Flooring material for eliminating height differences on stairs.

Abstract

To provide a floor component for eliminating steps that prevents excessive strain on elderly people when ascending or descending stairs in their familiar homes, due to age-related decline in knee joint function. [Solution] By installing a horizontal floor member on the stairs to eliminate the step, a floor surface is created that allows users to walk without being aware of the step. A lifting device is placed below the horizontal floor member and is equipped with a tread 10 that is activated when a user steps on it. The lifting device raises the tread 10 and when it reaches the same height as the horizontal floor member, the user can step on the tread 10 as if walking on a horizontal floor surface. When the user's weight is applied to the tread 10, the tread 10 descends smoothly, creating a structure that allows the user to move downstairs without putting a load on the knee joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lift for stairs.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to eliminate the step difference of stairs, the installation of slopes or the introduction of lift devices have been carried out. However, since these require a large installation space or are complicated to operate, they may not be suitable for use in ordinary households or narrow spaces.

[0003] While living in a familiar home, as one grows older, when moving to the second floor, going up and down the stairs often leads to many falls on the stairs due to the decline in leg and knee strength.

[0004] Once an elderly person falls and fractures a bone, it takes a long time to recover. In many cases, the fall leads to a bedridden life due to illness.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] For the elderly and disabled, ascending and descending stairs is a heavy burden, and the elimination of step differences is required. The present invention relates to a floor member for stairs for simply and safely eliminating the step difference of stairs, and relates to a floor member for stairs that uses a lifting device in combination to eliminate a plurality of step differences with a single lifting operation.

[0007] In a general house, the height to the floor surface of the second-floor landing is approximately 240 cm, and it is usually composed of stairs with a kick-up height of about 20 cm for about 12 steps.

[0008] The present invention is a floor member characterized by its configuration in which a floor member having a horizontal surface is installed by covering an existing staircase with steps, thereby creating a level floor without steps on the staircase, and by installing the floor member having a horizontal surface on the staircase in advance, the riser steps of the staircase are eliminated and a level floor surface is formed on the staircase. Furthermore, this floor component is a "stair step-eliminating floor component" that, when used in conjunction with a lifting device, allows the step difference on the stairs to be eliminated through lifting operations.

[0009] This configuration makes it possible to eliminate the difference in height between steps in a staircase in a simple and safe manner. Furthermore, by using a lifting device, it functions as a step-leveling lifting device that can eliminate the difference in height between multiple risers in a single lifting motion.

[0010] This floor component is designed to eliminate the riser height difference of existing stairs. Specifically, it is a "stair step difference elimination device" consisting of a fixed floor component that forms a horizontal floor to eliminate the riser height difference of three steps, and a vertically moving tread lifting device installed on a single step of stairs located below the fixed floor component.

[0011] The fixed floor member according to the present invention is a structure that is pre-installed on one side of a staircase and has the function of forming a horizontal floor surface to eliminate the height difference of three steps. A lifting device is installed on the stairs located below this fixed floor member. This lifting device has a bag-shaped container at the bottom of the treads on which a person stands. When a fluid such as compressed air, pressurized water, or hydraulic fluid is supplied to this bag-shaped container, the container expands and contracts, causing the treads to rise and fall. The step can be raised up to approximately 80 cm, allowing a person to stand on the step to a height that eliminates the height difference of four steps of a staircase at once. When the tread is raised by the lifting device, the top surface of the tread and the floor surface of the fixed floor member installed adjacent to it at the top of the stairs become the same height, forming a continuous horizontal floor surface, thereby providing a floor without steps.

[0012] This makes it possible to raise the tread to a height of approximately 80 cm, equivalent to four steps of a staircase, eliminating the step difference in a single ascent or descent operation. Furthermore, the upper surface of the tread of the lifting device is configured to be at the same height as the fixed floor member of the present invention installed on the existing staircase. The entire system is composed of the fixed floor member, the lifting device, and the guide rail, and the tread of the lifting device moves up and down along the guide rail, achieving stable ascent and descent.

[0013] This staircase's "step-leveling lifting device" is installed at three locations on the floor of the existing 12-step staircase, allowing users to ascend and descend to the second floor without bending their knees. [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The steps on the stairs leading up and down to the second floor pose a significant obstacle, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities, as they have to bend their knees to go up and down. Conventional methods for eliminating steps include ramps, electric lifts, and home elevators, but these have the following drawbacks: they require a large installation space; ramps need to be long and cannot be installed in narrow spaces; and electric lifts have complex mechanisms, resulting in high initial costs and considerable maintenance expenses. The device is difficult for the elderly and people with disabilities to operate, making it challenging for users to operate independently and often requiring assistance. Furthermore, it is difficult to flexibly adapt to the shape of existing stairs, designing to fit existing stairs is challenging, construction is time-consuming, and it is far too expensive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention provides a horizontal floor member with a structure that can be easily installed on existing stairs. The fixed floor members that make up this "level difference elimination lifting device" have a step shape with height and width that matches the shape of the existing stairs, and by covering and bonding them to the existing stair floor, a level floor surface is formed on the existing stairs that eliminates the step difference of three risers (Figure 4). This fixed floor component of the "stair step leveling device" is designed to be directly installed on one side of an existing staircase. It can be installed quickly and easily by simply gluing it onto the staircase, without requiring any special processing or extensive renovation work, making it extremely convenient to install. Furthermore, once installed, a level, step-free floor surface is formed on the stairs, providing a surface that eliminates tripping hazards and ensuring pedestrian safety, which is particularly effective for the elderly and people with disabilities. This "stair step leveling device" consists of a fixed floor member and a lifting device installed on the floor below. By simply installing it in three locations on the existing staircase, it is a lifting device that allows easy movement to the second floor.

