Abstract: A system and method for aiding physically-impaired persons in moving between different positions employs a longitudinally-extending elongate track, an upper body support assembly movably mounted on the track, and a motor for driving the support assembly along the track. The support assembly, which preferably comprises a handgrip extending transversely from the track, can be placed adjacent a toilet, chair, bathtub or bed to aid a disabled person in rising or seating himself. Preferably, the support assembly is selectively detachable from the track and transferable matingly to another such track or tracks located elsewhere for similar purposes, or to a similar but longer track located alongside a stairway or level surface such as a hallway.

Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.

Abstract: A portable system for aiding persons in ascending or descending stairways comprises either a motorized portable upper body support assembly or a motorized vehicle for detachably drivingly engaging elongate tracks associated with different stairways. The detachability of the motorized unit from the track, combined with its portability, enables the user to employ the same portable unit interchangeably with any stairway in any location so long as the stairway is equipped with a mating track, thereby enabling an unlimited number of stairways in private or public buildings to be adapted inexpensively for use by physically impaired persons. The portable motorized unit is readily able to adapt to stairways of different slopes and configurations, and to tracks on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the stairway, so as to maximize the versatility of the portable unit for use with virtually any track-equipped stairway.