Abstract: A stairlift is configured to assist users by issuing voice-based messages in the event faults arise that could give concern to a user.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for a chair and, in particular, to a stairlift chair, has a seat base, backrest and armrests. The folding mechanism ensures that all parts of the chair remain in a swivel arc whether the chair is in an in-use configuration or folded configuration. Various additional features are described including armrests formed in part by flexible straps.

Abstract: A method is provided for ensuring the integrity of a stairlift installation constructed from re-used components. Data representative of the form of a stairlift rail is stored in a control facility included in the stairlift carriage and then compared with data sensed in real time. A stairlift carriage may be disabled in the event sensed data varies from stored data.

Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention relates to an electronic control facility for a stairlift. The control facility includes an installation mode in which a number of steps to be undertaken at the time of installation of the stairlift are defined. The control facility also includes a user mode in which the operation of the stairlift is controlled by a user. According to the invention, the control facility is configured so that the user mode cannot be entered until all steps in the installation mode have been completed.

Abstract: A stairlift chair has a hand control displaceable in a fore/aft direction. Other aspects include a hand control which is mounted at a point beneath the armrest and a fabric covering which is applied to the armrests and the backrest support.

Abstract: A mechanically-based arrangement for locking a stairlift chair relative to a stairlift carriage in the event of a failure within the drive that is provided to maintain the chair level as the stairlift is in operation. The arrangement uses inter-engaging components that are engaged and dis-engaged in timed relationship to rotation of the levelling motor. At all times at least one set of inter-engaging components are engaged.

Abstract: The invention describes a footrest for a stairlift chair in which the safety mechanisms included in the footrest are enveloped in a flexible cover that allows the safety mechanisms to function in the intended manner yet prevents the intrusion of dirt and objects that might interfere with the operation of the safety mechanisms. Various further features are described to enhance the aesthetics of the chair.

Abstract: A stairlift rail is configured to cause a stairlift carriage and chair to rotate a small amount in a downhill direction adjacent to the lower end of the rail, thus avoiding a clash between the chair and the staircase.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously adjusting the speed of a stairlift in response to a number of operating parameters such as battery voltage and motor current draw. The method preferably further includes monitoring the speed of a reference point on a stairlift chair and comparing this with a maximum permissible speed.

Abstract: A method of forming a stairlift rail from individual tubular sections. Juxtaposed sections are joined using an internal joint, the internal joint and the tubular sections being provided with complimentary locking surfaces that can be manipulated from outside the rail to lock the rail sections together.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a stairlift (10). The speed of rotation of the carriage (12), whilst traversing bends in the rail (11), is monitored and the speed of the carriage drive motor (13) then controlled in reaction to the speed of rotation. A 3-axis gyroscope (31) is preferably used to monitor the speeds of rotation of the carriage (12) and the outputs from this gyroscope (31) may be processed to provide different degrees of speed control.

Abstract: An over-speed detection device (OSDD) and over-speed governor (OSG) for a stairlift is tripped by flyweights which displace from a rotational axis of the OSDD/OSG when subjected to an over-speed. The outward displacement of the flyweights is converted into an axial displacement to effect triggering of the OSG. This ensures that the tripping speed is independent of the angle if inclination of the stairlift rail. The OSDD/OSG may be mounted so that it takes its drive from a convex surface of the rail in negative transition bends. This ensures that the speed of the OSDD/OSG is maintained close to the tripping speed even when the carriage is slowed to traverse the negative transition bend.

Abstract: A stairlift rail is configured to cause a stairlift carriage and chair to rotate a small amount in a downhill direction adjacent to the lower end of the rail, thus avoiding a clash between the chair and the staircase.

Abstract: A stairlift and/or a method of supporting a user on a stairlift in which the seat is configured to positively retain the user and in which the seat-to-footrest height is set so as to reduce flexure of the knee joints as well as to reduce the intrusion of the passenger into the stairway.

Abstract: The invention provides a swivel mechanism for a stairlift chair and a stairlift including such a swivel assembly. The assembly includes two swivel axes, one of which attached to the carriage and the other of which attaches to the chair. The axes are spaced and preferably geared together.

Abstract: The invention provides an over-speed detection device (OSDD) and over-speed governor (OSG) for a stairlift, the OSDD/OSG being tripped by flyweights which displace from the rotational axis of the OSDD/OSG when subjected to over-speed. The outward displacement of the flyweights is converted into an axial displacement to effect triggering of the OSG. This ensures that the tripping speed is independent of the angle of inclination of the stairlift rail. A number of other features are described including mounting the OSDD/OSG so that it takes its drive from a convex surface of the rail in negative transition bends.

Abstract: The invention provides a levelling system for the chair of a stairlift, a characteristic feature of the system being the provision of a safety back-up or locking mechanism that will lock the position of the chair in the event of failure within the levelling drive. This locking mechanism preferably includes a locking wheel that is in partial mesh with a geared wheel forming part of the levelling drive. In the event of failure within the drive the locking wheel meshes to lock the position of the chair.

Abstract: A roller arrangement (20) for a stairlift carriage is described, the arrangement including a central roller set (22), and outer roller sets (24) and (26). Rollers (42), (43, 44) and (45) in the outer roller sets are mounted in yokes (48) which are mounted for independent pivotal movement, relative to one another, in two orthogonal axes. The axes of each set preferably lie in common planes.

Abstract: The invention provides a manual two-way swivel mechanism for a stairlift. The mechanism allows the stairlift chair to be swivelled in an uphill direction only, at the carriage is at the top of the rail; and in a downhill direction only, when the carriage is at the bottom of the rail. An interlock is provided which regulates the direction in which the chair can be swivelled.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of operating a stairlift, the stairlift having non-contact sensors to monitor the path along which the stairlift carriage is traveling, and to determine the presence of an obstruction on that path. Features of the stairlift in a ‘safe’ or ‘un-obstructed’ mode, including the path, may be stored as a ‘map’ in memory and sensor readings compared with the map as the carriage moves along the path. The invention allows the use of momentary commands to initiate and maintain movement of the stairlift.