[0016] This invention provides a "stair step elimination device" consisting of L-shaped, M-shaped, and S-shaped units equipped with a lifting function to eliminate stair step differences. The device has a robust structure, ensuring stability during use, and, in conjunction with a lifting device installed on the floor below, consists of units that eliminate stair riser differences of two to a maximum of four steps. By arranging three to six of these units in a row on the staircase as needed, a continuous, step-free floor surface is created on the staircase, allowing users to move to the second floor by walking on a horizontal floor without having to bend their knees to go up or down the stairs. Furthermore, it can significantly assist the mobility of wheelchair users, the elderly, and others with knee joint problems or difficulty going up and down stairs. Furthermore, this floor component has a space-saving design and can be retrofitted to one side of an existing staircase, allowing for implementation without major changes to the building's structure. This enables efficient and flexible barrier-free design in homes and facilities. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The steps of the stairs can be easily eliminated. Due to the inflation (undulation) of the bag-shaped container, the steps of the stairs can be easily eliminated. The installation and operation are very simple. The floor on the upper surface of the raised tread is at the same height as the fixed floor surface at the upper part of the stairs, eliminating the risk of tripping and falling, thus improving safety.

[0018] Compared with conventional slopes and lift devices, less installation space is required, so it can be applied to narrow places and is a space-saving design. It can accommodate a variety of users, meeting the wide needs of the elderly, wheelchair users, etc. Above all, this "step-eliminating fixed floor member device" can be provided at a low cost.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Partial enlarged perspective view showing that the fixed floor member and the tread are at the same height of the floor. [Figure 2] Situation perspective view represented by the guiding marks of the feet walking on the tread of the fixed floor and the lifting device. [Figure 3] Overall perspective view showing the state where the tread of the lifting device descends and shrinks. [Figure 4] Perspective view representing the fixed floor member. [Figure 5] Perspective view representing the fixed floor member and the guide rail. [ [Figure 6] Perspective view representing the tread of the lifting device. <OO00104> [Figure 7] Perspective view representing the lifting device and the guide rail. [Figure 8] Perspective view representing the tread, the bag-shaped container, and the fixed plate constituting the lifting device. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing the tread, the guiding holes, and the guide rail guiding holes provided in the bag-shaped container. [Figure 10] Partial enlarged perspective view showing the guide rail through holes provided in the bag-shaped container. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the guide rail through holes provided on the side of the bag-shaped container. [Figure 12] Perspective view representing the fixed floor member that has eliminated one step of the stair step and the lifting device provided downstairs. [Figure 13] A perspective view showing the installation of this step-leveling device using a fixed floor member that eliminates a two-step difference. [Figure 14] Perspective view 1 shows the footboard, bag-shaped container, fixing plate, and guide rail. [Figure 15] Perspective view 2 shows the footboard, bag-shaped container, fixing plate, and guide rail. [Figure 16] A fixed floor component that eliminates the need for a two-tiered riser height (20cm x 2 = 40cm). [Figure 17] A perspective view showing a supply hose and discharge hose installed side-by-side in the center of a fixed plate. [Figure 18] A perspective view showing the supply hose and discharge hose combined into a single hose. [Figure 19] A perspective view showing a handle with a tee tube (T-shaped tube) on both sides equipped with supply and discharge valves. [Figure 20] A diagram illustrating the airflow when the exhaust valve lever is squeezed. [Figure 21] A perspective view showing the flow of compressed air into a bag-shaped container when the supply lever is squeezed. [Figure 22] An L-shaped fixed floor component that eliminates the step height difference and riser height of three steps on a staircase. [Figure 23] M-shaped fixed floor component that eliminates the two-step difference in stair riser height. [Figure 24] An S-shaped fixed floor component that eliminates the step height difference and riser height of a staircase. [Figure 25] A perspective view showing the installation of a fixed floor component that eliminates the two-step difference in stair rise height. [Figure 26] Perspective view 1 shows the installation of a fixed floor component that eliminates the step difference and riser height of one step on the stairs. [Figure 27] Perspective view 2 shows the installation of a fixed floor component that eliminates the step difference and riser height of one step on the stairs. [Figure 28] Perspective view 3 shows the installation of a fixed floor component that eliminates the step difference and riser height of one step on the stairs. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view diagram showing the situation where the present invention is used as a "lowering device," and when the step is lowered by a person's weight, the step on the floor below rises. [Figure 30]A schematic diagram specifically for a stair "descending device," showing the principle of connecting each bag-shaped container with a hose. [Examples]

[0020] The present invention is characterized by pre-installing the "floor member for eliminating step differences" on the stairs to eliminate the riser difference of multiple steps in advance and form a level floor. This reduces the number of lifting devices that need to be installed below the fixed members, simplifying the installation process. The "floor member for a step-leveling device" of the present invention is equipped with a lifting mechanism that can be attached to one side of an existing staircase, and is a structure having sides and a bottom surface similar in shape to the existing staircase, with the upper surface formed to be a horizontal floor surface. The lifting device, installed on the floor below adjacent to a fixed floor member, comprises a retractable bag-shaped container and a tread (a floorboard on which a person stands) placed on top thereof, and has a lifting function to eliminate risers. Furthermore, the lifting device is equipped with a fixing plate that is firmly attached to the existing stair floor, and the entire lifting mechanism is stably fixed to the stair structure by this fixing plate. This configuration allows the lifting device to achieve stable lifting and lowering operations without any shaking or misalignment during use.

