left side of the handrail, and an air lever valve (hereinafter referred to as the "uppering valve") for raising the step 10 is provided on the right side (Figures 10, 11, and 12). These valves directly control the supply and discharge of compressed air through subtle control operations by the user, thereby enabling the raising and lowering of the footplate 10.
[0101] When the user steps onto the footboard 10, their right hand naturally touches the handrail provided on the right side (Figure 13). At that time, by gripping and operating the "upward air lever valve" (16-2) installed on the handrail with the right hand (Figure 12), compressed air is supplied to the bag-shaped container 11 located at the bottom of the footboard 10 via a supply pipe inside the handrail (arrow 13-1 representing the flow of compressed air). This causes the bag-shaped container 11 to expand, and the footplate 10 to rise (Figure 13).
[0102] When a user descends from the second floor, the handrail 4 is located on the left side, so their left hand naturally touches the handrail. When they grasp the lowering air lever valve (15-2) provided on the handrail (Figure 11), the valve opens, and the compressed air filled in the bag-shaped container 11 is released to the outside through the discharge pipe due to the user's load pressure, causing the step to gradually descend (14-1 Arrows indicating the flow of released air).
[0103] Thus, in this embodiment, a lifting mechanism using compressed air enables stable lifting and lowering operations through intuitive operation by the user.
[0104] Furthermore, by integrating the control valve into the handrail 4, it is possible to make the entire device more compact and improve its operability.
[0105] As described in Examples 1 and 2, the device is characterized by the fact that it can obtain tap water, hydraulic oil, or compressed air to be used as a power source from within the handrail that people touch when going up and down stairs, which makes it possible to create an inexpensive device that moves up and down one step at a time.
[0106] As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the overall installation cost of the equipment, as well as improve the efficiency and reliability of maintenance and inspection work.
[0107] Furthermore, compared to conventional stair climbing devices, the simplification of components and reduction in the number of parts significantly lowers the product price, making it possible to provide an economically superior climbing device.
[0108] The width of the treads (10) of the lifting device is very narrow at 30 cm, and the extra floor space installed on one side of the stairs has the advantage that a user who needs support when going up or down and their caregiver can use the stairs at the same time. As a result, this device has become a user-friendly lifting device for the elderly and people with disabilities, and can be offered at a more affordable price. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0109] 1. T-shaped handle 1-1 T-joint (cheese pipe) 2 Lever 2-1 Up Lever (Lever held to ascend) 2-3 Descending lever (the lever held to descend) 2-4 Air Lever 3 lever wires 4 handrails 5. Water control valve 6. The lever that was gripped to raise the footrest 7. The gripping footrest lowering lever 8. Water supply pipes 8-1 Branched water supply hose 8-3 Air hose branched from the air supply pipe 8-4 Air supply pipe 8-5 Branch from the supply pipe and hose from the control valve 9 discharge pipe 9-1 Drain hose branched from the discharge pipe 9-3 Air discharge pipe 9-4 Hose from discharge control valve 10 steps 11 bag-shaped containers 11-1 Hose connected to the bag container 11-2 supply and discharge hose for bag container 12 fixed plate Pressurized water supplied to 13 bag containers 14. Discharged water under water pressure (water pushed out by a person's weight) 14-1 Arrows representing the flow of air released from a bag-shaped container. 15 Existing staircase floor 15-1 Air lever valve for descent 15-2 The gripped lever Guide marks to align 16 pairs of shoes 16-1 Air Lever 16-2 The rising air lever is gripped. 17. Hose connected to a bag-shaped container 18 fixed floor 19th landing
Claims
1. In a handle provided on a handrail located on the side of a staircase, The handle has a T-shape and is equipped with a lever wire. Inside the aforementioned handrail, there are supply and discharge pipes for compressed air or pressurized water. Multiple hoses are provided, branching off from the supply pipe and the discharge pipe, respectively. Each of these hoses is equipped with a control valve. The lever wire is connected to the control valve, The control valve is opened and closed by the user operating the lever on the handle. The flow rate of compressed air or pressurized water flowing through the hose is controlled according to the lever operation, The compressed air or hydraulic water in the flow path can be easily controlled. A handrail with a handle, characterized in that compressed air or pressurized water can be supplied to and discharged from a bag-shaped container located at the bottom of the underside of the tread, which is necessary for raising and lowering the tread of a lifting device installed on the stair floor, from the handrail.
2. In the handrail with a handle described in claim 1, The supply hose branched from the supply pipe is the supply pipe for supplying compressed air or pressurized water to the bag-shaped container of the lifting device. The discharge hose branched from the aforementioned discharge pipe is for discharging compressed air or pressurized water from the bag-shaped container into the discharge pipe inside the handrail. By the user gripping the lever, the supply and discharge of compressed air or pressurized water to the bag-shaped container is controlled by the control valve. A handrail with a handle, characterized in that the inflow and outflow of compressed air or pressurized water into a vertically expandable bag-shaped container provided on the lower underside of the step of the stair floor is controlled by the operation of the lever, thereby enabling the step to move up and down, and obtaining this compressed air or pressurized water from within the handrail.
3. On the handlebars, The T-shaped handle is divided into two sections, with lever wires provided on the left and right sides. The lever wire on the right is connected to a control valve located on the supply hose. The lever wire on the left is connected to a control valve located on the discharge hose. The left and right lever wires are each independently connected to the control valve. The user can selectively control the supply and discharge of compressed air or hydraulic water to the bag-shaped container by operating the left and right levers individually. The supply and discharge operations are performed by levers located on either side of the T-shaped handle, separated by the center. A handle handrail according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it prevents incorrect operation of raising or lowering due to incorrect gripping.