Stair Aid

Abstract

Stair Aid is a hands free device that makes any stair way or steps accessible or easier to use by people with knee or some other mobility problem. The portable model is light and small enough to be carried easily in any every day back pack.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

The purpose of the product is to reduce the height of each stair by approximately 50%. By doing so the product makes any stair way or step accessible or easier to use by people with knee or some other mobility problem.

Some medical research has shown quite a reduction in muscle strain when the height of each stair has been reduced by 3 inches or so.

I have been having problems with my knee joints. I live in a two stories house. It became very difficult to go upstairs or downstairs and had to stay on ground floor. I came with the idea of reducing the height of each stair by 50%. I made the model A (FIG. 1) and used it in my home and was very happy to be able to ascend and descend the stairway with much relief. I then made model B (FIG. 2) to be used on stairs with limited width or to take it with me to use in friend's homes or other stairs/steps resulting same benefit. I also made model C (FIG. 3) and D (FIG. 4) for portability to be used outdoors while wearing shoes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1. (Model A). Simple rectangular shape steps with approximate dimensions: length 16, width 10 and height 3 Inches can be installed on the side of existing stairs or built on the side of new construction of stairs.

FIG. 2. (Model B). A portable platform with approximate dimensions: length 16, width 10 and height 3 Inches made of very light material to support the weight of a person. A simple slipper is installed on this platform.

FIG 3. (Model C). A portable platform with approximate dimensions: length 16, width 10 and height 3 Inches made of very light material to support the weight of a person. A stretchable pocket is installed on the platform such that different size shoes can enter this pocket and stays with shoe while is being used. A simple Velcro band can also be attached to the platform and be used to strap around the users foot, slipper or shoe.

FIG. 4. (Model D). A portable platform with approximate dimensions: length 16, width 10 and height 3 Inches made of very light material to support the weight of a person. There should be enough empty space between upper and lower plate to install a small scissor jack. This jack can adjust the height of platform. A stretchable pocket is installed on the platform such that different size shoes can enter this pocket and stays with shoe while is being used. A simple Velcro band can also be attached to the platform and be used to strap around the users foot, shoe or slipper.

DETAILS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1. (Model A). Simple rectangular shape steps with approximate dimensions: length 16, width 10 and height 3 Inches. They can be installed on each stair on the side of stair rail. By doing so the number of stairs doubles while the height of each stair is reduced by the height of Stair Aid.

FIG. 2. (Model B). This model can be used like a slipper. It should be made of very light material with simple slip on slipper firmly attached on the step for left or right foot. The bottom of this model should be firm and non-skidding. Using this model would be as if the user carries a step with him.

Climbing Up the Stairs

Climbing the first stair: At the bottom of the stairs the user puts on the Model B on one foot. He uses his other foot to climb the first stair. He puts the foot with Model B on the first stair next to his other foot.

Climbing the second stair: He shifts his weight on to the Model B and climbs to second stair with his other foot. He then puts the foot with Model B on the second stair next to his other foot.

He repeats the motions until he reaches next floor.

Climbing Downstairs

To go down, the user puts on the Model B on one foot and uses it to climb down one stair. He brings the other foot down next to the one wearing the Model B.

He climbs down another stair with the foot wearing the Model B, then brings down the other foot next to it.

He repeats the motions till he reaches the lower floor.

FIG. 3. (Model C). This model is the same as model B except it can be used while wearing shoes. The flaps (or a shoe binding) should be made of flexible, but firm material such that the user's shoe would enter the Model C with little force. The intention is so the users with different shoe sizes can use this model like a slipper. The flaps (or the shoe binding) should be made so that the Model C does not fall or move from user's shoe while using the stairs.

FIG. 4. (Model D). This model is very useful in places where the height of each stair is very high. In this model a small scissor jack is installed between upper and lower plates (platforms). The height of the model D can be adjusted easily by turning the knob of the scissor jack.

Claims

1. A hands free device structured in shape of a light step installed on the side of each existing stair reduces strain on knees and back when going up and down the stairs or steps.

2. A hands free light portable step with simple slipper mounted on it reduces strain on knees and back when going up and down the stairs or steps.

3. A hands free light portable step with shoe bindings is designed to make the above claim to be used with shoes on indoors or outdoors.

4. A hands free light portable step with scissor jack and shoe bindings designed to be adjustable for stairs/steps with different heights. It reduces strain on knees and back when going up and down the stairs or steps. It can be used indoors or outdoors.