[0021] Furthermore, guide rails are provided between the fixed floor member and the elevator fixing plate located adjacent to the upper surface of the stairs to guide the treads in the vertical direction, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the treads. With the above configuration, the step-leveling floor member of the present invention can be easily attached to existing stairs and can safely and comfortably assist users in ascending and descending stairs.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 13, the floor member for eliminating stair step differences according to this embodiment is installed at a predetermined position on one side of the stairs, particularly on the left side of the stairs leading to the second floor. A flat floor support surface is formed on the stairs by installing the fixed floor member 18 of the present invention (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 13), which has a horizontal floor surface with the step difference eliminated in advance (Figure 4), at the predetermined location.

[0023] This fixed floor member 18 is a support structure for eliminating steps on the stairs and is designed to be a safe and easy-to-walk-on floor for users.

[0024] The riser height of one step is approximately 20 cm, and the fixed floor member 18 is a member that eliminates a step difference of about 60 cm, equivalent to three steps (Figures 1 and 4).

[0025] Furthermore, the tread plate 10 of the lifting device can be raised to a height of 80 cm, equivalent to four steps from the floor below, by the injection pressure of compressed air, water pressure, or hydraulic fluid, and the tread plate 10 rises until the rising surface of the tread plate 10 and the upper surface of the fixed floor member 18 are at the same height.

[0026] The fixed floor member 18 shown in Figure 1 has a height of approximately 60 cm and a width of 30 cm, with a horizontal floor depth of 90 cm, which eliminates the riser height difference of three steps of the staircase. The lower bottom surface is made of a member that is adhesively fixed to the existing staircase floor 15 (Figure 4).

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the stair step-leveling floor member according to the present invention is installed on one side of the stairs and has a configuration to assist the user's ascent and descent.

[0028] The stair step-leveling device according to this embodiment is designed to eliminate steps that occur in existing stairs, allowing users to ascend and descend safely and stably. The structure of the "stair step leveling device" consists of a floor member that eliminates the step difference on the stairs and a lifting device installed underneath it. Specifically, the top surface of the step on which a person who has been raised by the lifting device stands is adjusted to be at approximately the same height as the top surface of a horizontal fixed floor member 18 that has been pre-installed on the stairs, thereby effectively eliminating the difference in height between the steps. Users can move smoothly down or up a floor by walking on the horizontally installed fixed floor 18 without being aware of any steps, and then stepping onto the next step 10. This "step-eliminating device" is particularly effective for the elderly and people with physical disabilities, as it eliminates the risk of falls and trips caused by steps, and significantly improves freedom of movement and safety. The invention involves installing a horizontal floor on top of stairs and eliminating risers. We were able to provide a level floor that allows users who had difficulty with stairs to move around safely. Furthermore, the present invention consists of a fixed floor member 18 having a horizontal floor surface provided on a staircase, and a lifting device and guide rail positioned below it. In Embodiment 1, the structure and components of this "staircase step difference elimination device" will be described in more detail below. [Example 1]

[0029] "Fixed floor member 18" - This stair step leveling device has a fixed floor member 18 that forms a horizontal support surface, which is installed over existing stairs, thereby constituting the foundation structure of the present invention for obtaining a floor level relative to the stair surface with riser steps. The fixing member 18 is an important component of the present invention for physically eliminating the step difference caused by the riser height on the stairs and forming a floor surface on which the user can walk horizontally. By installing the fixed floor member 18, which is a horizontal floor member of the present invention, the height difference that existed on the stairs is eliminated, and the risk of tripping or falling while walking is eliminated. Furthermore, this fixed floor member 18 also incorporates a physical consideration by eliminating the burden of flexion movements on the knee joint during walking or ascending / descending. In particular, when climbing or descending normal stairs, a significant flexion of the knee joint is required, but by eliminating the steps, the knee flexion is eliminated, and the load on the joint is almost completely removed. This has resulted in a level floor on the stairs, making it more comfortable and safer for elderly people and those with knee problems to move around. Thus, the component of the present invention, the fixed floor component 18, is not merely a flooring material for eliminating riser height differences, but an important flooring component based on a functional and user-friendly design philosophy that achieves both psychological safety and reduced physical burden on the user. Furthermore, the fixed floor member 18 is designed with a simple structure that possesses sufficient strength, allowing users to safely and stably get on and off, and is made of a material with excellent load-bearing capacity and durability (Figure 4).

[0030] In the stair step-leveling device according to the present invention, the floor surface of the fixed floor member 18 on which a person stands is made of flooring material using compressed wood with a thickness of 16 mm (Figures 6, 7, 8, 9). This flooring material offers high durability and stability, and its 16mm thickness provides sufficient support for the user's weight. Furthermore, 12mm thick compressed wood is used for the sides and bottom (bottom) of the fixed floor member 18, resulting in an overall lightweight yet robust structure.

