Abstract: There is provided a stair assistance device 1 for assisting a person to climb up and down stairs, the device comprising: a handle; a saddle for engagement with a guide rail mounted alongside the stairs, the saddle being connected to the handle; and an engagement rack for attachment to and extending along the length of the guide rail, the saddle being engaged with the engagement rack; where the saddle is arranged for sliding motion along the guide rail and for selectively preventing motion of the handle and saddle along the guide rail, the saddle comprising: a releasable ratchet mechanism comprising a pawl engageable with a ratchet which, when engaged, prevents movement of the handle in a downstairs direction and allows movement of the handle in an upstairs direction; and where the handle is coupled to the pawl such that a predetermined movement of the handle relative to the guide rail will disengage the pawl.

Abstract: A stair assistance device for assisting a person to climb up and down stairs. The device may include a handle, a saddle for engagement with a guide rail mounted alongside the stairs, the saddle being connected to the handle and being arranged for sliding motion along the guide rail, a braking rail for mounting alongside the stairs parallel to the guide rail, and a bracket connected to the saddle, the bracket being for selectively engaging with the braking rail to prevent motion of the handle and saddle along the guide rail. The bracket and the braking rail together form a releasable ratchet that, when engaged, prevents movement of the handle in a downstairs direction and allows movement of the handle in an upstairs direction. The handle may be coupled to the pawl of the ratchet such that a predetermined movement of the handle will disengage the pawl from the ratchet.

Abstract: A stair assistance device for assisting a person to climb up and down stairs. The device may include a handle, a saddle for engagement with a guide rail mounted alongside the stairs, the saddle being connected to the handle and being arranged for sliding motion along the guide rail, a braking rail for mounting alongside the stairs parallel to the guide rail, and a bracket connected to the saddle, the bracket being for selectively engaging with the braking rail to prevent motion of the handle and saddle along the guide rail. The bracket and the braking rail together form a releasable ratchet that, when engaged, prevents movement of the handle in a downstairs direction and allows movement of the handle in an upstairs direction. The handle may be coupled to the pawl of the ratchet such that a predetermined movement of the handle will disengage the pawl from the ratchet.