[0031] The dimensions of the fixed floor members are 30 cm wide and 90 cm deep, and the riser height is 60 cm, which is equivalent to three steps of a staircase (Figure 4). This product has dimensions and step shapes similar to existing staircases, and is designed to fit over one side of the staircase using adhesive during installation. This allows for a seamless integration with the existing staircase, enabling installation without any sense of incongruity. Furthermore, approximately 60 cm of extra width is secured on the stair floor after installation, providing a safe floor surface with sufficient passage width without obstructing users or able-bodied individuals when ascending or descending.

[0032] The "tread 10" lifting device comprises a tread 10 on which a person stands, an expandable bag-shaped container 11, and a fixing plate 12 provided at the bottom of the bag-shaped container. The tread 10 is made of compressed wood board with a thickness of 12 mm, which minimizes warping and distortion and enables stable ascent and descent. The stepping board 10 is provided on the upper surface of the bag-shaped container 11 and forms the floor surface on which the user stands (Figures 6, 7, 8, 9). It measures 30 cm wide x 30 cm long x 12 mm thick, and the stepping board 10 is provided on the upper surface of the bag-shaped container 11 and moves up and down as the bag-shaped container expands and contracts, providing assistance when a person goes up and down stairs.

[0033] A guide rail through-hole 20-1 is formed on the side of the step plate 10, and this hole is provided in accordance with the guide rail 20 that extends in the vertical direction (Figure 19). As a result, when the footboard moves vertically along the guide rail 20, lateral movement is suppressed, enabling stable ascent and descent.

[0034] The "bag-shaped container 11" is positioned below (downstairs from) the fixed floor member 18. The bag-shaped container 11 located beneath the tread 10 is a highly airtight bag with a highly flexible and expandable structure (Figure 1).

[0035] The bag-shaped container 11 can withstand the pressure of compressed air or fluids such as water or hydraulic fluid, and expands or contracts upon injection or discharge, and has the function of moving the footplate 10 up and down. The material may be an airtight coated cloth, a flexible rubber sheet, or vinyl, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, unlike air cylinders and hydraulic cylinders, the lifting mechanism using the expansion and contraction of the bag-shaped container 11 has a simple structure, yet the flow rate of supplied and discharged air, hydraulic water, and hydraulic oil can be controlled by a lever located on the handrail. By precisely controlling the grip of the lever, flexible and smooth mercury superposition operation can be achieved, resulting in a highly reliable lifting assistance system (Figures 19, 20, and 21).

[0037] In the "stair step difference elimination device" according to the present invention, the bag-shaped container 11 is configured as a five-layered bag-shaped container 11, as shown in (Figures 1 and 2). The lifting device is equipped with a lifting mechanism consisting of multiple stacked bag-shaped containers 11, and the bag-shaped containers 11 are configured to expand simultaneously when compressed air or the like is supplied. Specifically, when a five-layered bag-shaped container 11 is used, the fluid holes located in the center of each bag container become the flow channels for each layer of the bag container when compressed air is supplied. When fluid such as air pressure is injected, it is injected (supplied) into each layer and expands simultaneously, causing the tread (10) to rise. This makes it possible to eliminate a height equivalent to four steps (approximately 80 cm), which is the riser height (step height) of a staircase, in a single ascent or descent operation (Figures 1 and 2). The bag-shaped container 11 functions as the main support member of the lifting device, and its expandable and retractable structure plays a role in stably supporting the vertical movement of the footplate. The present invention provides a bag-shaped container that allows for flexible setting of the ascent and descent height according to the height difference of the stairs by changing the number of layers of the stacked bag-shaped containers 11, thereby providing optimal ascent and descent support according to the installation environment. Furthermore, the simultaneous inflation mechanism using compressed air or the like ensures smooth and stable lifting and lowering, improving user safety and comfort. This configuration allows users to move safely and efficiently with assistance in ascending and descending stairs, improving the practicality and convenience of the device as a step-leveling aid.

[0038] A guide rail through-hole 20-2 is formed at one end of the side surface of the bag-shaped container 11. This hole has a guiding function to expand and contract vertically along the guide rail 20 as the bag-shaped container expands and contracts (Figures 7, 9, and 10).

[0039] This allows the bag-shaped container to move up and down while preventing interference with the guide rail 20, thus enabling stable operation. Furthermore, this configuration allows the bag-shaped container 11 to evenly distribute the person's load during ascent and descent, suppressing shaking and tilting of the footplate. Additionally, it ensures that the footplate 10 and the bag-shaped container 11 can move stably in the vertical direction without swaying during ascent and descent, thereby improving the overall safety and durability of the device. The step-leveling device according to the present invention is a single unit composed of a fixed floor member and a lifting device. By using it as a unit, the lifting devices that were previously installed individually for each step of the stairs can now be operated integrally on the stairs using three L-shaped units, four M-shaped units, or six S-shaped units.

[0040] The bag-shaped container 11 according to the present invention is used as part of the lifting mechanism in a lifting device, and is an airtight bag-shaped container 11 configured such that the external dimensions of one stacked layer when expanded are approximately 27 cm wide x 27 cm long and approximately 16-20 cm thick.

[0041] Each stacked bag-shaped container 11 has a through hole 20-1 at one end of one side surface, through which the guide rail 20 can pass, thus providing stable guidance for the lifting and lowering motion via the guide rail 20 (Figure 12).

[0042] With this configuration, the bag-shaped container 11 maintains a predetermined dimension when expanded, and its direction of movement is controlled by the guide rail 20. This suppresses swaying and tilting during lifting and lowering, enabling stable vertical movement.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing the through-hole 20-1, integrated coordination with the guide mechanism becomes possible, improving the reliability and safety of the entire device (Figure 9).

[0044] The "guide rails 20" consist of multiple guide rails 20 that extend vertically between a fixed floor member 18 installed on the upper staircase and a fixed plate 12 at the bottom of the lifting device (Figure 3.5.9).

[0045] The guide rail 20 is for guiding the footplate 10 and the bag-shaped container 11 of the lifting device, and stably guides the movement during lifting through the guide rail hole 20-1 on the footplate side and the guide rail hole 20-2 on the bag-shaped container side (Figure 5.9).

[0046] This configuration allows the footplate and bag-shaped container to move up and down along the guide rail 20 without vertical wobbling, resulting in a robust and safe lifting mechanism for the entire device (Figures 2 and 3). Specifically, the tread plate 10 and the bag-shaped container 11 are provided with guide rail through-holes 20-1 for the guide rail 20 to pass through, and the guide rail 20 is positioned between the lower fixing plate 12 of the lifting device and the fixed floor member 18 provided on the adjacent upper staircase (Figure 3).

[0047] The guide rail 20 is constructed using two pieces of material such as steel pipe or stainless steel pipe with an outer diameter of 14 mm, and extends vertically along the direction of ascent and descent of the tread 10.

[0048] As a result, the step plate 10 and the bag-shaped container 11 are guided in their direction of movement by the guide rail 20, and lateral swaying and tilting during ascent and descent are suppressed, enabling stable ascent and descent operation.

[0049] In this invention, by configuring the guide rail 20 to penetrate the tread 10 and the bag-shaped container 11, swaying and tilting during ascent and descent are effectively suppressed, and the tread 10 can rise and fall to approximately the same height as the upper surface of the fixed floor 18 while maintaining a stable position on the floor surface, thereby improving user safety and comfort. Furthermore, the robust guide structure, utilizing steel and stainless steel pipes, enhances long-term durability and reliability.

[0050] The "fixing plate 12," in the stair step leveling device according to the present invention, is installed on the existing stair floor 15 shown in (Figure 3) using adhesive or adhesive tape. This ensures that the entire device is firmly fixed to the staircase structure, preventing shaking and shifting during use. In the "stair step leveling device" according to the present invention, a connecting hose for supplying and discharging fluid (compressed air, hydraulic water, hydraulic fluid) to and from the bag-shaped container 12 is provided at the central center of the fixing plate 12, as shown in Figure 17.

[0051] Specifically, the connecting hose 8-5, which branches off from the supply pipe inside the handrail, is used to inject (supply) fluid (pressurized water, hydraulic oil, compressed air) into the bag-shaped container 11 via a control valve, and plays a role in promoting the expansion of the bag-shaped container 11. Meanwhile, the fluid discharged from the bag-shaped container 11 is guided through the connecting hose 9-4 to the discharge control valve, which controls the contraction of the bag-shaped container.

[0052] These hoses are positioned in the center of the fixing plate 12, and the inlet and outlet holes in the lower (bottom) of the bag-shaped container 11 are tightly connected to the fluid inlet hole formed in the lower center. This makes it possible to stably and efficiently supply and control the fluid flow necessary for the operation of the lifting device to the bag-shaped container 11 without leakage from the contact points.

[0053] The fluid supply hoses 8-5 (pressure water, compressed air, or hydraulic oil) for raising and lowering the footboard 10, and the discharge hoses 9-4, are used for each. The user operates the raising or lowering lever, which controls the air pressure or pressure water in the bag-shaped container 11 via a control valve, thereby operating the raising and lowering of the footboard 10.

[0054] This configuration ensures smooth and reliable vertical movement of the lifting device, providing users with a safe and comfortable means of overcoming steps.

[0055] In Figure 17, the supply hose 8-5 and discharge hose 9-4 are installed side-by-side at the lower center of the fixing plate 12. However, these hoses can be combined into a single hose, which can be called the supply / discharge hose 11-2 (Figure 18).

[0056] The supply and discharge hoses are designated as hoses 11-2 (Figure 18), and a tee pipe is provided at the end of each hose. Control valves are then installed in each branched hose.

[0057] Each side of the tee pipe (T-shaped pipe) is equipped with a control valve lever; one valve lever is for raising the valve, and the other is for lowering it, and both are located on the handrail on the staircase side. [Example 2]

[0058] In Example 1, a step-leveling device (Figures 1, 2, and 4) using a fixed floor member 18 is shown, which is configured to eliminate a step difference of four steps (approximately 80 cm) at once. However, some users feel uneasy about the device rising or lowering by as much as 80 cm at once. Therefore, in Example 2, a floor member of type M is adopted to reduce anxiety and psychological burden by changing the lifting height and using a fixed floor member with a lower height.

[0059] In Example 1, in order to eliminate the height difference of four steps, an L-shaped fixed floor member capable of eliminating the height difference of three steps (approximately 60 cm) at once was used as the fixed floor member 18 for eliminating the height difference (Figures 1 and 4).

[0060] Furthermore, combined with the 20cm rise achieved by installing the stepping board on the floor below, a total height of 80cm was secured.

[0061] This configuration eliminated the 80cm riser height difference shown in Figures 1 and 4. However, some users may feel psychologically uneasy about such large vertical movements at once.

[0062] From the perspective of considering the user's anxiety, safety, and sense of security, it is desirable that the present invention also include a configuration that allows for step-by-step adjustment of the height of the step elimination, and various units of different sizes are being manufactured accordingly.

[0063] In Example 2, a configuration is adopted that keeps the height during ascent and descent low in order to reduce the psychological burden on the user.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 and 16, the structure uses a fixed floor member 18 that eliminates the rise height of two steps, and by installing multiple fixed floor members 18 on the stairs to eliminate the step difference, it is possible to construct the stairs in a way that allows for lower ascent and descent, reducing the user's anxiety (height) when moving up and down.

[0065] In the perspective view of the installation shown in Figure 13, the riser height of the fixed floor member 18 is equivalent to two steps (20cm + 20cm = 40cm), and together with the riser height of the tread 10 installed on the floor below (20cm), the total lifting height is 60cm. With this configuration, the lifting height is set about 20cm lower compared to the step-leveling device in Example 1, and it functions as a step-leveling device that can be used more safely and with greater peace of mind.

[0066] Furthermore, for elderly people who are unsure about the up-and-down motion required to overcome steps, a "stair step-leveling device" can be used that uses a fixed floor member 18 with a riser height of 20 cm (equivalent to one step) and is combined with a lifting device to raise and lower the height by 40 cm (Figure 24).

[0067] As shown in the installation view (Figures 26, 27, 28), this configuration using fixed floor members 18 with different riser heights allows for height adjustment of the device's lifting height according to the user's physical and psychological condition, thereby providing a fixed floor member 18 for a "step-leveling device" that enhances safety and peace of mind. [Example 3]

[0068] While the size of the fixed floor member was described in Example 2, this example will describe the configuration of the drive source for the lifting device. The "stair step leveling device" according to the present invention is installed on one side of the stairs and has a configuration that assists the user's ascent and descent by supplying compressed air from inside the handrail provided on the stair side (Figure 13).

[0069] As shown in Figure 13, this device employs a system that uses compressed air as its driving source for the lifting mechanism, and this lifting mechanism operates by supplying compressed air through piping installed inside the handrail. The supplied compressed air is sent to the bag-shaped container 11, and the entire "stair step leveling device" is raised and lowered by controlling the expansion and contraction of the container.

[0070] The bag-shaped container 11 expands or contracts in response to the supply (injection) of compressed air, and its shape change is directly linked to the lifting and lowering motion.

[0071] This allows for smooth and quiet lifting and lowering using only air pressure, without the need for mechanical drive components such as electric motors.

[0072] The handrail on the side of the installed "stair step-leveling device" is equipped with a T-shaped (cheese tube) handle for the user to place their hand on, with an "up lever 16-1" on one side of the handle and a "down lever 15-1" on the other side (Figures 13, 19, 20, 21).

[0073] Each lever held by hand functions as a valve lever that directly controls the compressed air control valve (Figures 19, 20, and 21).

[0074] When you grip the 16-2 of the "lifting lever 16-1" (Figure 20), compressed air flows as indicated by the arrow 13-1 representing the flow of compressed air, and the compressed air is injected (supplied) into the bag-shaped container 11 from the hose, causing it to inflate and the footboard 10 on which the person is standing rises.

[0075] When the "lowering lever 15-2" of the lever valve (Figure 21), which is installed as a handle on the handrail, is grasped, the air in the bag container 11 is pushed out by the weight of the user standing on the footrest. As indicated by arrow 14-1 representing the flow of compressed air, the compressed air inside the hose flows out of the bag-shaped container 11 and is released, causing it to contract and the footboard 10 on which the person is standing to descend.

[0076] As mentioned above, one embodiment uses a compressed air supply pipe routed inside the handrail as the drive source for raising and lowering the stepping board. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use the water pressure of the tap water supplied to the home as the drive source and utilize it as the supply pipe for the pressurized water inside the handrail.

[0077] By utilizing the pressure of tap water, it is possible to construct a simple lifting mechanism that does not require special pneumatic equipment and makes use of the existing tap water infrastructure.

[0078] Furthermore, by installing a hydraulic pump outdoors and supplying the hydraulic fluid generated by it through piping inside the handrail, it can also be configured as a drive system to achieve the lifting and lowering motion.

[0079] In this case, by utilizing the high driving force and stable control provided by hydraulics, a robust system can be constructed that can handle heavier treads and high-frequency lifting and lowering operations.

[0080] In this "stair step leveling device" (Figure 13), the handrail has a built-in supply pipe 8-4 for supplying compressed air. Air valves (Figure 19) 15-1 and 16-1, which branch off from the supply pipe 8-4, are connected to a hose 17 via a cheese tube 1-1 (Figure 19), which also serves as a handle, and are ultimately connected to a bag-shaped container 11. In this configuration, compressed air supplied through the supply pipe 8-4 inside the handrail 4 is filled into the bag-shaped container 11 via the air valve 16-1 (Figures 19, 20, 21). The bag-shaped container 11 expands when compressed air is supplied and contracts when compressed air is released, thereby controlling the vertical movement of the footrest 10 located at the top, and assisting the user's ascent and descent with compressed air.

[0081] The handrail 4 has a built-in supply pipe 8-4 for supplying compressed air (Figure 13), and is connected to the bag-shaped container 11 via a hose 17 through air valves 15-1 and 16-1 that branch off from the supply pipe 8-4 (Figure 19).

[0082] In this configuration, compressed air supplied through the handrail supply pipe 8-4 is filled (supplied) into the bag-shaped container 11 via air valves 15-1 and 16-1.

[0083] The bag-shaped container 11 expands due to the supplied compressed air and contracts when the air is released, thereby causing the footplate 10 to move up and down. This provides assistance to users when going up and down stairs.

[0084] In this device, compressed air is supplied (filled) through a hose 17 connected to a bag-shaped container 11 by the user gripping levers 15-1 and 16-1 of air valves located on both sides of a T-shaped tube 1-1 where a person holds their hand (Figure 19). As a result, the bag-shaped container 11 expands, and the footplate 10 provided on top of the container rises (Figure 1).

[0085] The bag-shaped container 11 is supplied with compressed air via a lever valve, causing the container to expand and the foot plate 10 to rise accordingly.

[0086] <Device Operation and Operating Procedures> The lifting device of the present invention is designed to allow users to ascend and descend stairs safely and comfortably without bending their knees. The user places their feet on the guidance mark (footprint shape 16) provided on the lifting step 10 and starts the lifting operation by gripping the valve lever 16-2 (Figure 20) for lifting operation provided on the handrail.

[0087] When the "lift lever" is grasped during the lifting operation, compressed air flows into the bag-shaped container 11 located at the bottom of the footrest. The influx (filling) of compressed air causes the bag-shaped container 11 to expand, and the footplate 10 to rise. The stepping board 10 is raised to the same height as the fixed floor member 18 installed on the upper floor, forming a horizontal floor surface. Once the lifting or lowering is complete, the user walks across the horizontal floor to the next step 10 of the lifting device, following the guiding footprint mark. By repeating this operation approximately three times, the user will be able to move to the second floor without bending their knees.

[0088] On the other hand, during descent, the user places their feet together on the guidance marks 16 (Figures 6 and 7) on the footboard 10 and grips the "descent valve lever" 15-2 (Figure 21) located on the handrail to begin the descent. When the "lowering lever," which is the "lowering valve lever," is grasped, compressed air from inside the bag-shaped container 11 is released, and the air inside the container is pushed out by the user's weight, causing the footplate to gradually lower. When the stepping board is lowered to the same height as the fixed floor member 18 of the floor below, the user can walk across the horizontal floor and step onto the next stepping board, and by repeating the same operation, they can safely move downstairs.

[0089] <Size and Use of Stair Climbing Device> The base member constituting the "stair step difference elimination device" according to the present invention is a horizontal fixed floor member 18 that is installed on an existing staircase, and plays a role in physically eliminating the step difference on the staircase. As shown in Figure 22, this floor member has a structure that integrates the rise height of three steps of the existing staircase to create a horizontal floor surface. The dimensions of floor component 18 are 30 cm wide, 60 cm high, and the depth of the upper horizontal floor surface is 90 cm. The shape of the sides and bottom are identical to the existing stairs, and the dimensions are designed to fit the stairs perfectly. Therefore, it can be installed naturally on the staircase floor without looking out of place. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the flooring material is fitted with double-sided tape using a strong adhesive, which ensures that it adheres securely to and is fixed to the existing stair floor.

[0090] The structure of the present invention makes it possible to create a level floor surface without steps while ensuring stability and safety. This horizontal floor component is installed on top of existing stairs and functions as a "stair step leveling lifting unit."

[0091] This large "L-shaped unit" consists of a step with a lifting function and a fixed floor member that fills in the step difference. When a user steps on it, it performs a lifting motion, eliminating the step difference. By installing three of these L-shaped units on a staircase, the steps of the conventional staircase are divided and leveled, allowing users to walk between the installed units without bending their knees. As a result, vertical movement using stairs is replaced by walking on a continuous, level surface without steps, providing a safe and comfortable means of transportation, especially for the elderly and users who wish to reduce physical strain.

[0092] (Figure 23) The step-leveling fixed floor member is a fixed floor member having a horizontal surface that eliminates the rise height of two steps.

[0093] This is a floor component 18 that eliminates the step, with a width of 30 cm, a height of 40 cm, and a top surface depth of 60 cm. By installing four of these "M-type units" on a staircase, the risers of the conventional staircase are divided and leveled, allowing users to walk on the level floor surface of each unit without bending their knees.

[0094] (Figure 24) The step-leveling fixed floor member is a fixed floor member having a horizontal surface that eliminates the rise height of one step.

[0095] This is a floor component 18 that eliminates the step difference, with a width of 30 cm, a height of 20 cm, and a top surface depth of 30 cm (Figure 24). By installing six of these "S-shaped units," which eliminate the 40cm riser height, on the staircase, the steps of the conventional staircase are divided and the floor is leveled, allowing users to walk safely between each unit without bending their knees.

[0096] The "stair step difference elimination device" of the present invention has a structure that takes into consideration the physical characteristics and psychological burden of the user. In particular, the design takes into consideration people who feel anxious or afraid of ascending or descending high steps all at once, such as elderly people, and allows for construction using specifications and sizes that are suitable for each individual user.

[0097] This device comes in three types—L-type, M-type, and S-type—with different riser heights, allowing for flexible selection and installation to suit the user's physical condition and the structure of the stairs.

[0098] This allows for safe and comfortable ascent and descent to the second floor, enhancing safety and peace of mind. In this way, based on a design philosophy that prioritizes the user, this device is provided so that even in old age, people can continue to live in the homes they have lived in for many years, and it not only eliminates steps but also reduces psychological burden. [Example 4]

[0099] Up to Example 3, the "stair step difference elimination device" of the present invention was described as a device that assists in ascending and descending to the second floor in a familiar home. While climbing to the second floor is relatively easy on the knees and allows users to ascend with peace of mind, many users experience strain on their knees and lower back, or feel anxious about falling, when descending the stairs. Therefore, in this embodiment 4, we focus on a configuration as a "stair descent device" to alleviate anxiety when descending stairs, and apply the "stair step difference elimination device" of the present invention. This device is designed to eliminate the step height difference and allow for stable descent. The user places their feet together on the tread (Figures 7, 29, and 30) and operates the "lowering valve lever" located on the handrail. This causes a bag-shaped container to contract due to the release of compressed air, and the tread gradually lowers. This configuration allows users to descend stairs in a stable posture without bending their knees, reducing the risk of falls and strain on the knees. This invention is particularly effective as a "stair descent assistance device" that provides safety and comfort to elderly people and users who wish to avoid physical strain.

[0100] The "stair descending device" according to the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of bag-shaped containers 11 are placed at the bottom of the tread 10, and these bag-shaped containers are connected to each other by hoses (Figure 30). Valves are provided between each hose to control the fluid (hydraulic oil, water, air) flowing through the hose. When the user steps onto the footplate 10, a load is applied, and pressure is generated in the fluid inside the bag-shaped container 11. In this state, operating the valve control lever provided on the handrail, etc., opens the valve, releasing the fluid inside the pressurized bag-shaped container 11, which then flows through the hose into an empty bag-shaped container 11 located beneath the treads of the lower stairs (Figures 29 and 30). As a result, the bag-shaped container 11 located beneath the footboard 10 on which the user is standing releases fluid and contracts, causing the footboard to descend (Figure 30). Meanwhile, the empty bag-shaped container 11 into which the fluid flows expands, causing the corresponding footplate to rise (Figures 29 and 30). This configuration allows for the control of fluid movement using the steps of the stairs, providing smooth and safe assistance for the user's descent. This embodiment can be used as an efficient and reliable "stair-descending device" that operates solely on human weight without requiring power from a drive source, utilizing the natural movement and pressure control of an unpowered fluid (Figures 29 and 30).

[0101] The "stair step difference elimination device" according to the present invention can be configured as a device specifically designed for descending stairs by using a "main floor fixed floor member" 18 having a horizontal surface. This configuration simplifies the number of parts and drive mechanism compared to conventional lifting devices, significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs. In particular, for the elderly and physically vulnerable, who have previously found it difficult to introduce expensive lifting equipment, the present invention's "descending device," which is specifically designed for descending, can be offered at an affordable price range and is an effective caregiving aid that contributes to supporting the independence of people who previously required assistance. Furthermore, because it can be easily installed on existing staircase structures, it requires minimal home renovation and is a highly widespread care device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] T-shaped handle 1-1 T-shaped pipe (cheese pipe) 2 levers 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 from cheese tube to 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 stair 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 members 19th landing 20 guide rails 20-1 Guide rail through hole in tread 20-2 Guide rail through hole provided on one side of the bag container

Claims

1. In floor components for eliminating steps on stairs, A fixed floor member is installed on the stairs as a horizontal floor member to eliminate the difference in height, A lifting device installed on the lower stairs of the fixed floor member, One end of the upper side portion of the fixed floor member, A guide rail is provided between the fixing plate of the lifting device and one end of the side surface, A floor member for eliminating height differences in stairs, characterized by comprising the following features.

2. In floor components for eliminating steps on stairs, The lower and side surfaces of the fixed floor member have support surfaces formed in a shape similar to that of an existing staircase. The upper surface of the fixed floor member is a member that forms a horizontal floor surface. The side and bottom surfaces of the fixed floor member are formed with the same shape as the riser step shape of the stairs to be installed. It will be installed so as to cover the stairs. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the risers of the existing stairs, the floor member for eliminating the step difference of stairs has a shape surface corresponding to three risers and is installed on the existing stairs, as described in claim 1.

3. In floor components for eliminating steps on stairs, The lifting device provided on the lower stairs of the fixed floor member consists of a tread, a bag-shaped container, and a fixing plate, and a guide rail is provided between one side of the lower fixing plate of the lifting device and one side of the upper side of the fixed floor member. The guide rail is composed of round or square pipes. The floor member for eliminating steps on stairs according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple such pipes are provided and connected in a vertical direction.

4. In floor components for eliminating steps on stairs, The guide rail is provided through a through hole in the guide rail, which is located at one end of the side surface of the step plate of the lifting device and at one end of the side surface of the bag-shaped container. The floor member for eliminating steps in stairs according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical movement of the tread is guided vertically through the through-hole.

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